putrescent
Undergoing decomposition of animal or vegetable matter accompanied by fetid odors.
pyre
A heap of combustibles arranged for burning a dead body.
pyromania
An insane propensity to set things on fire.
pyrotechnic
Pertaining to fireworks or their manufacture.
pyx
A vessel or casket, usually of precious metal, in which the host is preserved.
quackery
Charlatanry
quadrate
To divide into quarters.
quadruple
To multiply by four.
qualification
A requisite for an employment, position, right, or privilege.
qualify
To endow or furnish with requisite ability, character, knowledge, skill, or possessions.
qualm
A fit of nausea.
quandary
A puzzling predicament.
quantity
Magnitude.
quarantine
The enforced isolation of any person or place infected with contagious disease.
quarrelsome
Irascible.
quarter
One of four equal parts into which anything is or may be divided.
quarterly
Occurring or made at intervals of three months.
quartet
A composition for four voices or four instruments.
quarto
An eight-page newspaper of any size.
quay
A wharf or artificial landing-place on the shore of a harbor or projecting into it.
querulous
Habitually complaining.
query
To make inquiry.
queue
A file of persons waiting in order of their arrival, as for admittance.
quibble
An utterly trivial distinction or objection.
quiescence
Quiet.
quiescent
Being in a state of repose or inaction.
quiet
Making no noise.
quietus
A silencing, suppressing, or ending.
quintessence
The most essential part of anything.
quintet
Musical composition arranged for five voices or instruments.
quite
Fully.
Quixotic
Chivalrous or romantic to a ridiculous or extravagant degree.
rabid
Affected with rabies or hydrophobia.
racy
Exciting or exhilarating to the mind.
radiance
Brilliant or sparkling luster.
radiate
To extend in all directions, as from a source or focus.
radical
One who holds extreme views or advocates extreme measures.
radix
That from or on which something is developed.
raillery
Good-humored satire.
ramify
To divide or subdivide into branches or subdivisions.
ramose
Branch-like.
rampant
Growing, climbing, or running without check or restraint.
rampart
A bulwark or construction to oppose assault or hostile entry.
rancor
Malice.
rankle
To produce irritation or festering.
rapacious
Disposed to seize by violence or by unlawful or greedy methods.
rapid
Having great speed.
rapine
The act of seizing and carrying off property by superior force, as in war.
rapt
Enraptured.
raptorial
Seizing and devouring living prey.