Barrons list 10 Flashcards
clarion
adj, n
A clarion is a trumpet with a clear high pitched tone. (noun)
The instrument used by medieval armies for instruction in battle is an example of a clarion.
Clarion describes something loud and clear. (adjective)
The sound made by a fire truck’s siren is an example of clarion.
traverse
v, n
Traverse means to move back and forth, cross over or examine carefully. (verb)
An example of traverse is a performer walking across a tightrope. An example of traverse is doing a land survey.
Traverse means something that lies across or crosses over. (noun)
An example of a traverse is a zigzag route down a steep hill taken by a skier. An example of a traverse is a log laying across a road.
cherubic
adj
Use the word cherubic to describe someone with a round face and an air of sweetness, whether you’re talking about a cute cooing baby or your innocent-looking, round-faced 40-year-old brother.
To describe someone who looks like a cherub, a baby-like angel you’ve probably seen in Renaissance paintings
Industrious
adj
Industrious describes someone who is hardworking, dedicated and a problem solver. (adjective)
An example of industrious is an employee who works hard and comes up with creative ideas.
Assiduous in work or study; diligent
Obsolete Skillful; clever.
metallurgical
adj
metallurgical
the science of metals, esp. the science of separating metals from their ores and preparing them for use, by smelting, refining, etc.
N. metallurgy: science that deals with extracting
metals from ores
dutiful (duteous)
adj
showing, or resulting from, a sense of duty
having a proper sense of duty; obedient
Are you a dutiful person? If you are, then you do as you’re told, out of a feeling of duty and obligation. Dutiful children know this means cleaning one’s room, taking out the trash, and no talking back!
The adjective dutiful is often used to describe obedient children, servants, and soldiers, as well as anyone else who willingly obeys orders.
indices
n
indices signs; indications; Ex. indices of a student’s potential;
CF. index: something that reveals or indicates;
sign; Ex. cost-of-living index
disband
v
disband
to break up (an association or organization)
to dismiss (a military force) from service
disband dissolve; disperse; (of a group) break up and separate; Ex. The club has disbanded.
despot
adj
despot
1- A ruler with absolute power.
2- A person who wields power oppressively; a tyrant.
3- a. A Byzantine emperor or prince.
b. An Eastern Orthodox bishop or patriarch.
topple
v
topple
to fall (over) because or as if top-heavy
to lean forward as if on the point of falling; overbalance; totter
transitive verb
to cause to topple; overturn
to overthrow: to topple a monarch
topple become unsteady and fall down
Tardy
adj
Tardy means slow moving, delayed or late. (adjective)
An example of someone who is tardy is a student who arrives 20 minutes after the bell has rung.
sheer
v, adj
sheer
To turn aside sharply from a course; swerve
A sudden change of course; abrupt turn; swerve
very thin; transparent; diaphanous: said of textiles
Deposition
n
Deposition means the removal from an office or the testimony of a witness under oath. (noun)
An example of deposition is the firing of a person from a government job. An example of deposition is to tell the details of the crime to an attorney before the case goes to court.
farce
adj
A farce is something that is intended to be seen as ridiculous, particularly a comedy based on an unlikely situation. (noun)
An example of farce is the show “The Three Stooges.”
A ludicrous, empty show; a mockery: The fixed election was a farce.
ADJ. farcical
dart
v
move or throw suddenly and quickly.
a sudden quick movement
ex. He seemed taken aback, his eyes darting back and forth.
Epoch
n
Epoch is an important period in history or an era. (noun)
An example of an epoch is the adolescent years. An example of an epoch is the Victorian era.
canard
n
A canard is a false or misleading story. (noun)
An example of a canard are the stories covered in The Onion.
Toss
v
Toss means to throw lightly, or to mix together ingredients to cover them with salad dressing or a sauce. (verb)
An example of to toss is to gently throw a ball onto the grass. An example of to toss is to mix together salad greens and a dressing.
A toss is a throw or fling of something, or a flip of a coin. (noun)
An example of a toss is a throw of a baseball glove onto the stoop. An example of a toss is a flip of coin to decide which team goes first.
phalanx
n
A phalanx is a community or group of people who are close or united for a purpose. (noun)
An example of a phalanx is a group of friends huddled together for warmth.
ex “formed a solid phalanx in defense of the Constitution and Protestant religion” (G.M. Trevelyan).
A formation of infantry carrying overlapping shields and long spears, developed by Philip II of Macedon and used by Alexander the Great.
bar
n, v
A bar is something that stands in the way of something or keeps something from happening. (noun)
A raised area of sand that prevents tidal forces from reaching the shore is an example of a bar.
To bar means to keep something from happening or to keep people from entering. (verb)
When some cows on the road block traffic that is an example of bar. When you close a door and place a thin metal block to secure it, that is an example of bar.
vertical line dividing a staff into equal measures; Ex. prisoner at the bar; V: shut in or out with bars; forbid; exclude
