FINAL WORDS
A ABALONE abə'lōni
n. kind of marine mollusc Origin: American Spanish abulon Sentence: The abalone has an oval shell lined with mother-of-pearl.
ABATTOIR 'abətwa:
n. slaughterhouse Origin: French abatre, ‘to demolish’ Sentence: At the abattoir, the butchers slaughter cows for meat.
ABECEDARIAN
n. person learning the alphabet; arranged alphabetically Origin: Latin Sentence: The little abecedarian in kindergarten is learning his letters quickly.
ābēcē'de:riən
ABERRANT ə'berənt
adj. straying from the normal, accepted standard Origin: Latin aberrare, ‘to wander away, stray’ Sentence: People under the influence of drugs often display aberrant behaviour.
ABEYANCE ə'bāəns
n. state of suspension or temporary disuse Origin: French abeer, ‘to gape or aspire after’ Sentence: The project is in abeyance until all parties agree on how next to proceed.
ABIOGENESIS
n. theory that living organisms can arise from nonliving things Origin: Latin a (‘without’)+ bio (‘life’)+ genesis (‘beginning’) Sentence: Abiogenesis is a scientific theory about living things.
ābīə'jenisis
ABJURE əb'jůr
v. to swear to give up (an opinion, claim, cause, etc) Origin: Latin jurare, ‘to swear’ Sentence: We hereby abjure all anti-religious thinking and practices.
ABRACADABRA abrəkə'dabrə
n. a supposedly magic word used by conjurors Origin: First appeared in a 2nd century Latin poem Sentence: ‘Abracadabra!’ said the magician, and the door opened.
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FINAL WORDS ABREACTION abri'akshən
ABROGATE 'abrəgāt / 'abrəgət
n. free expression and consequent release of a previously repressed emotion Origin: German Abreagierung Sentence: The psychologist helped the patient to relax through abreaction. v. adj. abolish; annul; repeal; (a law or custom) ; repealed Origin: Latin rogare, ‘to propose a law’ Sentence: The committee will not abrogate its right to discipline members.
ABSINTH or ABSINTHE 'absinθ
n. another name for wormwood (the plant or its essence). Green liqueur or a green colour Origin: Greek apsinthion Sentence: Absinthe is a green liqueur.
ABSQUATULATED əb'skwotūlātid
v. departed; absconded; decamped Origin: U.S. Sentence: They absquatulated from the boot camp as soon as they could.
ABSTEMIOUS əb'stēmiəs
ABSTERGENT ab'sterjənt
ABSURDITY əb'serditi
adj. sparing in drink or food Origin: Latin abs, ‘away’ temetum, ‘strong drink’ Sentence: Our abstemious guests had very little to eat and drink. n., adj. scouring agent (agent and capability); cleansing Origin: Latin abstergens, ‘wiping off’ Sentence: A good abstrergent will scour away most stains. n. senselessness; unreasonableness; stupidity Origin: Latin absurdus, ‘inharmonious, foolish’ Sentence: The absurdity of that statement makes me laugh.
ABYSMAL ə'bizməl
adj. unfathomable; bottomless; profound Origin: Greek abussos, ‘bottomless’ Sentence: I’m surprised at the abysmal thoughtlessness shown by the leader.
ABYSSAL
adj. (related to abyss) at or of the ocean depths or floor; plutonic Origin: Greek abyssos, ‘bottomless’ Sentence: Divers still seek to recover abyssal treasures from sunken ships.
ə'bis(ə)l
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FINAL WORDS
ACCELEROMETER əkselə'romitə
n. instrument for measuring acceleration of rockets etc Origin: Latin Sentence: The rocket is fitted with an accelerometer to measure its speed.
ACCENTUATE
v. to emphasize; heighten; make prominent, conspicuous Origin: Latin accentuare ‘to accentuate’ Sentence: A dark frame will accentuate the light shades in the painting.
ək'sentūāt
ACCIACCATURA
n. (music) a grace note performed quickly before an essential note of a melody Origin: Italian acciaccatura, ‘a crushing sound’ Sentence: Acciaccatura added beauty to the melody.
əchakə’tůrə
ACCLIVITY ə'kliviti
n. an upward slope Origin: Latin clivus, ‘slope’ Sentence: The acclivity of the ground is steep at this point.
ACCOUTREMENT or ACCOUTERMENT ə'kootəmənt / ə'kootrəmənt
n. equipment; trappings; soldier’s outfit Origin: French accoustrer, ‘to equip’ Sentence: The gardener came, bringing his accoutrement in a van.
ACCRETE ə'krēt
ACCUMULATIVE ə'kūmūlətiv
ACERBIC ə'serbik
v., adj. to grow together or into one; attract; grown together Origin: Latin accrescere, ‘to grow’ Sentence: Some placentae will accrete to the wall of the uterus. adj. becoming greater over a period of time; building up; cumulative Origin: Latin accumulare, ‘to heap’ Sentence: The accumulative interest on the money over several years amounted to a large sum. adj. harsh; bitter and sour in taste, or in manner, speech etc Origin: Latin acerbus, ‘sour-tasting’ Sentence: People have been turned off by your acerbic manner.
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FINAL WORDS ACETYLENE ə'setilēn
ACOLYTES 'akəlīts
n. a colourless highly inflammable gas used mostly in welding Origin: Chemical compound Sentence: Acetylene burns with a brilliant white light. n. church officers attending a priest; attendants; assistants; beginners Origin: Greek akolouthos, ‘follower’ Sentence: Two adolescents have joined the team of acolytes in the church.
ACQUIESCE akwi'es
v. to agree to; comply with Origin: Latin acquiescere. Sentence: She will acquiesce in my plan to build an aviary, as she’s fond of birds.
ACROMEGALY akrō'megəli
n. abnormal growth of hands, feet, etc Origin: Greek akron, ‘extremely’ + megas megal-, ‘great’ Sentence: Acromegaly is caused by the overproduction of certain growth hormones.
ACRONYCHAL or ACHRONICAL ə'kronik(ə)l
adj. occurring at sunset Origin: Greek akronychos, ‘at sunset’ Sentence: Some stars have an acronychal rising.
ACROPHOBIA akrō'fōbiə
n. abnormal fear of heights Origin: Greek akron, ‘peak’; suffix phobia, ‘extreme fear of’ Sentence: Because of her acrophobia, Raquel will not climb a ladder.
ACROPOLIS ə'kropəlis
n. citadel or upper fortified part of ancient Greek city Origin: Greek akron, ‘summit’ + polis, ‘city’ Sentence: The acropolis used to be built on high ground as protection from enemy attack.
ACUITY visual
n. sharpness; acuteness (of mind, vision, etc ) Origin: Latin acuere, ‘to sharpen’ Sentence: His acuity is at the level of a genius.
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FINAL WORDS AGORAPHOBIA ag(ə)rə'fōbiə
n. abnormal fear of open spaces or public places Origin: Greek agora, ‘place of assembly’; suffix phobia, ‘extreme fear of’ Sentence: Daniel’s agoraphobia makes him stay away from places like shopping malls.
AMANUENSIS
n. A person who writes from dictation Origin: Latin Sentence: The literary assistant was proud to be an amanuensis
ə,manū'ensis AMBIDEXTROUS or AMBIDEXTEROUS ambi'dekstrəs
AN(A)ESTHETIST ə'nēsθətist ANNIHILATE ə'nīilāt / ə'nīilət
adj. able to use right and left hands equally well Origin: Latin ambi ‘on both sides’ + dexter ‘righthanded’ Sentence: My sister is ambidextrous but uses her left hand more than her right. n. A doctor specialized in administering anaesthesia Origin: Greek Sentence: An anaesthetist is an important member of the operating team v. adj. to destroy; reduce to nothing. Origin: Latin annihilare. Sentence: The army was determined to annihilate the entire force of the enemy.
APOPLEXY 'apəpleksi
n. loss of movement by sudden stroke Origin: Greek apoplexia, ‘being struck down’ Sentence: The apoplexy was mild so she is likely to recover.
APOSTROPHE
n. a punctuation mark (’) showing possession or the omission of a word or number Origin: Greek apostrophos, ‘accent of elision’ Sentence: The apostrophe in the word it’s tells us that the word combines it + is.
ə‘postrəfi
APPLIQUE ə'plēkā
n. v. Ornamental sewing in which cuttings of decorative material are sewn together Origin: French Sentence: Those tablecloths decorated with appliqué are extremely elegant
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FINAL WORDS ARCHIPELAGO arki'peləgō
n. Group of islands; sea studded with islands Origin: Greek Sentence: The chain of Islands in the Eastern Caribbean could be called an archipelago
ARRAIGN ə'rān
v. to accuse; put on trial Origin: French aresnier Sentence: Steps must be taken to arraign the prisoner.
ARREARAGE
n. Being behind in fulfilment of obligations Origin: Latin Sentence: She was bankrupt and in a state of arrearage to the bank
ə're:rij ASAFOETIDA or ASAFETIDA or ASSAFOETIDA or ASSAFETIDA asə'fētidə / asə'fetidə
n. medicinal gum with a kind of ammoniac smell Origin: Latin asafoetidus, ‘evil smelling, fetid’ Sentence: Asafoetida is used mainly as herbal medicine.
ASPHYXIATE əs'fiksiāt
v. to suffocate, choke Origin: Related to asphyxia – Greek sphyxis, ‘pulse’ Sentence: Often in forest fires, animals asphyxiate from the smoke.
ASININITY
n. Stupidity; having the qualities of an ass Origin: Latin Sentence: The asininity of their talk was almost unbearable
asi'niniti AURIFEROUS aw'rif(ə)rəs
adj. bearing or yielding gold Origin: Latin aurum ‘gold’ Sentence: As the search for gold continues, auriferous soils have been identified nearby.
AVOIRDUPOIS avwa:dū'pwa: avədə'poyz
adj.; n. system of weights Origin: French aveir de peis ‘goods of weight’ Sentence: The avoirdupois system deals with ounces, pounds, hundredweights, etc.
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FINAL WORDS BACCALAUREATE bakə'lawriət
BACCHANALIAN bakə'nāliən
BAGASSE bə'gas
n. bachelor’s degree; examination which qualifies candidates for higher education Origin: Latin baccalaureus, ‘bachelor’ Sentence: The student is graduating with a Baccalaureate in Arts. adj. revelling drunkenly Origin: Green Bakkhos, ‘god of wine’ Sentence: They consumed a lot of alcohol at that bacchanalian party. n. dried trash from sugar cane; board made with such trash Origin: Spanish bagazo Sentence: Bagasse is widely used in building cupboards, shelves and similar furniture.
BAGATELLE bagə'tel
n. game played on a board with balls and a cue; a trifle Origin: Italian bagatella Sentence: These people play bagatelle in their spare time.
BAGUETTE
n. long narrow French loaf; a gem cut rectangular; semi-circular moulding Origin: Latin baculum, ‘staff’ Sentence: Baguette with soup was a special treat.
ba'get BEAU GESTE bō žest
n. a noble or gracious gesture, especially a meaningless one Origin: French beau geste, ‘splendid gesture’ Sentence: Such beau geste makes him very popular.
BEAU MONDE bō mond
n. fashionable society; the world of fashion Origin: French beau monde, ‘fine world’ Sentence: She likes to move in the beau monde, though she can hardly afford it.
BEDEGUAR 'bedigar
n. a moss-like growth on rose-bushes produced by a gall wasp Origin: French bedegar, ‘wind brought’ Sentence: This gardener can completely remove bedeguar from a rose plant.
BEDOUIN or BEDUIN 'beduin
n. nomad of Africa or Asia Origin: Arabic badwiyyin, ‘dwellers in the desert’ Sentence: As a Bedouin, he has a tent for a house.
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FINAL WORDS
BEESTINGS or BEASTINGS 'bēstiŋz
n. the first milk (especially of a cow) after calving Origin: Old English Sentence: Only the calf tastes its mother’s beestings.
BEGUM 'bāgəm
n. Indian Muslim lady of high rank Origin: Urdu begam, ‘princess’ Sentence: A begum is respected, especially by persons of lower rank.
BELEAGUERED bi'lēgəd
BELVEDERE 'belvide:r
BENEFICENCE bi'nefisəns
BENIGHTED bi'nītid
BERYLLIUM bə'riliəm
BESOTTED bi'sotid
adj., v. besieged; vexed; harassed Origin: Dutch belegeren, ‘to camp round’ Sentence: The beleaguered castle was finally captured by the attackers. n. a summer house or open-sided (or glazed) gallery on the top of the roof Origin: Italian bel, ‘beautiful’ + vedere, ‘see’ Sentence: We spent a relaxing afternoon just sitting in the belvedere and looking out. n. goodness; kindness Origin: Latin beneficium, ‘favour, service, benefit’ Sentence: The beneficence of the church extends into the communities. adj. intellectually or morally ignorant; overtaken by night or darkness Origin: Medieval English Sentence: We are no longer in the benighted ages of barbarism. n. hard white metallic element used in manufacture of corrosive-resistant alloys Origin: Greek berullos Sentence: Beryllium is one of the lightest and strongest of all metals. adj. infatuated; confused; intoxicated Origin: Old English Sentence: He is besotted by her charm and beauty.
