IBTwords Flashcards
Absorb
To occupy the full attention of, for example, to take in moisture or liquid
Therapists who believe in the reality of Multiple Personality Disorder generally believe it to be caused by very severe abuse during childhood violence so extreme that the child cannot absorb the trauma in its entirety.
Abandon
to give up without intending to return or claim again
Vinland was the first European Settlement in the New World but now was abandoned.
Abdomen
the part of the body containing the digestive and reproductive organs In the middle of the abdomen lies a 20 foot long small intestine.
Abduct
to seize or detain a person unlawfully
Child molesters often abduct children within 200 feet of their home.
Abundant
something that is large in number.
Discovered in the 1820s, aluminum is the most abundant metal on earth.
Accommodation
Accommodation (noun)
a place where one can sleep such as a hotel or campground.
In Death Valley, we find the national park headquarters and overnight accommodations in this area, including Furnace Creek Ranch and Furnace Creek Inn.
Accompany
to be added to another for completion or to be with or goes with another.
Landslides, mud flows and debris avalanches frequently accompany other natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
Accomplice
one associated with another especially in wrongdoing
Besides the genetic testing, the investigation will examine whether an accomplice provided Kid with the pistol he used to kill two deputy sheriffs during the escape.
Accumulation
the result of something increases
A landslide occurs when steep slopes are destabilized by excess water accumulation in the soil, the addition of excess weight to the top of a slope, the removal of support from the bottom of a slope, or a combination of the above.
Accuse
to make a charge against someone who one believes has done a misdeed
John Adams’ innate conservatism made him determined in 1770 that the British soldiers accused of the Boston Massacre received a fair hearing.
Ache
a sensation of physical discomfort occurring as the result of disease or injury
The athlete experienced aches in his right shoulder after pitching nine innings in yesterday’s baseball game.
Acoustic
relating to the sound or the sense of hearing
The acoustics of this auditorium are so remarkable that when one drops a pin on the stage, an audience member can hear it hit the floor while sitting in the back.
Acquisition
the act of successfully coming into possession of something
In considering the biology of language acquisition, consider that human language is made possible by special adaptations of the human mind and body that occurred in the course of human evolution, and which are put to use by children in acquiring their mother tongue.
Acronym
NATO, radar, or snafu, formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the
successive parts or major parts of a compound term
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known by the Spanish acronym FARC, was seeking a $3 million ransom for the couple, who had three children, they said.
Activation
to make active or more active
The learning theory is based on the assumption that although human aggression may be influenced by physiological characteristics, the activation of those characteristics depends on learning and is subject to the person’s control.
Activism
a policy of vigorous action in a cause, especially in politics
College president Benjamin Mays and other proponents of Christian social activism influenced Martin Luther King’s decision after his junior year at Morehouse to become a minister and thereby serve society.
Actualize
to make real or to put into effect
From another perspective, we can also conclude that the village with the most resources is able to better actualize the cultural ideal of choosing marriage partners within the same tribe.
Adaptability
to act of becoming suitable to particular situation or use
The knowledge of key social factors and a firm grasp on research design and methods, all of which are learned upon completion of a B.A. in a sociology program, provides breadth and the potential for adaptability in the workplace.
Adjacent
sharing a common boundary
When a customer attempts to book hotel accommodations on the Internet, it is sometimes hard to find two adjacent rooms at a discounted rate
Adolescent
the period between childhood and adulthood
Because girls strongly relate their self worth to their attractiveness, many adolescents are unhappy with their weight.
Adoption
the act of choosing a suitable course of action
Adams helped draft the Declaration of Independence, secured its unanimous Adoption in Congress, and wrote his wife on July 3, 1776, that “the most memorable Epoch in the History of America has begun.”
Advocate
one that defends or maintains a cause or proposal
Advocates say walk-to-school programs are gaining new momentum from parents and teachers concerned about a childhood obesity epidemic.
Adverse
acting against or in opposition; tending to discourage, retard, or make more difficult
Adverse effects to smoking are lung cancer and an increased risk of heart attacks.
Advisory
a report giving information (as on the weather) and often recommending action to be taken
The World Health Organization (WHO), an agency of the United Nations, lifted its advisory against unnecessary travel to Hong Kong because of the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Aesthetic
showing good taste
The basic aesthetics of television are not that different from those of movies.
Affective
that which affects or excites emotion
If a learner has anxiety, the affective filters conducive to second language acquisition may be closed, thus making the input in the brain incomprehensible.
Affinal
A kinsman or ally related by marriage
Elbasi is the richer location and can draw upon wives from more marginal settlements, from families who seek out more favorable domestic conditions for their daughters as well as affinal contacts in prominent communities.
Afford (verb)
to make available, give forth, or provide naturally or inevitably: give
If you’re willing to spend $300 to $450, consider a 15-inch LCD. It affords the same viewable area as a 17-inch CRT and takes up far less space.
Agent (noun)
that by which something is accomplished or some end result achieved
Possible causative agents for brain cancer in firefighters include vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile, and formaldehyde.
Aggregate (adjective)
formed by a collection of particulars into a whole mass or sum, united
A machine travels through a certain path, resulting from the aggregate combination of the parts moving within it.
Aggression (noun)
the act of attacking
The learning theory is based on the assumption that although human aggression may be influenced by physiological characteristics, the activation of those characteristics depends on learning and is subject to the person’s control.
Aglow (adjective)
glowing especially with warmth or excitement
Three years later, Thomas Edison announced his invention of the incandescent light bulb, and on New Year’s Eve in 1879 drew a crowd of 3,000 visitors to his Menlo Park, New Jersey, complex to see the buildings and grounds aglow in the softer light of his creation.
Alarming (adjective)
relating to a sudden sharp apprehension and fear resulting from the perception of imminent danger
Albeit (conjunction)
conceding the fact that; even though
Saliva provides another example, albeit less exotic, of taste modification.
Alias (noun)
a false or assumed name
Similar to past Russian revolutionaries, Joseph Stalin adopted many aliases to evade arrest.
Alien (noun)
A person coming from another country
During World War II, restrictions were imposed upon many aliens in the US, especially if they were of Japanese origin.
Alignment (noun)
the act of adjusting to a line; the state of being so adjusted Due to the car accident, his back went out of alignment.
Allocate (verb)
to apportion for a specific purpose or to particular persons or things
The industries affected – including oil refineries, steel, cement, ceramics, glass and paper – will feel the pinch next March when European Union governments must say how they will allocate the 2 allowances firms will need to operate from 2005.
Alternative (noun)
the power or right of choosing
Recently, wind power has become an appealing alternative to fossil based fuels, especially in countries with scarce petroleum and ample wind.
Alter (noun)
the act of changing some particular aspect of someone (i.e., personality) or
something
Various triggers can cause the brains alter to take control of the mental processes of the victim for periods of time.
Altitude (noun)
the distance of something from a given level, especially referring to sea level The summit of Mount Everest is at an altitude of 29,000 feet.
Amateur (noun)
one lacking professional skill
It is learned that the impact might produce a sudden brightening of the comet visible to amateur astronomers with small telescopes.
Ambitious (adjective)
full of strong desire to achieve something
George Washington was well informed, ambitious, and public spirited.
Amid (preposition)
in or into the middle of
Fertile lands exist in the Midwest amid the rolling hills and low-lying valleys.
Amass (verb)
to collect for oneself; to gather or pile up especially little by little
Aubrey Huff had two hits and four RBI’s, Marlon Anderson hit a three run homer, and Travis Lee and Ben Grieve had consecutive homers in a five run fifth for the Devil Rays, which amassed 18 hits. Every starter had at least one.
Amnesia (noun)
having partial or total loss of memory
Lance suffered from temporary amnesia after his brain surgery.
Analogous (adjective)
possessing the same or almost the same characteristics
Bats’ wings are modifications of the hands of the common mammalian ancestor, whereas flying squirrels’ wings are modifications of its rib cage, hence making the two structures merely analogous: similar in function.
Anatomical (adjective)
resembling the bodily structure of animals and plants
It’s clear that these structures are not homologous to the wings of bats because they have a fundamentally different anatomical plan, reflecting a different evolutionary history.
Ancestor (noun)
a person from whom one is descended
The scientific question is whether the chimps’ abilities are homologous to human language; that is, whether the two systems show the same basic organization owing to descent from a single system in their common ancestor.
Animator (noun)
one that contributes to the animation of a cartoon
Disney employed many animators during the production of the movie, The Little Mermaid.
Anomaly (noun)
something different, abnormal, peculiar, or not easily classified
Science-fiction writers may claim to have created warped space and light bending celestial anomalies, but these are, in fact, actual physical phenomena.
Antagonize (verb)
to act in opposition to; to incur or provoke the hostility of
The summit was further complicated by France and Germany, which had spoken out against the U.S.-led attack on Iraq, choosing to concentrate on rebuilding relations with Washington rather than antagonizing it further.
Antic (noun)
an attention drawing often wildly playful or funny act or action
The contestants on the African reality-television program may be divided, but their antics have united viewers across the continent and in the process created an unlikely cultural force.
Antiquity (noun)
ancient times, especially before the middle ages
New York, Tokyo, Paris, and Hong Kong are similar to city states of antiquity (e.g. Athens, Rome, Carthage) or medieval times (e.g. the Hanseatic League), except that these modern city-states engage in instant electronic communication and capital transfer, and are the chief recipients of world population growth.
Apartheid (noun)
racial segregation; specifically: a policy of segregation and political and economic discrimination against non-European groups in the Republic of South Africa
Mandela, 85 next month, received a Nobel Peace prize for his role in guiding South Africa from apartheid to multiracial democracy.
Apocryphal (adjective)
of doubtful authenticity
More than simply a renowned Mississippi writer, the Nobel Prize winning novelist and short story writer, William Faulkner, is acclaimed throughout the world as one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century, one who transformed his “postage stamp” of native soil into an apocryphal setting in which he explored, articulated, and challenged the old truths of the heart.
Appalled at (verb)
to deprive of courage or the power to act as a result of fear, anxiety, or disgust
Many voters were appalled at the misconduct of President Richard Nixon even though they had voted for him.
Apparatus (noun)
something, as a machine, devised for a particular function
The right exercise apparatuses help an athlete to increase muscular strength and endurance.
Apparent (adjective)
readily seen, perceived, or understood
Many inclusions in diamonds are not discernable to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent.
Apparition (noun)
a sudden or dramatic appearance of an object or supernatural being
Mercury, known since at least the time of the Sumerians (3rd millennium BC), was given two names by the Greeks: Apollo for its apparition as a morning star and Hermes as an evening star.
Application (noun)
a connection to the matter at hand; the condition of being put to use
A Cognitive Psychology program is especially geared towards the application of formal and computational modeling and neuroscience methods to these basic questions.
Apprenticeship (noun)
a type of training in which one learns by practical experience under skilled workers in an art, trade, or calling
A young worker bee’s apprenticeship includes taking care of the queen and her eggs, cleaning out the hive, cooling the hive by fanning its wings, and attacking intruders.
Apt (adjective)
having or showing a tendency or likelihood
The thesis is apt to be stated somewhere in the last few paragraphs, in which case the preceding paragraphs gradually lead up to it, or else somewhere right after the introduction, in which case the balance of the essay justifies the statement and refers back to it.
Aquaculture (noun)
the cultivation of the natural produce of water such as fish or shellfish
In response to the environmental risks associated with the aquaculture industry, the independent Pew Oceans Commission has called for a moratorium on the expansion of finfish aquaculture (including salmon) until national policies and standards are in place.
Aqueduct (noun)
artificial channel for carrying water, sometimes in the form of a bridge supported by tall columns across a valley
Some of the water takes a different route, at which point it is carried off by an aqueduct before it reaches the canals.
Archive (noun)
collection of something, especially public or document documents
Frozen archives, or ice cores, give scientists unprecedented views of global climate over the eons.
Aromatic (adjective
having a pleasant odor
Used as both a prevention and treatment to many illnesses, aromatic herbs in China were highly valued in ancient times.
Arrogantly (adverb)
with a conceited belief in one’s superiority to others
Psychics realize that we arrogantly think of ourselves as unique and as more different than similar, when in fact it is just the opposite.
Artery (noun)
one of the tubular vessels that carry blood from the heart through the rest of the body High blood pressure is caused by a resistance to the flow of blood greater than that usually caused by constriction of small arteries throughout the human body.
Articulate (verb)
to put into words
John Adams, in his speeches and writings, articulated the colonial cause and brilliantly championed American rights in Congress.
Artifact (noun)
manmade objects
Vinland, the first European Settlement in the New World, was not believed to be true until archaeologists discovered ancient artifacts in 1960.
Artificially (adverb)
the manner in which something is produced by man; not natural
Slab and other avalanches can be hard or soft, wet or dry and can be triggered naturally or artificially.
Assail (verb)
to attack with harsh, often insulting language; to set upon with violent force
Professor Johnson, accusing the student of blatant plagiarism, assailed the student for several minutes.
Assassinate (verb)
the act of killing someone for political or religious reasons
It was unfortunate that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
Assert (verb)
to state to be true; to put into words positively and with conviction
King sympathized with the student movement and spoke at the founding meeting of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in April 1960, but he soon became the target of criticisms from SNCC activists determined to assert their independence.
Assessment (noun)
the act or result of judging the worth or value of something or someone
The instructor will write comments and suggestions on your final draft, and you may choose to keep the grade he gives you or you may revise and resubmit it for reassessment.
