Perplexity

Losswords: Our dictionary has been malfunctioning, omitting the letters of each defined word, in the right order, from the definition, then closing up the gaps and adding, in brackets, the missing word length. So, for example, "puzzle", defined as "purely quizzical game" appears only as: "relyquiicagam (6)". But what are these three?

oreacontohihlcation (7)

eronalitinas (6)

mayeavayweller (5)

The answers, incidentally, are loosely connected. A prize of the Chambers 21st Dictionary will be awarded to the sender of the first correct answer we open on 31 July. Answers to: Perplexity, The Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL.

5 July answers:

Lords-a-leaping (galloped rains) Downing Street (towering dents) Green bottles (strong beetle)

Connection: the number ten

Winner: A.J.Lobo (Bradford)