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FINAL WORDS BETE NOIRE bāt'nwa:
n. person or thing one particularly dislikes or fears Origin: French bete noir, ‘black beast’ Sentence: Violence is everybody’s bete noire.
BEZIQUE bi'zēk
n. type of card game played with two packs Origin: French besigue Sentence: They spent many hours playing bezique and other card games.
BIMILLENARY bīmi'lenəri / bīmi'lēnəri bī'milənəri
adj. (festival) of the two thousandth anniversary Origin: Middle English Sentence: Even before the end of the year 2000, some people had started bimillenary celebrations.
BLAGUE 'blag
n. empty talk; nonsense; humbug; claptrap Origin: French blag Sentence: He’s too busy now to listen to blague.
BLANCMANGE
n. sweet opaque jelly made from milk and flavoured corn flour Origin: French Sentence: Blancmange is a tasty dessert
blə'monž / blə'ma:nž BONSAI 'bonsī
n. art of growing ornamental dwarfed tree or shrub; tree or shrub grown this way Origin: Japanese bon (‘tray’) + sai (‘cultivation’) Sentence: Bonsai can be done with many species of plants.
BOUGAINVILLEA or BOUGAINVILLIA or BOUGAINVILLAEA boogən'viliə
n. tropical plant with brightly coloured bracts. Origin: Named after French navigator Bougainville Sentence: Bougainvillaea thrives in the climate of Kingston.
BRAGGADOCIO bragə'dōchiō
n. empty boasting; idle boaster; braggart Origin: Related to braggart – French bragard, ‘vain or bragging’ Sentence: His braggadocio impressed no one.
BRUSQUELY 'bruskli / 'brooskli
adv. rudely and abruptly Origin: Italian brusco ‘sour or rough’ Sentence: He walked out of the meeting brusquely, without apologizing.
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FINAL WORDS BUREAUCRACY bū'rokrəsi / bůr'rokrəsi
BURLESQUE ber'lesk
n. government by a central administration, usually with a lot of officials and paper work Origin: French bureaux, ‘desk’ – hence ‘bureau’ Sentence: Sometimes too much bureaucracy makes the job go slowly. n., adj., v. mocking imitation; to mock so as to cause laughter Origin: Italian burlesco Sentence: The play was a burlesque, which kept the audience laughing.
C CACHET 'kashā
CALLIGRAPHY kə'ligrəfi
CALUMNY 'kaləmni
CAMOUFLAGE 'kaməfla:ž/ 'kamufla:ž
CATARRH kə'tar
n. distinguishing mark or seal; prestige; small capsule containing medicine Origin: French cacher, ‘to hide’ Sentence: The document bears the appropriate cachet. n. handwriting as an art; beautiful decorative handwriting Origin: Greek kallos, ‘beauty’ + graphia, ‘writing’ Sentence: This pen makes her calligraphy even more beautiful. n. slander; malicious statement; false charge Origin: Latin calumnia, ‘false accusation’ Sentence: The news being spread about her is nothing short of calumny. n., v. a device that disguises something to deceive an opponent; to use such a device Origin: Italian camuffare, ‘to disguise, deceive’ Sentence: The soldiers covered themselves with bushes as camouflage
n. inflammation in nose or throat and air passages with discharge of mucus Origin: Greek katarrhein, ‘to flow down’ Sentence: Her cold developed into a catarrh, causing great discomfort.
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FINAL WORDS CATASTROPHE kə'tastrəfi
n. sudden unexpected terrible event; disaster Origin: Greek katastrophe, ‘turn, overturn’ Sentence: The outbreak of violence was a major catastrophe in the area.
CATHOLICISM kə'θolisizm
n. faith of the Roman Catholic Church Origin: Greek katholikos, ‘universal’ Sentence: Roman Catholicism is a widespread belief.
CAVENDISH
n. tobacco that has been softened, sweetened and pressed into moulds to form bars Origin: Probably named after the first maker Sentence: If you dislike tobacco, you are unlikely to enjoy cavendish.
'kav(ə)ndish
CENSORIOUS sen'sōriəs
adj. severely critical; fault-finding Origin: Latin censere, ‘to assess’ Sentence: Mother is censorious about how I dress, but Dad is flexible.
CHAMELEON or CHAMAELEON kə'mēliən
n. type of lizard able to change its colour Origin: Greek chamaileon Sentence: The chameleon is a reptile like other lizards.
CHAUVINISM
n. excessive belief in the superiority of one’s nation, sex etc Origin: French. Sentence: His male chauvinism makes him unpopular among women.
'shōvinizm
CHEMILUMINESCENCE kemilūmi'nesəns kemiloomi'nesəns
n. emission of light accompanying chemical reaction Origin: Prefix chemi- + word luminescence Latin Sentence: You can observe the chemiluminescence of phosphorous when it is exposed to air.
CHIFFONIER
n. Type of chest of drawers; wide low open-fronted cabinet Origin: French Sentence: All of her jewellery was kept in a box on the chiffonier
shifə'ne:r
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FINAL WORDS CHILIAD 'kiliad
n. a group of one thousand; a thousand years Origin: Greek khilias, ‘thousand’ Sentence: It will take an army of a chiliad to face that threat.
CHINCHILLA chin'chilə
n. small rodent; fur of this rodent Origin: Spanish chinche ‘bug’ Sentence: The chinchilla with its soft grey coat hides easily in the bushes.
CHIROPODIST ki'ropədist
n. one who treats hands and feet Origin: Greek Sentence: A chiropodist can treat the corns on your toes.
CHOLESTEROL kə'lestərol
n. substance found in cells of the body, which helps to carry fats and produce oil etc Origin: Greek khole, ‘bile’ +stereos, ‘stiff’ Sentence: Blood tests have shown that her cholesterol is normal.
CHORISTER 'koristə
n. member of a choir Origin: French quer, ‘choir’ Sentence: She was invited to become a chorister as she sings so well.
CHRONOGRAPH
n. instrument for recording time with extreme accuracy; stopwatch Origin: Greek khronos, ‘time’ Sentence: A chronograph would record the exact time of each race.
'kronəgra:f
CHRONOLOGICAL kronə'lojik(ə)l
adj. arranged according to times of occurrence Origin: From Greek khronos, ‘time’ Sentence: A diary normally records happenings in chronological order.
CHRYSANTHEMUM
n. type of garden plant with brightly coloured flowers; flower from that plant kri'sanθiməm / kri'zanθiməm Origin: Greek khrusanthemon, ‘gold flower’ Sentence: I have just planted a chrysanthemum in my flower garden.
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FINAL WORDS
CINQUEFOIL 'siŋkfoyl
CIRCUMTERRESTRIAL serkəmtə'restriəl
CIRRHOSIS si'rōsis
CLAIRVOYANCE kle:r'voyəns
n.
Plant of the rose family with 5 petalled flowers; 5 cusped ornament in a circle or arch Origin: Latin Sentence: There are about 500 species of plants in the cinquefoil family
adj. moving or situated around the earth Origin: Latin circum (‘around’) + terrestrial (‘earth’) Sentence: Numerous circumterrestrial bodies exist near and far from us in outer space. n. chronic disease especially of the liver, more often suffered by alcoholics Origin: Greek kirrhos, ‘tawny, orange-coloured’ (the colour of diseased liver) Sentence: The doctor has diagnosed the patient’s illness to be cirrhosis of the liver. n. the supposed ability to perceive things in the future, or to have exceptional insight Origin: French clair (‘clear’) + voir voy (‘see’) Sentence: The fortune-teller claimed to be gifted with clairvoyance that made her look into my future.
CLASSICISM 'klasisizm
n. (art, literature, etc) following the classic style Origin: Latin classis, ‘class, rank’ Sentence: Those paintings illustrate seventeenth century classicism.
CLAUSTROPHOBIA klawstrə'fōbiə
n. abnormal fear of confined places Origin: Latin claustrum (‘lock, enclosed place’) + suffix phobia (‘extreme fear’) Sentence: Her claustrophobia makes her afraid of using elevators.
CLEPSYDRA
n. Ancient device used to measure time by marking the flow of water through a small opening Origin: Greek Sentence: The clepsydra was developed in 1400BC
'klepsidrə
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FINAL WORDS CLUBBABLE or CLUBABLE 'klûbəbl . COCCYX
adj. sociable; fit for membership of a club Origin: Old Norse klumba, ‘club’ Sentence: The club is inviting clubbable people to become members.
'koksiks
n. Small triangular tail-like bone at the base of spine Origin: Greek Sentence: The coccyx is found in humans and apes
COGNAC
n.
'konyak COIFFURE kwa:'fůr/kwo'fůr COLLOQUIUM kə'lōkwiəm
COMMINATORY 'kominət(ə)ri
high quality brandy Origin: from Cognac in West France Sentence: I will have a glass of cognac as a night Cap.
n. Hairstyle; the way the hair is arranged Origin: French Sentence: The beauty contestant’s coiffure was a sight to behold n. type of academic conference or seminar Origin: Latin colloquium, ‘conversation’ Sentence: Academic staff and students will attend this year’s colloquium in the auditorium. adj. threatening (punishment etc); denunciatory Origin: Latin comminari, ‘to threaten’ Sentence: Comminatory announcements have been made by the principal and should be heeded.
CONCESSIONAIRE or CONCESSIONNAIRE kənseshə'ne:r
n. holder of concession or grant especially for certain rights (e.g. for trading or holding land) Origin: Latin concessio, ‘yielding’ Sentence: The canteen is now operated by a private concessionaire.
CONCRESCENCE
n. (biology) growing together of initially separate parts; coalescence Origin: Latin concrescere, ‘to grow together’ Sentence: The parasite and the tree have grown into a concrescence near the top.
kən'kresəns
CONFLAGRATION konflə'grāshən
n. great and destructive fire Origin: Latin flagrare, ‘to blaze’ Sentence: Someone started a fire, which has now become a conflagration on the hillside.
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FINAL WORDS CONSCIENTIOUS konshi'enshəs
adj. diligent; careful; guided by conscience Origin: Latin conscire, ‘to know’ Sentence: Conscientious students spend much time studying.
CONTEMPORANEOUS
adj. existing or occurring at the same time; of the same period Origin: Latin con (‘together’) + tempus oris(‘time’) Sentence: Shakespeare was contemporaneous with Queen Elizabeth 1.
kontempə'rāniəs
CONTEMPTUOUS kən'tem(p)tūəs
adj. showing scorn or contempt; insolent Origin: Latin con (‘with’) + temnere (‘to scorn’) Sentence: Some people are contemptuous of others who do not share their views.
CONTRAPOSITION kontrəpə'zishən
n. opposition; contrast Origin: Latin Prefix contra + word position Sentence: Your views are in direct contraposition to mine.
CORPUSCLES 'korpûslz
n. red and white cells in the blood Origin: Latin corpusculum, ‘a little body’ Sentence: Our blood consists of both red and white corpuscles.
COTYLEDON koti'lēdən
n. seed-leaf Origin: Greek kotuledon, ‘cup-shaped cavity’ Sentence: A seed may have only one cotyledon.
COUTURE
n. the design and manufacture of fashionable clothes (usually ‘haute couture’) Origin: French couture, ‘sewing, dressmaking Sentence: Milay’s Fashions is the place for haute couture.
koo'tůr
CUNEIFORM or CUNIFORM 'kūniform CURMUDGEON ker'mûjən
adj., n. wedge-shaped; ancient wedge-shaped writing Origin: Latin cuneus ‘wedge’ Sentence: Several ancient languages were in cuneiform writing. n. bad-tempered or mean person Origin: Unknown Sentence: He has few friends as he’s such a curmudgeon.
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FINAL WORDS CYANOCOBALAMIN sīənōkə'baləmin
n. vitamin B 12 found in foods of animal origin Origin: Gk. Combined cyano + cobal(t) +(vit)amin Sentence: Cyanocobalamin is found in foods such as liver, eggs and fish.