Associative (adjective)
resembling someone or something which is united in relationship with another
An example of associative learning is classical conditioning, a form of learning in which two stimuli are associated so that the first evokes the response that normally follows the second.
Assume (verb)
to take something for granted without direct proof
Because of this, we can assume that formal instruction has less of an impact on one’s learning of English as compared with immersion in that culture or society.
Asteroid (noun)
any of the small celestial bodies orbiting around the sun, especially between the orbit of Mars and Jupiter.
In the late 1970s, James Arnold of the University of California, San Diego, suggested that impacting comets and water rich asteroids could add water to the lunar surface.
Atheist (noun)
one who denies the existence of a God
Suggesting that there is no concrete proof for the existence of a supreme being, some people are atheists.
Atmospheric (adjective)
of or relating to air
Turner and Crook are using a finer scale model built by NCAR scientist Terry Clark to look more closely at mountain convection and how it relates to the larger scale atmospheric flow.
Atrocity (noun)
a monstrous offense or evil
Even though the gorilla has been attributed to many atrocities, it is usually a peace- loving creature that would rather retreat than fight its enemy.
Attribute to (verb)
to regard as belonging to or resulting from another
Sulfates, which originate primarily in coal fired power plants, started rising around 1900, which is partially attributed to increased volcanic activity in the Caribbean around the turn of the century.
Audit (noun)
to methodically examine and review
A recent audit by the inspector general at the Justice Department found ‘‘significant problems’’ with the detentions, including allegations of physical abuse.
Authentic (adjective)
worthy of belief because of precision, faithfulness to an original, etc.
These are not counterfeit dollar bills; rather they are authentic bills printed by the United States Treasury.
Aviation (noun)
airplane manufacture, development, and design
Due to a deep recession and to recent terrorist attacks involving aircraft, the aviation industry is on the verge of economic collapse, with many businesses laying off 1/3 of their workforce.
Avalanche (noun)
mass of snow and ice tumbling down a mountain
There are many different types of avalanches, but the one that worries us the most is the “slab” avalanche, in which a mass of cohesive snow releases as a unit.
Awkwardness (noun)
the state of being characterized by embarrassment and discomfort
The awkwardness of the situation is evident since Alex had to meet with his ex-wife the day before he was to be married to a different woman.
Axis (noun)
imaginary line about which an object rotates
The Moon’s axis of rotation is nearly perpendicular to the plane of its orbit around the Sun, so the Sun always appears at or near the horizon in the polar regions of the Moon.
Azure (adjective)
deep blue color
The white sand and the azure sky entice many vacationers to Destin, Florida.
Babble (verb)
to talk aimlessly or incoherently
At approximately the age of six months, a child begins to babble, but many of the sounds he/she makes may not yet carry meaning for the child.
Backed (adjective)
characterized as promoting the interests or cause of or upholding or defending as valid The U.S. House earlier this year passed a Bush administration backed measure that would ban both types of cloning. The measure hasn’t been acted on in the Senate.
Backsplash (noun)
the act of hurling or scattering a liquid in a reverse motion of its normal path
At the lower end of the esophagus, a one way valve (the esophageal sphincter) prevents the backsplash of stomach contents upward into the esophagus.
Bald (noun)
without the usual covering
Chemotherapy causes patients to become bald although it is usually a temporary condition.
Ballistic (adjective)
moving under the force of gravity only
A method of stretching is ballistic which involves ‘bouncing’ in your stretch.
Balmy (adjective)
not severe, temperate
It is balmy in Paris and the birds and the bees are busy.
Banal (adjective)
without freshness or appeal due to overuse
At a garage sale, what may seem as banal objects to one person may be valued by another.
Bandage (noun)
a therapeutic material applied to a wound
To stop the bleeding and to prevent infection, the paramedic put bandages on the woman’s cut arm.
Bard (noun)
someone who writes verse or poetry
Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish hero and bard, published many works still read in college classes today.
Baron (noun)
a man of great power or influence in some field of activity
Jesse Fish, a native from New York City, moved to St. Augustine where he became Florida’s first orange baron.
Baseline (noun)
a set of critical observations or data used for comparison or a control
Sales calls made within one state will fall under the new rules, setting a national baseline above which states can set tougher guidelines if they wish.
Basin (noun)
the region drained by a river system, an area sunk below its surroundings
Sitting just west of the Nevada boundary, in the basin and range district of the Mojave Desert, Death Valley is all but surrounded by mountain ranges, with a few roads connecting the valley to the outside world through narrow passes.
Befriend (verb)
to favor, to act as a friend to
Later the Mozart children displayed (1763-66) their talents to audiences in Germany, in Paris, at court in Versailles, and in London (where Wolfgang wrote his first symphonies and was befriended by Johann Christian Bach, whose musical influence on Wolfgang was profound).
Belabor (verb)
to hit heavily and repeatedly
It is not the point of this discussion to belabor the issues of abortion. Rather, we will examine why women choose to have one.
Berserk (adjective)
in a violent rage, especially to “go” berserk
After finding out that his wife had cheated on him, the murder suspect allegedly went berserk and shot her five times.
Bestow (verb)
to convey as a gift – usually used with on or upon
According to tradition, Brigit took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the presence of the missionary bishop, Saint Patrick, who bestowed on her the nun’s veil.
Bewildering (adjective)
difficult to understand or solve: puzzling
From components to software to accessories, new PCs offer a bewildering array of choices, and for some folks, sifting through the large number of options can be daunting.
Bicentennial (adjective)
lasting two hundred years or occurring every two hundred years
Maya Angelou returned to the United States in 1974 and was appointed by Gerald Ford to the Bicentennial Commission and later by Jimmy Carter to the Commission for International Woman of the Year.
Binding (noun)
the act of making fast or firmly fixed by means of a cord, rope, etc.
A properly constructed shoe supports and protects the foot without any pressure or binding.
Bipedal (adjective)
a two footed animal
Anatomical details indicate that A. anamnesis, a hominid whose remains were discovered by Leakey in 1995 in Kenya, to between 4.07 million and 4.17 million years ago, was capable of bipedal walking.
Birthmark (noun)
brown or red mark on one’s body from birth; a naturally occurring mark on an inanimate object
Almost all diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions.
Bitter (adjective)
bitingly feeling or showing unfriendliness
After the government lent the two companies money and gave them large sections of land for every mile they built, the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad became bitter rivals, with each company laying as much track as possible.
Bizarre (adjective)
departing from the customary
The stars would be moving three times faster across the sky while observers at other points on Mercury’s surface would see different but equally bizarre motions.
Blanketed (verb)
to extend over the surface
One could see what the world was like when ice sheets a thousand feet thick blanketed Canada and northern Europe, or when the Indonesian volcano Toba blew its top in the largest volcanic eruption of the last half million years.
Blaze (noun)
the visible signs of combustion (a fire)
Once any blaze begins to threaten human life or property or there is high danger of wildfire, the blaze is to be stopped or controlled.
Bleak (adjective
cold and forbidding; dark and depressing
One bleak wintery day, a major snowstorm dumped 34 inches on Buffalo, New York.
Blemish (noun)
something that mars the appearance
In addition to internal inclusions in a diamond, surface irregularities are referred to as blemishes.
Blend (verb)
to mingle in a way that is not readily noticeable
But other poisonous animals blend into their environments, perhaps because they use their poisons to attack and disable prey.
Blight (noun)
a deteriorated condition
Think of the inner city and you envision images of physical blight, high crime and moral decay. But up against that bad news image, there’s a good news reality– and it’s emerging in the heart of the inner city.
Blob (noun)
a small drop or lump of something viscid or thick ; a daub or spot of color
A pink blob indicating above normal fire danger colors the map across eastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho, and then reaches down the Sierra Nevada through Southern California and into western Arizona.
Bloodstream (noun)
the flowing blood in a circulatory system
When responding to sudden fright, the human brain releases adrenaline, the fight-or- flight hormone, into the bloodstream.
Bog down (verb)
to sink or submerge in mud or mire; idiom: to become overly concerned with something at the point of distraction
Then read the essay over once, quickly, looking for the main idea, for what the essay is about in general, and for what the author seems to be saying. Don’t get bogged down in details.
Bogus (adjective)
fraudulently or deceptively imitative
Although several successful mining ventures were launched, much of the hype was bogus.
Bombard (verb)
to direct a concentrated outpouring at something such as missiles, words, or blows
The lunar surface is bombarded with water rich objects such as comets, and scientists have suspected that some of the water in these objects could migrate to permanently dark areas at the lunar poles, perhaps accumulating to useable quantities.
Bone (noun)
any piece of hard tissue making up the skeleton
Another benefit of exercising is that it increases bone mass.
Boon (noun)
something beneficial The tax reduction package passed by congress last year was a boon to middle class households with annual earnings less than $75,000.
Boost (verb)
to push or shove up from below; increase or raise
Vivendi was also boosted as Moody’s Investors Service late Thursday said that it had changed the outlook on the Franco-American group to stable from negative.
Botch (verb)
to foul up hopelessly – often used with up
The Maryland inmate claims inexperienced lawyers badly botched his trial.
Brace (verb)
to get ready as for an attack
Emergency officials braced for more rain Tuesday following storms that sent torrents of mud and water down already saturated hillsides in central Appalachia, forcing dozens of people to flee their homes and blocking roads.
Branch out (verb)
to extend activities over a wide area; to increase in dimensions, scope, or inclusiveness In the early 1800’s, factories were most common in Massachusetts although they later branched out into the more populous areas of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Breadth (noun)
the extent of something from side to side
Regardless of your career path, the breadth of your preparation as a liberal arts major is very important.
Breakage (noun)
an act, instance, or consequence of making something unusable or inoperative Homeowners with hillside homes can recognize the beginnings of slope failure through the following indicators: stairs that have pulled away from the building, widening of previously patched cracks in driveways, yards creaking and making groaning sounds, breakage of underground utility lines, or leakage from swimming pools.
Breakthrough (noun
an offensive thrust that penetrates and carries beyond a defensive line in warfare; an act or instance of breaking through an obstruction; a sudden advance especially in knowledge
Breeding (adjective)
characterized by producing descendants directly from the same parents or ancestors The larval stage of the Rhinoceros Beetle lasts for 2.5 to 7 months after which pupation takes place within the breeding site.
Brew (verb)
prepare as beer or ale by steeping, boiling, and fermentation or by infusion and fermentation
People have been brewing and fermenting alcoholic drinks since the dawn of civilization.
Bristle (noun)
a short stiff coarse hair or filament
Caterpillars of giant silkworm moths and royal moths often bear stiff bristles on their bodies.
Brooch (noun)
an ornament that is held by a pin or clasp and is worn at or near the neck
Even though most people do not believe that birthstone’s affect the wearer’s life, many still choose their birthstones to be set in rings, brooches, and other pieces of jewelry.
Bubble up (verb)
to become progressively greater as in size, amount, number, or intensity
When it comes to home prices, Bergson does not believe values are bubbling up, reasoning that prices are being driven higher by income gains as well as a shortage of supply.
Buffer (adjective)
something serving to separate two items; something acting as a cushion
Georgia was valued by the British as a buffer zone to protect the highly valued Carolinas against attack from the Spanish in Florida and the French in Louisiana.
Buggy (noun)
a light one horse carriage made with four wheels
Before the invention of the automobile, the horse and buggy was a popular form of transportation.
Built-up (adjective)
covered with buildings
Crime tends to occur in heavily built-up areas since they are more opportunities for the criminals.
Bundle (verb)
to make into a bundle or package: wrap; to include a product or service with a related product
for sale at a single price
Gateway bundled a wealth of blank media for these tasks, including six DVD-R and one DVD-RAM disc, as well as three CD-RW and five CD-R discs.
Burgeoning (adjective)
to become greater in number, amount, or intensity
Before the mid 1800s, there was no “Dante’s View,” nor was there a “Devil’s Corn Field.” These names were coined by the hustlers and con-men who sought to attract visitors and investors to this burgeoning mining area.
Burrow (noun)
a hollow place used as an animal’s dwelling
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hibernates in the burrows of other small animals, but is often seen lying in the sun on rocks and on the side of roads.
Burst (noun)
a concentrated outpouring, as of missiles, words, or blows
A sudden burst of recognition came upon Albert Einstein on November 7, 1919, when British astronomers announced they had found the first confirmation of Einstein’s theory of relativity.
Butchered (adjective)
relating to slaughtering and dressing for market or killing in a barbarous manner
The fossils include two adult males and one child and are estimated to be 160,000 years old. They were found among stone tools and butchered hippopotamus bones.
Callisthenic (adjective)
fitness exercises
After doing some boxing style punch drills and after flicking your wrists, you can also do some callisthenic exercises such as sit ups, crunches, and push ups.
Camouflage (noun)
to change or modify so as to prevent recognition of the true identity or character of
The color pattern of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is due to its environment, as it helps to camouflage the snake in the sand or rocks.
Campaign (noun)
an organized effort to accomplish a purpose
Miguel Cervantes worked to get Barrack Obama elected in the political campaign.
Canal (noun)
man-made waterway for inland navigation or irrigation
Many slow moving rivers feed many canals that irrigate farmlands.
Candor (noun)
unreserved, honest, or sincere expression
Her look of candor depicts a sense or realness to her characters, which is why she is a talented actress.
