GRE Vocab 006-44- Ielts Resources

Question 1

potato blight

Answer 1

• Potato blight, also known as late blight, is a devastating disease that can destroy an entire potato crop. It is caused by an oomycete called Phytophthora infestans, which results in brown or black spots on leaves, stems, and tubers.
• Potato blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, leads to brown or black spots on leaves, stems, and tubers.
• The Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s resulted from widespread potato blight, causing mass starvation and emigration.
• Farmers combat potato blight through preventive measures like destroying infected plants and avoiding leaf wetting during watering.

Question 2

plagues

Answer 2

1) An epidemic disease causing high mortality

2) A disastrous evil or affliction

• The country was hit by a plague of natural disasters that year.
• There has been a plague of bank robberies in the area.
• The relentless mosquito bites were a constant plague during our camping trip.

Question 3

fungus to thrive

Answer 3

• “Fungus to thrive” refers to the ability of fungi to flourish and grow successfully in various environments.

1) The damp and dark basement provided the ideal conditions for fungus to thrive, covering the walls with mold.

2) In the forest, fallen logs and decaying leaves create a fertile environment for fungus to thrive.

3) The lack of proper ventilation in the old library allowed fungus to thrive, damaging ancient manuscripts.

Question 4

European monarchs

Answer 4

• European monarchs have played pivotal roles in shaping the continent’s history, from medieval kingdoms to modern constitutional monarchies.
• Nowadays, most of the monarchies in Europe are constitutional monarchies, where the monarch’s influence on politics is limited

Question 5

infertile plots

Answer 5

• “Infertile plots” refer to areas of land or soil that are not suitable for growing plants or crops. These plots lack the necessary nutrients or conditions to support healthy plant growth.
• 1) The farmers struggled to cultivate crops on the rocky, infertile plots of land.
• 2) Despite their efforts, the infertile plots yielded little harvest, leading to food scarcity.

Question 6

instituted penal laws

Answer 6

• “Instituted penal laws” refer to a series of legal measures enacted to coerce or punish specific groups or behaviors. These laws impose forfeitures, penalties, and disabilities on those who defy established norms or religious practices.
• In 17th-century England, the monarchy instituted penal laws against Catholics, restricting their rights and property ownership.
• The penal laws imposed harsh penalties on dissenters who deviated from the established religious norms.

Question 7

potato blossoms as decoration

Answer 7

• Potato blossoms, also known as potato flowers, are the small, colorful flowers that grow on potato plants. Although they serve little culinary purpose, they play a crucial role in plant reproduction by producing seeds.
• Gardeners often appreciate the vibrant colors of potato blossoms as decoration in their flower beds.
• During late spring and early summer, the charming arrangement of potato flowers resembling miniature roses adds a unique touch to garden designs

Question 8

Anesthesiology

Answer 8

• Anesthesiology, also known as anaesthesiology or anaesthesia, is the medical specialty concerned with the total perioperative care of patients before, during, and after surgery. It encompasses anesthesia, intensive care medicine, critical emergency medicine, and pain medicine. An anesthesiologist (or anaesthetist, depending on the country) specializes in this field, ensuring patient comfort, safety, and vital function monitoring throughout the surgical process
• Anesthesiology plays a critical role in ensuring patient comfort and safety during surgical procedures.
• The anesthesiologist carefully administers anesthesia, monitors vital signs, and manages pain for patients undergoing surgery

Question 9

Dioscorides

Answer 9

• Dioscorides, also known as Pedanius Dioscorides, was a Greek physician, pharmacologist, and botanist. He authored “De materia medica”, a comprehensive 5-volume Greek encyclopedia about herbal medicine and medicinal substances

Question 10

mandragora

Answer 10

• Mandragora, often specifically referring to mandrake root, has been traditionally used as a narcotic.
• In fantasy settings, mandragora can also represent a kind of tiny dragon immune to fire
• 1) The ancient alchemist carefully harvested the mandragora root, believing it possessed mystical properties.
• 2) As the moonlight bathed the eerie garden, the mandragora plant emitted a haunting, otherworldly cry.

Question 11

mandrake

Answer 11

• a mandrake is a plant with a thick, often forked root, historically associated with magic and folklore. It is known for its poisonous properties and intriguing shape, resembling a human figure.
• The ancient alchemist carefully harvested the mandrake root, believing it possessed mystical properties.
• As the moonlight bathed the eerie garden, the mandrake plant emitted a haunting, otherworldly cry.

Question 12

superstition

Answer 12

• Superstition refers to a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation.

It often involves irrational ideas about luck, supernatural influences, or mysterious forces

• Despite being a rational person, she couldn’t help but knock on wood whenever she mentioned good luck, succumbing to an old superstition.
• The sailor clung to his lucky charm, believing it would protect him from storms—a classic example of superstition.

Question 13

mandate

Answer 13

The term “mandate” refers to official authority or permission given to a government or group to perform an action or govern a country. It can also mean requiring something to happen or ordering someone to do something

• The government issued a mandate requiring all citizens to wear masks in public places during the pandemic.
• The company’s board of directors received a clear mandate from shareholders to prioritize environmental sustainability.