CYANOSIS
n. blue discoloration of skin due to presence of oxygen-deficient blood Origin: Greek kuanosis, ‘blueness’ Sentence: Cyanosis is said to be a visible sign of inadequate oxygen in the patient’s blood.
sīə'nōsis
CYCLAMEN
n. Type of plant with bulbous roots, blooming red, pink or white flowers Origin: Greek Sentence: Our potted cyclamen is finally blooming
'sikləmən CYCLOTHYMIA sīklə'θīmiə
CYNICS 'siniks
CYSTITIS si'stītis
n. a psychological condition in which the person experiences great mood swings Origin: Prefix cyclo (‘cycle’) + Greek thumos (‘temper’) Sentence: The extremely moody patient was diagnosed as having cyclothymia. n. persons known to have little faith in human sincerity and goodness Origin: Greek kunikos, ‘dog’ (nickname for a Cynic) Sentence: Those critics are cynics, who seem to trust no one. n. inflammation of the urinary bladder Origin: Greek kustis, ‘bladder, pouch’ Sentence: People with cystitis sometimes experience pain in passing urine
D DACHSHUND 'dakshund / -sənd
n.
Breed of dog with short legs and long bodies Origin: German Sentence; The dachshund was used to hunt other animals
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FINAL WORDS DAMNATORY 'damnət(ə)ri
adj. conveying or causing censure or damnation Origin: Latin damnare, ‘to condemn’ Sentence: The preacher boldly made damnatory pronouncements on the nation’s ‘evil practices’.
DASHIKI 'da:shiki
n. a kind of loose unbuttoned shirt Origin: West African Sentence: Some men prefer a dashiki to an open shirt.
DECAFFEINATE
v. to remove caffeine from or reduce quantity of caffeine Origin: Prefix de- (‘removal’)+ word caffeine + suffix ate French Sentence: Consumers require that producers decaffeinate some of the coffee for sale on the market.
dē'kafināt
DECASUALIZE or DECASUALISE dē'kažūəlīz / dē'kazūəlīz
v. to do away with casual employment of (labour) by introducing permanent jobs Origin: Prefix de- (‘removal’) + word casual + suffix ize Middle English Sentence: The department is seeking to decasualize labour and make all staff permanent.
DECOCTION di'kokshən
n. boiling down so as to extract essence Origin: Latin decoquere, ‘to boil down’ Sentence: Peppermint can be extracted from a decoction of this solution.
DECRESCENDO
n. Gradual decrease in loudness Origin: Italian Sentence: That part of the piece was played in a decrescendo
dēkri'shendō DEFALCATION dēfal'kāshən
DELIQUESCE deli'kwes
n. misappropriation of money property etc; the money misappropriated; defection; shortcoming Origin: Latin defalcare, ‘to cut off’ Sentence: He was arrested and charged with defalcation of property. v. to become liquid; melt; dissolve in water Origin: Latin liquescere, ‘be melt’ Sentence: Ice left at room temperature will soon deliquesce.
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FINAL WORDS DEMESNE di'mēn / di'mān
n. Territory or domain of a sovereign or landed Property Origin: Latin Sentence: It will take the Duke six months to tour his demesne
DIAERESIS or DIERESIS dī'erisis // dī'e:risis
n. mark (˙˙) over a vowel to indicate that it is sounded separately Origin: Greek diaeresis, ‘separation’ Sentence: The word ‘naïve’ is written with a diaeresis over the ‘i’.
DIAPHRAGM
n. muscular partition between the thorax and abdomen; operating part of motor vehicle, etc Origin: Greek diaphragma, ‘partition wall’ Sentence: The diaphragm is the front part of the chest above the waist.
'dīəfram
DIARRHOEA or DIARRHEA dīə'riə
n. condition of excessively frequent loose bowel movement Origin: Greek diarrhein, ‘to flow through’ Sentence: The patient’s diarrhoea was diagnosed as a symptom of gastroenteritis.
DODECAHEDRON n. solid figure with twelve faces dōdekə'hedrən / dōdekə'hēdrən Origin: Greek Sentence: A regular dodecahedron .has regular pentagons as faces. DOSSIER 'dosiə / 'dosiā / 'dosyā
DROSOPHILA dro'sofilə DULCILOQUENT dûl'siləkwənt
n. set of documents esp. record of information about a person or event Origin: French dos (Latin dorsum) Sentence: There’s a substantial dossier on you at the registry. n. Type of fruit fly used in genetic research Origin: Greek Sentence; The drosophila feeds on decaying fruits adj. Speaking sweetly Origin: French Sentence: The dulciloquent tones of the lady charmed the young man
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FINAL WORDS DYNAMOMETER dīnə'momitə
n. instrument for measuring energy Origin: Greek dunamis (‘power, force’) + suffix meter (‘instrument for measuring’) Sentence: The dynamometer reading indicates how powerful the machine is.
DYSENTERY
n. kind of infection of the intestines causing bowel disorder Origin: Greek dusentera, ‘bad bowels’ Sentence: Severe diarrhoea is sometimes a symptom of dysentery.
'dis(ə)nt(ə)ri
DYSFUNCTION or DISFUNCTION dis'fûŋkshən
n. abnormality or impairment of function Origin: Latin Sentence: A technician soon corrected the dysfunction in the machine.
DYSLEXIA dis'leksiə
n. disorder evident in reading and spelling Origin: Greek lexis, ‘speech’ + Latin legere, ‘to read’ Sentence: The student with strange spelling problems soon discovered that he has dyslexia.
DYSPHEMISM
n. (substitution of) unpleasant or derogatory word etc for a more neutral one Origin: Greek Sentence: We learn to read beyond the dysphemism in everything he says.
'disfimizm
DYSPHORIA dis'foriə
n. state of unease or mental discomfort Origin: Greek Sentence: The family has been in a state of dysphoria since their loss.
DYSPLASIA dis'plāziə
n. abnormal growth of tissues Origin: Greek dys (‘bad’) + plasis (‘formation’) Sentence: Cervical cancers usually begin as a dysplasia.
DYSPNOEA or DISPNEA disp'nēə
n. difficult or laboured breathing Origin: Greek dys (‘bad’) + pnoe ‘breathe, Sentence: Her dyspnea keeps her awake some nights.
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FINAL WORDS DYSTROPHY 'distrəfi
DYSURIA dis'ůriə
n. type of physical disorder arising from defective nutrition Origin: Greek dys (‘bad’) + trophia ‘nourishment’ Sentence: Proper eating habits help to prevent dystrophy. n. difficult or painful urination Origin: Greek dys (‘bad’) + ouron, ‘urine’ Sentence: Infection in his kidneys was found to be the cause of the dysuria.
E EBULLIENT i'bûlyənt / i'bulyənt
ECHELON 'eshəlon / 'āshəlon
adj. boiling, exuberant Origin: Latin bullire, ‘boil’ Sentence: The ebullient speaker commanded the full attention of the audience. n.
Level or rank in an organization or society Origin: Latin Sentence: The young man started with a job in the lower echelon of the corporation
ECHOLALIA ekō'lāliə
n. tendency to repeat the words just spoken by another Origin: Greek echo (‘echo’) + lalia (‘talk’) Sentence: Echolalia is sometimes a manifestation of a psychiatric condition.
ECLOGUE 'eklog
n. short poem esp. pastoral dialogue Origin: Latin ecloga, ‘short poem’ Sentence: One person at the gathering read an old delightful eclogue.
ECONOMETRICS
n branch of economics concerned with application of mathematical techniques Origin: O French Sentence: The Minister of Finance has had training in econometrics.
ikonə'metriks
EFFERVESCENT efə'vesənt
adj. bubbling; giving off bubbles Origin: Latin effervescere, ‘to begin to boil’ Sentence: Children have an effervescent spirit that adults seem to have lost.
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FINAL WORDS EFFICACIOUS efi'kāshəs
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM ilektrō'kardiōgram
adj. producing or sure to produce the desired effect Origin: Latin efficere, ‘to achieve, be effective’ Sentence: This is the shortest method of packing but not the most efficacious. n. record of electric currents generated by a person’s heartbeats Origin: German / electro + cardio + gram Sentence: The electrocardiogram for the elderly patient was normal.
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPH ilektrōen'kef(ə)lōgra:f i'lektrōen' sef(ə)lōgra:f
ELEGIAC eli'jīək
EMASCULATE
Instrument recording electrical activity of brain Origin: German / electro + encephalo + graph Sentence: An electroencephalograph records the activity of the brain.
adj. used for elegies (songs or poems of mourning); mournful Origin: Greek elegos, ‘mournful poem’ Sentence: The songs were elegiac and suited the funeral.
i'maskūlāt
v. to deprive of force or vigour; weaken; make effeminate Origin: Latin e, ‘away’ + masculus, ‘male’ Sentence: Some men believe that doing certain jobs can emasculate them.
ENCUMBRANCE or INCUMBRANCE en'kûmbrəns in'kûmbrəns
n. burden, annoyance, impediment Origin: French encombrer, ‘block up’ Sentence: He bought the property when he was convinced it was free from encumbrance.
ENCYCLOPEDIA or ENCYCLOPAEDIA ensīklə'pēdiə insīklə'pēdiə
n. book, often in a number of volumes, giving information on many subjects Origin: Greek egkuklios paideia ‘all-round education’ Sentence: One consults an encyclopaedia for various kinds of information.
ENSEMBLE
n. an outfit, group of actors, musicians etc performing together Origin: Latin simul, ‘at the same time’ Sentence: Her wedding ensemble was pleasing to the eye.
on'sombl / ã'sã:bl
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FINAL WORDS
ENTREPRENEUR ontrəprə'ner
n. person who undertakes a commercial venture Origin: French entreprendre, ‘undertake’ Sentence: This area needs a good entrepreneur to develop its resources.
EPIPHYTE 'epifīt
n. plant growing on another, but not parasitic Origin: Prefix epi (‘upon’) + Greek phuton (‘plant’) Sentence: The orchid is classified as an epiphyte, not a parasite.
EQUINOCTIAL ēkwi'nokshəl ESCRITOIRE eskrē'twa: EUPHORBIA ū'forbiə
EUTHANASIA ūθə'nāziə
EXCULPATE 'ekskûlpāt EXECRABLE 'eksikrəbl
adj. happening at or near the time of the equinox (when days and nights are of equal length) Origin: Latin equinoxium ‘equal night’ Sentence: The year has two equinoctial times. n. Type of writing desk with compartments, drawers Origin: French Sentence: The old escritoire is far more interesting but simple n. type of flowering plant including spurges (plants with milky juice) Origin: Named after Euphorbus, Greek physician Sentence: The poinsettia belongs to the euphorbia family. n. painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease Origin: Greek eu (‘good’) + thanos (‘death’) Sentence: People disagree on whether euthanasia should be made legal. v to free from blame; clear of a charge Origin: Latin ex (‘from’) + culpare (‘to blame’) Sentence: The lawyer sought to exculpate his client. adj. abominable; detestable; of very poor quality Origin: Latin exsecrari, ‘to curse’ Sentence: Such execrable behaviour is intolerable.
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FINAL WORDS EXPERTISE eksper'tēz
n. expert (special, extensive) skill, knowledge in a particular field Origin: Latin expertus, ‘known by experience’ Sentence: You need someone with the right training and expertise to manage this business.
EXPIATE 'ekspiāt
v. to pay the penalty for; make amends for Origin: Latin expiare, ‘to atone for’ Sentence: She does penance to expiate her wrongdoings.
EXUBERATE
v. abound overflow or grow profusely; indulge freely in Origin: Latin exuberare, ‘be fruitful’ Sentence: Cabbage and tomatoes exuberate in this area.
eg'zūbərāt / ig'zūbərāt
F FACULTATIVE 'fakəltətiv
FAHRENHEIT 'far(ə)nhīt / 'fa:r(ə)nhīt
FANTOCCINI fantə'chēni
FARINACEOUS fari'nāshəs
adj. permissive; able to exist under more than one kind of condition; relating to a faculty Origin: Latin facultas (facilis, ‘easy’) Sentence: A facultative parasite can exist as a parasite or as a saprophyte. adj. temperature scale on which water boils at 212 degrees Origin: Named after G Fahrenheit, German physicist Sentence: The boiling point of water is 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius. n. Puppets animated by moving wires or mechanical means; play or show employing such puppets Origin: Italian Sentence: The children enjoyed watching the fantoccini adj. Consisting or containing starch; having a mealy Texture Origin: Latin Sentence: The staple in our diet is mostly farinaceous
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FINAL WORDS FELICITOUS fi'lisitəs
FILLIP 'filip
FLAGELLANT 'flaj(ə)lənt / flə'jelənt
FLIBBERTIGIBBET flibəti'jibit FLUORESCES flůr'resiz
FRICASSEED frikə'sēd
adj. well chosen; pleasantly ingenious Origin: Latin felicitare, ‘to make happy’ Sentence: It was a filicitous occasion with greetings from friends and well-wishers. n., v. stimulus; incentive; to flick with a finger Origin: Medieval English Sentence: Early success gave her the fillip to continue. n., adj. a person who punishes himself or herself or others as a religious discipline; concerning such action Origin: Latin flagellum, ‘whip’ Sentence: Flagellant muslims can be seen at certain Islamic observances. n. Gossiping, frivolous or restless person Origin: Medieval English Sentence: Would you rely on the words of that flibbertigibbet if your life depended on it? v. becomes fluorescent (showing a special radiation) Origin: Scientific name Sentence: A white light fluoresces from the fluorescent tube. adj., v. made a fricassee (dish of stewed or fried pieces of meat served in thick a sauce) Origin: French fricassee, ‘cut up and cooked in a sauce’ Sentence: The caterer served a delicious fricasseed chicken.
