adjective not yet having attained maturity; not adult; young. noun one who is not yet an adult; young person; adolescent. See the full entry

noun a homeless or friendless person, esp. an orphaned or abandoned child.With no one to take them in, the orphaned children had become waifs begging in the streets. See the full entry

transitive verb to surround or enclose.A large, new stadium encompasses the playing field.Several layers of atmosphere encompass the planet. See the full entry

transitive verb to turn aside or away from something; deflect. intransitive verb to turn aside; deviate.He diverted from his usual custom. See the full entry

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