Question 14

resembled

Answer 14

• The term “resembled” means to be like or similar to something or someone. For instance, when we say
• He resembles his father,” we mean that he shares similarities in appearance or temperament with his father

Question 15

Dioscorides

Answer 15

• Dioscorides was a Greek physician, pharmacologist, and botanist. He authored “De materia medica”, a 5-volume Greek encyclopedia about herbal medicine and related medicinal substances

Question 16

potion

Answer 16

• A potion is a liquid believed to have magical, healing, or poisonous properties. It can also be a substance claimed to cure an illness but is not a medicine
• The old witch brewed a potion that granted invisibility to anyone who sipped it.
• The healing potion worked wonders, mending wounds and soothing pain.
• Legends spoke of a love potion that could make anyone fall deeply in love with the first person they saw.

Question 17

sensation

Answer 17

• Sensation refers to a physical feeling, awareness, or excitement resulting from external stimulation of the senses. It can be a burning sensation, a state of consciousness, or even a cause of widespread interest
• The icy wind on her face sent a shiver of sensation down her spine.
• The crowd erupted in cheers, creating an electric sensation of excitement during the concert.
• His fingers brushed the velvety petals of the rose, and a delicate floral sensation filled the air.

Question 18

opium

Answer 18

• Opium is a dried latex obtained from the seed capsules of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). It contains the analgesic alkaloid morphine, used both medicinally and illicitly.
• The ancient healer brewed a potent opium infusion to alleviate pain and induce sleep.
• The illicit trade in opium fueled conflicts and addiction throughout history.

Question 19

Indian hemp

Answer 19

• Indian hemp, also known as dogbane, refers to a North American plant (Apocynum cannabinum) in the dogbane family. Its smooth opposite leaves yield fibrous material used for bags, mats, and cordage. The dried roots of Indian hemp and a related plant (A. androsoemifolium) produce a heart-stimulating drug.

Question 20

anesthetics dates

Answer 20

• Anesthetics refer to drugs that make the body unable to feel pain. They are used during surgery to ensure patients do not experience discomfort
• In the early 19th century, Sir Humphry Davy experimented with inhaling nitrous oxide and discovered its anesthetic properties, although its surgical implications were initially overlooked.
• American dentist William Morton successfully demonstrated ether anesthesia during a neck tumor removal in 1846, marking a pivotal moment in the acceptance of general anesthesia.
• Queen Victoria’s use of chloroform during childbirth in 1853 further legitimized anesthetics, despite their early side effects and challenges in dosage control

Question 21

nitrous oxide

Answer 21

• Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet scent. It is used as an anesthetic in dentistry and surgery due to its pain-reducing effects. Its colloquial name comes from the euphoria it induces when inhaled

Question 22

the miner’s lamp

Answer 22

• The term “miner’s lamp” refers to a specialized light source designed for use in underground mining operations. These lamps were crucial for miners working in dark and hazardous conditions. The miner’s lamp provided both illumination and safety, allowing miners to work effectively while minimizing the risk of explosions caused by flammable gases like methane

Question 23

strange euphoria

Answer 23

• As the sun dipped below the horizon, she felt a strange euphoria, a mix of melancholy and wonder.
• The haunting melody of the old piano filled the room, enveloping him in a strange euphoria that defied explanation.
• Standing on the cliff’s edge, the wind whipping through her hair, she experienced a strange euphoria, as if the world held its breath

Question 24

tooth extraction

Answer 24

• The dentist performed a tooth extraction, carefully removing the decayed molar.
• After the tooth extraction, she followed post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing.

Question 25

anesthetic machine

Answer 25

• The dentist performed a tooth extraction, carefully removing the decayed molar.
• After the tooth extraction, she followed post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing

Question 26

apparatus

Answer 26

• Equipment or Tools: It refers to a set of equipment, tools, or machines used for a specific purpose. For instance, firefighters wear breathing apparatus to protect themselves in hazardous situations.
• Organizational System: It can also describe an organization or system, especially in a political context. For example, the entire apparatus of communism was undergoing significant changes.
• The laboratory was equipped with a sophisticated scientific apparatus for conducting experiments.
• The bureaucratic apparatus of the government oversees policy implementation and administration.

Question 27

ether-soaked sponge

Answer 27

• The surgeon carefully placed the ether-soaked sponge over the patient’s nose and mouth to induce anesthesia before the operation.
• In the dimly lit laboratory, the scientist prepared an ether-soaked sponge for use in the chemical extraction process.

Question 28

numbing effect

Answer 28

• The dentist applied a local anesthetic to the patient’s gum, creating a numbing effect before the tooth extraction.
• The icy wind had a numbing effect on my exposed skin during the winter hike.

Question 29

obstetric field

Answer 29

• The term “obstetric field” refers to the specialized area of medicine that focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Obstetrics is closely associated with gynecology, forming the combined discipline known as obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), which encompasses both medical care and surgical aspects related to women’s reproductive health
• In the bustling hospital, dedicated professionals in the obstetric field assist expectant mothers during labor and delivery.
• Advances in the obstetric field have improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, ensuring safer pregnancies.

Question 30

he administrated

Answer 30

• The nurse administrated the flu vaccine to the patient, ensuring proper dosage and safety.
• As the team leader, he administrated the project’s budget and resource allocation effectively.