Words Starting with "K"

A kaleidoscope is a tube-like optical toy that contains mirrors and colorful objects; when rotated, it shows shifting, symmetric patterns. figuratively, it describes a continually changing or diverse scene. The term combines imagery of brilliant, multicolored arrangements with a device that refracts light to create endless, intricate designs.

Kaley Cuoco is an American actress best known for portraying Penny on The Big Bang Theory. The name combines a given name with a surname of Italian origin; together they form a high-profile, recognizable proper noun used in entertainment media and interviews. Pronunciation guidance is often sought by fans, journalists, and language learners aiming for accurate, natural articulation in English media contexts.

Kali is a feminine given name or a齣, used as a proper noun in various cultures. In English contexts it’s commonly pronounced as two syllables with the emphasis on the first or second depending on origin, and it may refer to the Hindu goddess Kali, or be used as a personal name. The core meaning centers on cultural or personal identity rather than a common noun.

Kallikrein is a serine protease involved in the kallikrein-kinin system, playing a role in inflammation, blood pressure regulation, and coagulation. It is produced as an inactive precursor and activated in physiological settings. In biology and medicine, it is discussed in contexts of enzymatic activity, proteolysis, and related disorders. Typical usage appears in research literature, clinical discussions, and biochemistry texts.

Kalliope is a feminine given name of Greek origin, also used as the muse of epic poetry in Greek mythology. Pronounced with a classical two-syllable stress pattern, the name combines the Greek roots kallïos (beautiful) and laos (people) and is often used in academic or literary contexts. In modern usage, it names people, institutions, and fictional characters, carrying a lyrical, cultured resonance.

Kama is a masculine proper noun and a term found in several cultural spheres (e.g., Hindu myth as a god of love, and as a given name or place name). In linguistics contexts or name discussions, it may also appear as a loanword with varied pronunciation. The term’s usage spans religious, literary, and onomastic domains, with emphasis on correct vowel quality and consonant clarity for respectful, accurate reference.

Kama Sutra is an ancient Indian treatise on sexuality, love, and social conduct, traditionally attributed to Vatsyayana. It comprises guidance on love, desire, and intimacy, blending philosophy, ethics, and practical advice. Used in cultural, historical, and literary contexts, the term often denotes erotic literature or the classical text itself rather than modern practice.

Kamaʻāina is a Hawaiian term meaning a long-time resident of Hawaii or someone born and raised there. It conveys a sense of belonging and local identity, contrasting with visitors or newcomers. As a noun, it is used in contexts like community discussions, cultural references, and discussions of immigration history to Hawaii.

Kamala Harris is a proper noun referring to the American politician who serves as Vice President. The name combines a given name of Indian origin with an English surname, pronounced with emphasis on the first and third syllables respectively; it often requires careful segmentation for non-native speakers due to vowel quality and stress pattern. In usage, it appears in political discourse, media, and public speaking.

Kamchatka is a proper noun referring to a large volcanic region in eastern Russia, often used to describe the Kamchatka Peninsula. It denotes a geographic area with volcanic activity, unique ecosystems, and cultural significance. The term is used in geography, science, and travel contexts and is pronounced as a single, multi-syllabic place name.

Kamehameha is a proper noun referring to a prominent Hawaiian royal title and name of the first king of Hawaii. In modern usage it often denotes the king himself or, informally, the ceremonial transfer of royal authority. The term is used in historical, cultural, and pop culture contexts, including memes and media featuring the name.

Kamikaze is a noun referring to a Japanese military tactic in which pilots undertook suicide missions during World War II. In modern usage, it describes a reckless or self-destructive action, or a person who takes such a risk. The term conveys connotation of fatal dedication and extreme willingness to sacrifice.

Kanawha is a proper noun used primarily as a river name in the United States (notably the Kanawha River in West Virginia) and as a surname. In many contexts it refers to local geography, indigenous history, or institutions named after the river. The pronunciation reflects regional American phonology rather than common English spelling rules, and users should expect a distinct two- or three-syllable rhythm with emphasis patterns typical of US place names.

Kanchenjunga is a proper noun referring to the third-highest mountain in the world, located in the eastern Himalayas on the border of Nepal and India. It is often cited in mountaineering, geography, and cultural contexts and is known for its complex, multi-syllabic name that reflects Tibetan and local linguistic influences. The term is pronounced as a four-to-five-syllable word and requires careful segmentation and stress to render accurately in English discourse.

Kangaroo is a noun for a large marsupial native to Australia, known for its powerful hind legs, long tail, and distinctive hopping gait. Commonly used to describe this animal in zoological or casual contexts, it also appears in phrases like “Kangaroo care” and in cultural references. The word is widely recognized in English-speaking contexts and often serves as a basic vocabulary term in travel or biology discussions.

Kansas is a proper noun referring to a Midwestern U.S. state. It is typically pronounced with two syllables, primary stress on the first, and ends with a soft, unstressed -s sound. In standard speech, the name is concise, clear, and can carry regional vowels that reflect American English pronunciation.

Kaolin is a fine, white clay mineral used in ceramics and as a filler in paints and medicines. It occurs as a soft, absorbent material derived from the mineral kaolinite, and is often sold as a powder or slurry. In geology and industry, it’s valued for its purity, plasticity, and brightness in fired products.

Kaplan is a proper noun used mainly as a surname or brand name, notably for Kaplan, Inc., a well-known test-preparation company. In linguistics, it’s pronounced as a two-syllable name with emphasis on the first: /ˈkæplən/ in most English contexts, though some non-native settings may reduce vowels slightly. It’s common in academic and professional discussions and often encountered as a company or person reference rather than a common noun.

Kapnomar is a specialized noun, likely from a technical or fictional lexicon, denoting a specific concept or entity. It is pronounced as two primary syllables with a clear, even rhythm, and the stress placed on the first syllable. The word combines a hard onset with a sonorous vowel, giving it a crisp, authoritative sound suitable for expert discourse.

Kapok is a soft, silky fiber from the seed pods of the kapok tree, used as stuffing and insulation. As a noun, it also refers to the tree itself. In nature-writing or horticultural contexts, kapok evokes tropical climates and lightweight, fluffy textures.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a rare, angioproliferative cancer that presents as vascular-appearing skin lesions, most commonly in individuals with compromised immune systems. It can involve the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs. The term combines a surname (Kaposi) with the medical term for malignant tissue (sarcoma).

Kappa is a noun used primarily as a Greek letter name and as a term in statistics and science shorthand. In casual contexts, it may signify the Greek alphabet letter or a variable symbol; in formal settings, it denotes the 10th letter of the Greek alphabet and is used in various scientific notations. It is typically pronounced with a short, crisp first syllable and a light, clipped second syllable.

Kaput is an adjective meaning broken or not functioning, often used colloquially. It conveys that something has failed or ceased to work, usually after fault or damage. The term can carry a slightly humorous or resigned tone, and is common in English-speaking contexts outside formal writing.

Karamazov is a proper noun used as a surname, most famously associated with Dostoevsky’s novel The Brothers Karamazov. It denotes a family name of Russian origin and is typically encountered in literary or academic contexts. The pronunciation emphasizes the second syllable, with stress on the a- in Kara- ma- zov, and is pronounced with Russian phonetic characteristics adapted to English speakers.