01 Flashcards
sabbatical
a period of paid leave granted to a university teacher for study or travel, traditionally one year for every seven years worked.
She is on sabbatical for six months.
saline
containing or impregnated with salt
A saline drip
The plasma the company removes is replaced with a saline solution, in which you non-plasma blood components are returned.
satire
innuendo - irony - sarcasms - cynicism
the use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues
cynical
ironic - sarcastic -
believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere
Such a cynical and decadent philosophy could not go unchallenged.
saturate
to become thoroughly soaked with water or other liquid so that no more can be absorbed
bivalve
a type of mollusc such as an oyster, that has its body inside two connected shells.
scallop
an edible bivalve mollusc with a ribbed fan-shaped shell.
扇貝
clam
a marine bivalve mollusc with shells of equal size.
蛤蜊
oyster
any of a number of bivalve molluscs with rough irregular shells.
mussel
any of a number of bivalve molluscs with a brown or purplish-black shell.
scarcely
barely - rarely
The future for many other lenders looks scarcely brighter.
scarcity
shortage, deficiency, insignificance, insignificancy, scarcity
the state of being scarce or in short supply
secular
not connected with religious or spiritual matters
It’s not allowed in a religious space, but it is not forbidden in secular space.
segment
each of the parts into which something is or may be divided
segregation
the action or state of setting someone or something apart from others
- discrimination - apartheid- isolation
sensational
amazing - astounding - breathtaking - dramatic - electrifying -remarkable - spectacular - thrilling -
sequence
a series of related things or events, or the order in which they follow each other
shed
› a small building, usually made of wood, used for storing things
siege
Noun
the surrounding of a place by an armed force in order to defeat those defending it
The soldiers laid siege to the city
The soldiers started a siege of the city.
The castle was under siege for months.
silly
showing little thought or judgment
slot
a long narrow hole, especially one for putting coins into or for fitting a separate piece into
I put my coin in the slot and pressed the button but nothing came out.
The holder has slots for 100 CDs.
sluggish
› moving or operating more slowly than usual and with less energy or power
I was tired, sluggish and slept for hours.
soar
[I usually + adv/prep]
to rise very quickly to a high level
the bird spread its wings and soared into the air
fly, wing, ascend, climb, rise, take off, take flight
EX:House prices had soared a further twenty per cent.
sobriquet
a name given to someone or something which is not their real or official name
solicit
to ask someone for money, information or help
To solicit donations for a charity.
soothe
to make someone feel calm or less worried
sophomore
a student studying in the second year of a course at a US college or high school
span
the period of time that sometimes exists or happens
He has a short attention/concentration span.
An average life span of seventy years.
Over a span of three years, the new government has transformed the country’s economic prospects.
sparse
small in numbers or amount, often scattered over a large area
a sparse population/audience
sparse vegetation/woodland
specimen
something shown or examined as an example; a typical example
spectacular
very exciting to look at
speculate
to guess possible answers to a question when you do not have enough information to be certain
speculation
when you guess possible answers to a question without having enough information to be certain
[+ that] The Prime Minister’s speech fuelled/prompted speculation that an election will be held later in the year.
spiral
a shape made up of curves, each one above or wider than the one before
A corkscrew is spiral-shaped.
sprawl
to spread the arms and legs out carelessly and untidily while sitting or lying down
I knocked into her in the corridor and sent her sprawling (= knocked her over).
rabies
a fatal disease of the nervous system of dogs and other animals, which can also cause death in humans who are bitten by an animal with this disease
radiant
obviously very happy, or very beautiful
He gave a radiant smile when he heard her news.
radiation
a form of energy that comes from a nuclear reaction and that can be very dangerous to health
radius
(the length of) a straight line joining the centre of a circle to its edge or the centre of a sphere to its surface
diameter
(the length of) a straight line that reaches from one point on the edge of a round shape or object, through its centre, to a point on the opposite edge
probe
to try to discover information that other people do not want you to know, by asking questions carefully and not directly
explore or examine (something), especially with the hands or an instrument:
examination - exploration - inquest - inquiry - research - scrutiny
premise
a previous statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion
assertion - assumption - basis - presumption - proposition - thesis
prompt
urge - encourage - induce - stimulate
cause or bring about (an action or feeling)
pertinent
relevant - appropriate
relevant or applicable to a particular matter
adjacent
next to or adjoining something else
the area adjacent to the station.
adjunct
a thing added to something else as a supplementary rather than an essential part: computer technology is an adjunct to learning.
• a person who is another’s assistant or subordinate. a talented adjunct desperately grabbing at officer status.
ambivalence
the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone: the law’s ambivalence about the importance of a victim’s identity |
The document expressed some ambivalence over the doctrine of predestination.
amenable
open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled: parents who have amenable children.
• (amenable to) capable of being acted upon in a particular way; susceptible: cardiac failure not amenable to medical treatment.
antiquated
adjective
old-fashioned or outdated: this antiquated central heating system.
appraise
verb [ with obj. ]
assess the value or quality of: there is a need to appraise existing techniques | (as adj.appraising) : she cast an appraising eye over the notes.
• assess the performance of (an employee) formally. some companies are considering team appraisals instead of appraising individuals.
• (of an official valuer) set a price on; value: they appraised the painting at £200,000.
ascertain
verb [ with obj. ]
find (something) out for certain; make sure of: an attempt to ascertain the cause of the accident | [ with clause ] : management should ascertain whether adequate funding can be provided.
The police have so far been unable to ascertain the cause of the explosion.
[+ that] I ascertained that no one could overhear us before I told Otto the news.
aspiring
adjective [ attrib. ]
directing one’s hopes or ambitions towards becoming a specified type of person: an aspiring artist.
assent
noun [ mass noun ]
the expression of approval or agreement: a loud murmur of assent | he nodded assent.
• official agreement or sanction: the act was given the Royal Assent.
verb [ no obj. ] (often assent to)
express approval or agreement: the Prime Minister assented to the change | [ with direct speech ] : ‘Guest house, then,’ Frank assented cheerfully.
assess
verb [ with obj. ]
evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of: the committee must assess the relative importance of the issues | [ with clause ] : it is difficult to assess whether this is a new trend.