Canister (noun)
an often cylindrical container for holding a usually specified object or substance
Mayor Mehmet Ozhaseki said a gas canister had likely exploded in the kitchen, causing the building’s collapse.
Canvas (noun)
a firm closely woven cloth usually of linen, hemp, or cotton used for clothing, sails, etc. Before the invention of nylon and other synthetic fabrics, tents were made of canvas.
Capability (noun)
physical, mental, financial, or legal power to perform
The evidence seems to overwhelmingly state that there is indeed a critical period by which learning must commence in order to afford the learner the chance to achieve native-like capabilities.
Capacity (noun)
maximum amount of work that can be produced or contained
There is a natural decline of physical working capacity with age, but regular exercise can reduce this rate of decline.
Catastrophic (adjective)
a violent and sudden change in a feature of the earth
Deforestation may have catastrophic global effects as well. Trees are natural consumers of carbon dioxide——one of the greenhouse gases whose buildup in the atmosphere contributes to global warming.
Clutch (noun)
a nest of eggs or a brood of chicks
The mother, who has been housed in a tank with a female brown banded bamboo shark for the last six years, laid a clutch of eggs in April.
Comparatively (adverb)
characterized by the systematic comparison of
phenomenon and especially of likenesses and dissimilarities
The number of words in the English language that have been directly borrowed from German is comparatively small, most of them having been borrowed in recent years.
Cap (noun)
an upper limit as on expenditures
The allowances will have a monetary value because companies that reduce their emissions will be able to sell excess credits to other firms that can not reach their CO2 caps.
Caption (noun)
title or brief explanation appended or joined to an illustration
Before you read, survey the chapter, the title, headings, and subheadings, captions under pictures, charts, graphs or maps.
Captive (adjective)
person or animal that has been taken prisoner or confined
On his way back to Spain in 1575, the galley El Sol was attacked by Turkish ships, and Cervantes was taken captive to Algeria.
Carat (noun)
unit of weight for precious stones
The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats.
Caravan (noun)
a group of vehicles traveling in a single file
Larger, slower camels are employed in caravans, whereas the faster, lighter camels serve as mounts for couriers and soldiers.
Cabaret (adjective)
describing a restaurant serving liquor and providing entertainment as by singers or dancers
Gregg Marx, a direct descendant of the Marx Brothers, performs his cabaret act, “Wet Night…Dry Martini,” 8:30 p.m. at Feinstein’s at the Cine Grill.
Calamity (noun)
a state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune or loss; an extraordinarily grave event marked by great loss and lasting distress and affliction
British economist Thomas Malthus in 1798 proposed the unsettling theory that population growth would outrun the ability to produce food. This, he said, would lead to war, famine, disease, and other calamities.
Canine (noun)
dog
From dawn until dusk, there are dozens of things for humans and canines to do together: sports, games, lectures, contests, and crafts.
Carbohydrate (noun)
energy producing organic compound containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen There are three main food categories: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Cardiac (adjective)
of, near, or affecting the heart
Cardiac rehabilitation professionals find themselves increasingly drawn into discussions about healthcare reform, particularly when it relates to cost containment.
Cardiovascular (adjective)
of the heart and the blood vessels as a unified body system
About one of every two Americans dies of cardiovascular disease.
Cargo (noun)
something carried physically
Cargo-carrying ships docking at the Port of Los Angeles are unloaded each day, and the goods from those ships contain merchandise which is shipped to businesses all over the United States.
Carnivore (noun)
any of an order of typically flesh-eating mammals that includes dogs, foxes, bears, raccoons
All spiders are carnivores, so they eat a variety of insects and will inject enzymes into their food either before or while they are breaking it up.
Cascade (noun)
small waterfall, especially one in a series
The cascades and rapids on the Kern River are some of the most difficult in California for kayakers.
Cataclysmic (adjective)
broadly : an event that brings great changes; a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval and demolition
But as such cataclysmic collisions occur on average only once in a million years or so, are they really worth worrying about?
Causative (adjective)
producing an effect
Possible causative agents for brain cancer in firefighters include vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile and formaldehyde.
Cavalry (noun)
combat troops mounted originally on horses but most often in motorized armored vehicles If a member of your party is buried by an avalanche, his only real chance of survival is if you rescue them; don’t go for help unless you’re sure they’re dead, because they will be by the time you get back with the cavalry.
Cavern (noun)
a hallow in the side of a cliff, a hill, or beneath the earth’s surface Sabah, Malaysia is home to the largest cavern in the world.
Cavity (noun)
a space in an otherwise solid mass
Our larynxes are low in our throats, and our vocal tracts have a sharp right angle bend that creates two independently modifiable resonant cavities (the mouth and the pharynx or throat) that defines a large two dimensional range of vowel sounds.
Cease (verb)
to bring or come to a natural or proper conclusion, to come to a termination The lake disappears soon after the rains cease in the spring.
Cease-fire (noun)
military order to cease firing; a suspension of active hostilities
If those assurances are given, Palestinian officials said, the Palestinian Authority will accept the cease-fire proposal from the three radical groups and an announcement will be made in Cairo where the Egyptian government has been instrumental in getting the radical groups to consider halting their attacks.
Cemetery (noun)
a place for the burial of the dead; a graveyard
Many of the soldiers killed while fighting in Vietnam have been buried in a cemetery in Washington D.C.
Centrist (adjective)
moderate, not extreme
The Senate bill was centrist enough for Republican Leader Frist and Democratic Leader Tom Daschle to support it.
Certified (adjective)
to confirm formally as true, accurate, or genuine
A laboratory certified clarity rating of SI2 represents the point at which inclusions in a diamond are technically not apparent to the average naked eye.
Chameleon (noun)
any of the various American lizards capable of changing their color
Usually, the green anole lizard is sold in pet shops as a chameleon, but actually the true chameleon and the green anole are different animals.
Championing (noun)
to aid the cause by approving or favoring
His speeches and writings (especially a newspaper series signed “Novanglus” in 1775) articulating the colonial cause and his brilliant championing of American rights in Congress caused Thomas Jefferson to call him the “Colossus of Independence.”
Charm (noun)
the power or quality or attracting
And whereas a lot of eastern and San Francisco investors lost money, this has become one of the enduring charms of Death Valley, adding a human dimension to the natural mystique.
Cherish (verb)
the recognize the value of; to have the highest regard for Americans cherish the freedom of owning a car.
Chivalry (noun)
respectful attention, especially toward women
Cervantes’s book was read as a parody of novels of chivalry until the Romantics revealed its true importance as a novel.
Chlorophyll (noun)
green pigment found in plant cells
Many types of seaweed and other plants that do not appear to be green also have chlorophyll and therefore can convert the sun’s energy into food.
Chronicle (verb)
a recounting of past events
The Titanic, though largely a fictional romance movie, is believed to chronicle some historical events of the doomed ship.
Cipher (noun)
a totally insignificant person
Dead due to the extreme cold, a cipher’s body was found in the snow just outside of town.
Circle (noun)
a group of people sharing an interest, activity, or achievement
An electronic funds transfer system called E.F.T. in banking circles is replacing the paperwork in banking processes.
Circuit (noun)
a course, process, or journey that ends where it began or repeats itself
The radio talk show host is going a public speaking circuit for the next months.
Circulated (adjective)
something which is passed out
The New York Times is one of the most widely circulated US newspapers
Civilian (noun)
one not on active duty in a military, police, or fire fighting force; outsider
Scientists and privacy experts who already have seen the use of face recognition technologies at a Super Bowl and monitoring cameras in London are concerned about the potential impact of the emerging technologies if they are applied to civilians by commercial or government agencies outside the Pentagon.
Clad (adjective)
being covered or clothed with
The park, with its glacier-clad mountains and rich growth of trees and flowers, is often called America’s “last frontier.”
Clairvoyance (noun)
the supposed ability to perceive things that are not in sight or that cannot be seen Cervantes’s work, a keen critique of the literature of his time, presented the clash between reality and the ideals which Don Quixote sought to revive, and at the same time originated the theme of the clairvoyance of insanity.
Clarity (noun
the condition of being clean and free of contaminants
The value of a diamond is determined by its exact quality as defined by the 4C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight.
Clash (verb)
to fail to be in agreement with
Larry clashed with his professor over the grade he had received on his research paper.
Claw (noun)
pointed horny nail on an animal’s foot
With its razor sharp claws and powerful jaw, the bear is one of the most dangerous predators in a forest.
Clearing (noun)
the act of removing the wood and brush from a tract of land
Unaware of the dangers of deforestation, early settlers made clearings, after which they could plant crops and build settlements.
Clump (verb)
to move heavily; to be of an irregular shape or of an indefinite size
We can imagine a cloud of weakly interacting massive particles clumped around our galaxy, with the solar system sweeping through this cloud as we orbit the center of the Milky Way.
Clumsiness (noun)
the act of lacking skillfulness in the use of the hands and the body and grace in physical movement
Despite the slowness and clumsiness of porcupines on the ground, they are good climbers because they have long, curving claws on all four paws.
Cluster (noun)
a number of entities making up or considered a unit
Amphibians lay clusters of eggs in bushes in close proximity to ponds.
Cocoon (noun)
a shell-like container
We’d all be a lot kinder and gentler if the driver’s seat were lashed to the front bumper instead of encased in a padded steel cocoon.
Cognition (noun)
the process of knowing in the broadest sense
Welcome to today’s seminar about the Cognition and Perception Program offered through the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan.
Coherent (adjective)
logically connected, consistent
The planning stage of writing requires one to put his ideas into a coherent, purposeful order appropriate to his readers.
Cold-shoulder (verb)
to give intentionally cold or unsympathetic treatment
Asked if he would repeat his anti-Bush message in person, Mandela replied: “You assume that he is going to meet me. I wouldn’t make that assumption. I have said what I wanted to say and I don’t have to repeat it.” It was unclear who would cold-shoulder whom.
Collaborate (verb)
to work together toward a common end
Quincy Jones’ first major success as a pop music producer came in the early 1960’s when he collaborated with Lesley Gore to create a dozen pop hits including It’s My Party and Judy’s Turn to Cry.
Collapse (noun)
an abrupt, disastrous failure
The balance of fusion reactions versus gravitational collapse which occurred in this little cloud is fondly referred to as a star, and this story is about the birth and life of the closest star to Earth, the Sun.
Collectively (adverb)
the manner of gathering something into a whole; characteristic of a group acting together Collectively, these frozen archives give scientists unprecedented views of global climate over the eons.
Collide (verb)
to come together or come up against with force
Particles within the cloud’s center (core) became so densely packed that they often collided and stuck (fused) together.
Colossal (adjective)
vast, enormous, gigantic, mammoth
A colossal earthquake registering 8.4 on the Richter scale occurred in Alaska in the 1960’s.
Colonize (verb)
to found or establish an area which is subject to rule by an outside power
Portugal, France, Holland, and England colonizing the continents now called the Americas decided to stay and the rest is history.
Comeback (noun)
a return to a former position or condition as of success or prosperity
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has changed the wolf’s status from “endangered” to “threatened” in the lower 48 states. This lack of federal protection is allowing many western states to wage a war on wolves – just as they were beginning to make a comeback.
Combat (verb)
to strive in opposition with force
Once all of the hydrogen is turned into helium, a star will stop fusing hydrogen and will lose its ability to combat gravity.
Commentary (noun)
critical explanation or analysis
Hits like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” introduced a darker edge to the music to complement the serious commentary in the lyrics.
Commemorate (verb)
to mark by some ceremony or observation
Jones said Tuesday at a forum commemorating the 40th anniversary of the event that Wallace later apologized to her for blocking the doors of Foster Auditorium on June 11, 1963.
Commerce (noun)
commercial, industrial, or professional activity in general
In Roman mythology, Mercury is the god of commerce, travel, and thievery, the Roman counterpart of the Greek god Hermes, the messenger of the Gods
Comparable (adjective)
possessing the same or almost the same characteristics
Body composition is the comparable amounts of fat and lean body tissue found in the body.
Compatible (adjective)
capable of existing together in harmony
The scientific community should take on the responsibility to investigate all objects that could potentially impact Earth down to the size compatible with available technology and with the public perception of acceptable risk.
Compensate (verb)
to make up for the defects of
Saville and Dewey aptly call their formula reading The Barnum Effect, which goes, “You have a strong need for other people to like you and for them to admire you. You have a tendency to be critical of yourself. You have a great deal of unused energy which you have not turned to your advantage. While you have some personality weaknesses, you are generally able to compensate for them.”
Competence (noun)
physical, mental, financial, or legal power to perform
The activities and requirements of the cognition and perception program are designed primarily to develop the student’s competence as a researcher.
Complement (verb)
to fill in what is lacking and make perfect
Hits like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” introduced a darker edge to the music to complement the serious commentary in the lyrics.
Complex (adjective)
difficult to understand due to its intricacy
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life.
Complication (noun)
something that causes difficulty, trouble, or lack of ease
If left untreated, an anorexic person could starve to death or die from complications of malnutrition.
Compose of (verb)
to be the constituents parts of
Comets are composed of dust and frozen gases that scientists believe are little changed since the formation of the solar system 4.5 billion years ago.
Composite (adjective)
combining the typical or essential characteristics of individuals making up a group Disclosing the list ‘‘would give terrorist organizations a composite picture of the government investigation,’’ Sentelle wrote.