FRUCTIFEROUS frûk'tif(ə)rəs
adj. bearing fruit Origin: Latin fructificare, ‘to bear fruit’ Sentence: Those fructiferous trees will feed us all summer.
FULIGINOUS fū'lijinəs
adj. sooty; dusky; colour of soot Origin: Latin fuliginosus, ‘full of soot’ Sentence: This air is too fuliginous to be healthy.
FURLOUGH 'ferlō
n., v. leave of absence; to lay off (staff) temporarily Origin: Dutch verlof, ‘for leave, permission’ Sentence: He is off on furlough but will return to his job after three months.
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FINAL WORDS
FUSCOUS 'fûskəs
FUTILITARIAN fūtili'te:riən
adj. sombre, dark; brownish grey colour Origin: Latin fuscus, ‘dark-coloured, sombre’ Sentence: Animals with fuscous hair are not easily identified in the dark. n., adj. a person devoted to futile pursuits; relating to the belief that human hopes are vain Origin: Latin futilis, ‘leaky, worthless, futile’ Sentence: A futilitarian has little hope of succeeding.
G GALIMATIAS gali'matiəs / gali'māshəs
n. confused or meaningless talk; gibberish Origin: French Sentence: We have no time now for galimatias.
GARGOYLES
n. plural of gargoyle (type of waterspout carved like a face; any similar grotesque ornament) Origin: French gargouille, ‘gargoyle, throat’ Sentence: A number of gargoyles decorated the old stone building
'gargoylz
GASTROENTERITIS gastrōentə'rītis
n. inflammation of the stomach and intestines Origin: Greek Sentence: Persons with gastroenteritis usually have vomiting and diarrhoea.
GASTRONOME 'gastrənōm
n. gourmet; judge of good eating and drinking Origin: Greek gaster (‘belly’) + nomos (‘law’) Sentence: A real gastronome will know where to find the best restaurants in the area.
GAZETTEER
n. A journalist appointed and paid for by the government; a newspaper Origin: French Sentence: In the library, the gazetteer is found in the periodical section
gazi'te:r
GECKO or GEKKO 'gekō
n. nocturnal lizard found in warm climates Origin: Malay gekoq, imitating the sound it makes Sentence: The gecko eats insects and has adhesive feet to climb vertical surfaces.
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FINAL WORDS GERMANE jer'mān
GIBLETS 'jiblits
GLAUCOMA glaw'kōmə
adj. related (to the topic being considered); relevant Origin: Latin germanus, ‘of the same parents’ Sentence: Is that idea germane to the conversation or is it something new? n. the liver, gizzard, neck etc of a bird (removed for cooking) Origin: French gibelet, ‘game stew’ Sentence: Some people use the giblets of the chicken for making soup. n. an eye disease caused by impaired pressure in the eyeball Origin: Greek glaucoma, ‘cataract’ Sentence: Glaucoma is a serious disease and should be treated very early.
GLOCKENSPIEL 'glok(ə)nspēl / 'glok(ə)nshpēl
n. musical instrument with bars played with hammers Origin: German Glocken (‘bell’) + spiel (‘play’) Sentence: The glockenspiel is not a popular instrument today.
GLOSSITIS glo'sītis
n. inflammation of the tongue Origin: Greek glossa, ‘tongue’ Sentence: Her severe mouth ache was diagnosed as glossitis.
GLOXINIA glok'siniə
n. type of tropical plant with large bell-like flowers Origin: Named after P B Gloxin, 18th century botanist Sentence: The gloxinia is in full bloom!
GLUTINOUS 'glootinəs
adj. sticky; like glue Origin: Latin gluten, ‘glue’ Sentence: Flour and water will mix into a glutinous paste.
GLYCOLYSIS glī'kolisis
n. breakdown of glucose (sugar) by enzymes Origin: Greek Prefix glyco (‘sugar’) + suffix lysis (‘breaking down’) Sentence: Glycolysis takes place in most living organisms to release energy.
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FINAL WORDS GOULASH 'goolash
n. Hungarian dish of stewed beef and vegetables Origin: Hungarian gulyas (‘herdsman’) + hus (‘meat’) Sentence: This restaurant serves a delicious goulash.
GOURMET 'gůrmā / 'gormā
n. a connoisseur of good food Origin: French gourmet, ‘wine-taster’ Sentence: They engaged a gourmet to select the dishes for the wedding.
GRADUAND 'grajuand / 'gradūand
n. person about to receive an academic degree Origin: Latin graduare, ‘to graduate’ Sentence: The graduand will be awarded a bachelor’s degree.
GRAMINIVOROUS grami'niv(ə)rəs
GRIDIRON 'gridīən
GROTESQUE grō'tesk
GUERDON 'gerdən
GUERRILLA also GUERILLA gə'rilə
adj. concerning animals feeding on grass, cereals, etc Origin: Latin gramen (‘grass’) + suffix vorous ‘feeding in’) Sentence: A cow is a graminivorous animal. n. a frame of iron bars used for grilling food Origin: Middle English, gredire Sentence: Meat for supper was grilled on a gridiron. adj. absurd; monstrous; unnatural; weird Origin: Italian pittura grottesca, ‘cave painting’ Sentence: The children drew pictures of animals that seemed grotesque to the adults. n., v. (poetic use) reward; recompense; to give reward Origin: French gueredon Sentence: He received a silver coin, a guerdon for his efforts. n., adj. member of small independent army; this type of warfare Origin: Spanish, diminutive of guerra, ‘war’ Sentence: He became a guerrilla instead of joining the official army.
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FINAL WORDS GUILLOTINE 'gilətēn
n. machine for beheading; machine for cutting paper Origin: Named after Joseph Guillotin, who proposed its use Sentence: A guillotine is no longer used for execution.
GUSSET
n. a piece of cloth sewn into a garment to strengthen or widen it; a bracket Origin: French gousset, ‘a flexible joint in an armour’ Sentence: She sewed a gusset into the waist in order to make it fit.
'gûsit
GYNAECOLOGIST or GYNECOLOGIST gīni'koləjist / jīni'koləjist
n. specialist doctor concerned with the reproductive organs of women Origin: Greek Sentence: The woman went to see her gynaecologist for her menstrual problem.
GYNANDROMORPH
n. individual (especially insect) having male and female physical characteristics ji'nandrəmorf / gī'nandrəmorf Origin: Greek guandros, ‘of double sex’ Sentence: Some insects maybe classified as a gynandromorph GYRUS 'jīrəs
n. convolution, especially of the brain Origin: Latin gyros, ‘circle, ring’ Sentence: The medical students studied the brain’s gyrus.
H HACIENDA hasi'endə
n. (mainly in Spanish-speaking countries) an estate or plantation with dwelling house or factory Origin: Spanish from Latin facienda, ‘things to be done’ Sentence: The family lived comfortably on their hacienda.
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FINAL WORDS HAEMOGLOBIN or HEMOGLOBIN hēmə'glōbin / hemə'glōbin
n. protein in red blood cells that carries the oxygen Origin: Shortened from haemato + globulin/Greek haima, ‘blood’ Sentence: If your haemoglobin count is low you are anemic.
HAEMORRHAGE or HEMORRHAGE 'hemərij
n. profuse bleeding; persistent and severe loss Origin: Greek haimorrhagia, ‘bursting of blood’ Sentence: The patient was rushed to the hospital because of the haemorrhage from her injuries.
HALLUCINATION n. illusion; fantasy; figment of the imagination həloosi'nāshən / həlūsi'nāshən Origin: Latin (h)allucinari, ‘to wander in mind’ Sentence: He said that he was seeing and hearing things, but it was only hallucination. HAPLOGRAPHY hap'logrəfi
HARANGUE hə'raŋ
HARMONIUM har'mōniəm
HEORTOLOGY ior'toləji HETEROGENEOUS het(ə)rə'jēniəs het(ə)rə'jeniəs het(ə)rō'jēniəs
n. (in writing) accidental omission of letters when these are repeated in a word Origin: Greek haplous (‘single’) + suffix graphy Sentence: An example of haplography is seen in the writing of ‘philophy’ instead of ‘philosophy’ n., v. lengthy and earnest speech; to make a harangue Origin: Latin harenga Sentence: The Staff was subjected to a harangue that lasted for full fifteen minutes. n. keyboard instrument in which notes are produced by air blown through reeds Origin: Latin harmonia, ‘harmony’ Sentence: This chapel still has a harmonium, which the organist plays on Sundays. n. Study of church festivals Origin: Greek Sentence: As a major in heortology, she attends many different types of church festivals adj. composed of many different kinds; diverse Origin: Greek heteros (‘other’) + genos (‘kind’) Sentence: There was a heterogeneous mass of papers to be sorted.
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FINAL WORDS HIEROGLYPHICS hīrə'glifiks
HOMOIOTHERMIC homoyō'θermik
n. ancient Egyptian writings Origin: Greek hiero (‘sacred’) + gluphe, ‘carving’ Sentence: Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics make difficult reading for modern people. adj. warm-blooded; maintaining constant body temperature Origin: Greek homoios (‘like’) + therme (‘heat’) Sentence: Warm-blooded organisms are normally homoiothermic.
HOMOLOGATE hə'moləgāt
v. to approve, ratify, pass; acknowledge; confirm Origin: Greek homologos, ‘agreeing’ Sentence: There is a system to homologate cars for the race.
HOROLOGY
n. the art or study of making clocks, watches etc, and of measuring time Origin: Greek hora (‘time’) + suffix ology (‘study of’) Sentence: Students of horology are engaged in an uncommon area of study.
ho'roləji
HYDRANGEA hī'drānjə/ -žə HYDRAULIC hī'drawlik / hī'drolik
HYDROCEPHALUS hīdrə'sef(ə)ləs / -kef
HYDROPATHY hī'dropəθi
n. Shrub having clusters of white, pink or blue flowers Origin: Latin Sentence: The cool weather facilitates the blooming of the hydrangea adj. concerning or moved by the pressure of water or other liquids Origin: Greek hydro (‘water’) + aulos (‘pipe’) Sentence: A hydraulic engine uses the motion or pressure of fluids to produce power. n. Accumulation of fluid in the brain Origin: Greek Sentence: Hydrocephalus is usually a congenital condition that leads to an enlarged head and mental retardation n. treatment of a disease or illness by using large amounts of water internally and externally Origin: Greek Sentence: The doctor administered hydropathy as part of the treatment.
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FINAL WORDS HYDROPONICS hīdrə'poniks / hīdrō'poniks
HYPERBOLE hī'perbəli
HYPNOPAEDIA hipnō'pēdiə
n. the practice of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, without using soil Origin: Greek hydro (‘water’) + ponos (‘work, toil’) Sentence: Vegetables grown by hydroponics look and taste like those grown in soil. n. Figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis Origin: Greek Sentence: The phrase ‘I could sleep for a year”, is an example of an hyperbole n. Learning by hearing while asleep Origin: Greek Sentence: She was relying on hypnopaedia to pass her exams
HYPOCHONDRIAC
n. sufferer from morbid depression caused by imaginary illness hīpə'kondriak / hīpō'kondriak Origin: Greek hupokhondria Sentence: The hypochondriac is continually complaining of illness. HYPOCRISY hi'pokrisi
n. the practice professing beliefs and standards contrary to one’s own behaviour Origin: Greek hupokrites, ‘actor, hypocrite’ Sentence: A good leader does not practise hypocrisy.
HYRAX 'hīraks
n. type of small mammal Origin: Greek hurax, ‘shrew-mouse’ Sentence: The hyrax is mainly vegetarian but eats also insects and grubs.
HYSTERIA
n. a wild uncontrollable emotion or excitement; disturbance in the nervous system Origin: Greek husterikos, (‘of the womb’ – hysteria in woman believed to originate in the womb) Sentence: It was some time before the hysteria of the crowd could be controlled.
hi'ste:riə
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FINAL WORDS
I IDIOSYNCRASIES idiō'siŋkrəsiz idiə'siŋkrəsiz
n. thoughts or ways of behaving peculiar to a person Origin: Greek idios (‘own’) + synkrasis (‘mixture’) Sentence: Her idiosyncrasies make her stand out among her friends.
IGNORAMUS ignə'rāməs
n. ignorant person Origin: Latin ignorare, ‘to not know, be ignorant’ Sentence: It is unwise to accept the word of an ignoramus.
IMBROGLIO im'brōliō
n. confused situation; misunderstanding or disagreement Origin: Italian imbrogliare, ‘to confuse’ Sentence: His leaving, with no clear successor has caused an imbroglio in the party.