• calculate or estimate the price or value of: the damage was assessed at £5 billion.
• set the value of a tax, fine, etc., for (a person or property) at a specified level: all empty properties will be assessed at 50 per cent.
atlas
noun
1 a book of maps or charts: I looked in the atlas to see where Naples was | a road atlas.
2 (also atlas vertebra)Anatomy the topmost vertebra of the backbone, articulating with the occipital bone of the skull.
3 (pl.atlantes |atˈlantiːz| ) Architecture a stone carving of a male figure, used as a column to support the entablature of a Greek or Greek-style building.
attest
verb
1 [ with obj. ] provide or serve as clear evidence of: his status is attested by his becoming an alderman | [ no obj. ] : his numerous drawings of babies attest to his fascination with them.
• [ no obj. ] declare that something exists or is the case: I can attest to his tremendous energy | [ with clause ] : the deceased’s solicitor attested that he had been about to institute divorce proceedings.
• witness or certify formally. the witnesses must attest and sign the will in the testator’s presence.
2 [ no obj. ] historical enrol as ready for military service. unfortunately for him, he attested.
• [ with obj. ] recruit (someone) for military service by putting them on oath to serve if called upon. 2,000,000 men were attested under this system.
Thousands of people came out onto the streets to attest their support for the democratic opposition party.
The number of old German cars still on the road attests (to) the excellence of their manufacture.
As his career attests, he is a cricketer of world-class standard.
avert
verb [ with obj. ]
1 turn away (one’s eyes or thoughts): she averted her eyes while we made stilted conversation.
2 prevent or ward off (an undesirable occurrence): talks failed to avert a rail strike.
DERIVATIVES
avertable adjective
barb
noun
1 a sharp projection near the end of an arrow, fish hook, or similar object, which is angled away from the main point so as to make extraction difficult.
• a cluster of spikes on barbed wire.
• a deliberately hurtful remark: his barb hurt more than she cared to admit.
2 a beard-like filament at the mouth of some fish, such as barbel and catfish.
• each of the fine hair-like filaments growing from the shaft of a feather, forming the vane.
3 a freshwater fish with barbels around the mouth, popular in aquaria.
●Barbus and other genera, family Cyprinidae: numerous species.
DERIVATIVES
barbless adjective
besiege
verb [ with obj. ]
surround (a place) with armed forces in order to capture it or force its surrender: the king marched north to besiege Berwick | (as adj.besieged) : the besieged city.
• surround and harass: she spent the whole day besieged by newsmen.
• (be besieged) be inundated by large numbers of requests or complaints: the television station was besieged with calls.
DERIVATIVES
besieger
noun
bibliography
noun
a list of the books referred to in a scholarly work, typically printed as an appendix.
• a list of the books of a specific author or publisher, or on a specific subject. a bibliography of his publications.
• [ mass noun ] the history or systematic description of books, their authorship, printing, publication, editions, etc.
DERIVATIVES bibliographer noun bibliographic adjective, bibliographical adjective, bibliographically adverb
bipedal
adjectiveZoology
(of an animal) using only two legs for walking.
boast
verb
1 [ reporting verb ] talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities: [ no obj. ] : she boasted about her many conquests | [ with clause ] : he boasted that he had taken part in the crime | [ with direct speech ] : Ted used to boast ‘I manage ten people.’.
2 [ with obj. ] (of a person, place, or thing) possess (a feature that is a source of pride): the hotel boasts high standards of comfort.
Parents enjoy boasting about their children’s achievements.
noun
an act of talking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction: I said I would win and it wasn’t an idle boast.
bogus
adjective
not genuine or true (used in a disapproving manner when deception has been attempted): a bogus insurance claim.
On investigation, his claim was found to be bogus.
DERIVATIVES
bogusly adverb,
bogusness noun
catastrophic
adjective
involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering: a catastrophic earthquake.
• extremely unfortunate or unsuccessful: catastrophic mismanagement of the economy.
• involving a sudden and large-scale alteration in state: the body undergoes catastrophic collapse towards the state of a black hole.
• relating to geological catastrophism.
They were warned of the ecological catastrophe to come.
DERIVATIVES
catastrophically adverb
cater
verb [ no obj. ]
1 Brit. provide people with food and drink at a social event or other gathering: my mother helped to cater for the party | (as nouncatering) : high standards of catering.
• [ with obj. ] N. Amer. provide food and drink for (an event): he catered a lunch for 20 people.
2 (cater for/to) provide with what is needed or required: the school caters for children with learning difficulties.
• (cater for) take into account or make allowances for: the scheme caters for interest rate fluctuations.
• (cater to) try to satisfy (a need or demand):
he catered to her every whim.
DERIVATIVES
caterer noun
caulk
noun [ mass noun ]
a waterproof filler and sealant, used in building work and repairs. use silicone caulk to ensure that you have an all-season moisture seal.
verb [ with obj. ]
seal (a gap or seam) with caulk. caulk all cracks between the trim and siding or masonry.
• make (a boat) watertight by stopping up any gaps in its hull. a garden must be cleared, boats caulked, and nets mended.
charter
n. 许可证；纲领；宪章；包租
vt. 发给…许可证；发给特许执照
网络宪章；章程；特许状；执照
How many publications will sign up to the charter?
Norway becomes a charter member of the United Nation
Never knock charter flights; they are opening up the world for budget-conscious travellers.
chronological
adjective
(of a record of events) following the order in which they occurred: the entries are in chronological order.
• calculated in terms of the passage of time: medical decisions should be based on the individual’s biological age, not chronological age.
• relating to the establishment of dates of past events: the diary provided a chronological framework for the events.
circumvent
verb [ with obj. ]
1 find a way around (an obstacle). if you come to an obstruction in a road you can seek to circumvent it.
• overcome (a problem or difficulty) in a clever and surreptitious way: it was always possible to circumvent the regulations.
2 archaic deceive; outwit. he’s circumvented her with some of his stories.
clinch
verb [ with obj. ]
1 confirm or settle (a contract or bargain): the Texan wanted to impress him to clinch a business deal.
• conclusively settle (an argument or debate): these findings clinched the matter.