Compound (noun)
consisting of two or more interconnected parts A molecule is a compound or group of atoms.
Compress (verb)
to reduce in size by or as if by drawing together
Less than 5 billion years ago, in a distant spiral arm of our galaxy, called the Milky Way, a small cloud of gas and dust began to compress under its own weight.
Comprise of (verb)
to have as integral parts
On the east side of the valley is the Armargosa Range, comprised of three separate units.
Compulsion (noun)
an irresistible, repeated, irrational, impulse to perform some act
People with Multiple Personality Disorder may experience any of the following: depression, mood swings, suicidal tendencies, sleep disorders, panic attacks and phobias, alcohol and drug abuse, and compulsions.
Computational (adjective)
describing the process of determining a number or amount through calculation and through the use of a computer.
Cognitive Psychology is an empirical science and depends on careful experimental procedures and paradigms to test theories about these mental processes. This program is especially geared towards the application of formal and computational modeling and neuroscience methods to these basic questions.
Conceivable (adjective)
capable of being anticipated, considered, or imagined
The community consists of an enormous number of people of every conceivable age, race, religion, lifestyle, income and opinion.
Concord (noun)
the state of individuals who are in complete agreement
Initially, when settlers migrated west to settle on their own farmlands, there was no concord with the Native American population.
Concrete (adjective)
having actual reality
There is no concrete proof for the existence of a supreme being, which is why some people are atheists.
Conditioning (noun)
to make familiar through constant practice or use
Researchers have continued to use the techniques of classical conditioning for both learning and unlearning certain behaviors or fears.
Condolence (noun)
sympathy with another in sorrow; an expression of sympathy
We would like to express to her majesty and the people of the United Kingdom our sincere condolences for the loss of the British soldiers.
Conducive (adjective)
tending to promote or assist
Our intense winter storms, high rainfall amounts, and steep terrain area all conductive to land sliding.
Confluence (noun)
the act or fact of coming together
A confluence of researchers brought about the invention of the atomic bomb.
Conformity (noun)
an act of willingly carrying out the wishes of others
The control theory’s explanation of criminal behavior focuses on the control mechanisms, techniques, and strategies for regulating human behavior, leading to conformity or obedience to society’s rules.
Confound (verb)
to throw a person into confusion or perplexity
Earlier this week, Fed policy setters elected to trim the fed funds rate to 1.00 percent from 1.25 percent, confounding some market expectations for a reduction of half a percentage point.
Conical (adjective)
resembling a cone in shape
The conical shaped space rocket was launched into space.
Conjure up (verb)
imagine or contrive
A family is the basic unit in society having as its nucleus two or more adults living together and cooperating in the care and rearing of their own or adopted children. Despite this all-inclusive definition, a lesbian or gay couple with or without children are not the image conjured up when most people create a picture of a family.
Con-man (noun)
one who tells falsehoods in order to get financial gain
“Dante’s View” and the “Devil’s Corn Field” are names coined by the hustlers and con- men who sought to attract visitors and investors to this burgeoning mining area.
Consciousness (noun)
the condition of being aware
The Sun Dance was a type of self torture which included a loss of consciousness.
Consecutive (adjective)
following one after another in an orderly pattern
An anorexic girl weighs at least 15 percent less than her ideal weight, has an extreme fear of gaining weight, and has missed at least three consecutive menstrual periods.
Consequence (noun)
something brought about by a cause
Deviance is seen as a consequence of society’s decision to apply that term to a person, and deviant behavior is behavior that society labels as deviant.
Conservatism (noun)
a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions and preferring gradual development to abrupt change
Although he never wavered in his devotion to colonial rights and early committed himself to independence as an unwelcome last resort, Adams’s innate conservatism made him determined in 1770 that the British soldiers accused of the Boston Massacre receive a fair hearing.
Conserve (verb)
to protect an asset from loss or destruction
Now that we know what is involved in obtaining water and how quickly it is being used, everyone must do his/her part to conserve water.
Consistently (adverb)
without variation or change
Long time Death Valley residents say that daily temperatures at Bad water are consistently higher than those at Furnace Creek.
Consort (noun)
a husband or wife
Prince Albert was Queen Elizabeth’s consort and her first cousin and the nephew of the king of the Belgians, Leopold I.
Conspire (verb)
to work out a secret plan to achieve an evil or illegal end
Martin’s Luther King’s house was bombed, and he was convicted along with other boycott leaders on charges of conspiring to interfere with the bus company’s operations.
Constituent (adjective)
one of the individual entities contributing to a whole
If water rich asteroids added water to the lunar surface, most of the water would be split by sunlight into its constituent atoms of hydrogen and oxygen and lost into space, but some would migrate by literally hopping along to places where it is very cold.
Constitute (verb)
to put in force by legal authority
The death penalty is constituted by most state judicial courts as a legal force of punishment for criminals who have committed premeditated murder.
Constrain (verb)
to control, or restrict
Still others are enjoying a higher level of economic prosperity than the average American and don’t feel constrained in any way by a lack of marriage rights.
Consul (noun)
an official appointed by a government to reside in a country to represent the commercial interests of citizens of the appointing country
Bret Harte served as a consul in Germany and Scotland, after which he settled in England, where he remained until he died in 1902.
Consultant (noun)
one who advises another, especially officially or professionally
Business consultants often advise their clients to make long term investments.
Consummate (adjective)
supremely excellent in quality or nature
Mozart was commissioned to compose a new opera for Munich, Idomeneo (1781), which proved that he was a consummate master of opera series.
Containment (noun)
the state of holding back or within fixed limits; to restrain
The government is increasingly drawn into discussions about healthcare reform, particularly when it relates to cost containment.
Contemporary (adjective)
modern, in existence now
In 1989, the musician came back with “Back On the Block,” another grand tour of contemporary Rhythm and Blues (R&B) with a guest list that read like a Who’s Who of R&B.
Contentious (adjective)
inclined to act in a hostile way; given to arguing
A contentious argument erupted during the classroom debate.
Continental (adjective)
of the mainland; any of the main large land areas of the earth
Around the margins of the Pacific Ocean, for example, denser oceanic plates slip under continental plates in a process known as seduction.
Contour (adjective)
following contour lines or forming furrows or ridges along them Contour plowing diminishes water-polluting runoff.
Contraception (noun)
deliberate prevention of conception or impregnation
It is widely known as the “morning-after pill,” but new research confirms that emergency contraception reliably prevents pregnancy even when taken as long as five days after having sex.
Contract (verb)
to reduce in size by or as by drawing together
A partner will stretch your muscle group to a comfortable level. Then you contract as tight as you can and hold for about 6 to 10 seconds. You then relax and your partner stretches you further, repeating the process.
Contrive (verb)
to form a strategy for
Chimpanzees require massive regimented teaching sequences contrived by humans to acquire quite rudimentary abilities.
Conversely (adverb)
the manner of being the opposite of
Lack of physical activity causes an increase in body fat. Conversely, regular exercise leads to a loss of body fat.
Convert (verb)
to alter or change the physical or chemical properties of something
Our gut converts the protein from our dinner lamb chop into smaller amino acids.
Convey (verb)
to make known; to put into words
The best philosophy to be conveyed about how to avoid problems is the principle of the three red flags, which states that most accidents or avalanches are not the result of an unavoidable “karmic cannonball,” but rather are the predictable outcome of a series of related events.
Conveyor (noun)
a mechanical apparatus which carries packages or bulk material from one place to another Muscular contractions cause a ripple like movement that carries the contents down the small intestine somewhat like a conveyor belt.
Convoy (verb)
to accompany, especially to escort for protection
So Marin County parents started “walking school buses,” where they convoy groups of kids to school. It’s a concept used in Chicago city schools where gang crime is the biggest threat to children.
Cooing (verb)
making a low soft cry
Usually ranging from approximately 0 to six months, cooing is the first stage of linguistic development in children.
Cooperating (verb)
to work together toward a common end
A family is the basic unit in society having as its nucleus two or more adults living together and cooperating in the care and rearing of their own or adopted children.
Coordinator (noun)
one who brings something into accord; one who combines and adapts in order to attain a particular effect.
Maya Angelou became the northern coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Cordially (adverb
manner relating to kindness, warmth, and unaffected courtesy
In 1762 the Mozart children played at court in Vienna; the Empress Maria Theresa and her husband, Emperor Francis I, received them cordially.
Core (noun)
the most central and material part; a point of origin from which ideas, influences, etc., emanate
Earth’s density is due in part to gravitational compression; if not for this, Mercury would be denser than Earth, indicating that Mercury’s dense iron core is relatively larger than Earth’s, probably comprising the majority of the planet.
Corporate (adjective)
being a commercial organization
Corporate interviewers are looking for applicants who display purpose and commitment to their future occupation.
Corpse (noun)
the physical frame of a dead person or animal
Zurbaran attempted to capture the fact that it is a corpse by painting a somewhat frightening face.
Correlate (verb)
to come or bring together in one’s mind or imagination One of his students found that scores on these tests did not correlate with class standing among undergraduates at Columbia University.
Corrode (verb)
to eat away by degrees as if by gnawing; especially : to wear away gradually usually by chemical action; to weaken or destroy gradually : to undermine
CO2 might corrode concrete plugs meant to seal wells.
Costume (noun)
clothes or other personal effects, such as make-up, worn to conceal one’s identity
To celebrate Halloween, children dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for candy.
Counterpart (noun)
something possessing the same or almost the same characteristics as something else
In Roman mythology, Mercury is the god of commerce, travel, and thievery, the Roman counterpart of the Greek god Hermes, the messenger of the Gods.
Countless (adjective)
too great to be calculated
Indeed, fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear accident has turned up in ice cores, as has dust from violent desert storms countless millennia ago.
Coupe (noun)
a 2-door automobile often seating only two persons; also : one with a tightly spaced rear seat
The Corvette Coupe, from the United States, is a popular sports car.
Covet (verb)
characterized as having an inordinate desire for what belongs to another
He is the only art critic to have twice won America’s most coveted award for art criticism, the Frank Jewett Mather Award, given by the College Art Association.
Cowhand (noun)
a cowboy; one who tends cows
In the 1800’s, some worked as cowhands on ranches in Montana, during which they experienced devastating snowstorms and temperatures as cold as -40 F.
Crack (noun)
to undergo partial breaking
A small pebble caused a crack in the windshield.
Cradle (noun)
a place in which a thing begins or is nurtured in its infancy
Ancient Greece, once the cradle of Western culture, is responsible for many of the moral and scientific concepts that exist today.
Cramp (verb)
to be retrained or confined
The Scots fought from a better position and the English were too cramped for space to use their superior numbers.
Cranium (noun)
skull; the part of the head that encloses the brain
It was believed in the nineteenth that bumps on a person’s cranium revealed his or her personality.
Cratered (verb)
to exhibit bowl-shaped depressions caused by the impact of a meteorite
Mercury is in many ways similar to the Moon: its surface is heavily cratered and very old.
Creaking (verb)
a prolonged grating or squeaking sound
Yards creaking and making groaning sounds can be early warnings of slope failure.
Cremate (verb)
to reduce a dead body to ashes by burning
His last wish before he died was to be cremated and have his ashes spread over the Pacific Ocean.
Crevice (noun)
a narrow opening resulting from a split or crack
Found in waters all over the earth, octopuses like to hide in rocks and crevices and can squeeze into tiny holes, as they have no bones.
Criterion (noun)
a standard of comparison
In order for doctors to know whether or not a baby is normal, there are certain criteria or standards of judgment, but individual babies will vary somewhat from these standards.
Critique (noun)
evaluative and critical discourse
William Faulkner was a keen critique of the literature of his time.
Crucial (adjective)
so serious as to be at the point of crisis
The sociological perspective is crucial for working in today’s multiethnic and multinational business environment.
Crude (adjective)
in a natural state and still not prepared for use
Crude oil needs to be refined before it can be used for automobile consumption.
Crumple (verb)
to make irregular folds in, especially by pressing or twisting; to be unable to hold up The front and rear ends of an automobile are designed to crumple during a collision.
Crushing (verb)
pressing forcefully so as to break up into pulpy mass
The core thus begins to fuse helium into carbon to make enough energy to maintain its balance with the crushing force of gravity.
Crustal (adjective)
relating to the outer exterior of the earth consisting of rock
Tectonic earthquakes are a particular kind of earthquake that are associated with the earth’s crustal deformation; when these earthquakes occur beneath the sea, the water above the deformed area is displaced from its equilibrium position.
Crystallized (adjective)
formed with a clear colorless rock
Diamond is the name given to the crystallized form of the element Carbon.
Cull (noun)
something rejected especially as being inferior or worthless Animal activists are angry about the kangaroo cull.
Cultivate (verb)
to prepare or prepare and use for something
The proposal focused on a laboratory procedure designed to create embryos to cultivate their stem cells, which are master cells that can potentially grow into any type of human tissue.
Cumulative (adjective)
increasing, as in force, by successive additions
Scientific knowledge is not absolute, but cumulative in that new facts are constantly being added while old facts are discarded.
Curio (adjective)
something such as a decorative object considered novel, rare, or bizarre
A further one million are fished for the curio trade because seahorses retain their shape and color when dried.
Current (noun)
occurring in or belonging to the present time
Although the three currents discussed so far in 20th century painting may also be found in sculpture, the parallelism should not be overstressed.