IMMANENT 'imənənt
adj. inherent; in-dwelling; remaining within Origin: Latin related to in (‘into, towards’) + maneo (‘remain’) Sentence: There is immanent goodness in everyone.
IMMEDICABLE i'medikəbl
adj. that cannot be healed or cured Origin: Latin Sentence: The doctor diagnosed the patient’s disease as a strange immedicable one.
IMMUNOLOGY imū'noləji
n. study of resistance to infection in man and animals Origin: Latin immunis, ‘exempt from public service’ Sentence: The young doctor is specializing in immunology.
IMPASSE
n. deadlock; position from which progress is impossible Origin: Prefix im + French passes, ‘to pass’ Sentence: The negotiations came to an impasse which delayed progress for many months.
am'pa:s
IMPECUNIOUS impi'kūniəs
adj. having little or no money Origin: Latin im (‘not’) + pecuniosus, ‘having money’) Sentence: In my impecunious state I can’t even pay my bills.
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FINAL WORDS
IMPIOUS 'impiəs / im'pīəs
adj. not pious (reverent); wicked; profane Origin: Latin impius Sentence: Even the most impious person can be changed.
IMPORTUNATE adj.v. persistent; pressing im'portūnət / im'portūnāt Origin: Latin importunus, ‘inconvenient’ Sentence: The importunate beggar persisted until he got enough. IMPROBITY im'prōbiti / im'probiti IMPROMPTU im'prom(p)tū
IMPUGN im'pūn
n. wickedness; dishonesty; lack of moral integrity Origin: Latin improbitas Sentence: Such improbity is almost unforgivable! adj. without preparation or rehearsal Origin: Latin in promptu, ‘in readiness’ Sentence: The student staged an impromptu concert after their exams. v. to challenge or question; to criticize Origin: Latin impugnare, ‘to fight against’ Sentence: That statement suggests that you impugn my integrity
INAPPELLABLE inə'peləbl
adj. that cannot be appealed against Origin: Latin Sentence: The court declared the case inappellable.
INCAPACITATE inkə'pasitāt
v. to make incapable or unfit (for work etc) Origin: Latin Sentence: As for his job, the wearing of glasses will not incapacitate him.
INCENDIARY in'sendyəri
INCERTITUDE in'sertitūd
adj. Causing fire; containing chemicals that produce hot fire Origin: Latin Sentence: An incendiary bomb destroyed the building n. uncertainty; doubt Origin: Latin Sentence: I am approaching the purchase with a great deal of incertitude.
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FINAL WORDS INCHOATE in'kōāt
adj. just begun; undeveloped Origin: Latin incohare, ‘to make a begining’ Sentence: Their inchoate plans will take years to develop.
INCOGNIZANT in'ko(g)nizənt
adj. unaware; unconscious Origin: Middle English Sentence: He carried out the suggestion incognizant of the chance of harmful consequences.
INCOMMENSURATE adj. out of proportion; inadequate inkə'menshərət / inkə'mensyərət Origin: Latin Sentence: That salary is incommensurate with the amount of work done. INDECOROUS in'dek(ə)rəs
adj. improper; in bad taste Origin: Latin Sentence: His indecorous behaviour embarrassed everyone.
INDUBITABLE in'dūbitəbl
adj. that cannot be doubted; unquestionable Origin: Prefix in + Latin dubitare, ‘doubt’ Sentence: He stands on his indubitable reputation for honesty.
INEXPUGNABLE adj. incapable of being taken by force; impregnable inek'spûgnəbl / inik'spûgnəbl Origin: Latin Sentence: A fort is useful only if it is inexpugnable. INFELICITY infi'lisiti
n. inaptness of expression etc; unhappiness; misfortune Origin: Latin infelicitas Sentence: Her writing contains elements of infelicity.
INTERFEROMETER intəfə'romitə
n. instrument for measuring wave–lengths Origin: Middle English Sentence: An interferometer is used in the study of stars and the light they emit.
INVEIGLE in'vēgl / in'vāgl
v. to entice, persuade; to trick into an action Origin: French enve(u)gle, ‘to blind’ Sentence: She must decide independently and not allow you to inveigle her into joining.
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FINAL WORDS IRASCIBLE i'rasibl
adj. hot tempered; easily angered; irritable Origin: Latin irasci, ‘to grow angry’ Sentence: His irascible behaviour does not speak well for a mature person.
ISOSCELES ī'sosilēz
adj. (of a triangle) having two sides equal Origin: Greek isoskeles Sentence: The angles at the base of an isosceles triangle are equal to each other.
J JACQUARD 'jakard / 'jakəd
JETTISONED 'jetisənd / 'jetizənd
JUDAIC joo'dāik
n. apparatus with perforated cards, fitted to a loom to facilitate weaving of patterns Origin: Named after J M Jacquard, French inventor Sentence: She used a jacquard to help her weave the more intricate patterns. v. past tense of jettison (‘to throw overboard ship etc) Origin: French getaison, ‘throw’ Sentence: To lighten the ship they jettisoned clothes and some food. adj. relating to the Jews or Judaism Origin: Latin Judaicus Sentence: The Judaic religion is monotheistic.
JUDICATURE 'joodikəchə / ju'dikəchə
n. judges collectively; the administration of justice Origin: Latin judicare, ‘to judge’ Sentence: The judicature is responsible for administering justice.
JUGGERNAUT
n. large heavy motor vehicle; huge overwhelming force or object Origin: Sanskrit Jagannatha, ‘lord of the world’ Sentence: A juggernaut is a powerful force.
'jûgənawt JUJUBE 'joojoob
n. a type of sweet; type of plant; its berry-like fruits Origin: Latin jujuba Sentence: Jujube is a fruit-flavoured sweet with a jelly-like texture.
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FINAL WORDS JURISPRUDENCE jůris'proodəns
n. science or philosophy of law; skill in law Origin: Latin jus juris, ‘law’ + prudential, ‘knowledge’ Sentence: Lawyers and judges are specialists in jurisprudence.
JUSTICIARIES jû'stish(ə)riz
n. administrators of justice Origin: Latin justus, ‘right, proper’ Sentence: Lawyers, judges and jury are justiciaries of the country.
JUVENILIA joovə'niliə
n. works produced by an author or artist in youth Origin: Latin juvenilis, ‘juvenile things’ Sentence: The author’s juvenila may not be as inspiring as her mature writings.
JUXTAPOSITION jûkstəpə'zishən
n. placing side by side or close together Origin: Latin juxta, ‘next, beside’ Sentence: The juxtaposition of the two contrasting colours creates an interesting effect
K KABUKI kə'booki
n. form of popular traditional Japanese drama Origin: Japanese ka (‘song’) + bu (‘dance’) + ki (‘art’) Sentence: In the traditional Japanese kabuki, the acting is done by males only.
KARAOKE
n. a form of entertainment in which people sing popular songs against a pre-recorded backing Origin: Japanese karaoke, ‘empty orchestra’ Sentence: Hotel guests seem to enjoy karaoke, even if they themselves do not sing.
kari'ōki / karə'ōki
KEDGEREE 'kejərē
n. type of Indian rice dish; a similar European dish Origin: Hindi khichri, a dish of rice and sesame Sentence: The Indian kedgeree is prepared with rice, split pulse, onions, eggs and other ingredients.
KERATITIS kerə'tītis
n. inflammation of the cornea of the eye Origin: Greek Sentence: An ophthalmologist diagnosed the condition as keratitis, and prescribed treatment.
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FINAL WORDS KIBBUTZNIK ki'butsnik
KINKAJOU 'kiŋkəjoo
n. a member of the communal farming settlement in Israel igin: Yiddish (from kibbus, ‘kibbutz’) Sentence: The kibbutznik has agreed to move to the industrialized city. n. type of nocturnal fruit-eating mammal living in trees Origin: French quincajou Sentence: The kinkajou is a member of the raccoon family.
KLEPTOMANIAC kleptō'māniək kleptə'māniək
n. person with a morbid tendency to steal for the sake of stealing Origin Greek kleptes, ‘thief’ Sentence: A kleptomaniac may receive professional help to control the compulsion to steal.
KOOKABURRA
n. an Australian kingfisher (bird) Origin: Aboriginal guguburra Sentence: The kookaburra is known for its strange cry, like someone laughing.
'kukəbûrə
L LACTIFEROUS lak'tif(ə)rəs
LASAGNE(-GNA) lə'zanyə / -sanyə / -sa:nyə LEUKAEMIA or LEUKEMIA loo'kēmiə
adj. yielding, conveying, secreting milk or milky fluid Origin: Related to lactic – Latin lac lactis, ‘milk’ Sentence: The female mammal is equipped with lactiferous organs for nursing purposes. n. Pasta in the form of sheets and wide ribbons Origin: Itakian Sentence: It was a delicious meal of lasagne and cheese sauce n. malignant disease affecting the bone marrow Origin: Greek leukos (‘white’) + haima (‘blood’) Sentence: Cure for and protection against leukaemia are hopefully, near.
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FINAL WORDS LEXICOGRAPHY leksi'kogrəfi
n. the compiling of dictionaries Origin: Greek lexis (‘word’) + graphein (‘to write’) Sentence: Publishers of good dictionaries must engage experts in lexicography.
LIAISE li'āz
v. to establish cooperation; act as a link Origin: Latin ligare, ‘to bind, put together’ Sentence: The team project requires that we liaise with one another and meet when necessary.
LIBIDINOUS li'bidinəs
adj. lustful Origin: Related to Latin libido, ‘lust’ Sentence: People claim to have long observed a libidinous behaviour in the rapist.
LICENTIOUS
adj. Lacking moral discipline; having no regard for accepted rules or standards Origin: Latin Sentence: Due to his licentious behaviour, he was thrown in jail
lī'senshəs
LINGERIE 'lãž(ə)ri
n. women’s underwear and nightclothes Origin: French linge, ‘linen’ Sentence: She buys and wears only the most exquisite lingerie.
LITHOTOMY li'θotəmi
n. surgical cutting into bladder to remove stone Origin: Greek lithotomia / Prefix litho (‘stone’) + suffix tomy (‘surgery’) Sentence: The surgeon performed a lithotomy to remove the stone from the urinary tract.
LOOFAH or LUFFA
n. vine producing gourd-like fruit; the dried fruit used as a sort of bathing sponge Origin: Egyptian Arabic lufa Sentence: Some people prefer loofah to wash rags for bathing.
'loofə
LOQUACIOUS lo'kwāshəs
adj. talkative; (birds etc) babbling, chattering Origin: Latin loqui, ‘to speak’ Sentence: Little children are among the most loquacious of people.
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FINAL WORDS LUCUBRATION lookū'brāshən lūkū'brāshən
n. meditation, study esp. at night Origin: Latin lucubrare, ‘to work by lamplight’ Sentence: Lucubration involves laborious study especially at night.
LUDICROUS 'loodikrəs 'lūdikrəs
adj. absurd; ridiculous; laughable Origin: Latin ludicrum, ‘stage play’ Sentence: Everyone laughed at the ludicrous suggestion.
LUGUBRIOUS lu'goobriəs
adj. doleful; dismal; mournful Origin: Latin lugere, ‘mourn’ Sentence: A lugubrious sound drifted in from a distance.
M MACABRE mə'ka:br(ə)
adj. grim, gruesome Origin: French danse macabre, ‘dance of death’ Sentence: She was scared at the sight of that macabre looking character.
MACHISMO mə'chizmō mə'kizmō
n. (show of) virility or courage; masculine pride Origin: Mexican Spanish macho, ‘male’ Sentence: That was an act of bravery as well as machismo.
MALADROIT 'malədroyt
adj. clumsy; bungling; tactless Origin: French mal, ‘bad’ Sentence: Such maladroit handling was doomed to failure.
MALARKEY mə'larki
n. humbug; nonsense Origin: Uncertain Sentence: It’s a waste of time to listen to all this malarkey.
MALEFACTOR 'malifaktə
n. criminal; evil-doer Origin: Latin male ‘badly’ facio fact ‘do with’ Sentence: A malefactor is on trial for an offence.
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FINAL WORDS MALEVOLENT mə'lev(ə)lənt
adj. wishing or desirous of doing evil to others Origin: Latin male (‘bad’) + volens (‘wish’) Sentence: A malevolent person is the opposite of a benevolent one.
MANOEUVRE or MANEUVER mə'noovə
v. to drive, manipulate person or thing by deceit Origin: Latin manu operor ‘work with the hand’ Sentence: The trickster plans to manoeuvre his way into the unsuspecting group.
MAQUETTE
n. Sculptor’s small preliminary model in wax or clay Origin: Italian Sentence: An art collector who was unable to get the final sculpture, happily paid a large sum for the maquette
ma'ket
MASTECTOMY ma'stektəmi
n. surgical removal of a breast Origin: Greek mastos ‘breast’ Sentence: Mastectomy is one treatment for breast cancer.