• confirm the winning or achievement of (a match, competition, or victory): Johnson scored the goals which clinched victory.
2 [ no obj. ] grapple at close quarters, especially (of boxers) so as to be too closely engaged for full-arm blows.
• (of two people) embrace.
3 secure (a nail or rivet) by driving the point sideways when it has penetrated.
• fasten (a rope or angling line) with a clinch knot.
noun
1 a struggle or scuffle at close quarters. breaking from a clinch, he crossed with his right.
• an embrace, especially an amorous one: we went into a passionate clinch on the sofa.
2 (also clinch knot)a knot used to fasten ropes or angling lines, using a half hitch with the end seized back on its own part.
cling
verb (past and past participleclung |klʌŋ| ) [ no obj. ] (cling to/on to/on)
hold on tightly to: she clung to Joe’s arm | we sat on the sofa clinging on to one another | figurative : she clung on to life for 16 days.
• adhere or stick firmly or closely to; be hard to part or remove from: the smell of smoke clung to their clothes | the fabric clung to her smooth skin.
• remain very close to: the fish cling to the line of the weed.
• remain persistently or stubbornly faithful to: she clung resolutely to her convictions.
• be overly dependent on (someone) emotionally: you are clinging to him for security.
noun
(also cling peach)a clingstone peach.
They clung together in terror as the screams grew louder.
One little girl was clinging onto a cuddly toy.
DERIVATIVES
clinger noun
clump
noun
1 a small group of trees or plants growing closely together: a clump of ferns.
• a small, compact group of people: they sat on the wall in clumps of two and three.
• a compacted mass or lump of something: clumps of earth.
• Physiology an agglutinated mass of blood cells or bacteria, especially as an indicator of the presence of an antibody to them.
2 another term for clomp.
3 a thick extra sole on a boot or shoe.
a clump of grass/daffodils
verb [ no obj. ]
1 form a clump or clumps: the particles tend to clump together.
2 another term for clomp.
coarse
adjective
1 rough or harsh in texture: a coarse woollen cloth.
• consisting of large grains or particles: coarse sand.
• (of grains or particles) large. under the microscope they are seen to contain coarse grains.
• (of a person’s features) not elegantly formed or proportioned. his coarse, ugly features contorted with rage.
• (of food or drink) of inferior quality. the wine is harsh, tannic, and coarse.
2 (of a person or their speech) rude or vulgar. a man of coarse speech. indecent language and coarse jests.
3 Brit. relating to the sport of angling for coarse fish: coarse anglers.
DERIVATIVES
coarsish adjective
coercive
adjective
relating to or using force or threats: coercive measures.
DERIVATIVES
coercively adverb,
coerciveness noun
commission
noun
1 an instruction, command, or role given to a person or group: one of his first commissions was to redesign the Great Exhibition building | [ with infinitive ] : he received a commission to act as an informer.
• an order for something, especially a work of art, to be produced specially. Mozart at last received a commission to write an opera.
• a work produced in response to a commission. in that year Zeuxis painted his most famous commission.
• [ mass noun ] archaic the authority to perform a task or certain duties: the divine Commission of Christ.
2 a group of people entrusted by a government or other official body with authority to do something: a commission was appointed to investigate allegations of police violence.
3 a sum, typically a set percentage of the value involved, paid to an agent in a commercial transaction: foreign banks may charge a commission | he sold cosmetics on commission.
4 a warrant conferring the rank of officer in an army, navy, or air force. he has resigned his commission. she intended to apply for a commission in the army.
5 [ mass noun ] the action of committing a crime or offence. the commission of an arrestable offence. the errors are of omission rather than commission.
verb [ with obj. ] 1 order or authorize the production of (something): the portrait was commissioned by his widow in 1792. • [ with obj. and infinitive ] order or authorize (a person or organization) to do or produce something: they commissioned an architect to manage the building project | he was commissioned to do a series of drawings. 2 bring (something newly produced) into working condition: we had a few hiccups getting the heating equipment commissioned | the aircraft carrier was commissioned in 1945. 3 appoint (someone) to the rank of officer in an army, navy, or air force: he was commissioned into the Royal Fusiliers | (as adj.commissioned) : a commissioned officer.
concession
noun
1 a thing that is granted, especially in response to demands: the government was unwilling to make any further concessions.
• [ mass noun ] the action of conceding or granting something: this strict rule was relaxed by concession.
• (a concession to) a gesture made in recognition of a demand or prevailing standard: her only concession to fashion was her ornate silver ring.
2 a preferential allowance or rate given by an organization: tax concessions.
• Brit. a reduction in the price of something for a certain category of person. railcard holders can obtain concessions. there are concessions on party bookings.
3 the right to use land or other property for a specified purpose, granted by a government, company, or other controlling body: new logging concessions.
• a commercial operation set up by agreement within the premises of a larger concern. the concessions will offer photo processing and a pharmacy.
• the right, given by a company, to sell goods, especially in a particular place.
• Canadian a piece of land into which surveyed land is divided.
concur
verb (concurs, concurring, concurred) [ no obj. ]
1 be of the same opinion; agree: the authors concurred with the majority | [ with direct speech ] : ‘That’s right,’ the chairman concurred.
• (concur with) agree with (a decision or opinion): we strongly concur with this recommendation.
2 happen or occur at the same time; coincide: in tests, cytogenetic determination has been found to concur with enzymatic determination.
conducive
adjective (usu. conducive to)
making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible: the harsh lights and cameras were hardly conducive to a relaxed atmosphere.
consecutive
adjective
1 following each other continuously: five consecutive months of serious decline.
• in unbroken or logical sequence. a consecutive pattern of what the film would be like.
2 Grammar expressing consequence or result: a consecutive clause.
3 Music denoting intervals of the same kind (especially fifths or octaves) occurring in succession between two parts or voices.
DERIVATIVES
consecutively adverb,
consecutiveness noun
constituent
adjective [ attrib. ]
1 being a part of a whole: the constituent minerals of the rock.
2 being a voting member of an organization and having the power to appoint or elect: the constituent body has a right of veto.
