noun a calamity with widespread effects; disaster.Floods and earthquakes represent catastrophes not only for humans but for all forms of life. See the full entry

With the Wordsmyth Vocabulary Center activities, you can study the words of the week, play games with them, and assess your knowledge of their meanings with a quiz. Go to the Vocabulary…

transitive verb to approve enthusiastically with or as if with loud applause or shouts.Critics have acclaimed the author’s new novel, and many assert it to be her best. See the full entry

adjective flawless or blameless; perfect.He thought he’d come up with an impeccable alibi.She has impeccable taste in clothes. See the full entry

noun an amount of money removed from or owed on an account, or the record of that amount.This debit of fifteen dollars in your checking account reflects a fee that the bank…