MATRIARCHY
n. social organization in which mother is head of the family Origin: Related to patriarch – Latin mater ‘mother’ Sentence: In Jamaica, instances of matriarchy are more evident than of patriarchy.
'mātriarki
MEGALOPOLIS megə'lop(ə)lis
n. great city or its way of life; an urban complex Origin: Prefix mega (‘large’) + Greek polis (‘city’) Sentence: Life is far more busy and exciting in the megalopolis than in the small town.
MELIORISM
n. doctrine that the world may be made better by human effort Origin: Latin melior ‘better’ Sentence: His belief in meliorism is unshaken.
'mēliərizm MEMOIRS 'memwa:z / 'memwawz
n. autobiography; record of events written from personal knowledge or special sources Origin: Latin memoria ‘mindful’ Sentence: He plans to write his memoirs soon after his retirement.
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FINAL WORDS MUNIFICENCE mū'nifisəns
n. Splendid generosity; extreme kindness Origin: Latin Sentence: Several charities survive on your munificence
N NARCISSISM 'narsisizm / nar'sisizm
NASCENT 'nasənt / 'nāsənt
NASTURTIUM nə'stershəm
NECESSITOUS ni'sesitəs
n. excessive love for oneself; tendency to self-worship Origin: Named after Greek Narkissos who fell in love with his reflection Sentence: He’s so preoccupied with himself that he is likely to be accused of narcissism. adj. in the act of being born Origin: Latin nascent-, ‘being born’ Sentence: I have a nascent idea, which I will develop soon. n. type of trailing plant Origin: Latin nasturtium, ‘cress’ Sentence: The nasturtium has covered the trellis with yellow trumpet-like flowers. adj. poor; needy; destitute; being essential Origin: Latin necesse, ‘needful’ Sentence: Funds are being raised to provide for the most necessitous in the community.
NEOPHYTES 'nēəfīts / 'nēōfīts
n. new converts especially to a religion; beginners Origin: Greek neophutos, ‘newly planted’ Sentence: Those neophytes will soon develop experience.
NEPHOLOGY ni'foləji
n. study of the clouds Origin: Greek nephos (‘cloud’) + suffix logy (‘study of’) Sentence: He’s a naturalist who is now doing a course in nephology.
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FINAL WORDS NEURITIS nůr'rītis
n. inflammation of the nerves Origin: Greek neuron, ‘nerve Sentence: The doctor diagnosed neuritis and admitted the patient to hospital
NICTITATE 'niktitāt
v. to blink or wink Origin: Latin nictitare, ‘to blink repeatedly’ Sentence: She has a condition that makes her nictitate involuntarily.
NIGRESCENCE
n. Blackness; being dark or blackish Origin: Latin Sentence: I admire the silky nigrescence of the dog’s coat
ni'gresəns / nī'gresəns NIHILISM 'nī(h)ilizm
NOMENCLATURE nə'meŋkləchə / nō'meŋkləchə 'nōmənklāchə
n. rejection of all religious and moral principles; assertion that nothing really exists Origin: Latin nihil ‘nothing’ Sentence: His nihilism has made him rather unpopular with our very religious community. n. a system of naming things; set of names or acts of naming Origin: Latin nomenclatura, ‘list of names’ Sentence: The nomenclature of roads in this country is rather interesting.
NOMOTHETIC nomə'θetik
adj. giving or enacting laws; legislative Origin: Greek nomothetikos Sentence: The committee has administrative as well as nomothetic responsibilities.
NUMISMATICS nūmiz'matiks
n. the study of coins or medals Origin: Greek nomisma, ‘coin’ Sentence: This museum is especially interesting to persons involved in numismatics.
NUNCUPATE 'nûŋkūpāt
v. to declare (a will etc) orally Origin: Latin nuncupare, ‘to name’ Sentence: Granddad had to nuncupate his will as he could not write.
NYCTALOPIA
n. The inability to see in dim light or at night Origin: Greek Sentence: Because of his nyctalopia, he does not drive at nights
niktə'lōpiə
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FINAL WORDS NYMPHOLEPT 'nimfəlept
n. person inspired by violent enthusiasm for an ideal Origin: Greek numpholeptos ‘caught by nymphs’ Sentence: A nympholept lives in a world of dreams.
O OBLIGATORY ə'bligət(ə)ri OBNUBILATE ob'nūbilāt OBSCURANT ob'skůrənt
OBSTREPEROUS əb'strep(ə)rəs
adj. compulsory; binding Origin: Latin obligare, ‘to bind’ Sentence: Paying of taxes is obligatory. v. to cloud cover; (literary) to darken or obscure Origin: Latin obnubilare, ‘to cover with clouds’ Sentence: Dark clouds almost omnubilate the sun. n., adj. an opposer of reform and enlightenment; of or relating to an obscurant Origin: Latin obscurus, ‘dark’ Sentence: An old obscurant like you would like to return to live in the past, wouldn’t you? adj. turbulent; unruly; hard to control Origin: Latin strepere, ‘to make a noise’ Sentence: The obstreperous members had to be sent out of the meeting.
OCELOT 'osilot / ōslot
n. medium-sized wild cat Origin: Aztec ocelotl, ‘jaguar’ Sentence: The ocelot has dark yellow fur with black stripes and spots.
OCHLOPHOBIA
n. Abnormal fear of crowds Origin: Greek Sentence: Her ochlophobia prevented her from visiting Honk Kong
oklə'fōbiə OCTENNIAL ok'teniəl
OCULARIST 'okūlərist
adj. occurring every eight years; lasting eight years Origin: Latin octennium, ‘period of eight years’ Sentence: The octennial celebrations were held at the same venue. n. maker of artificial eyes Origin: Latin oculus, ‘eye’ Sentence: An ocularist makes and supplies artificial eyes.
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FINAL WORDS
OLEACEOUS ōli'āshəs
adj. Belonging to a family of trees and shrubs that include the olive, jasmine and ash Origin: Latin Sentence: The olive is an oleaceous plant
ONOMATOPOEIC
adj. adjective from ‘onomatopoeia’ (formation or use of a word from the sound it depicts) onəmatə'pēik / onōmatə'pēik Origin: Greek onomatopoiia, ‘word-making’ Sentence: Words such as ‘swish’, ‘buff’, ‘buzzing’ convey an onomatopoeic effect. OPPROBRIOUS ə'prōbriəs
adj. (of language) severely scornful; abusive Origin: Latin probrum, ‘disgraceful act’ Sentence: Such opprobrious tone and manner were quite unnecessary and unkind.
OSCITATION osi'tāshən
n. yawning; drowsiness; inattention; negligence Origin: Latin oscitare, ‘to gape, yawn’) Sentence: Oscitation after lunch is common in the office.
OSTEOPOROSIS ostiōpə'rōsis
n. condition of brittle, fragile bones from loss of tissue Origin: Greek Sentence: Certain deficiencies in older people sometimes lead to osteoporosis.
P PARADIGM 'paradīm
PARONYMOUS pə'roniməs
n. An example that serves as a pattern or model Origin: Greek Sentence: The student used the case study as a paradigm for his project adj. Allied by derivation from the same root Origin: Greek Sentence: The words beautiful and beauteous are paronymous
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FINAL WORDS PAROXYSM 'parəksizm
n.
Sudden attack or outburst; a fit of disease Origin: Greek Sentence: The speaker’s mispronunciation and misuse of words caused a paroxysm of giggling in the class
PAROTITIS parə'tītis
n. mumps; inflammation of salivary gland Origin: Latin Sentence: Mumps, or parotitis, is a painful illness.
PARTURITION partůr'rishən
n. childbirth; the act of bringing forth children Origin: Latin parturire, ‘to be in labour’ Sentence: Parturition, or childbirth is painful but has pleasant results.
PATOIS 'patwa:
n. dialect belonging to a region Origin: French Sentence: Jamaican creole is often referred to as patois.
PAUCITY 'pawsiti
n. scantiness; smallness of number or quantity Origin: Latin paucus, ‘few’ Sentence: The country has done well considering the paucity of its resources.
PEDAGOGY 'pedəgogi / 'pedəgoji
n. science of teaching (from pedagogue, ‘teacher’) Origin: Greek paidagogos, ‘a child’s tutor’ Sentence: To become a certified teacher, he has to do courses in pedagogy.
PENOLOGY
n. study of the punishment of crime and of prison management Origin: Latin poena, ‘penalty’ Sentence: The prison administrator was well versed in penology.
pi'noləji
PENURIOUS pi'nůriəs
adj. poor; scanty; stingy Origin: Latin penuria, ‘penury, poverty’ Sentence: The poor people had difficulty surviving on such penurious supplies.
PEREMPTORY pə'rem(p)t(ə)ri 'perim(p)t(ə)ri
adj. final; admitting no denial or refusal Origin: Latin peremptorius, ‘decisive’ Sentence: The judge gave a peremptory order for his immediate arrest.
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FINAL WORDS PERIODONTICS periə'dontiks
PERTINACIOUS perti'nāshəs
PHAGOCYTOSIS fagəsī'tōsis / fagōsī'tōsis
PHARMACEUTICAL farmə'sūtikəl
PHLEGM 'flem
n. branch of dentistry concerned with structures that surround and support teeth Origin: Greek Sentence: The young dentist is specializing in periodontics. adj. stubborn; persistent Origin: Latin pertineo, ‘belong to’ Sentence: We were detained by a pertinacious salesman from whom there was little escape. n. (scientific use) consumption of bacteria by certain cells Origin: Greek phagein, ‘to consume’ Sentence: Phagocytosis is the ingestion of bacteria by phagocyte cells. adj. of or engaged in pharmacy; use or sale of medicinal drugs Origin: Greek pharmakon, ‘drug’ Sentence: Many local shrubs have been found to be of pharmaceutical value. n. thick substance discharged by nose or throat when one has a cold; a kind of personality Origin: Greek phlegma, ‘inflammation’ Sentence: Someone with a heavy cold will probably cough up a lot of phlegm.
PISE or PISEE 'pēzā / 'pize
n. rammed clay or earth (and gravel) as building material Origin: French piser, ‘to beat down (earth)’ Sentence: Pise has been used historically to build huts and quite formidable structures.
PORNOCRACY por'nokrəsi
n dominance of a government by prostitutes Origin: Greek porne (‘prostitute’) + suffix cracy Sentence: With prostitutes having more of a say in the affairs of this country, it will not be long before we have a pornocracy.
PORTATIVE 'portətiv
adj. portable; serving to carry or support Origin: Latin portare, ‘carry’ Sentence: The missionaries travelled with a small portative organ for playing at open air services.
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FINAL WORDS PORTRAITIST 'portritist
n. one who paints or takes pictures (portraits) Origin: French portraire, ‘to depict’ Sentence: The portrait was done by an expert portraitist.
PROBOSCIS
n. Long flexible snout, elongated mouth parts or sucking organs of some animals Origin: Greek Sentence: The elephant has a long proboscis
prō'bosis PROGNOSTICATE prog'nostikāt
v. to foretell; indicate Origin: Latin prognosticare, ‘to predict’ Sentence: Let us wait on the results and not try to prognosticate events.
PROLEPSIS
n. anticipation and answering of possible objections in a rhetorical speech Origin: Greek prolepsis, ‘anticipate’ Sentence: A good speaker might employ prolepsis as a powerful rhetorical device.
prō'lepsis / prō'lēpsis
PROSELYTE 'prosilīt PUISSANCE 'pūsəns / 'pwēsəns /'pwisəns
PUSILLANIMOUS pūsi'laniməs
n. Person converted from one belief to another Origin: Greek Sentence: She entered the synagogue as a proselyte, renouncing Christianity in favour of Judaism n. Competition that tests the horse’s ability to jump large obstacles such as fences Origin: Latin Sentence: In the puissance section of the gymkhana, my horse jumped the highest fence adj.
Lacking courage or determination; timid or Cowardly Origin: Latin Sentence: The chairman was so pusillanimous that he couldn’t take action on any matter of importance
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FINAL WORDS
Q QUADRATURE 'kwodrəchə
QUADRIPLEGIA kwodri'plējə
QUADRUPLICATE kwo'drooplikət kwo'drooplikāt QUERULOUS 'kweruləs / kweryuləs
QUINQUAGENARIAN kwiŋkwəji'ne:riən
QUINTESSENCE kwin'tesəns
n.