• able to make or change a political constitution: a constituent assembly.
noun
1 a member of an area which elects a representative to a legislative body. the MP is playing on his constituents’ sense of regional identity to win votes.
2 a component part of something: the essential constituents of the human diet.
contagious
adjective
1 (of a disease) spread from one person or organism to another, typically by direct contact: a contagious disease. it is a relatively new disease and very contagious.
• (of a person) having a disease that can be transmitted by contact with other people: precautions are taken with anyone who seems contagious.
2 (of an emotion, feeling, or attitude) likely to spread to and affect others: her enthusiasm is contagious.
DERIVATIVES
contagiously adverb,
contagiousness noun
continuum
noun (pl.continua |-jʊə| )
a continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other, but the extremes are quite distinct. a continuum of special educational needs. the continuum from third world economies to advanced nations.
cramped
adjective
1 suffering from cramp. rest your cramped arms for a moment.
2 uncomfortably small or restricted: staff had to work in cramped conditions.
• inhibiting the development of someone or something: he felt cramped in a large organization.
• (of handwriting) small and difficult to read. there is no way a computer will be able to decipher my cramped handwriting.
crater
noun
1 a large bowl-shaped cavity in the ground or on a celestial object, typically one caused by an explosion or the impact of a meteorite. the blast left a crater in the car park. Ganymede, the largest moon in the solar system, has relatively few impact craters.
• a large hollow forming the mouth of a volcano. a great plume of gas and ash rises above the crater.
• a cavity or hole in any surface: using the rounded end of a rolling pin, make craters over the surface of the cake.
2 a large bowl used in ancient Greece for mixing wine.
verb [ with obj. ]
form a crater in (the ground or a planet): pilots returned to the airfields to crater the runways | (as adj.cratered) : the heavily cratered areas of the moon.
credential
noun (usu. credentials)
a qualification, achievement, quality, or aspect of a person’s background, especially when used to indicate their suitability for something: recruitment is based mainly on academic credentials.
• a document proving a person’s identity or qualifications. examine carefully the credentials of all callers before admitting them.
• a letter of introduction given by a government to an ambassador before a new posting. the Russian ambassador presented his credentials on September 30.
verb [ with obj. ] (usu. as adj.credentialed) chiefly N. Amer.
provide with credentials. inspections were to be done by a group of credentialed inspectors.
criterion
a standard by which you judge, decide about, or deal with something:
standard, criterion, norm
The Health Service should not be judged by financial criteria alone.
cumbersome
adjective
large or heavy and therefore difficult to carry or use; unwieldy: cumbersome diving suits.
• slow or complicated and therefore inefficient: organizations with cumbersome hierarchical structures.
DERIVATIVES
cumbersomely adverb,
cumbersomeness noun
cylindrical
noun
1 a solid geometrical figure with straight parallel sides and a circular or oval section.
• a solid or hollow body, object, or part having the shape of a cylinder.
2 a piston chamber in a steam or internal-combustion engine.
3 a cylindrical container for liquefied gas under pressure.
4 a rotating metal roller in a printing press.
5 Archaeology a cylinder seal.
DERIVATIVES
cylindric adjective,
cylindrical adjective,
cylindrically adverb
dampen
verb [ with obj. ]
1 make slightly wet: the fine rain dampened her face.
2 make less strong or intense: nothing could dampen her enthusiasm.
• reduce the amplitude of (a sound source): slider switches on the mixers can dampen the drums.
dean
noun
1 the head of the chapter of a cathedral or collegiate church.
• (also rural dean, area dean)Brit. a member of the clergy exercising supervision over a group of parochial clergy within a division of an archdeaconry.
2 the head of a university faculty or department or of a medical school.
• (in a college or university, especially Oxford or Cambridge) a senior member of a college, with disciplinary and advisory functions.
ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French deien, from late Latin decanus ‘chief of a group of ten’, from decem ‘ten’. Compare with doyen.
dean 2
noun
variant spelling of dene1.
dene 1 |diːn| (also dean)
noun [ usu. in place names ] Brit.
a vale, especially the deep, narrow, wooded valley of a small river: Rottingdean | Deepdene.
defer
verb (defers, deferring, deferred) [ with obj. ] put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone: they deferred the decision until February. • Law (of a judge) postpone (a sentence) so that the circumstances or conduct of the defendant can be further assessed: the judge deferred sentence until 5 April for background reports. • US historical postpone the conscription of (someone). he was no longer deferred from the draft.
DERIVATIVES
deferrable adjective,
deferral noun
defiance
noun [ mass noun ]
open resistance; bold disobedience: an act of defiance | the demonstration was held in defiance of official warnings.
deficit
noun
the amount by which something, especially a sum of money, is too small.
• an excess of expenditure or liabilities over income or assets in a given period: an annual operating deficit | [ mass noun ] : the balance of payments is again in deficit.
• (in sport) the amount or score by which a team or individual is losing: a 3–0 deficit.
• technical a deficiency or failing, especially in a neurological or psychological function: deficits in speech comprehension.
The country is running a balance-of-payments/budget/trade deficit of $250 million.
demographic
adjective
relating to the structure of populations:
the demographic trend is towards an older population.
noun
a particular sector of a population:
the drink is popular with a young demographic.
despoil
verb [ with obj. ]
steal or violently remove valuable possessions from; plunder: the church was despoiled of its marble wall covering.
DERIVATIVES
despoiler noun,
despoilment noun
destine
verb [ with obj. ]
intend or choose for a particular purpose or end.
dietary
adjective
relating to or provided by diet: dietary advice for healthy skin and hair.
noun (pl.dietaries) dated
a regulated or restricted diet.
discrete
adjective
individually separate and distinct: speech sounds are produced as a continuous sound signal rather than discrete units.
DERIVATIVES
discretely adverb,
discreteness noun
disproportionate
adjective
too large or too small in comparison with something else: people on lower incomes spend a disproportionate amount of their income on fuel | persistent offenders were given sentences that were disproportionate to the offences they had committed.
DERIVATIVES
disproportionately adverb,
disproportionateness noun
disseminate
verb [ with obj. ]
spread (something, especially information) widely: health authorities should foster good practice by disseminating information.
