offshoot -
Something that has developed from something larger that already existed
Bell Labs, an offshoot of the Bell Telephone company, was where the transistor, laser beams, and the UNIX operating system were invented.
noun
50 of 76
Other /
Shape
audio
stubble -
Short stalks of growth
After the forest fire, the beautiful woods had been reduced to a random stubble of burnt stumps.
verb
51 of 76
Other /
Shape
Url
audio
dovetail -
To fit or work together smoothly and perfectly.
The two departments tried to dovetail their efforts in order to finish the job on time.
noun
52 of 76
Other /
Shape
Url
audio
tangent -
A subject or activity that is a change in direction, and different than the one you had been doing.
The police tried to focus the only witness to the crime, but he kept going off on tangents about irrelevant topics.
verb
See noun
53 of 76
Other /
Shape
Url
audio
cluster -
To stand or be positioned close together in a group.
Reporters clustered on both sides of the aisle as the celebrity entered the building.
noun
54 of 76
Other /
Shape
Url
audio
slope -
A surface where one end or side is at a higher level than another.
The steep slope of the ski trail meant that the skiing was exciting and a bit dangerous.
noun
55 of 76
Other /
Shape
Url
audio
crux -
A vital or decisive point that determines the outcome.
Understanding the crux of the problem helped them find a quick solution.
noun
56 of 76
Other /
Shape
Url
audio
labyrinth -
A complex network of passages or paths, very difficult to figure out and find one's way.
He found himself lost in the labyrinth of legal and financial paperwork while trying to buy a house.
verb
See noun
57 of 76
Other /
Shape
Url
audio
dent -
To make a slight hollow or depression in a surface by impact or pressure.
The car’s door was dented when it was accidentally hit by a shopping cart.
adjective
58 of 76
Other /
Shape
Url
audio
borderline -
Unclear and uncertain whether something is in one category or another.
Because she was only a borderline diabetic, she didn't need insulin shots, and could maintain her blood-sugar level through diet and by staying away from sweets.
adjective
59 of 76
Other /
Shape
Url
audio
overt -
Done or shown openly, without any attempt to hide or conceal.
The overt hostility between the two co-workers made everyone in the meeting uncomfortable.
noun
60 of 76
Other /
Shape
audio
clump -
A compacted mass or lump of something
Torrie was impressed that the small clump of soil was enough for a plant to sprout from it.