The process of making a square or dividing in squares; position of heavenly body in relation to another Origin: Latin Sentence: As a mathematician, he had no problems with quadrature
n. paralysis of hands and feet (all four limbs) Origin: Prefix quadri (‘four’) + Greek plege (‘blow’) Sentence: The quadriplegia resulted from an accident some years ago. adj., v. fourfold; four copies made; to multiply by four Origin: Latin quadruplicare, ‘multiply by four’ Sentence: All the documents had to be copied in quadruplicate for the four persons in the meeting. adj. complaining; peevish; tendency to grumbling Origin: Latin querulus (queri, ‘to complain’) Sentence: Her querulous voice conveyed her feelings to everyone. n., adj. person between age 50 and 59; related to this age Origin: Latin quinquagenerius ‘containing fifty’ Sentence: She is a quinquagenarian, but her brother is already sixty years old. n. the perfect example; purest and most perfect form Origin: Latin quinta essentia, ‘fifth essence Sentence: He is the quintessence of decency and kindness.
R RAMEKIN 'ramikin / 'ramkin
n. a small dish for baking and serving an individual portion of food; the food served Origin: French ramequin Sentence: A ramekin dish will be enough for supper. Page 48 of 77
FINAL WORDS RAMBUNCTIOUS ram'bûŋkshəs RANCOUR or RANCOR 'raŋkə RAPACIOUS rə'pāshəs
adj. Boisterous and disorderly Origin: North American Sentence: The rambunctious child was sent out of the class n. long-lasting feeling of bitterness, dislike hatred Origin: Latin rancor, related to ‘rancid’ Sentence: Her bitterness had developed into a kind of rancour that was painful to observe. adj. grasping; extortionate; predatory Origin: Latin rapere, ‘to seize’ Sentence: The action of some business people is unfair and rapacious.
RAPPORT ra'por
n. relationship or communication; emotional bond Origin: French rapproacher, ‘to bring back’ Sentence: Students learn best when there is good rapport between class and teacher.
RAPPROCHEMENT
n. establishment or resumption of harmonious relations especially between states Origin: French rapproacher, ‘to bring back’ Sentence: Efforts are being made to achieve a rapprochement between the parties.
ra'proshmã
RAREFIED 're:rifīd
adj. (air etc) purified; less dense Origin: Latin rarefacere, ‘to make rare’ Sentence: Many people appreciate the rarefied air of our mountain tops.
RATATOUILLE ratə'tooi / ratə'twē
n. type of vegetable dish fried and stewed in oil Origin: French touiller, ‘to stir’ Sentence: Ratatouille is a favourite with vegetarians.
RECIDIVISM
n. a relapse into crime; the habit of turning back to crime Origin: Latin recidivus, ‘falling back’ Sentence: Persons freed from prison often need help lest recidivism should set in.
ri'sidivizm
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FINAL WORDS RECONNAISSANCE ri'konisəns
RECONNOITRE or RECONNOITER rekə'noytə
REFECTORY ri'fekt(ə)ri
REFLEXOLOGY rēflek'soləji
n. a survey of a region to get information (about an enemy, weather conditions etc) Origin: Latin recognoscere, ‘to explore, recognize’ Sentence: The army sent out a reconnaissance to establish the position of the enemy. v.n. to make a reconnaissance (survey of an area for information); a reconnaissance Origin: Latin recognoscere, ‘to explore, recognize’ Sentence: An aeroplane has gone to reconnoitre the hurricane and report on it n. room used for communal meals, especially in a monastery or college Origin: Latin reficere, ‘to refresh’ Sentence: Residents were required to eat all meals in the refectory. n. a system of massage through reflex points on hands, feet and head, to relieve tension and cure illnesses Origin: Latin reflexus, ‘bent back’ Sentence: Treatment by reflexology is helpful for some mental and physical conditions.
REITERATION riitə'rāshən
v. said or done again or repeatedly Origin: Latin reiterates, ‘repeated’ Sentence: Reiteration of words and their spelling is a good method of learning to spell.
RENAISSANCE
n. a revival (of art, literature, etc) similar to that of the historic Renaissance Period Origin: French renaissance, ‘rebirth’ Sentence: These strikingly unusual paintings may lead the way toward a renaissance in art.
'rənesãs / ri'nāsəns
RENDEZVOUS 'rondāvoo / 'rondivoo
REPERTOIRE 'repertwar / 'repətwa:
n. a meeting by arrangement; an agreed or regular meeting place Origin: French serendre, ‘to present oneself’ Sentence: They agreed to a rendezvous in an alcove nearby. n. a stock of plays, music, writings, etc Origin: French repertoire Sentence: The performer selected several pieces from his extensive repertoire of songs
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FINAL WORDS
REPETITEUR repeti'ter
n. tutor or coach of opera singers, ballet dancers, etc Origin: French repetiteur Sentence: A repetiteur is an important member of the opera company.
RESIDUUM
n. a substance left after combustion, evaporation, or distillation; residue Origin: Latin residere, ‘to stay behind’ Sentence: The residuum from the solution is at the bottom of the jar.
ri'zidūəm
RHAPSODY 'rapsədi
RHETORIC 'retərik
RHEUMATISM 'roomətizm
RHINOCEROS rī'nos(ə)rəs
RHIZOMES 'rīzōmz
n. an ecstatic utterance; piece of music in one extended movement, usually emotional Origin: Greek rhapsoidia ‘to sew the song together’ Sentence: The audience went into a rhapsody over the brilliant performance. n. the art of persuasion; language designed to persuade or impress Origin: Greek rhetorike ‘(the art of) rhetoric’ Sentence: The speaker’s rhetoric impressed everyone. n. disease marked by inflammation of and pain in joints, muscles etc Origin: Greek rheumatismos Sentence: She can hardly walk because of the rheumatism in her legs. n. large thick-skinned mammal with one or two horns on the snout Origin: Greek rhinos (‘nose’) + keras (‘horn’) Sentence: The hunters did not try to capture the rhinoceros. n. underground root-like stems bearing both roots and shoots Origin: Greek rhizoma (rhiza, ‘root’) Sentence: Plants such as ginger and turmeric are rhizomes.
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FINAL WORDS
RHODIUM 'rōdiəm
n. a hard white metallic element of the platinum group Origin: Greek rhodon, ‘rose’, from the colour of its salts in solution Sentence: Rhodium is used in making alloys and in plating jewellery.
RHODODENDRON
n. type of shrub with large clusters of bell-shaped flowers Origin: Greek rhodon, ‘rose’ Sentence: The garden has come to life with the blooms of the rhododendron!
rōdə'dendrən
RHOMBOIDEUS rom'boydiəs
RHUBARB 'roobarb
RICOCHET 'rikəshā / 'rikəshet
ROSACEOUS rō'zāshəs
ROTTWEILERS 'rotwīləs / 'rotvīləs RUBICUND 'roobikənd
n. A muscle connecting the shoulder blade to the Vertebrae Origin: Latin Sentence: My rhomboideus often gets knotted and sore after sitting and waiting for long periods n. type of plant producing fleshy leaf stalks cooked as food; the stalks Origin: Latin rhabarbarum, ‘foreign rhubarb’ Sentence: My friend used to bake the most delicious rhubarb pies. v., n. to rebound off a surface; rebounding of bullet etc off a surface Origin: French Sentence: Thrown from that angle the pebble will only ricochet off the window. adj. belonging to the rose family or resembling a rose Origin: Latin rosa, ‘rose’ Sentence: The rose, the apple, the plum, the blackberry are members of the rosaceous family. n. members of a breed of large powerful dogs, black and tan in colour Origin: Named after Rottweil, a town in Germany Sentence: Rottweilers are good watchdogs. adj. (face, complexion, etc) red; rosy; ruddy Origin: Latin rubicundus (rubere, ‘red’) Sentence: The sunny climate has given her a beautiful rubicund complexion.
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FINAL WORDS RUDIMENTARY roodi'ment(ə)ri
RYOKAN ri'ōkan
adj. fundamental; basic or learnt first; not yet developed Origin: Latin rudis, ‘unformed’ Sentence: Everybody needs at least rudimentary knowledge of mathematics. n. Traditional Japanese inn Origin; Japanese Sentence: The students slept in a ryokan
S SABOTEUR sabə'ter
SAPONACEOUS sapə'nāshəs
SCHIZOPHRENIA skitsə'frēniə / skitsō'frēniə skidzə'frēniə / skidzō'frēniə SCRUMPTIOUS 'skrûm(p)shəs
SEGUE 'segwā SEPULCHRAL si'pûlkrəl
n. one who commits sabotage or undermines Origin: French saboter, ‘to destroy, sabotage’ Sentence: With so many things going wrong in the business one had to conclude that a saboteur was at work adj. containing or resembling soap; soapy Origin: Latin sapo-onis, ‘soap’ Sentence: This substance may be saponaceous but is not pure soap. n. mental disorder in which one has a split personality Origin: Greek schizein (‘to split’) + phren (‘mind’) Sentence: His schizophrenia is often mistaken for madness. adj. (colloquial) delightful; delicious; pleasing Origin: Uncertain Sentence: The children are enjoying their scrumptious snacks. v. To make a smooth transition from one condition to another Origin: Italian Sentence: Daylight will segue into night adj. of a tomb or burial; funereal or suggestive of tomb Origin: Latin sepulcrum, ‘burial place, sepulcre’ Sentence: That sepulchral mound indicates the place where the dead cat was buried.
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FINAL WORDS SERVIETTE servi'et
n. a napkin for use at the table Origin: French servir, ‘to serve’ Sentence: At dinner one uses a serviette to wipe fingers.
SESQUIPEDALIAN
n. A long word Origin: Latin Sentence: Antidisestablishmentarianism is a sesquipedalian
eskwipi'dāliən SETIFEROUS si'tif(ə)rəs
SILHOUETTE silu'et
adj. having bristles Origin: Latin sela, ‘bristle’ Sentence: A pig’s coat could be described as setiferous in appearance and feel. n., v. profile; shadow-like sketch of a person or thing; to represent something in silhouette Origin: Named after French author and politician, Etienne de Silhouette Sentence: The artist sketched the figures in silhouette, using black on white paper.
SLEUTH 'slooθ
n., v. (informal) detective; bloodhound; to track or follow Origin: Abbreviation of sleuthhound (a dog trained to trap people) Sentence: A private sleuth has been engaged to help with the investigations.
SOUFFLE
n. adj. Light spongy dish made with egg yolks / light and Frothy Origin: French Sentence: The most tasty of the dishes was a cheese soufflé from the school canteen
'sooflā
SPECIOUS 'spēshəs
adj. misleading; apparently true though lacking merit Origin: Latin speciosus, ‘beautiful’ Sentence: Their first report to the investors was filled with specious accounts of what they had accomplished.
STACCATO
adj., n. (music) played with each sound or note sharply detached, for effect; a staccato piece etc Origin: Italian staccare, ‘to detach’ Sentence: The staccato notes added an interesting quality to the music.
stə'ka:tō
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FINAL WORDS STRABISMUS strə'bizməs
n. a squint; non-alignment on one’s eyes Origin: Greek strabos, ‘squinting’ Sentence: Strabismus is a medical condition in which one or both eyes are not correctly aligned.
STRYCHNINE
n. deadly poison obtained from the seeds of certain plants. Origin: Greek strychnos ‘nightshade’ Sentence: Strychnine is a highly poisonous substance.
'striknēn / 'striknin
SUDATORY 'sūdət(ə)ri / 'soodət(ə)ri
adj; n. promoting perspiration; a sudatory drug Origin: Latin sudare, ‘sweat’ Sentence: This excessive perspiration may be the effect of using sudatory drugs.
SUPEREROGATION soopərerə'gāshən sūpərerə'gāshən
n. the performance of more than duty requires Origin: Latin supererogare, ‘to suspend above the limit’ Sentence: Works of supererogation are specially valued.
SUSCEPTIBILITY
n. vulnerability; the state of being impressionable or easily influenced Origin: Latin susceptibilis, ‘take up’ Sentence: Your susceptibility to colds makes it necessary that you take precautions.
səsepti'biliti
SYCAMINE 'sikəmin / 'sikəmīn SYCOPHANCY 'sikəfansi SYZYGY 'siziji
n. A black mulberry tree Origin: Greek Sentence: From the top of the sycamine tree, he could see everything n. Self-seeking or servile flattery Origin: Greek Sentence: You may use persuasion, but don’t stoop to sycophancy to get you the job n. (astronomy) conjunction or opposition of the moon with the sun; pair of connected things, etc Origin: Greek suzugos, ‘yoked, paired’ Sentence: Syzygy in the sun-earth-moon system occurs at the time of full and new moon.
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FINAL WORDS
T TACITURN 'tasitern
adj. reserved in speech; uncommunicative Origin: Latin taciturnus (tacitus, ‘silent’) Sentence: That taciturn fellow is a bit of an introvert.