• (usu. as adj.disseminated) spread throughout an organ or the body: disseminated colonic cancer.
DERIVATIVES
disseminator noun
dissipate
verb
1 (with reference to a feeling or emotion) disappear or cause to disappear: [ no obj. ] : the concern she’d felt for him had wholly dissipated | [ with obj. ] : he wanted to dissipate his anger.
• disperse or scatter:
the cloud of smoke dissipated.
2 [ with obj. ] waste or fritter away (money, energy, or resources). he inherited, but then dissipated, his father’s fortune.
• Physics cause (energy) to be lost through its conversion to heat. no power is dissipated in this sort of control element.
DERIVATIVES
dissipative adjective,
dissipator (also dissipater)noun
distort
verb [ with obj. ]
1 pull or twist out of shape: a grimace distorted her fine mouth.
• [ no obj. ] become twisted out of shape: the pipe will distort as you bend it.
2 give a misleading or false account or impression of: many factors can distort the results.
3 change the form of (an electrical signal or sound wave) during transmission, amplification, or other processing: you’re distorting the sound by overdriving the amp.
edifice
noun formal
1 a large, imposing building.
2 a complex system of beliefs: the concepts on which the edifice of capitalism was built.
ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from Latin aedificium, from aedis ‘dwelling’ + facere ‘make’.
eerie
adjective (eerier, eeriest)
strange and frightening:
an eerie green glow in the sky.
She heard the eerie noise of the wind howling through the trees.
DERIVATIVES
eerily adverb [ as submodifier ] : it was eerily quiet,
eeriness noun
eerily
adjective (eerier, eeriest)
strange and frightening: an eerie green glow in the sky.
DERIVATIVES
eerily adverb [ as submodifier ] : it was eerily quiet,
eeriness noun
elastic
adjective
1 (of an object or material) able to resume its normal shape spontaneously after being stretched or compressed. a tourniquet of rubber tubing or other elastic material is placed around the upper arm.
2 able to encompass much variety and change; flexible and adaptable: the definition of nationality is elastic in this cosmopolitan country.
3 Economics (of demand or supply) sensitive to changes in price or income. the labour supply is very elastic.
4 Physics (of a collision) involving no decrease of kinetic energy.
noun [ mass noun ]
cord, tape, or fabric, woven with strips of rubber, which returns to its original length or shape after being stretched. a polythene bag tied with elastic.
DERIVATIVES
elastically adverb,
elasticize |ɪˈlastɪsʌɪz| (also elasticise)verb
elliptical
adjective
橢圓（形）的
1 (of speech or writing) using or involving ellipsis, especially so as to be difficult to understand. elliptical colloquial exchanges. she had completely misunderstood his elliptical declaration.
2 another term for elliptic.
DERIVATIVES
elliptically adverb
emancipation
noun [ mass noun ]
the fact or process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions; liberation: the social and political emancipation of women.
• the freeing of someone from slavery. the early struggle for emancipation from slavery.
We must arouse them to fight for their own emancipation
embark
verb [ no obj. ]
1 go on board a ship or aircraft: he embarked for India in 1817.
• [ with obj. ] put or take on board a ship or aircraft: the passengers were ready to be embarked.
2 (embark on/upon) begin (a course of action):
she embarked on a new career.
DERIVATIVES
embarkation noun
emigrate
verb [ no obj. ]
leave one’s own country in order to settle permanently in another: Rose’s parents emigrated to Australia.
empathy
noun [ mass noun ] the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. DERIVATIVES empathetic adjective, empathetically adverb, empathic adjective, empathically adverb
endow
verb [ with obj. ]
1 give or bequeath an income or property to (a person or institution): he endowed the Church with lands.
• establish (a university post, annual prize, etc.) by donating the funds needed to maintain it. he endowed three chairs at Liverpool University.
2 provide with a quality, ability, or asset: he was endowed with tremendous physical strength.
• (be endowed) informal have breasts or a penis of specified size: the girl on page three is well endowed.
bestow, grant, confer
DERIVATIVES
endower noun
engulf
verb [ with obj. ]
1 (of a natural force) sweep over (something) so as to surround or cover it completely: the cafe was engulfed in flames | figurative : Europe might be engulfed by war.
2 powerfully affect (someone); overwhelm: a feeling of anguish so great that it threatened to engulf him.
The waters of Santego Bay arose to engulf the town.
DERIVATIVES
engulfment noun
enigmatic
adjective
陰陽怪氣
difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious:
he took the money with an enigmatic smile.
The Mona Lisa has a famously enigmatic smile.
He left an enigmatic message on my answering machine.
DERIVATIVES
enigmatical adjective,
enigmatically adverb
entrepreneur
noun
a person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit. many entrepreneurs see potential in this market.
• a promoter in the entertainment industry. the music entrepreneur pulled back from financing a screenplay Hopper had written.
DERIVATIVES
entrepreneurism noun,
entrepreneurship noun
enzyme
nounBiochemistry
a substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
Most enzymes are proteins with large complex molecules whose action depends on their particular molecular shape. Some enzymes control reactions within cells and some, such as the enzymes involved in digestion, outside them.
DERIVATIVES
enzymatic |-ˈmatɪk| adjective,
enzymic |-ˈzʌɪmɪk| adjective
equilibrium
noun [ mass noun ]
a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced: the task is the maintenance of social equilibrium.
• a state of physical balance: I stumbled over a rock and recovered my equilibrium.
• a calm state of mind: his intensity could unsettle his equilibrium.
• Chemistry a state in which a process and its reverse are occurring at equal rates so that no overall change is taking place: ice is in equilibrium with water.
• Economics a situation in which supply and demand are matched and prices stable. the market is in equilibrium. [ as modifier ] : the equilibrium level of income.
DERIVATIVES
equilibrial adjective
eruption
noun
1 an act or instance of erupting: the eruption of Vesuvius.
• a sudden outbreak of something, typically something unwelcome or noisy: a sudden eruption of street violence.
2 a spot, rash, or other mark appearing suddenly on the skin. irritable skin eruptions.
esteem
noun [ mass noun ]
respect and admiration: he was held in high esteem by colleagues.
verb [ with obj. ]
1 respect and admire: many of these qualities are esteemed by managers | (as adj., with submodifieresteemed) : a highly esteemed scholar.
