One of the noblest decorations of Ancient Rome. [13113]
Saints John
Only the first word is pluralized. These words refer to St. John the Baptist, whose festival occurs on June 24, and St. John the Evangelist, whose festival occurs on December 27.
salutary
(sal-yoo-tehr-ih) Conducive to health; healthy. Not “sal-yoo-toh-rih.” [22322]
salvation
(sal-vay-shun) Saving of the soul from sin and death. [35423]
Sanctum Sanctorum
(sangk-tum sangh-toh-rum) The innermost and most sacred of the three parts of King Solomon's temple, it was ordained and made on purpose for the reception of the Ark of the Covenant. Note that there is no “i” in either word. [36012]
sceptre
(sep-ter) A staff held by rulers as a symbol of authority. [16110]
scythe
(syth) A tool for cutting grass, grain, etc. by hand. [3722]
secreted
(sih-kreet-'d) Hid; concealed. Not “see-krit-'d.” [36121]
sect
(sekt) A society or group, usually religious. Do not confuse with sex. [15311]
seraph
(sehr-uf) A member of the highest order of angels. [38510]
(suk-uth) An ancient city of Palestine, about 45 miles (72 km.) northeast of Jerusalem. [22512]
superfice
(suu-per-fis) The surface, the face of a thing. [2308]
superfluities
(suu-per-fluu-ah-tiz) Quantities beyond that which are needed. Not “suu-per-fluh-tiz.” [1367]
superfluous
(suu-per-fluu-us) Not needed; unnecessary. Not “suu-per-fluu-us.” [1361]
superstructure
(suu-per-struk-cher) That part of a building above the foundation. [14415]
sustenance
(sus-tih-nuns) Support; nourishment. [3862]
symmetry
(sim-uh-trih) Similarity of form or arrangement on either side of a dividing line or plane. Not “sih-met-rih.” [23617]
tabernacle
(tab-er-nak-'l) A shrine; a place of worship. [1519]
tempestuous
(tem-pes-chuu-us) Stormy. [3889]
temporal
(tem-per-ul) Of this world; worldly. Not “tem-poh-rul.” [15016]
tenets
(ten-itz) Principles; beliefs; doctrines. Do not confuse with tenants, which means “occupants.” [15222]
tessellated
(tes-uh-layt-'d) Paved in a mosaic pattern of small, square blocks. [14811]
theological
(thee-uh-loj-ih-k'l) Of the word of God; scriptural. [1471]
theorems
(thee-uh-rumz) Mathematical or physics problems embodying something to be proven. [3894]
tidings
(ty-dingz) Information. [34022]
transition
(tran-zish-un) A passing from one condition, place, etc. to another. [71013]
trestle board
(tres-'l bohrd) Note that the second “t” of the first word is not pronounced. [14922]
Tubal Cain
(tuu-buhl-kayn; tuu-bal-kayn) The father of artificers. Do not pronounce the second syllable like “ball.”
turbulent
(tur-byoo-lunt) Unruly; disorderly. [23212]
Tuscan
(tus-kun) The first and simplest form of architecture. [22814]
Tyre
(tyr) An important seaport in ancient Phoenicia, about 90 miles (144 km.) from Jerusalem. [34016]
unbiased
(un-by-ust) Without mental leaning. [11214]
unfeigned
(un-fayn-'d) Real; sincere; genuine. [3737]
unimpaired
(un-im-pehr-'d) Undamaged; not deteriorated. [23721]
unsullied
(un-sul-id) Not tarnished, stained, or soiled. [37421]
universality
(yuu-nuh-ver-sal-uh-tih) State of being present or occurring everywhere. The universality of Masonry means that Lodges may be chartered in any country; that nothing in the Landmarks confines the Fraternity to any one land or people; that Masons may work in any language. [1466]
variance
(vehr-ih-uns) Disagreeing; quarreling. [32722]
venerable
(ven-er-uh-b'l) Worthy of respect. [37511]
veneration
(ven-uh-ray-shun) Deep respect and reverence. [24020]
vested
(ves-tid) Fixed; settled; absolute. [4115]
vestment
(vest-munt) A garment. [37617]
vicissitudes
(vih-sis-uh-tyuudz, tuudz) Irregular changes. Do not fail to pronounce second syllable. [22314]
villainy
(vil-uhn-ih) Great wickedness. Not “vil-uhn-rih.” [3606]
void
(voyd) Empty. [12713]
vouchsafe
(vouch-sayf) To condescend or deign to grant. [11812]
vouch
(vouch) To give assurance or guarantee. [11510]
whence
(hwens) From what place, source, etc. Not “hwinch.” [2239]
wretches
(reh-chiz) Despised, scorned persons. [34811]
wrought
(rawht) Formed; fashioned; made. [22415]
zealous
(zel-us) Characterized by ardent devotion. Not “zeel-yus” [or “zel-yus.” [15818]
Zeredatha
(zer-ih-day-thuh; zuh-red-ay-thuh) A town on the west bank of the Jordan river near Bethlehem and opposite Succoth, where Hiram Abif is said to have cast the brazen utensils, pillars, etc. for the use of the Temple. [22513]
Zion
(zy-un) A hill in the old city of Jerusalem, site of the royal palace of David. Do not pronounce “zee-un.” [12013]