Curve (verb)
having bends, curves, or angles; deviating from a straight line
Unstable areas may sometimes be identified by trees or telephone poles tilted at odd angles, or by curved tree trunks.
Cyclical (adjective)
of, relating to, or being an interval of time during which a sequence of a recurring succession of events or phenomena is completed
The one thing we don’t know is whether it will be cyclical, whether it will occur seasonally.
Cylinder (adjective)
the surface traced by a straight line moving parallel to a fixed straight line and intersecting a fixed curve.
The long cylinders of ancient ice that they retrieve provide a dazzlingly detailed record of what was happening in the world over the past several ice ages.
Dashboard (noun)
a panel extending across the interior of a vehicle as an automobile below the windshield and usually containing dials and controls
In a demonstration at an imaginary dashboard, Michael greeted the computer (“Good morning, Sally”), told it he was catching a flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport and received a map and spoken directions, estimated travel time, the state of the traffic ahead, the weather, the flight’s status, country music on the radio and directions to an Italian restaurant en route.
Database (noun)
a usually large collection of data organized especially for rapid search and retrieval as by a computer
Our editors make daily updates to our proprietary database of company information, which can be found on our Web site, Hoover’s Online.
Dazzlingly (adverb)
manner of arousing admiration by an impressive display
The long cylinders of ancient ice that they retrieve provide a dazzlingly detailed record of what was happening in the world over the past several ice ages.
Deadliest (adjective)
extremely destructive or harmful
At least 80 and perhaps hundreds of people were killed in the deadliest historical eruption to occur in what is now the United States.
Deal with (verb)
to be occupied or concerned
Politeness strategies are developed for the main purpose of dealing with face threatening acts.
Dearth (noun)
an inadequate supply
The model offers no way to explain the moon’s confounding dearth of iron.
Debris (noun)
an accumulation of fragments of rock
Landslides, mud flows and debris avalanches frequently accompany other natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
Decay (verb)
to become or cause to become rotten or unsound; to decompose
Because of the high humidity, abundant insects, and scavenger-eating animals and birds, an animal carcass can decay in Mississippi in just a few days.
Decipher (verb)
to make understandable
Few historians today have the capability of deciphering scrolls written in ancient Egyptian.
Decode (verb)
to convert a coded message into intelligible form; to discover the underlying meaning of It seems that the structure of the language you learn as a child affects how the structure of your brain develops to decode speech. Native English speakers, for example, find it extraordinarily difficult to learn Mandarin
Decorated (verb)
to furnish with emblems of honor worn on one’s clothing, or displayed on objects Quincy Jones is one of the most decorated musicians of all time.
Decry (verb)
to consider or treat as small or unimportant
There are those who decry marriage as a sexist and patriarchal institution that should be avoided at all costs.
Deem (verb
to have an opinion
Any human caused blazes are to be suppressed immediately as well as any natural fires deemed dangerous.
Default (noun)
a failure to pay financial debts
The trend has been to raise rates because of the increasing number of defaults among consumers.
Deferential (adjective)
showing or expressing respect and esteem due a superior or an elder
The Justice Department properly withheld the names and other details about hundreds of foreigners detained in the months after the Sept. 11 attacks, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday. The powerful decision was deferential to the Bush administration’s arguments over continued threats to America from terrorists.
Definitive (adjective)
serving the function of deciding or settling with finality
Two recent books are the definitive books in the area of cold reading: King of the Cold Readers (KCR) by Bascom Jones and Red Hot Cold Reading (RHCR) by Thomas Saville, Ph.D. and Herb Dewey.
Deflect (verb)
to turn aside especially from a straight course or fixed direction
If the interior is weak, for example, an attempt to deflect it with a nuclear warhead (an option under consideration) may simply break up the asteroid into many smaller and uncontrolled pieces.
Defuse (verb)
to remove the fuse from a mine or bomb; to make less harmful, potent, or tense
You can tend to your loved one and to yourself by focusing on the rewards of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and by learning to recognize and defuse stress.
Degradation (noun)
the act or an instance of demoting
Don Quixote shows how not distinguishing between the two leads to the moral degradation of his hero and, consequently, of his public.
Degraded (adjective)
reduced far below ordinary standards of civilized life and conduct; characterized by degeneration of structure or function
Protecting existing habitat and restoring degraded habitat can help the grizzly to recover.
Delectable (adjective)
highly pleasing, especially to the sense of taste
The ape inserts a twig into a hole in a termite’s nest, after which it pull outs the twig covered with delectable insects.
Delegate (noun)
one who stands in for another; one who is given authority to represent another
In 1776, John Adams was a Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia
Deleterious (adjective)
harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way
There is increasing evidence that some beached whales may have been stranded as a result of loud sounds made by mid-range navy sonar. This has produced a great deal of concern about the possible deleterious effects of noise pollution on marine mammals.
Delineation (noun)
a line marking and shaping the outer form of an object
Bialystok asserts that the delineation begins at the age of twenty, at which point begins a decline in the ability to learn a language.
Delta (noun)
the alluvial deposit at the mouth of a river
The delta extends outward fifty miles on both sides of the Mississippi River in the area of Mississippi and Louisiana and experiences floods during the spring.
Demise (noun)
a cessation of existence or activity
Columbia’s demise on Feb. 1, 2003, not only cost the lives of seven astronauts, but also leaves a gaping hole in the busy shuttle manifest, which is now focused on building and supplying the International Space Station.
Demographic (adjective)
relating to the dynamic balance of a population
These demographic peculiarities reveal a pattern of upward marriage or hypergamy which is quite different from endogamy and reflects an acknowledged status difference between communities.
Denouncing (verb)
to find fault with; to make an accusation against
A pamphlet entitled A Dissertation on the Canon and the Feudal Law and town instructions denouncing the Stamp Act (1765) marked him as a vigorous, patriotic penman, and, holding various local offices, he soon became a leader among Massachusetts radicals.
Densely (adverb)
with all parts or elements in extremely close proximity
Particles within the cloud’s center (core) became so densely packed that they often collided and stuck (fused) together.
Dependent (noun)
a person who relies on another for support
It is one of the more remarkable feats of American literature, how a young man who never graduated from high school, never received a college degree, living in a small town in the poorest state in the nation, all the while balancing a growing family of dependents and impending financial ruin, could during the Great Depression write a series of novels all set in the same small Southern county that would one day be recognized as among the greatest novels ever written by an American.
Depict (verb)
to present a lifelike image of
St. Francis is depicted wearing a brown habit worn by Franciscan Monks and by the stigmata over the heart.
Deposit (noun)
matter that settles on a bottom or collects on a surface by a natural process
Several tools have been developed to help land users identify unstable slopes. Slope maps, geology maps, and landslide deposit maps are available for public inspection at the Santa Cruz County Planning Department.
Derive (verb)
to obtain from another source
Like German, English is derived from some common original Germanic or Teutonic parent speech, although this original language is no longer in existence.
Derange (verb)
to disturb the health or physiological functioning of
The writer became deranged due to his heavy consumption of alcohol and drugs.
Derogatory (adjective)
tending or intending to belittle
Derogatory language is not permitted in the workplace.
Descend (verb)
to become lower in quality, character, or condition
The absolute finest colorless stone carries a D rating, descending through each letter of the alphabet to Z, designating a diamond of light yellow, brown, or gray.
Desegregate (verb)
to open to all people regardless of race
Montgomery buses were desegregated in December, 1956, after the United States Supreme Court declared Alabama’s segregation laws unconstitutional.
Designate (verb)
to make known or identify, as by signs
The absolute finest colorless stone carries a D rating, descending through each letter of the alphabet to Z, designating a diamond of light yellow, brown, or gray.
Desolate (adjective)
devoid of inhabitants and visitors; deserted
The Sinai Peninsula is a desolate desert region in northeast Egypt. Its terrain includes a sandy coastal plain, a high limestone plateau, and mountains.
Destabilize (verb)
to take out of balance so as to make it unstable
A landslide or slope failure occurs when steep slopes are destabilized by excess water accumulation in the soil, the addition of excess weight to the top of a slope, the removal of support from the bottom of a slope, or a combination of the above.
Detect (verb)
to perceive, to discover
Scientists detected Chernobyl radioactivity in snow at the South Pole, a graphic reminder of how small our planet is.
Detergent (noun)
a cleansing agent such as soap
Waste water often containing detergents encourage the growth of algae.
Deteriorate (verb)
to become in a less than perfect or whole condition in quality, functioning, or condition The heartbreak of watching your loved one slowly deteriorate, coupled with that person’s growing need for supervision and personal care, often causes caregivers to feel overwhelming stress.
Determinate (adjective)
having defined limits
In a sharp contrast to monkeys, human children pick up thousands of words spontaneously, combine them in structured sequences in which every word has a determinate role, respect the word order of the adult language, and use sentences for a variety of purposes such as commenting on interesting objects.
Detrimental (adjective)
causing harm or injury
Continuing to stretch by bouncing one’s body is detrimental in the long run as the body will start to adapt against it and one may find it difficult to stretch properly at all.
Devastate (verb)
to destroy completely while conquering or occupying
As the tsunami’s speed diminishes as it travels into shallower water, its height grows, consequently making its effects devastating to a coastal community.
Deviance (noun)
the condition of being abnormal
The labeling theory explains deviance as a social process by which some people who commit deviant acts come to be known as deviants and others do not.
Devise (verb)
to form a strategy for; to use ingenuity in making, developing, or achieving Considerable effort is devoted to devising innovative applications to important practical problems, e.g., human computer interaction, decision aiding, and medical training.
Devoid (adjective)
lacking a desirable element; containing nothing
Studies of lunar samples revealed that the interior of the Moon is essentially devoid of water, so no underground supplies could be used by lunar inhabitants.
Devote (verb)
to give over by or as if by vow to a higher purpose
Researchers from all over the world are devoting considerable time and energy into finding the answer to this critical question.
Diagnostic (adjective)
relating to investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, or problem.
For those unfamiliar with the term, cold reading is the description of the personality, characteristics, and features, past experiences and sometimes the future of a person without the use of standard psychological or other formal diagnostic procedures.
Diarrhea (noun)
abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools
Bulimia nervosa is when a person consumes large amounts of food, but then induces vomiting or diarrhea in an attempt to avoid weight gain.
Diaspora (noun)
people settled far from their ancestral homelands
The African Voices Hall presents the richness and diversity of cultures throughout the African continent, as well as traditions sustained and reinterpreted by the African diasporas in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Dictate (verb)
to set forth expressly and authoritatively
The value of a diamond is determined by its exact quality as defined by the 4C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions. Of the 4C’s, the cut is the aspect most directly influenced by man. The other three are dictated by nature.
Differential (adjective)
making a distinction among individuals or classes
The theory is called differential association. It denotes a person’s associations that differ from those of other persons
Digestion (noun)
the process of making food absorbable by breaking it down into smaller, simpler chemical compounds
Sucrose is hydrolyzed during digestion according to the following equation:
Sucrose + H2O v Glucose + Fructose
Dilute (verb)
lower than its normal strength or concentration due to a mixture
Gasoline, if diluted with water, will cause an automobile engine to malfunction.
Dimensional (adjective)
relating to the amount of space occupied by something
Our vocal tracts have a sharp right angle bend that creates two independently modifiable resonant cavities (the mouth and the pharynx or throat) that defines a large two dimensional range of vowel sounds.
Disavow (verb)
to deny responsibility for; disclaim, repudiate
The Israeli Prime Minister has decided to disavow talks with the Palestinians.
Discard (verb)
to let go or get rid of as being no longer of use, value, etc.
Scientific knowledge is not absolute, but cumulative. New facts are constantly being added while old facts are discarded.
Discernable (adjective)
so as to perceive, to recognize as being different
Many inclusions are not discernable to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent.
Discharge (verb)
to release from military duty
After being discharged from the military, Elvis Presley went back to singing and starring in movies.
Disconnecting (verb)
to separate one thing from another thing
Dissociation Identity Disorder is the phenomena of completely disconnecting oneself from a memory (or memories) and the emotions around the memory (or memories), creating a separate identity to hold memories and emotions.
Discredit (verb)
causing disbelief in the accuracy or authority of
Canup and Asphaug were able to re-test the discredited mid-1980s hypothesis of impact by a Mars size object thanks to greater computing power.
Discrepancy (noun)
a marked lack of correspondence or agreement
The tiny differences between the observed and predicted values were a minor but nagging problem for many decades. It was thought that another planet (sometimes called Vulcan) might exist in an orbit near Mercury’s to account for the discrepancy.
Disdain (noun)
the quality of being overly convinced of one’s own superiority and importance Due to the complete disdain the co-worker showed to others, he was fired.
Disenchant (verb)
disappoint; dissatisfy
Democratic presidential hopeful Howard Dean sought to redefine and broaden his liberal, anti war campaign in formally announcing his candidacy Monday, telling disenchanted American voters, ‘‘You have the power!’’ to oust President Bush and rid Washington of special interests.
Disintegration (noun)
severe damage or decay rendering something useless or worthless
Many founding fathers of the United States spoke out repeatedly against mob violence and other signs of social disintegration.
Dismantle (verb)
to take to pieces; to destroy the integrity or functioning of
Bush said the “true test” would be if the Palestinian militant groups would give up their arms and their ability to disrupt the peace process, Hamas must be dismantled.