2 formal consider; deem: [ with two objs ] : I should esteem it a favour if you could speak to them.
estuary
noun (pl.estuaries)
the tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream.
DERIVATIVES
estuarial adjective,
estuarine |-rʌɪn| adjective
ethnic
adjective
1 relating to a population subgroup (within a larger or dominant national or cultural group) with a common national or cultural tradition: ethnic and cultural rights and traditions | leaders of ethnic communities.
• relating to national and cultural origins: pupils from a wide variety of ethnic origins.
• denoting origin by birth or descent rather than by present nationality: ethnic Indian populations.
• characteristic of or belonging to a non-Western cultural tradition: ethnic jewellery | folk and ethnic music.
2 archaic neither Christian nor Jewish; pagan or heathen.
nounchiefly N. Amer.
a member of an ethnic minority.
DERIVATIVES
ethnically adverb
excel
verb (excels, excelling, excelled) [ no obj. ]
be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject: she excelled at landscape painting.
• (excel oneself) Brit. perform exceptionally well: the keeper excelled himself to keep out an Elliott header.
exempt
adjective
free from an obligation or liability imposed on others: these patients are exempt from all charges | [ in combination ] : a tax-exempt savings plan.
verb [ with obj. ]
free (a person or organization) from an obligation or liability imposed on others: they were exempted from paying the tax.
noun
a person who is exempt from something, especially the payment of tax.
exorbitant
adjective
(of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high: some hotels charge exorbitant rates for phone calls.
DERIVATIVES
exorbitance noun,
exorbitantly adverb
exotic
adjective
originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country: exotic birds | they loved to visit exotic places.
• attractive or striking because colourful or out of the ordinary: youths with exotic haircuts | (as nounthe exotic) : there was a touch of the exotic in her appearance.
• (especially of metals or fuels) of a kind not ordinarily encountered; specially produced. exotic chemicals such as oil hydrocarbons.
noun
an exotic plant or animal: he planted exotics in the sheltered garden.
expel
verb (expels, expelling, expelled) [ with obj. ]
officially make (someone) leave a school or other organization: she was expelled from school.
• force (someone) to leave a place: eight diplomats were expelled from Norway for espionage.
• force out (something), especially from the body: she expelled a shuddering breath.
DERIVATIVES
expellable adjective,
expellee |-ˈliː| noun,
expeller noun
facade
noun
1 the principal front of a building, that faces on to a street or open space. the house has a half-timbered facade.
2 a deceptive outward appearance: her flawless public facade masked private despair.
ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from French façade, from face ‘face’, on the pattern of Italian facciata .
facilitate
verb [ with obj. ]
make (an action or process) easy or easier:
The new ramp will facilitate the entry of wheelchairs.
The current structure does not facilitate efficient work flow.
DERIVATIVES
facilitative |-tətɪv| adjective,
facilitator noun,
facilitatory adjective
feign
verb [ with obj. ]
pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury): she feigned nervousness.
You know how everyone feigns surprise when you tell them how old you are.
fend sb off
verb
1 [ no obj. ] (fend for oneself) look after and provide for oneself, without any help from others: she left her 14-year-old daughter to fend for herself.
2 [ with obj. ] (fend someone/thing off) defend oneself from a blow, attack, or attacker: Meredith tried frantically to fend him off | figurative : he fended off the awkward questions.
He managed to fend off the siege from the enemy.
ferment
verb |fəˈmɛnt|
1 [ no obj. ] (of a substance) undergo fermentation: the drink had fermented, turning some of the juice into alcohol.
• [ with obj. ] cause the fermentation of (a substance).
2 [ with obj. ] incite or stir up (trouble or disorder): the politicians and warlords who are fermenting this chaos.
noun |ˈfəːmɛnt|
1 [ mass noun ] agitation and excitement among a group of people, typically concerning major change and leading to trouble or violence: a period of political and religious ferment.
2 archaic a fermenting agent or enzyme.
DERIVATIVES
fermentable adjective
fertilizer
noun
a chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its fertility. sewage sludge could be a valuable fertilizer for use in British forests.
fidelity
noun [ mass noun ]
1 faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support: his fidelity to liberal ideals.
• sexual faithfulness to a spouse or partner.
2 the degree of exactness with which something is copied or reproduced: the 1949 recording provides reasonable fidelity.
filmy
adjective (filmier, filmiest)
1 (especially of fabric) thin and translucent: filmy white voile.
2 covered with or as with a thin layer of something: her eyes were dull and filmy.
DERIVATIVES
filmily adverb,
filminess noun
flourish
verb
1 [ no obj. ] (of a living organism) grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly congenial environment: wild plants flourish on the banks of the lake.
• develop rapidly and successfully: the organization has continued to flourish.
• [ with adverbial ] be working or at the height of one’s career during a specified period: the caricaturist and wit who flourished in the early years of this century.
2 [ with obj. ] wave (something) about to attract attention: ‘Happy New Year!’ he yelled, flourishing a bottle of whisky.
noun
1 a bold or extravagant gesture or action, made especially to attract attention: with a flourish, she ushered them inside.
• an elaborate rhetorical or literary expression.
• an ornamental flowing curve in handwriting or scrollwork: letters with an emphatic flourish beneath them.
2 an impressive and successful act or period: United produced a late second-half flourish.
3 Music a fanfare played by brass instruments: a flourish of trumpets.
• an ornate musical passage.
• an extemporized addition played especially at the beginning or end of a composition.
DERIVATIVES
flourisher noun
flunk
verb [ with obj. ] informal, chiefly N. Amer.
fail to reach the required standard in (an examination, test, or course of study): I flunked biology in the tenth grade.
• judge (an examination candidate) to have failed to reach the required standard.
• [ no obj. ] (flunk out) (of a student) leave or be dismissed from school or college as a result of failing to reach the required standard: Tip flunked out of Caltech and moved back home.
formulate
verb [ with obj. ]
create or prepare methodically: the government has formulated a policy on waste management | use special-effects paints that are formulated for the task.
