cent noun A monetary unit worth one hundredth of a dollar or other base currency unit. He found a single cent lying on the sidewalk this morning. + century noun A period of one hundred years, especially one used to number historical eras. The cathedral was built during the twelfth century and has stood for nearly nine hundred years. + central adjective Located at or near the center, or of primary importance to something. The hotel's central location made it easy to reach every attraction. + centennial noun The one-hundredth anniversary of an event, or a celebration marking it. The town organized a parade for the centennial of its founding. + bicentennial noun A two-hundredth anniversary, or the celebration marking it. The town organized fireworks and parades for its bicentennial celebration. + centimeter noun A unit of length in the metric system equal to one hundredth of a meter. The insect measured just two centimeters from head to tail. + centigrade adjective Relating to a temperature scale divided into a hundred degrees between freezing and boiling water. The forecast predicted a high of thirty degrees centigrade tomorrow. + centipede noun A many-legged, flat-bodied arthropod with one pair of legs on each body segment. A centipede scurried quickly under the log when we lifted it. + centrifuge noun A machine that spins samples at high speed to separate substances of different densities. The lab technician placed the blood sample in the centrifuge to separate the plasma. + centrifugal adjective Moving or directed away from the center, as in a rotating system. Centrifugal force pressed the passengers against the sides of the spinning ride. + epicenter noun The point on the earth's surface directly above where an earthquake begins, or the central point of something. The epicenter of the earthquake was located just off the coast near the fishing village. + concentrate verb To focus one's full attention or effort on a single task or subject. She turned off her phone so she could concentrate on studying for the exam. + concentration noun The ability to focus one's attention on a single task, or the amount of a substance in a given mixture. The loud construction outside made it hard to keep her concentration while studying. + decent adjective Satisfactory, adequate, or of an acceptable standard; also morally proper and respectable. She earns a decent salary that covers her rent and leaves room for savings. + decentralize verb To distribute power, control, or functions away from a single central authority. The company decided to decentralize decision-making by giving regional managers more authority. + recent adjective Having happened or begun only a short time ago. Recent rain has filled the shallow pond. + recently adverb Not long ago; within a short time before the present moment. We recently moved into a new apartment closer to my office. + ascent noun An act of climbing or rising, or the route taken while climbing upward. The team's final ascent to the summit took nearly six grueling hours. + accent noun A distinctive way of pronouncing words, typically associated with a particular country, region, or social group. Her British accent stood out immediately among the group of American tourists. + accentuate verb To make something more noticeable, prominent, or intense. The tailored jacket accentuates her shoulders without looking stiff at all. + percent noun One part in every hundred, used to express a proportion or rate. Only ten percent of the students missed the deadline for their essays. + percentage noun A rate, number, or amount expressed as a fraction of one hundred. A small percentage of the population volunteers regularly at the local shelter. + eccentric adjective Unconventional or slightly strange in behavior or appearance, in a way that differs from what is expected. Her eccentric uncle collected antique clocks and refused to use electricity in his home. + eccentricity noun An unusual or peculiar habit, trait, or way of behaving that sets someone or something apart. His habit of wearing mismatched socks was just one of his many eccentricities. + incentive noun Something that motivates or encourages a person to act in a particular way, often a reward. The company offered a cash incentive to employees who referred qualified new hires. + concentric adjective Describing circles or shapes that share the same center point but have different sizes. The archery target was painted with concentric circles in red, blue, and gold. + centaur noun A mythical creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse. The ancient vase depicted a centaur battling a group of warriors. + centurion noun An officer in the ancient Roman army who commanded a unit of about a hundred soldiers. The centurion led his troops through the narrow mountain pass at dawn. + centerpiece noun The most important or attractive item, especially one placed at the center of a table or plan. A tall floral arrangement served as the centerpiece for the wedding table. +