TEETOTALLER tē'tōtələ
n. ones who does not take alcoholic drinks Origin: Reduplication of total Latin Sentence: Do not offer him alcohol; he’s a teetotaller
TELEGRAPHY
n. science or practice of communicating by telegraph (signals transmitted by wire) Origin: Greek Sentence: Some post offices will send urgent messages for customers by telegraphy.
ti'legrəfi
TEMERARIOUS temə're:riəs TERRAZZO tə'ra:tsō
adj. reckless; rash Origin: Latin temere, ‘rashly’ Sentence: Temerarious acts are often regretted. n. type of smooth flooring material of stone and concrete. Origin: Italian Sentence: Terrazzo is commonly used on floors in home and offices.
TERRIGENOUS te'rijinəs
adj. produced by the earth or the land Origin: Latin terrigenus, ‘earth-born’ Sentence: Much of the sediment at the bottom of the sea is terrigenous deposit from neighbouring lands.
TESTACEOUS
adj. (of shells or shellfish) having a hard continuous outer covering; brick-red colour Origin: Latin testaceus, ‘shell-covered’ Sentence: Shellfish and turtle could be described as testaceous.
te'stāshəs
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FINAL WORDS TETRAHEDRONS tetrə'hēdrəns / tetrə'hedrəns
n. four-sided figures whose sides are triangles; triangular pyramids Origin: Greek tetraedron, ‘four-sided (thing)’ Sentence: The pyramids of Egypt are tetrahedrons.
THEODOLITE θi'odəlīt
n. surveying instrument with rotating telescope Origin: Latin theodolitus Sentence: He needs his theodolite to survey the land.
THERAPEUTIC θerə'pūtik
adj. curative; relating to healing Origin: Greek therapeuein ‘to take care of, heal’ Sentence: He recovered completely after the therapeutic treatments.
THESAURUS θi'sawrəs
n. collection of words and phrases arranged according to sense; dictionary of synonyms Origin: Greek thesauros ‘treasury’ Sentence: In a study of words a thesaurus is usually very useful.
TITUBATION titū'bāshən
n. type of nervous condition causing unsteadiness Origin: Latin titubare, ‘to totter’ Sentence: The neurologist said that he was suffering from titubation.
TONSILLECTOMY tonsi'lektəmi
n. surgical removal of the tonsils Origin: Latin tonsillae (‘tonsils’) + suffix ectomy (‘surgical removal’) Sentence: Because of repeated problems with her tonsils, the patient consented to a tonsillectomy.
TOPONYMY to'ponimi
n. the study of the place and names of a region Origin: Greek topos (‘place’) + onoma (‘name’) Sentence: He came as a tourist but was mostly engaged in toponymy wherever he went.
TORPEFY 'torpifī
v. to make numb or torpid (sluggish, inactive) Origin: Latin torpere, ‘to numb’ Sentence: Read; think; explore; or you’ll torpefy your mind!
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FINAL WORDS TRACASSERIE trə'kas(ə)ri
n. state of annoyance; fuss; petty quarrel Origin: French tracasser, ‘bustle, fuss about’ Sentence: Let’s get over this tracasserie and move on.
TRADUCIANISM
n. Belief that the soul is inherited from the parents along with the body Origin: Latin Sentence: Traducianism is a theological belief
trə'dūshənizm trə'dūsiənizm TRANSHUMANCE trans'hūməns / tranz'hūməns tra:nz'hūməns
TRIGAMOUS 'trigəməs
TRIPTYQUE trip'tēk
TRITURATE 'tritūrāt
n. the practice of seasonal removal of livestock to another region Origin: French transhumer, ‘to change one’s pastures’ Sentence: Transhumance is probably not practised by farmers as much today as it used to be. adj. having three wives or husbands at the same time; thrice married Origin: Greek trigamos / Prefix tri (‘three’) + suffix gamy (‘marriage’) Sentence: In most Western countries it is illegal to be trigamous. n. a custom permit serving as a passport for a motor vehicle Origin: French triptych (the document originally had three parts) Sentence: Modern export and landing papers have probably replaced the triptyque of former years. v. to grind to a fine powder; masticate (chew) thoroughly; triturated substance Origin: Latin triturare, ‘thresh corn’ Sentence: You can triturate coffee beans in a mortar with pestle.
TROUBADOUR 'troobədor
n. type of singer or poet especially on theme of love Origin: French trobar, ‘compose in verse’ Sentence: The early troubadour composed and sang songs about courtly love.
TROUSSEAU 'troosō
n. the clothes collected by a bride for her marriage Origin: French, trousseau ‘ little bundle’ Sentence: There are no stockings and gloves in this bride’s trousseau.
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FINAL WORDS
TRUCULENT 'trûkūlənt
TRUMEAU troo'mō
TSUNAMIS tsoo'na:miz
TUMULTUOUS tū'mûltūəs
adj. aggressively defiant; fierce; quarrelsome Origin: Latin truculentus (trux, ‘fierce’) Sentence: He’s normally calm and agreeable, not so truculent. n. section of a wall or a pillar between two openings (e.g. a pillar dividing a large doorway) Origin: French Sentence: A trumeau divides the wide doorway at the entrance. n. long high sea waves caused by underwater earthquake etc Origin: Japanese tsu (‘harbour’) + nami (‘wave’) Sentence: Several tsunamis were experienced after the devastating earthquake. adj. noisy and enthusiastic; uproarious; disorderly Origin: Latin tumultus, ‘commotion’ Sentence: The football team returned home to a tumultuous welcome.
U UBIQUITOUS ū'bikwitəs
adj. present everywhere simultaneously; common Origin: Latin ubique, ‘everywhere’ Sentence: The ubiquitous air that we breathe consists of several gases.
UKULELE or UKELELE ūkə'lāli
n. a small four-stringed Hawaiian guitar Origin: Hawaiian ukulele, ‘jumping flea’ Sentence: Tyrone plays the ukulele in the band..
UMBELLIFER ûm'belifə
n. type of plant bearing umbels (kind of flower cluster) Origin: Latin umbella, ‘sunshade’ Sentence: Parsley and parsnip are members of the umbellifer family.
UMBRAGE 'ûmbrij
n. resentment; offence; a sense of slight or injury Origin: French ombrage Sentence: It’s unwise to take umbrage at every little offence.
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FINAL WORDS UNCTUOUS 'ûŋktūəs
UNGUICULATE ûŋ'gwikūlət UPROARIOUSLY ûp'rōriəsli
UTILITARIANISM ūtili'te:riənizm
UXORIOUS ûk'soariəs
adj. insincerely charming or unpleasantly flattering; oily, greasy Origin: Latin unctus, ‘anointing’ Sentence: She’s a good person but can be rather unctuous at times. adj. Having claws or nails Origin: Latin Sentence: Cats and dogs are unguiculate pets adv. very noisily; provoking loud laughter Origin: Dutch oproeren, ‘to stir up’ Sentence: The audience laughed uproariously at the extremely funny comedy. n. the doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or beneficial to the majority Origin: Latin utilitas, ‘utility, usefulness’ Sentence: Utilitarianism is an old doctrine to which some people adhere. adj. greatly or excessively fond of one’s wife Origin: Latin uxor, ‘wife’ Sentence: An uxorious husband may be said to be ‘madly in love’ with his wife.
V VACUOUS 'vakūəs
VALET 'valā / 'valit
VALISE və'lēz
adj. empty or lacking expression; unintelligent Origin: Latin vacuus, ‘empty’ Sentence: Instead of an answer, all we received was a vacuous stare. n. a man’s personal attendant; hotel employee with similar duties Origin: French vaslet, ‘page, boy attendant’ Sentence: At the hotel a valet came forward to park the car for us. n. a kitbag; overnight bag or case Origin: Italian valigia Sentence: For the short trip he packed a few items in his valise and left for the airport.
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FINAL WORDS VARIEGATED 've:rigātid / 've:riəgātid
VAUDEVILLE 'vawdəvil / 'vōdəvil
VEHEMENT 'vēimənt
VELOUTE və'lootā
VERISIMILITUDE verisi'militūd
adj. marked with patches of different colours Origin: Latin variegates, ‘made varied’ Sentence: Some garden plants have variegated leaves of two or three colours. n. a kind of entertainment on stage; a kind of song Origin: Named after Vau de vire, birthplace of an early composer Sentence: The concert audience thoroughly enjoyed the vauderville put on as a special feature. adj. showing strong feelings; forceful; ardent Origin: Latin vehemens, ‘eager’ Sentence: They were vehement in their defence of their colleague. n. White sauce made of chicken or fish stock, thickened with flour and butter Origin: French Sentence: The chef made a veloute that enhanced the delicate flavour of the chicken n. Appearance or semblance of being true or real Origin: Latin Sentence: The play was entertaining, but lacked verisimilitude
VERRUCA ve'rookə
n. a kind of usually contagious wart or similar growth Origin: Latin verruca, ‘wart’ Sentence: A doctor can treat that verruca on the sole of your foot.
VESPIARIES 'vespiəriz
n. nests of wasps Origin: Latin vespa, ‘wasp’ Sentence: The exterminators are coming to remove those vespiaries and any wasps in them.
VETERINARY 'vet(ə)nri / 'vet(ə)rinəri
adj., n. related to diseases and injuries of animals; veterinary surgeon Origin: Latin veterinae, ‘cattle’ Sentence: A veterinary surgeon is the best person to treat an injured animal.
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FINAL WORDS VICISSITUDES vi'sisitūdz / vī'sisitūdz
n. changing fortunes or circumstances; ups and downs Origin: Latin vices, ‘change’ Sentence: Despite the vicissitudes in his life this year, he has managed to do reasonably well.
VIGNETTES
n. Short descriptive essays or character sketches; illustrations on title pages; certain photographs Origin; French Sentence: The photographer had a delightful collection of vignettes
vē'nyets / vi'nyets
VOCIFEROUS vō'sif(ə)rəs / və'sif(ə)rəs
VOLUPTUOUS və'lûptūəs
VOODOOIST 'voodooist
adj. (person, speech, etc) noisy; insistently and forcibly expressing one’s views Origin: Latin vociferates, ‘carried by voice’ Sentence: The staff made vociferous demands for improved working conditions. adj. related to sensuous pleasure; full-figured, attractive woman Origin: Latin voluptuosus, ‘full of pleasure’ Sentence: The movement of the dancers was slow and voluptuous. n. person who practises voodoo (certain magical beliefs and practices observed in some societies) Origin: French. Dahomey vodu, ‘voodoo’ Sentence: In Haiti, it is not uncommon to come across a voodooist
W WAPITI 'wopiti WHIPPET 'wipit
n. large North American deer Origin: Shawnee Indian Sentence: The wapiti is also called the American elk n. a dog of a small slender breed Origin: Uncertain Sentence: A whippet is a swift dog that looks somewhat like a small greyhound.
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FINAL WORDS WILDEBEEST 'wildəbēst / 'vildəbēst
n. another name for the gnu, a type of antelope Origin: Afrikaans wildebeest, ‘wild beast’ Sentence: The wildebeest is an antelope with a mane, a beard, and curved horns.
WISEACRE 'wīzākə
n. person who assumes an air of knowing a lot Origin: Dutch wijseggher, ‘soothsayer, prophet’ Sentence: Some wiseacre will soon come along with a mouthful of advice!
WITTICISM 'witisizm
n. witty or clever remark or comment Origin: Old English wit(t), ‘mind, thought, wit’ Sentence: He entertained the party all evening with his storytelling and witticism.
X XANTHOCHROID zan'θōkroyd XYLOPHONIST zī'lofənist
adj. Having light complexion and light hair Origin: Latin Sentence: Scandinavians have a xanthochroid appearance n. player of xylophone (musical instrument of metal bars struck with a wooden hammer) Origin: Prefix xylo (‘wood’) + phone (‘sound instrument’) Sentence: The xylophonist satisfied the audience with melodious music.
Y YTTERBIUM i'terbiəm
n. soft silvery metallic element Origin: Named after Ytterby, a quarry in Sweden Sentence: Ytterbium is one of the scarcest of the rare-earth elements.
YTTRIUM 'itriəm
n. silver-grey metallic element Origin: Named after Ytterby, a quarry in Sweden Sentence: Yttrium is used in producing coloured television screens. Page 63 of 77
FINAL WORDS
Z ZABAGLIONE za:ba:'lyōni
n. a kind of Italian dessert Origin: Italian Sentence: Zabaglione is made from egg yolks, sugar and wine whipped and heated.
ZEUGMA 'zūgmə
n. a figure of speech in which a word is applied to two or more others though strictly speaking it fits only one. Origin: Middle English zeugma, ‘yoking together’ Sentence: ‘Clapping our hands and hearts’ is an example of zeugma.
ZIGGURAT 'zigurat
n. a pyramid-like temple in ancient Mesopotamia Origin: Assyrian ziqquratu, ‘mountain top, pinnacle’ Sentence: The ziggurat of ancient Mesopotamia was a temple with many storeys tapering upward.
ZUCCHINI zu'kēni
n. a kind of dark green squash Origin: Italian zucca, ‘gourd’ Sentence: The zucchini is a member of the squash family to which cucumbers belong.
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