unit 15

Question 1

aggregate

Answer 1

adj. When something is aggregate’ it is made up of smaller amounts added together. The company totaled its aggregate sales for the entire year.

Question 2

antibiotic

Answer 2

n. An antibiotic is a medical drug used to kill bacteria and treat infections. The doctor gave me a shot of an antibiotic when I got the flu.

Question 3

circuit

Answer 3

n. A circuit is a piece of an electronic device that allows electricity to flow. Be very careful not to shock yourself when fixing an electrical circuit.

Question 4

complement

Answer 4

v. To complement something or someone is to make them better. The wool scarf complemented her lovely eyes.

Question 5

compress

Answer 5

v. To compress something means to press or squeeze it so that it takes up less space. I compressed my clothes to fit into a single suitcase.

Question 6

database

Answer 6

n. A database is a collection of data that is stored in a computer. The company has a database of all the names and accounts of their customers.

Question 7

equivalent

Answer 7

n. An equivalent is an amount or value that is the same as another amount or value. I worked the equivalent of sixty hours this week.

Question 8

immune

Answer 8

adj. When someone is immune to a disease’ they cannot be affected by it. Children usually get shots to make them immune to certain diseases.

Question 9

input

Answer 9

n. Input is information that is put into a computer. Type the input into the computer program.

Question 10

intimate

Answer 10

adj. When a relationship is intimate’ the two things are very closely connected. I only tell my secrets to my most intimate friends.

Question 11

magnet

Answer 11

n. A magnet is a piece of iron or other material which attracts iron toward it. I used a magnet to pick up the nails that were scattered on the floor.

Question 12

metabolism

Answer 12

n. A person’s metabolism is the way chemical processes in their body use energy. If you exercise every day’ your metabolism speeds up.

Question 13

microchip

Answer 13

n. A microchip is a small device in a computer that holds information. I can put more data on my computer if I buy a more powerful microchip.

Question 14

phase

Answer 14

n. A phase is a stage in a process or the gradual development of something. The first phase in the recycling project involves finding volunteers to help out.

Question 15

pinch

Answer 15

v. To pinch means to take a piece of skin between one’s fingers and squeeze. I pinched my nose so I couldn’t smell the odor from the garbage.

Question 16

prevalent

Answer 16

adj. When something is prevalent’ it is common. Growing a beard is more prevalent in some countries than in others.

Question 17

quantum

Answer 17

n. When something is quantum’ it relates to the behavior of atomic particles. The physics student studied quantum mechanics.

Question 18

ratio

Answer 18

n. A ratio is a relationship between two things expressed in numbers or amounts. The boy-to-girl ratio is one to three.

Question 19

spiral

Answer 19

n. A spiral is a shape which winds round and round as if around a cylinder. A strand of DNA looks like two interlocking spirals.

Question 20

viral

Answer 20

adj. When something is viral’ it is a disease or infection that is caused by a virus. The girl was in bed for a week when she had a viral infection.