Dismay (noun)
to deprive of courage or the power to act as a result of fear, anxiety, or disgust
In 1782 the now popular Mozart married Constance Weber from Germany, much to his father’s dismay.
Disorder (noun)
a disturbance of the health or physiological functioning of
A new term, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) was created in 1994 to replace Multiple Personality Disorder.
Dispense (verb)
to prepare and distribute as in medication
But four states now allow pharmacists to dispense emergency contraception pills, and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is considering a request to make Plan B available over the counter.
Disperse (verb)
to cause to separate and go in various directions
Diamonds allow light to be reflected and dispersed as a rainbow of color.
Displace (verb)
to move something from a position occupied
Tsunamis can be generated when the sea floor abruptly deforms and vertically displaces the overlying water.
Disposition (noun)
the combination of emotional, intellectual, and moral qualities that distinguishes an individual
A crow looks mean and evil and some people say it has a disposition to match its looks.
Disrepute (noun)
loss of or damage to one’s reputation
Multiple Personalities disorder was being thrown into disrepute because many people were giving phony demonstrations of alter switching during television talk shows.
Disruptive (adjective)
troubling to the mind or emotions
Driven by dizzying mutations in medical costs, program directors and staff ponder the disruptive dynamism of these new healthcare reforms.
Disseminate (verb)
to pass something out; to spread out
Many plants depend upon the wind to disseminate their pollen.
Dissertation (noun)
a formal, lengthy exposition on a topic
Graduation requirements include an empirical research project, a general preliminary examination, and a dissertation project.
Dissipate (verb)
to disappear by or as if by dispersal of particles
Helping to dissipate heat, the large neck of the giraffe serves as a cooling tower.
Dissociate (verb)
to break the ties of connection between; to separate from
A child may dissociate, and create an alternative personality to handle severe sexual or physical abuse.
Distinctly (adverb)
so as to be easily perceived and understood
Language is a form of speech distinctly different from others, adding for good measure not, or only partially, intelligible to others without special study.
Distinguishable (adjective)
making noticeable or different from something else
Brown diamond shaped markings are found along the middle of the rattlesnake’s back. These distinguishable markings stand out against their lighter body color.
Distort (verb)
to twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition; to cause to be perceived unnaturally
The agency is trying to find a way to modify the machines with an electronic fig leaf programming that fuzzes out sensitive body parts or distorts the body so it is unrecognizable.
Divergent (adjective)
departing from the normal; not like another in nature, quality, amount, or form
While healthcare strategies abound from diverse viewpoints and divergent professional groups, no one strategy has all the answers to reform the medical healthcare enterprise.
Diversity (noun)
the quality of being made of many different elements, forms, kinds, or individuals Colleges seek an equal diversity in its applicants by looking at background, experience, and previous scholastic achievement.
Diurnal (adjective)
opening during the day and closing at night
In rural areas, businesses are mostly diurnal because there is not a large enough population base to sustain extended hours operation.
Division (noun)
one of the parts into which something is divided
William Tecupseh Sherman, division commander, was quoted saying to reporters, “Take your regiment to Ohio. No enemy is nearer than Corinth.”
Dizzying (adjective)
vastly exceeding the normal limit, as in cost
Driven by dizzying mutations in medical costs, program directors and staff ponder the disruptive dynamism of these new reforms.
Doctorate (adjective)
any degree at the highest level awarded by universities
A student intending to teach and conduct sociological research will most likely need a master’s or a doctorate degree.
Document (verb)
anything serving as proof
Although explosive eruptions at Kilauea are infrequent, deposits of ash discovered by United States Geological Survey and other scientists document that they actually occur about as often as explosive eruptions from volcanoes in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest, which includes Mount St. Helens, Washington.
Doggedly (adverb)
with firm perseverance; with irrational determination of fixity of purpose
The attack pushed most Union divisions back to reform elsewhere. Others fought doggedly to hold their line.
Domesticate (verb)
to train to live with and be of use to man
The single-humped Arabian camel has been domesticated for more than 5,000 years.
Dominant (adjective)
most important, influential, or significant
The abuse memories contained within alters are not typically accessible to the dominant personality.
Dormant (adjective)
in a state of temporary inactivity
Farther north of Stovepipe Wells is more salt pan and a dormant volcanic area which includes Ubehebe Crater.
Downdraft (noun)
a downward air current
The strength of intense downdrafts that emerge from Rocky Mountain storms can stir up severe weather downstream.
Downpour (noun)
a heavy rain
The scientists found that one downpour leads to another. In effect, they were able to pinpoint the culprit of these torrential rains in the Midwest.
Downsizing (noun)
the act of reducing in size
I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me.”
Down slope (noun)
moving from place of higher elevation to a place of lower elevation
In spring, the built up snow melts and runs down slope into brooks. These brooks flow down and join a river.
Downstream (noun)
in the direction of the flow of water running along the surface of the earth; in the direction of the flow of something
The strength of intense downdrafts that emerge from the mountain storms can stir up severe weather downstream.
Drainage (noun)
the act, the process, or method for carrying off waster matter
Human activities which act to further destabilizing slopes are logging, woodland conversion, road building, housing construction, and any activity which alters normal drainage patterns.
Dramatic (adjective)
filled with action, emotion, or exciting qualities
Gases trapped in ice cores show the dramatic impact that human activities have had on the planet since the Industrial Revolution.
Drilling (verb)
to do or perform repeatedly so as to master
At the Union camp at Shiloh, the Federal troops spent a day drilling and merry making.
Driven (verb)
to fix an idea in someone’s mind by emphasis and repetition
Driven by an intense need to characterize the traditions of the South, the writer sometimes depicts his characters as vulnerable, ill-informed, and racist.
Drought (noun)
a prolonged or chronic shortage or lack of something, especially water
A serious Midwestern drought during the 1930’s devastated many farmers’ crops.
Drunkenness (noun)
given to habitual excessive use of alcohol of, relating to, or characterized by intoxication The immediate physical effects of drinking alcohol range from mild mood changes to complete loss of coordination, vision, balance, and speech any of which can be signals of the temporary systemic poisoning known as acute alcohol intoxication, or drunkenness.
Dusk (noun)
the period between afternoon and nighttime
It is recommended that a driver turn his lights on at the first signs of dusk.
Dwarf (verb)
to make extremely small
Given that is has snowed 35 inches in less than two days, this blizzard dwarfs any other storm that we have ever seen in our state.
Dwellings (noun)
a building or shelter where one lives
Many ancient Native American dwellings were built within the cliffs of the Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona.
Dye (noun
something that gives color
Ancient peoples used fermentation to make beer and used plants to produce dyes and medicines.
Dynamism (noun)
the quality of being energetic, vigorous
Driven by dizzying mutations in medical costs, program directors and staff ponder the disruptive dynamism of these new reforms.
Dysfunction (noun)
abnormal, impaired, or incomplete functioning, as of a body organ or part
Victims may have a predisposition to mood disorders which can be heightened by dysfunctions in family life.
Easternmost (adjective)
the farthest east of a boundary or territory
On the easternmost edge of Colorado lies a Native American settlement.
Eccentricity (noun)
deviating from the normal or customary; peculiar behavior
The high eccentricity of Mercury’s orbit would produce very strange effects for an observer on Mercury’s surface. At some longitudes the observer would see the Sun rise and then gradually increase in apparent size as it slowly moved toward the zenith.
Eclipse (verb)
to be greater or better than
Albert Einstein eclipsed his predecessors with his revolutionary breakthroughs in relativity.
Echolocation (noun)
a process of locating distant or invisible objects by means of sound waves reflected back to the emitter (as a bat or a submarine) by the objects
The biological sonar, or echolocation, of bats and a few other animals is one of nature’s great inventions.
Eerie (adjective)
of a mysteriously strange and usually frightening nature
Movies also use conditioned stimuli such as darkness or eerie music to arouse the conditioned response of fear.
Efficiency (noun)
the power or capacity to produce a desired result
Anyone who can read and write can improve the efficiency of their memory.
Eject (verb)
to throw out or off from within; to drive out especially by physical force
Many scientists have thought for years that the moon was formed during the early days of the solar system when another planet collided with Earth, ejecting fragments of rocky material that condensed into Earth’s only satellite.
Elaborate (adjective)
complexly detailed
Our gut can best be described as a very elaborate food “disassemble” plant.
Elevate (verb)
to increase the level of something; to move something to a higher position
Studies show an elevated (but so far not statistically significant) risk of lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers for most firefighters.
Elite (adjective)
relating to a group of persons who by virtue of position or education exercise much power or influence
Early decision started at most elite colleges in the late 1990s as a way for top students to win admission to their first choice of college without having to go through the longer admissions process.
Eloquent (adjective)
vividly or movingly expressive or revealing; person marked by forceful and fluent expression
Beecher, Henry Ward (1813-1887), the son of Lyman Beecher, was an eloquent, dramatic, and witty Protestant preacher.
Elusive (adjective)
characterized by or exhibiting evasion
Since September 11, 2001, American military have been searching for the ever so elusive Osama bin Laden.
Emancipation (noun)
the state of not being in confinement or servitude
One underlying cause of the Civil War was for the emancipation of all slaves in the South.
Embark (verb)
to go about the initial step in doing something
When Mozart was 6, he and his older sister, Maria Anna, embarked on a series of concert tours to Europe’s courts and major cities.
Embattle (verb)
being a site of battle, conflict, or controversy
The embattled music industry disclosed aggressive plans Wednesday for an unprecedented escalation in its fight against Internet piracy, threatening to sue hundreds of individual computer users who illegally share music files online.
Embellish (verb)
to endow with beauty and elegance by way of a notable addition
The success of the cold reading lies in the sitter embellishing selected statements from the reading, with details that make the generalizations appear more accurate than they are.
Embezzlement (noun)
to steal money entrusted to one’s care
Dubbed the king of white collar crime, Mark Hansen was twice imprisoned for embezzlement.
Embrace (verb)
to encircle, to surround, or to enclose
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake can be found over varied country, embracing the mountains up to altitudes of 8000 ft, the seacoasts levels, inland plains, desert areas.
Emerge (verb)
to begin to appear or develop
To compete in the emerging global economy, city-states must mobilize all their skills to protect their center cities and train their workforce to excel in an increasingly competitive world marketplace.
Emission (noun)
discharged vapor or fumes
In 1972 a law was passed to control the emission of coal into the atmosphere.
Emotionalism (noun)
an appeal to emotion, especially to sway an audience to some belief
Although, from an early age, Martin Luther King resented religious emotionalism and questioned literal interpretations of scripture, he nevertheless greatly admired black social gospel proponents such as his father who saw the church as a instrument for improving the lives of African Americans.
Empathetic (adjective)
characterized by the projection of one’s personality into the personality of another in order to understand the person better
Murillo often chose models he felt had empathetic faces for his paintings.
Empirical (adjective)
based solely on experiment and observation rather than theory
Cognitive Psychology is an empirical science and depends on careful experimental procedures and paradigms to test theories about these mental processes.
Enable (verb)
to give the means, ability, or opportunity to do something
Sociological research influences the way we think about work and organizational life and enables us to discover new knowledge.
Enactment (noun)
the formal product or a legislative or judicial body
Unlike other countries which have a nationwide policy, in the United States, the enactment and enforcement of motor vehicle regulation is done by the states.
Encase (verb)
to cover something completely; to enclose something
Encased in a padded steel cocoon, most drivers are unhurt if they are wearing their seatbelts during the time of the collision.
Encroachment (noun)
the act of trespassing or intruding on the property of another From 1863 to 1868, the Sioux fought the army’s encroachment.
Encrypt (verb)
to convert information from one system of communication into another; especially: to convert a message into code
The function that fills in forms offers an option to store credit card numbers too, but the information is encrypted on the hard drive of a user’s computer instead of Google’s computers, for security and privacy reasons.
Endanger (verb)
to subject to danger or destruction
Fires help habitats and are important to endangered species of animals that rely on these plants for survival.
Endogamy (noun)
The custom of marrying only within one’s group, clan, or tribe
Data from the two locations of Stirling’s ethnography show a uniform preference for marriage within the community as well as an interesting contrast in rates of endogamy.
Endure (verb)
to remain in existence or in a certain state for an indefinitely long time
Some towns and schools are named after Oak trees, reminding Californians of things that are free and enduring.
Engage (verb)
to involve someone in an activity
His concerts were a great success, and the emperor, Joseph II, encouraged him, later (1787) engaging him as court composer.
Engulf (verb)
to flow over completely
At this point in its life, the Sun’s envelope will expand to engulf all of the inner solar system out to Mars.
Enhance (verb)
to endow with beauty and elegance by way of a notable addition
Students are also expected to enhance the teaching, communication, and administrative skills he will need in his professional career.
Enlarge (verb)
to express at greater length or in detail; to make or become greater or larger
City-states’ importance were enlarged through the 1990s by the rapid flowering of the Internet and the digital revolution.
Enlist (verb)
to become a member of
After World War I and II, American women and children were enlisted to help in the war effort by collecting items of rubber and metal for recycling.
Enmity (noun)
positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will
Laboring to transform the dual Austro-Hungarian Monarchy into a triple monarchy including a Slavic kingdom under Croatian leadership, he won the enmity of both the Pan-Serbians and the Pan-Germans, and his support of the Christian Socialist campaign for universal suffrage brought the hostility of the Hungarian magnates.
