15-letter words containing i, l, f
- self-solicitude — the state of being solicitous; anxiety or concern.
- self-subsisting — to exist; continue in existence.
- self-subversive — Also, subversionary [suh b-vur-zhuh-ner-ee, -shuh-] /səbˈvɜr ʒəˌnɛr i, -ʃə-/ (Show IPA). tending or intending to subvert or overthrow, destroy, or undermine an established or existing system, especially a legally constituted government or a set of beliefs.
- self-sufficient — able to supply one's own or its own needs without external assistance: The nation grows enough grain to be self-sufficient.
- self-suggestion — the act of suggesting.
- self-supporting — the supporting or maintaining of oneself or itself without reliance on outside aid.
- self-sustaining — self-supporting.
- self-validating — requiring no external confirmation, sanction, or validation.
- self-worthiness — the sense of one's own value or worth as a person; self-esteem; self-respect.
- semi-functional — of or relating to a function or functions: functional difficulties in the administration.
- semi-successful — achieving or having achieved success.
- sheffield plate — sheet copper with a cladding of silver.
- shelikof strait — a strait between the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island, in S Alaska. 130 miles (209 km) long and 30 miles (48 km) wide.
- shield of david — a hexagram used as a symbol of Judaism.
- sigmoid flexure — Zoology. an S -shaped curve in a body part.
- significatively — serving to signify.
- silicified wood — wood that has been changed into quartz by a replacement of the cellular structure of the wood by siliceous waters.
- silver fluoride — a yellow or brownish, crystalline, water-soluble, hygroscopic solid, AgF, used chiefly as an antiseptic and disinfectant.
- simple fraction — a ratio of two integers.
- simple fracture — a fracture in which the bone does not pierce the skin.
- single-cut file — a file with teeth in one direction only: used for filing soft material
- skylight filter — a very slightly pink filter that absorbs ultraviolet light and reduces haze and excessive blueness
- sleight of hand — skill in feats requiring quick and clever movements of the hands, especially for entertainment or deception, as jugglery, card or coin magic, etc.; legerdemain.
- slumpflationary — of or relating to slumpflation
- snafu principle — /sna'foo prin'si-pl/ [WWII Army acronym for "Situation Normal: All Fucked Up"] "True communication is possible only between equals, because inferiors are more consistently rewarded for telling their superiors pleasant lies than for telling the truth." - a central tenet of Discordianism, often invoked by hackers to explain why authoritarian hierarchies screw up so reliably and systematically. The effect of the SNAFU principle is a progressive disconnection of decision-makers from reality. This lightly adapted version of a fable dating back to the early 1960s illustrates the phenomenon perfectly: In the beginning was the plan, and then the specification; And the plan was without form, and the specification was void. And darkness was on the faces of the implementors thereof; And they spake unto their leader, saying: "It is a crock of shit, and smells as of a sewer." And the leader took pity on them, and spoke to the project leader: "It is a crock of excrement, and none may abide the odor thereof." And the project leader spake unto his section head, saying: "It is a container of excrement, and it is very strong, such that none may abide it." The section head then hurried to his department manager, and informed him thus: "It is a vessel of fertilizer, and none may abide its strength." The department manager carried these words to his general manager, and spoke unto him saying: "It containeth that which aideth the growth of plants, and it is very strong." And so it was that the general manager rejoiced and delivered the good news unto the Vice President. "It promoteth growth, and it is very powerful." The Vice President rushed to the President's side, and joyously exclaimed: "This powerful new software product will promote the growth of the company!" And the President looked upon the product, and saw that it was very good. After the subsequent disaster, the suits protect themselves by saying "I was misinformed!", and the implementors are demoted or fired.
- snubfin dolphin — Australian dolphin with a small dorsal fin
- social benefits — the social welfare provision made available to those in need
- sodium fluoride — a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble, poisonous solid, NaF, used chiefly in the fluoridation of water, as an insecticide, and as a rodenticide.
- soft-boiled egg — boiled egg with runny yolk
- sons of liberty — any of several patriotic societies, originally secret, that opposed the Stamp Act and thereafter supported moves for American independence.
- spanish trefoil — alfalfa.
- special effects — Usually, special effects. a video or audio illusion in film or other media, created with computer-generated images, prosthetic makeup, pyrotechnics, etc.
- special feature — an article differing from the normal format and focusing on a particular topic
- specific volume — volume per unit mass; the reciprocal of density.
- spelling reform — an attempt to change the spelling of English words to make it conform more closely to pronunciation.
- spirits of salt — a solution of hydrochloric acid in water
- st. elmo's fire — St. Elmo's fire.
- st. ulmo's fire — St. Elmo's fire.
- stannic sulfide — a yellowish or brownish, water-insoluble powder, SnS 2 , usually used suspended in lacquer or varnish for gilding and bronzing metals, wood, paper, etc.; mosaic gold.
- starfish flower — carrion flower (def 2).
- stiff upper lip — stoicism
- stocking filler — A stocking filler is a small present that is suitable for putting in a Christmas stocking.
- streamline flow — the flow of a fluid past an object such that the velocity at any fixed point in the fluid is constant or varies in a regular manner.
- strike the flag — to relinquish command, esp of a ship
- strombuliferous — having organs coiled as spirals
- subprofessional — being below professional standards: subprofessional health care.
- sulfanilic acid — a grayish-white, crystalline, slightly water-soluble solid, the para form of C 6 H 7 NO 3 S, used chiefly as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes.
- sulfite process — a process for making wood pulp by digesting wood chips in an acid liquor consisting of sulfurous acid and a salt, usually calcium bisulfite.
- sulfiting agent — sulfite (def 2).
- sulfur trioxide — an irritant, corrosive, low-melting solid, SO 3 , obtained by the oxidation of sulfur dioxide, used as an intermediate in the manufacture of sulfuric acid.