• express (an idea) in a concise or systematic way: the argument is sufficiently clear that it can be formulated mathematically.
DERIVATIVES
formulator noun
freight
noun [ mass noun ]
goods transported in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft. a decline in the amount of freight carried by rail. [ as modifier ] : a freight train.
• the transport of bulk goods by truck, train, ship, or aircraft. the truck-based system can outperform air freight at distances of up to seven hundred miles.
• a charge for transport by freight. a bill indicating that the freight has been paid.
verb [ with obj. ]
1 transport (goods) in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft: the metals had been freighted from the city.
2 (be freighted with) be laden or burdened with: each word was freighted with anger.
fugitive
noun
a person who has escaped from captivity or is in hiding: fugitives from justice.
adjective
quick to disappear; fleeting: the fugitive effects of light | a fugitive dye.
gale
noun
1 a very strong wind: I slept well despite the howling gales outside | it was blowing a gale | [ as modifier ] : gale-force winds battered the North Sea coast.
• (also fresh gale) (on the Beaufort scale) a wind of force 8 (34–40 knots or 63–74 km/h).
• a storm at sea.
2 (a gale of/gales of) an outburst of laughter: she collapsed into gales of laughter.
germination
verb [ no obj. ]
(of a seed or spore) begin to grow and put out shoots after a period of dormancy.germination of a bean
germination of a bean
• [ with obj. ] cause (a seed or spore) to germinate.
• come into existence and develop: the idea germinated and slowly grew into an obsession.
DERIVATIVES
germination noun,
germinative adjective,
germinator noun
geyser
noun
1 a hot spring in which water intermittently boils, sending a tall column of water and steam into the air.
• a jet or stream of liquid: the pipe sent up a geyser of sewer water into the street.
2 Brit. a gas-fired water heater through which water flows as it is rapidly heated.
• S. African a hot-water storage tank with an electric heating element.
verb [ no obj., with adverbial of direction ]
(especially of water or steam) gush or burst out with great force: a fissure opened and yellow smoke geysered upward.
girder
noun
a large iron or steel beam or compound structure used for building bridges and the framework of large buildings. the tower is made of steel girders criss-crossed to make it stronger.
gland
noun
an organ in the human or animal body which secretes particular chemical substances for use in the body or for discharge into the surroundings.
• a structure resembling a gland, especially a lymph node. symptoms include swollen glands.
• Botany a secreting cell or group of cells on or within a plant structure.
gradation
noun
1 a scale or series of successive changes, stages, or degrees: the Act fails to provide both a clear and defensible gradation of offences.
• an individual stage within a succession of changes, stages, or degrees: gradations of size.
• a minute variation in shade, tone, or colour: amorphous shapes in subtle gradations of green and blue.
2 (in historical linguistics) another term for ablaut.
DERIVATIVES
gradational adjective,
gradationally adverb
Scarce
Not easy to find.
Good and clean water wee becoming scarce.
Scarce resource.
embellish
to make something more beautiful or interesting by adding something to it
adorn / decorate
裝飾，修飾；給…錦上添花，渲染
The ceiling was embellished with flowers and leaves.
天花板上裝飾著花和葉。
He couldn’t resist embellishing the story of his accident a little.
在描述他出的那次意外時，他忍不住添油加醋地渲染了一番。
excel
to be extremely good at something
擅長，善於；突出
Rebecca always excelled in languages at school.
瑞貝卡上學時學語言一直都出類拔萃的。
excel yourself
› to do something better than you usually do
比平常做得好；超水準的發揮
The British team have excelled themselves this year to reach the finals.
英國隊今年超水準發揮，打入了決賽。
pier
wharf / jetty
lateral
relating to the sides of an object or to sideways movement
側面的；橫向運動的
lateral movement
橫向運動
Trim the lateral shoots of the flower (= the ones which grow sideways from the main stem of a plant).
修剪花的旁枝。
scrutinize
examine / prob / investigate / observe
posterity
descendant / offspring
nuance
subtlety
attain
accomplish
cynical
ironic / sarcastic
cynical
believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere
憤世嫉俗的；認為人皆自私的
I think she takes a rather cynical view of men.
我覺得她對男人的態度太過偏激。
I’ve always been deeply cynical about politicians.
我對政客們總是嗤之以鼻。
› describes the use of someone’s feelings or emotions to your own advantage
利用他人感情的；損人利己的
She works in that most cynical of industries - advertising.
她於最具煽惑性的行業中工作——廣告行業。
He praises my cooking but it’s just a cynical ploy to get me to make his meals.
他誇我燒一手好菜只不過是在耍花招，哄我給他做飯。
delineate
to describe or mark the edge of something
描述；勾畫
The main characters are clearly delineated in the first chapter.
作者在第一章裡對主要人物進行了清晰的描述。
The boundary of the car park is delineated (= its edges are marked) by a low brick wall.
停車場的四周用一堵矮磚牆圍了起來。
delicacy
something especially rare or expensive that is good to eat
（尤指稀有昂貴的）美食，美味，佳餚
In some parts of the world, sheep’s eyes are considered a great delicacy.
羊眼在世界某些地方被認為是一種難得的美味佳餚。
defer / deferment
to delay something until a later time; to postpone
使延期，使延緩，推遲
My bank has agreed to defer the repayments on my loan while I’m still a student.
銀行同意在我上學期間延遲償還貸款。
[+ -ing verb] Can we defer making a decision until next week
我們可以延緩到下周再決定嗎？
deter
to prevent from doing something or to make someone less enthusiastic about doing something by making it difficult for them to do it or by threatening bad results if they do it
阻撓，阻止；威懾；使不敢
These measures are designed to deter an enemy attack.
這些措施旨在阻止敵人的進攻。
High prices are deterring many young people from buying houses.
高昂的價格讓很多年輕人對於買房屋望而卻步。
predecessor
someone who had a job or a position before someone else, or something which comes before another thing in time or in a series
前任，前輩；原有事物，前身
My predecessor worked in this job for twelve years.
我的前任做這份工作做了12年。
The latest Ferrari is not only faster than its predecessors but also more comfortable.
