crenationThe contraction of, or formation of abnormal notchings around, the edges of a cell after exposure to a hypertonic solution, due to the loss of water through osmosis, especially noticeable in red blood cells.
crepidaA type of footwear consisting of a sole attached to the foot with fairly elaborate straps, distinguished by the Ancient Greeks and Ancient Romans from sandals proper but now usually considered a style of sandal.
crepitaculumA clapper or noisemaker sometimes used in place of an altar bell.
crepitateto crackle, as crepitant lungs do, as some arthritic joints may do, or as some fractured bones may do.
crepitusGrating, crackling or popping sounds and sensations experienced under the skin and joints.
crepuscular rayA sunbeam seen just after sunset or just before sunrise, caused by a cloud below the horizon and dust particles in the air above the horizon.
cresciveIncreasing or growing; marked by gradual spontaneous development.
crescographA device for measuring growth in plants.
CressageA village in Shropshire, England (OS grid ref SJ5904).
creticUsing or relating to a metrical pattern of poetry where each foot is composed of three syllables, the first and third of which are stressed and the second of which is unstressed.
crimen injuriaIn Roman-Dutch law, the unlawful and intentional impairment of someone's dignity (covering road rage, stalking, and various kinds of abuse).
croceousOf a deep reddish yellow, like that of saffron.
crocipodinA benzotropolone pigment found in the fruiting bodies of the fungus Leccinellum crocipodium.
crotalumA kind of clapper or castanet used in religious dances by groups in Ancient Greece (including the Korybants) and elsewhere.
crown of thornsThe crown made of a thorny plant that Christ was forced to wear before his Crucifixion, in mocking reference to his alleged status as ‘king of the Jews’, or a representation of this.
cryptoporticusA vaulted arcade or corridor at, or just below, ground level, normally lit by openings in the upper part of the vault; also, a roofed promenade that is enclosed with side walls that have openings or windows instead of columns.
cryptorchidA male animal with one or two undescended testicles.
cubicularBelonging or relating to a bedchamber or bedroom.
cubiculumA small room, especially a bedroom, typically those small rooms found on the upper floor of a Roman house.
cucullusA hood-shaped organ, resembling a cowl or monk's hood, as of certain concave and arched sepals or petals.
cucumiformShaped like a cucumber; having the form of a cylinder tapered and rounded at the ends, and possibly curved.
cucurbitaceousPertaining to the gourd family, including cucumbers, pumpkins etc.
cui bonoThe principle that the ultimate initiator of an action is likely the person who stands to gain from the action.
culeusA Roman unit of liquid measure reckoned as the volume of 1600 Roman pounds of wine and equivalent to about 520 L although differing slightly over time.