Enormous (adjective)
of extraordinary size and power
The community consists of an enormous number of people of every conceivable age, race, religion, lifestyle, income, and opinion.
Enrage (verb)
full of or marked by extreme anger
Enraged smaller birds are seen driving away larger birds that are trying to invade the smaller birds’ nests.
Enrich (verb)
to make rich or richer especially by the addition or increase of some desirable quality, attribute, or ingredient
Parts of a gas centrifuge system for enriching uranium were dug up in Baghdad.
Ensemble (noun)
a group of musicians engaged in a performance An ensemble of violinists played at the wedding.
Ensue (verb)
to occur as a consequence
A large battle ensued, but the Vikings were eventually able to resist the attack.
Enterprise (noun)
A commercial organization
While healthcare strategies abound from diverse viewpoints and divergent professional groups, no one strategy has all the answers to reform the medical healthcare enterprise.
Enthrall (verb)
catching and holding the full attention
The journal of Lewis and Clark, which depicts their extraordinary journey of eight- thousand miles, is enthralling reading today.
Enthusiast (noun)
one who is ardently attached to a cause, object, or pursuit; one who tends to become ardently absorbed in an interest
At one time, spotting a cougar in the eastern U.S. ranked alongside an encounter with Bigfoot or a UFO. But over the years, the rise in cougar tales has sparked an interest in wildlife officials and cougar enthusiasts alike.
Entirety (noun)
an amount of quantity from which nothing is left out or held back
Some mental illnesses are caused by severe abuse during childhood violence so extreme that the child cannot absorb the trauma in its entirety.
Entrap (verb)
to catch or control by a source of danger not easily foreseen and avoided
Upon locating its food, the anteater entraps it with its sticky saliva, hence making sure that the nest is wiped clean.
Envision (verb)
to picture to oneself: think
But scientists envision nonmilitary uses.
Envoy (noun)
a person delegated to represent one government in its dealings with another
In April 1803, Napoleon Bonaparte negotiated the sale of the Louisiana Territory with the envoys of President Thomas Jefferson.
Eon (noun)
a long time
Collectively, these frozen archives give scientists unprecedented views of global climate over the eons.
Epicenter (noun)
the part of the earth’s surface directly above the focus of an earthquake
Buildings from as far as 50 miles from the epicenter of the 7.9 earthquake suffered extensive damage.
Episode (noun)
something significant that happens
Most people have observed mild dissociative episodes in which they lose touch with their surroundings. Examples include daydreaming, highway hypnosis, or losing oneself in a movie or book.
Equation (noun)
statement that two mathematical expressions are equal
Sucrose + H2O v Glucose + Fructose: We will need to remember that equation for the test.
Equidistant (adjective)
being the same distance as something else
In the copper crystal the spheres are packed closely together in such a fashion that each atom has twelve equidistant neighbors.
Equilibrium (noun)
a stable state characterized by the cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces The fusion process released tremendous amounts of heat and light which could then combat the compressing force of gravity; eventually, the two forces reached equilibrium.
Equip (verb)
to supply what is needed for some activity or purpose
To further their success, psychics must equip themselves with the fundamental knowledge regarding human nature that most of us do not normally appreciate.
Equivalent (adjective)
equal in force, amount, or value; also : equal in area or volume but not admitting of superposition; corresponding or virtually identical especially in effect or function “This is a boon to employers,” said Ross Eisenbrey, policy director for the liberal Washington based think tank. “They’ll be given a green light to exempt people (from overtime) whom Congress never intended to be treated as the equivalent of doctors and lawyers.”
ERA (NOUN)
A LARGE DIVISION OF GEOLOGIC TIME USUALLY SHORTER THAN AN EON
FOR EXAMPLE, 65 MILLION YEARS AGO A 6.2-MILE (10 KILOMETER)-DIAMETER ASTEROID IMPACT RESULTED IN A 100-MILLION-MEGATON EXPLOSION THAT EXCAVATED A 112-MILE (180 KILOMETER)-WIDE CRATER ON THE YUCATÁN PENINSULA IN MEXICO AND BROUGHT THE DINOSAUR ERA TO AN END.
ERADICATE (VERB)
TO DESTROY ALL TRACES OF
EVEN THOUGH SMALLPOX WAS ERADICATED TWO YEARS AFTER THE LAST KNOWN CASE WAS REPORTED IN SOMALIA IN 1977, IT IS STILL CONSIDERED A DANGER DUE TO THE POTENTIAL TERRORIST THREAT IT POSES IF USED AS A BIOLOGICAL WEAPON.
ERECT (VERB)
TO MAKE OR FORM A STRUCTURE
IN MORE MODERN TIMES IN THE UNITED STATES, WINDMILLS WERE ERECTED AS THE WEST WAS BEING DEVELOPED DURING THE LATE 19TH CENTURY.
Erode (verb)
to consume gradually, as by chemical reaction, friction, etc.
Powerful waves caused by a storm off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean eroded more than 150 miles of coastline.
Eruption (noun)
a sudden, violent explosion, as from a volcano
The Indonesian volcano Toba blew its top in the largest volcanic eruption of the last half million years.
Essentially (adverb)
as an inborn and basic element
Studies of lunar samples revealed that the interior of the Moon is essentially devoid of water, so no underground supplies could be used by lunar inhabitants.
Eternal (adjective)
existing or occurring without interruption or end
It was not until the end of World War II that the eternal succession of international wars ceased in Europe.
Enterprise (noun)
a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated,
or risky; a unit of economic organization or activity
Over the last 125 years, scientific research and science-based technology have been the most profound agents of change in American life, and science has grown into a complex enterprise interwoven with all aspects of our culture.
Ethical (adjective)
involving or expressing moral approval or disapproval
The American Medical Association (AMA) on Tuesday endorsed cloning for research purposes, saying it is medically ethical but allowing doctors who oppose the practice to refuse to perform it.
Ethnography (noun)
descriptive anthropology, which is the study of man in relation to distribution, origin, classification, and relationship to races, physical character, environmental and social relations and culture
Data from the two locations of Sterling’s ethnography show a uniform preference for marriage within the community as well as an interesting contrast in rates of endogamy.
Entropic (verb)
rich in dissolved nutrients such as phosphates but often hallow and seasonally deficient in oxygen
As a result of pollution, a lake can become entropic, hence making it distasteful and unhealthy.
Evaporate (verb)
to pass off as vapor by being heated
There is a special critical initial strength such that the field cannot decide whether to evaporate away or collapse to form a black hole.
Excavate (verb)
to expose to view by or as if by digging away a covering
Gold jewelry and other precious items recovered from royal tombs excavated at the ancient Assyrian capital of Nimrud.
Exceed (verb)
to go beyond the limits of
The life span of five Western Diamondbacks at the San Diego Zoo has exceeded 15 yrs.
Excel (verb)
to be greater or better than
Because to compete in the emerging global economy, city-states have no choice: they must mobilize all their skills to protect their center cities, grow smarter, protect their air and water, achieve more social equity, and train their workforce to excel in an increasingly competitive world marketplace.
Exceptional (adjective)
far above others in quality or excellence
As the boycott continued during 1956, King gained national prominence as a result of his exceptional oratorical skills and personal courage.
Excess (adjective)
being more than is needed, desired, or appropriate
Of 14 studies on the mortality of firefighters, 11 found excess risk for brain cancer.
Exclusively (adverb)
to the exclusion of any other possibility Kinesiology is a class exclusively for those majoring in Physical Education
Exert (verb)
to bring to bear steadily or forcefully
Athletes must not over exert themselves too much when stretching but instead they should let their flexibility increase over time.
Exhume (verb)
to take out of the grave or tomb
The investigation calls for exhuming and testing the remains of Billy the Kid’s mother and Ollie L. “Brushy Bill’’ Roberts. Roberts, who died in 1950, swore he was William H. Bonney, the name most often given by the Kid as his real one.
Exhibition (noun)
an act of showing or displaying
Many sculptures and paintings are on exhibition at the National Gallery of Art.
Expenditure (noun)
something spent to obtain a benefit or desired result Total healthcare expenditures can be very expensive.
Expectant (adjective)
expecting the birth of a child
Putting bacteria back into the equation for expectant mothers and infants may help reduce the risk of developing eczema (or dermatitis, as it is sometimes called) well into childhood.
Explode (verb)
to come open or fly apart suddenly and violently, as from internal pressure
In April 1986, Russia’s nuclear power station at Chernobyl exploded, killing 250 people and sending radioactive fallout around the world.
Exploit (noun)
a great or heroic deed
Given to reading books of chivalry, the protagonist Alonso Quijano, influenced by the exploits of his heroes, loses his mind and decides to become a knight, go out in search of adventure and impose justice according to the code of the knights errant.
Exposure (noun)
the condition of being laid open to something undesirable or injurious
General causes for primary brain cancer can include a prior head injury, infections, exposure to chemical toxins such as insecticides and fungicides and exposure to radiation such as microwave or radio frequencies.
Express (verb)
to convey in language or words of a particular form This led to a professor at Stanford University to multiply this ratio by 100 to express a child’s performance. He called this the intelligence quotient, or IQ.
Exquisite (adjective)
of such tasteful beauty as to elicit admiration
Although the Neanderthal man was not yet fully human and although he had a brain volume larger than that of modern man, he made exquisite tools of stone.
Extirpate (verb
to destroy completely, to wipe out
The insecticides sprayed around the house have successfully extirpated the termite infestation.
Extol (verb)
to pay tributes or homage to; to honor (a diety) in religious worship
Benjamin Franklin extols the virtues of honesty, integrity, high moral standard in some of his writings.
Extraordinary (adjective)
far beyond what is usual, normal, or customary
Quincy Jones has won an extraordinary number of Grammy Awards both as musician and producer.
Extraneous (adjective)
not part of the essential nature of a thing; not relevant or
pertinent to the subject; not
applicable
An essay with poor development, simplistic organization, and extraneous details will score 2.0 or lower on TOEFL iBT writing.
Eye-catching (adjective)
of such a character as to overwhelm
At the performance, the jugglers made such an eye-catching performance that they were given a five minute standing ovation.
Facet (noun)
the particular angle from which something is considered
The album ranged widely across the various facets of contemporary Rhythm and Blues including the dance hit Ai No Corrida and making a star out of James Ingram with his lead vocals featured on Just Once and One Hundred Ways.
Facilitation (noun)
the act of smoothing, aiding, assisting, or helping
Progressive neuromuscular facilitation is the process of providing force during stretching so as to improve the flexibility of an athlete.
Fall out of favor (verb phrase)
losing one’s popularity
By 1900 small electric wind systems were developed to generate direct current, but most of these units fell out of favor when rural areas became attached to the national electricity grid during the 1930s.
Fallout (noun)
radioactive nuclear debris
In April 1986, Russia’s nuclear power station at Chernobyl exploded, killing 250 people and sending radioactive fallout around the world.
Farce (noun)
a false, derisive, or impudent imitation of something
That there was gold in many parts of the Sacramento River turned out to be a farce.
Far-flung (adjective)
widely spread or distributed
We follow them from the Dodger camp in Santa Domingo to spring training in Florida and through their first years in America and professional baseball in places as far-flung and overwhelmingly white as Great Falls, Montana.
Far-reaching (adjective)
covering a wide scope
The crash of the Stock Market in 1929 had far-reaching effects on the US economy.
Fatality (noun)
a termination of life, usually the result of an accident or a disaster Many fatalities have occurred from floods in the Midwest.
Fatigue (noun)
the condition of being extremely tired
In general, a high measure of cardio respiratory endurance is the ability to perform about 60 minutes of vigorous exercise without too much fatigue.
Fearlessness (noun)
the quality of mind enabling one to face danger or hardship
courageously, with decision, and unwavering firmness
The Sioux fought against hostile tribes and white intruders. Soon, Sitting Bull became known for his fearlessness in battle.
Feasible (adjective)
capable of occurring or being done
The cost analysis of a proper prescribed burn and the cost of battling a blaze in the load fuel laden forests need to be considered to see which method is more economically feasible given the tight budgetary constraints with which the government has to operate.
Feat (noun)
a great or heroic deed; something completed successfully
Swimming across the English Channel is an athletic feat that few people ever accomplish.
Feature (noun)
a distinctive element
A cold reading is the description of the personality, characteristics, features, past experiences and sometimes the future of a person without the use of standard psychological or other formal diagnostic procedures.
Feedback (noun)
information about the result of an experiment or action
Constructive feedback to a child’s positive behaviors is essential in conditioning him to exhibit good behavior.
Feedstock (noun)
a supply stored or hidden for future use
Recycled materials, such as aluminum, also provide manufacturers with valuable feedstock. For example, recycled aluminum cans are used to make new cans.
Fermentation (noun)
breaking down of a substance by microorganisms, such as yeasts and bacteria, usually in the absence of oxygen, especially of sugar in making alcohol
In ancient times, people used fermentation to make beer and used plants to produce dyes and medicines.
Fertility (noun)
the quality or state of being capable of breeding or reproducing
Although the impact of age on a woman’s fertility has been well-studied, experts say this is the first time such a strong association has been found between age and male fertility in the time it takes to conceive a child.
Fetus (noun)
a developing human from usually three months after conception to birth The young mother could feel her child’s fetus moving in her womb.
Fidelity (noun)
faithfulness or devotion to a person, a cause, obligations, or duties
In order to be considered a good Christian, a person must practice marital fidelity.