最新款的法拉利賽車不僅比舊款的更快，而且更舒適。
precursor
something which happened or existed before another thing, especially if it either developed into it or had an influence on it
先驅，先鋒；先兆，前兆
Sulphur dioxide is the main precursor of acid rain.
二氧化硫是形成酸雨最重要的先決條件。
Biological research has often been a precursor to medical breakthroughs.
生物學研究往往是醫學突破的先驅。
postulate
to suggest a theory, idea, etc. as a basic principle from which a further idea is formed or developed
假定，假設
[+ that] It was the Greek astronomer, Ptolemy, who postulated that the Earth was at the centre of the universe.
就是希臘天文學家托勒密假定地球是宇宙的中心。
prosperity
the state of being successful and having a lot of money
成功；（尤指經濟上的）繁榮，昌盛
A country’s future prosperity depends, to an extent, upon the quality of education of its people.
一個國家未來的繁榮昌盛在一定程度上取決於國民的教育品質。
The war was followed by a long period of peace and prosperity.
戰爭過後是長時間的和平與繁榮。
posterity
the people who will exist in the future
後裔，子孫，後代
offspring /
Every attempt is being made to ensure that these works of art are preserved for posterity.
當局正在採取一切措施以確保這些藝術品能流傳後世。
proprietary
relating to ownership, or relating to or like an owner
所有（人）的，業主的
I just assumed he owned the place - he had a proprietary air about him.
我理所當然以為這個地方是他的——他有一副主人的架勢。
› describes goods which are made and sent out by a particular company whose name is on the product
專有的；專賣的
proprietary medicines
專利藥品
prospect
[C or U] the possibility that something good might happen in the future
（發生好事情的）可能，可能性，機會
Is there any prospect of the weather improving?
天氣有可能好轉嗎？
There seems little prospect of an end to the dispute.
爭端似乎不大可能平息。
[+ that] There’s not much prospect that this war will be over soon.
這場戰爭不大可能很快結束。
There’s every prospect of success.
有百分之百成功的希望。
prospects [plural]
› the possibility of being successful, especially at work
成功的機會；前景，前途
She’s hoping the course will improve her career prospects.
她希望這門課能改善自己的事業前景。
Prospects of/for (= Opportunities for) employment remain bleak for most people in the area.
該地區大多數人的就業前景還是很黯淡的。
› [S] the idea of something that will or might happen in the future
前景；展望；設想
The prospect of spending three whole days with her fills me with horror.
想到要和她在一起呆整整三天，我就毛骨悚然。
I’m very excited at the prospect of seeing her again.
一想到又會見到她我就激動不已。
We face the prospect of having to start all over again.
我們很可能不得不再次從頭開始。
› [C] a person who might be chosen, for example as an employee
有前途的候選人
We’ll be interviewing four more prospects for the posts this afternoon.
今天下午我們要再面試四個有希望徵得這些職位的應徵者。
proposition
an offer or suggestion, usually in business
（通常指商業上的）提議，建議
He wrote to me last week regarding a business proposition he thought might interest me.
他上周寫信給我，提出一項他認為我會感興趣的提案。
I’ve put my proposition to the company director for his consideration.
我已將我的提議交給公司主管考慮。
› an idea or opinion
主張；觀點；見解
They were debating the proposition that ‘All people are created equal’.
他們正就「人人生而平等」這一命題展開辯論。
prerequisite
something which must exist or happen before something else can exist or happen
先決條件，前提，必備條件
Passing a written exam is a prerequisite for taking the advanced course.
通過筆試是學習進階課程的前提。
Public support is a prerequisite for/to the success of this project.
大眾支持是這一計劃取得成功的必備條件。
They had to agree to certain conditions as a prerequisite of being lent the money.
他們不得不同意一些條件才能借到錢。
presume
to believe something to be true because it is very likely, although you are not certain
假定，推定，認定
[+ (that)] I presume (that) they’re not coming, since they haven’t replied to the invitation.
鑒於他們沒有回覆邀請，我認為他們不會來了。
[+ speech] You are Dr Smith, I presume?
我想你是史密斯博士吧？
“Are we walking to the hotel?” “I presume not/so.”
「我們要步行到旅館嗎？」「我想不是／是的。」
[+ obj + adj ] The boat’s captain is missing, presumed dead (= it is believed that he is dead).
這艘船的船長失蹤了，可能是死了。
In British law, you are presumed innocent until you are proved guilty.
按照英國法律，你在證明有罪之前，一律假定是無辜的。
[+ obj + to infinitive ] The universe is presumed to contain many other planets with some form of life.
據推測，宇宙中很多其他行星上有某種形式的生命存在。
preservative
[C or U] a substance used to prevent decay in wood
（木材的）防腐劑，保護劑
a timber/wood preservative
木材防腐劑
The fence has been treated with preservative.
圍欄經過防腐處理。
› [C] a chemical used to stop food from decaying
（食品）防腐劑，保鮮劑
This bread is completely free from artificial preservatives.
這種麵包絕不含人工防腐劑。
No added preservatives.
未添加任何防腐劑。
natural preservatives
天然防腐劑
plague
to cause worry, pain or difficulty to someone or something over a period of time
不斷困擾；折磨；使受煎熬
Financial problems have been plaguing their new business partners.
財務問題一直困擾著他們的新業務夥伴。
My shoulder’s been plaguing me all week.
我的肩膀整個星期都很難受。
› to annoy someone, especially by asking repeated questions
（尤指因不停提問而）使煩惱，打攪
The children plagued him with questions all through lunch.
吃午餐時孩子不停地問他問題，使他感到煩厭。
He’s been plaguing me for a loan of the book.
他總是纏著我向我借那本書。
perpetuate
to cause something to continue
使持續；使長存，使永恆
Increasing the supply of weapons will only perpetuate the violence and anarchy.
增加武器供應只會使暴力和混亂持續下去。
The aim of the association is to perpetuate the skills of traditional furniture design.
該協會致力於促進傳統傢俱設計工藝的傳承延續。
perplex
to confuse and worry someone slightly by being difficult to understand or solve
使困惑，使茫然；使擔憂
The disease has continued to perplex doctors.
這種疾病仍然困擾著醫生。
plateau
a large flat area of land that is high above sea level
高原
