This website was archived in December, 2020.
This website was archived in December, 2020.
All MNHS sites and museums are temporarily closed. More details.
| Definition | |
|---|---|
| paj ntaub |
Noun: Hmong word literally meaning "flower cloths," or woven pieces of fabric that use patterns from nature that are symbolic of Hmong culture. |
| panorama |
Noun: A picture or photograph containing a wide view. |
| papang |
Noun: Filipino word for father. |
| papaya |
Noun: The large, yellow, melonlike fruit of a tropical American shrub or small tree, Carica papaya, eaten raw or cooked in leafy greens. |
| paradox |
Noun: A person or thing that has qualities that seem to be opposites. |
| paralyzed |
Adjective: Unable to move parts of one's body. |
| parameters |
Noun: Characteristics or features used to distinguish one thing from another. |
| passive |
Adjective: Being subjected to an action without producing a reaction. |
| passport |
Noun: An official document normally used for international journeys, which proves the identity and nationality of the person for whom it was issued. |
| pastoral |
Adjective: Relating to shepherds or rural life. |
| patience |
Noun: The ability to wait without feeling anxious. |
| pensioner |
Noun: Someone who lives on a retirement benefit; an elderly person. |
| per se |
Adverb: As such. |
| percentile |
Noun: The top percent of a group. |
| perish |
Verb: To die. (perishes, perishing, perished) |
| permit |
Noun: A document giving someone permission for something. |
| personnel |
Noun: Employees; office staff. |
| perspective |
Noun: Point of view. |
| peso |
Noun: The unit of currency in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and the Philippines. |
| petition |
Noun: A formal, written request made to an official person or organized body, often containing many signatures. |
| petty |
Adjective: Small; minor. |
| PhD |
Noun: The highest degree awarded by a university; literally means "Doctor of Philosophy." |
| pho |
Noun: A Southeast Asian rice noodle soup, typically with beef or chicken. |
| phowa |
Noun: A meditation practice done amongst Buddhists at the time of death. |
| physics |
Noun: The branch of science concerned with the study of properties and interactions of space, time, matter and energy. |
| pioneering |
Adjective: Leading the way; trailblazing. |
| plight |
Noun: A dire or unfortunate situation; condition, usually dangerous or risky. |
| Pol Pot |
The leader of the Cambodian Communist movement known as the Khmer Rouge and Prime Minister of Democratic Kampuchea from 1976–1979. |
| policy |
Noun: An official rule or course of action. |
| political |
Adverb: Concerning or related to politics, the art and process of governing. |
| politics |
Adjective: Social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power. |
| pool |
Noun: A grouping of people or resources. |
| portray |
Verb: To depict or describe. (portrays, portraying, portrayed) |
| posada |
Noun: A traditional Mexican Christmas procession. |
| postpone |
Verb: To delay; to wait. (postpones, postponing, postponed) |
| poverty |
Noun: The state or quality of being poor or in need. |
| practical |
Adjective: Based on practice or action rather than theory or hypothesis. |
| practice |
Noun: 1. A customary action, habit, or behavior; a manner or routine. 2. The observance of religious duties which a church requires of its members. Verb: To perform or observe in a habitual fashion. (practices, practicing, practiced) |
| precipitate |
Verb: To make something happen suddenly and quickly; hasten. (precipitates, precipitating, precipitated) |
| prejudice |
Noun: A negative judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge of the facts. |
| premier |
Adjective: Very first or very highest in quality or degree. |
| preservation |
Noun: The care to preserve; the act of keeping from destruction, decay or any ill. |
| preserve |
Verb: To protect; to keep; to maintain the condition of. (preserves, preserving, preserved) |
| pressure |
Noun: 1. Pressing; force. 2. Mental strain caused by one's own or others' expectations on one's own performance. |
| prestigious |
Adjective: Having a very good reputation; honored; esteemed. |
| pride |
Noun: The quality or state of being proud. |
| primary |
Adjective: First or main. |
| principles |
Noun: Moral rules. |
| priority |
Noun: First concern. |
| private |
Adjective: Not in governmental office or employment. |