Unit 13

Question 1

cataclysm

Answer 1

n. a violent upheaval that causes great destruction and change

The French Revolution of 1789 was a cataclysm whose effects are still felt today.

Question 2

catalyst

Answer 2

n. something causing change

Among the catalysts of the Romantic movement were the libertarian ideals of the French Revolution.

Question 3

categorical

Answer 3

adj. absolute; without exception

Although incest is categorically forbidden by every state, recent evidence that marriage between cousins is no more likely to produce abnormal offspring than “normal” marriages may allow the constitutionality of bans on marriage between cousins to be challenged.

Question 4

caucus

Answer 4

n. smaller group within an organization

The workers formed an informal caucus to discuss their difficulties.

Question 5

causal

Answer 5

adj. involving a cause

The philosopher Plato believed there is a causal relationship between income inequality and political discontent and crime.

Question 6

caustic

Answer 6

adj. sarcastically biting; burning

The columnist’s caustic comments on government policy did not win her any friends among government officials.

Question 7

celestial

Answer 7

adj. concerning the sky or heavens; sublime

Astronomers make use of the Doppler effect to measure the velocities and distance from Earth of stars and other celestial objects.

Question 8

centrifugal

Answer 8

adj. moving away from a center

As the empire expanded, there was an ever-increasing centrifugal stress as remote colonies sought autonomy.

Question 9

centripetal

Answer 9

adj. moving away from a center

As the empire expanded, there was an ever-increasing centrifugal stress as remote colonies sought autonomy.

Question 10

champion

Answer 10

v. to defend or support

Robin Hood is famous for championing the underdogs of England.