Figure (noun)
mathematical calculations
According to the figures compiled by Standard & Poor’s DRI division for the US Conference of Mayors and National Association of Counties, the US’s 314 metro regions are clearly the economic drivers, providing 84 percent of new jobs, 95 percent of high- tech jobs, 88 percent of the country’s income.
Filter (verb)
clarify, refine, clean
An electric pump filters out most of the impurities in a swimming pool.
Finished (adjective)
marked by having the highest quality
Japanese businesses are adept at importing raw materials and exporting finished products to countries all over the world.
Finite (adjective)
limited, having a specific number
A black hole oscillates increasingly rapidly, performing an infinite number of oscillations in a finite time.
Fizz (noun)
bubbles, hisses, and foams in a beverage as gas escapes
Torp rejected Green Peace’s suggestion that CO2 injection was illegal, noting that it was legally sold and exported– it is the ingredient that puts fizz in beer or soft drinks.
Fizzle (verb)
to fail or end feebly especially after a promising start — often used with the word out Three decades after the concept of Pan-Africanism fizzled out; satellite television is working where liberation philosophy did not: connecting and modernizing the world’s poorest continent.
Flair (adjective)
an innate or inborn capability; having a natural talent
Director and film producer, Steven Spielberg, has a flair for captivating his audiences with the special effects and superb acting in his movies.
Flank (noun)
one of two or more contrasted parts or places identified by its location with respect to a center
The slab avalanche is usually easily recognized by its distinct crown and flanks. Slab and other avalanches can be hard or soft, wet or dry and can be triggered naturally/artificially.
Flare (noun)
signal, bright light, or firework used as a signal
Crew members began to fire flares into the sky when they realized that the ship was doomed to sink.
Flashback (noun)
scene in a movie or book set in a time earlier than the main action
Some movie directors use flashbacks as a way to create a more dramatic story.
Flaunt (verb)
to display or obtrude oneself to public notice
It was a sure sign that Embraer can fly as high as its competitor —— a point driven home at the São Paulo show as Embraer opened a new front in the battle, flaunting its first executive jet, the attractively priced $20 million Legacy.
Fleet (noun)
number of vehicles or aircraft operating under one proprietor
Americans throw away enough aluminum every three months to rebuild their entire commercial air fleet.
Flexibility (noun)
the ability to bend easily without damage
To maintain flexibility stretching must be performed at least every 36 hours.
Flick (verb)
sudden movement or jerk, especially of the wrist
Warm your arms by swinging them around. Loosely do boxing style punch drills. Loosely flick your wrists.
Flippant (adjective)
lacking proper respect or seriousness
Much of Mark Twain’s writings were flippant, and he used his characters to criticize the culture and politics of his era.
Flock (verb)
a very large number of things grouped together
A flock of geese was seen just south of Orlando, Florida.
Flourish (verb)
improving, growing, or succeeding steadily
J.C. Penny started a flourishing business in which he offered customers retail products at wholesale prices.
Flower (verb)
to blossom; to reach a peak
City-states importance were enlarged by the rapid flowering of the Internet and the digital revolution.
Fluffy (adjective)
downy, soft, light, puffy
Fluffy down-filled pillows provide much needed to those who suffer from insomnia.
Fluid (adjective)
substance, especially a gas or liquid, whose shape is determined by its container
Hawaii’s volcanic eruptions are typically characterized by the relatively quiet outflow of very fluid lava and by sometimes spectacular lava fountains.
Flux (noun)
something suggestive of running water
The tsunami’s energy flux, which is dependent on both its wave speed and wave height, remains nearly constant.
Foe (noun)
one who is hostile to or opposes the purpose or interests of another
In three remarkable careers as a foe of British oppression and champion of Independence (1761-77), as an American diplomat in Europe (1778-88), and as the first vice president (1789-97) and then the second president (1797-1801) of the United States John Adams was a founder of the United States.
Follow-up (adjective)
a news story presenting new information on a story published earlier
In a follow-up report published in the May 31 issue of The Lancet, the same group of researchers report that after four years, the children who were exposed to the probiotic were 40% less likely to have atopic eczema than the children in the placebo group.
Forbid (verb)
so disagreeably austere as to discourage approach
Despite the forbidding conditions, scientists have found certain fish and other animals to exist in the oceans’ deepest regions.
Forefront (noun)
something that occupies a front position; in or into a position of prominence
At the end of the 19th century, a new way of transmitting power came to the forefront- electricity.
Forecaster (noun)
one who predicts future events such as the weather
Computer modeling to track these downdrafts and the cloud level ice crystals that help produce them were developed to give forecasters the edge in predicting severe storm systems, and possibly flooding, over the plains.
Former (adjective)
having been such previously
The term “Multiple Personality Disorder” or (MPD) has been largely replaced by Dissociative Identity Disorder or (DID). As the former name implies, MPD/DID is a mental condition in which two more personalities appear to inhabit a single body.
Formidable (adjective)
causing or able to cause fear; imposing a severe test of bodily or spiritual strength
The curved horn protruding from the Rhino’s head is a formidable weapon with which its competitors will be confronted.
Foremost (adjective)
most important, influential, or significant
Alan Greenspan, one of the foremost economists in the US, has been chairman of the Federal Reserve for a number of years.
Formula (noun)
chemical symbols showing the parts of a substance
The formula for glucose is usually written as C6H12O6. Glucose, once manufactured by the plant, is used to create many of the more complex carbohydrates.
Formulate (verb)
to use in ingenuity in making, developing, or achieving
Alternate between your flash cards and notes and test yourself (orally or in writing) on the questions you formulated. Make additional flash cards if necessary.
Fossil (noun)
natural fuel such as coal or gas
Atmospheric carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides from coal and oil burning power plants, cars, and other fossil fuel burning sources have climbed along with the world population, with as yet unknown effects on the climate system.
Foster (verb)
to promote and sustain the development of
Hunters, traders, miners, and cattle ranchers, all of whom moved to the frontier areas of the United States in the 1800’s, did little to foster the birth of civilization in those areas.
Fountain (noun)
jet or jets of water made to spout for ornamental purposes or for drinking
Water is important for firefighting and for filling fountains and swimming pools.
Franchise (noun)
the right to be and exercise the rights of a corporation
A businessperson may purchase the rights to a franchise such as Taco Bell, which gives him/her the rights to a proven system of operation and a trademark, and thus offering customer’s assurance that the meal will be as expected.
Frigid (adjective)
very cold; lacking all friendliness and warmth
The precise composition and relative proportions of that dust and gas hold clues to the materials and physical conditions present in the frigid outer regions of the solar system where comets are formed.
Frontier (noun)
Frontier (noun)
a region that forms the margin of settled or developed territory
Many were attracted to the American frontier by cheap land and a hunger for adventure.
Fructose (noun)
the simple sugar found in honey and fruits
While Glucose and Fructose are absorbed directly into the blood stream, Sucrose is hydrolyzed during digestion according to the following equation:
Sucrose + H2O v Glucose + Fructose
Fuel (noun)
material burned or used as a source of heat or power
Fats are necessary for some things such as fuel for our body, so it is important to get about 30% of our calories from fats.
Fugitive (noun)
one who flees, as from home, confinement, captivity, justice, etc.
Because Bloodhounds have an innate ability to pick up even the smallest traces of a scent, they are most effective in tracking down fugitives.
Function (noun)
a large or important social gathering
When we are surrounded by a group of adults at a formal function which our parents are attending, we must say, “Could you please pass me that plate, if you don’t mind?”
Fundamental (adjective)
a broad and basic rule or truth
The court described marriage as one of the basic civil rights of man and the most important relation in life. The court also noted that the right to marry is part of the fundamental right to privacy in the U.S. Constitution.
Fungicide (noun)
a substance which destroys any of a group or non-photosynthetic organisms feeding on organic matter
General causes for primary brain cancer can include a prior head injury, infections, exposure to chemical toxins such as insecticides and fungicides and exposure to radiation such as microwave or radio frequencies.
Funnel (verb)
to move to a focal point or into a conduit or central channel
There also have been persistent reports that Saudi charities and members of the royal family have funneled money to terrorists, including Osama bin Laden.
Fuse (verb)
to put together into one mass so that the constituent parts are more or
less homogeneous
The core thus begins to fuse helium into carbon to make enough energy to maintain its balance with the crushing force of gravity.
Fuselage (noun)
the central body portion of an airplane designed to accommodate
passengers, crew, and cargo
In designing an aircraft, every square inch of wing and fuselage must be considered in relation to the physical characteristics of the metal of which it is made.
Gadget (noun)
an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty
Online search engine Google introduced several new gadgets in its popular toolbar
for Web browsers, hoping to build even greater brand loyalty amid heightened competition.
Gage, gauge (verb)
to judge how people feel about something or what they are likely to do Officials hope to gauge the effects alcohol programs
Galaxy (noun)
one of billions of systems, each including stars, nebulae, star clusters, globular clusters, and interstellar matter that make up the universe
Some prominent scientists believe that the evolution of the universe depended on a series of explosions and that the shockwaves from these explosions were essential in the formation of the galaxy.
Gargantuan (adjective)
of extraordinary size and power
During the ice age, gargantuan glaciers formed that were so water-depleting that sea levels around the world fell by three hundred and fifty feet.
Garner (verb)
to collect something bit by bit
To garner support for the recall of the recently elected governor, the activists will have to get 900,000 signatures from registered voters.
Gaunt (noun)
having little flesh or fat on the body
The gaunt, philandering cowboy has become a stock character in Western movies.
Gaze (verb)
an act of directing the eyes on an object
After a long gaze into the student’s eyes, the professor decided to discipline the student for plagiarism.
Gelatinous (adjective)
resembling a glutinous material obtained from animal tissues by boiling; especially: a colloidal protein used as a food, in photography, and in medicine
Scientists named the new species of jellyfish granrojo, Spanish for “big red.” It’s a predator——a gelatinous blood-red cannonball between two and three feet (60 and 90 centimeters) across that floats through the deep ocean waters quietly devouring prey.
Gender (noun)
a grammatical correspondence to a classification of the two sexes
Employers value graduates who have a keen understanding of the impact of cultural, racial, and gender diversity in the workplace, and who comprehend the global nature of business and industry.
Gene (noun)
a unit of heredity composed of DNA or RNA and forming part of a chromosome that determines a particular characteristic of a person
The genetic basis is believed by researchers to be highly complex, probably involving several genes in combination.
Generic (adjective)
relating to or characteristic of a whole group or class; being or having a nonproprietary name; having no particularly distinctive quality or application
Aventis said the FDA cannot make a ruling on the application before February 24, 2004, and that it would mount legal challenges to make generic versions of its Love ox drug.
Genre (noun)
a kind of style or art
His career spans nearly all types of popular music from jazz to rock to dance and all genres between.
Gentle (adjective)
of small intensity
Jaggar called Kilauea “the safest volcano on Earth” because of its typically gentle activity.
Gesture (verb)
to make bodily motions to augment or replace spoken expression
She gestured her friend to come over to the counter at which point she served him a drink.
Get-go (noun)
the very beginning – used in the phrase from the get-go
There have been biblical scholars questioning the authenticity of the so-called Jesus box from the get-go. Yesterday the Israel Antiquities Authority issued a report calling the box a fake.
Gizzard (noun)
a muscular organ which is part of a bird’s stomach
A bird can swallow its food hole because it has a gizzard, whose principal function is to break up the food into small particles for digestion.
Glacier (noun)
a mass of land ice formed by an accumulation of snow on high ground
Scientists collect ice cores by driving a hollow tube deep into the miles thick ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland (and in glaciers elsewhere).
Glucose (noun)
a simple sugar found in blood, fruit, etc. Glucose is a type of carbohydrate.
Glamorous (adjective)
full of an exciting and often illusory and romantic attractiveness; especially: alluring or fascinating personal attraction
The public regarded air travel as exciting and glamorous; the airlines worked hard to add safety, reliability, and comfort to the public perception.
Go into effect (verb phrase)
to put into action or use; to carry out the functions, requirements, or terms of something, especially laws or regulations
Nitrates didn’t begin to climb significantly until after 1950, when cars and oil powered plants appeared in a big way. Scientists credit the leveling off in sulfates and nitrates in the atmosphere after the 1972 U.S. Clean Air Act went into effect.
Gorge (noun)
a narrow passage through land; a narrow steep-walled canyon or part of a canyon
Rich in geological and biological history, the Grand Canyon is a long, narrow gorge in Arizona.
Gorgeous (adjective)
marked by extraordinary elegance, beauty, and splendor
We went on a hike through the gorgeous mountains of Colorado.
Govern (verb)
to exercise the authority or influence over
With all the fear and oppression of a dictatorship, Hitler governed the people ruthlessly.
Gradient (noun)
deviation from a particular direction
If the neutron star is too large, the gravitational forces overwhelm the pressure gradients and collapse cannot be halted.
Grading (noun)
certain degree in rank, degree, quality, proficiency
This light dispersion, or color flash, has no effect on the technical grading of color.
Gradual (adjective)
proceeding very slowly by degrees
It is tempting to think that if language evolved by gradual Darwinian natural selection, we must be able to find some precursor of it in our closest relatives, the chimpanzees.
Grasp the main point (verb phrase)
to perceive and recognize the meaning of
When you think you have grasped the main point the whole essay goes to prove, underline it and write the thesis in the margin.
