Vocab > Deck 2-10 > Flashcards
Deck 2-10 Flashcards
Ubiquitin
Definition: A small regulatory protein found in most eukaryotic cells that plays a crucial role in protein degradation and modification. It acts by binding to target proteins and marking them for degradation or modifying their function through post-translational modifications.
Interpretation
Noun. The action of explaining the meaning of something. 
Ambiguous
Adjective, hoping to more than one interpretation, having a double meaning
Equivocate
(Verb) use ambiguous language 
Twee
Excessively quaint, pretty or sentimental
Obfuscation
Confusing or obscuring
Naches
Pride, especially at the achievements of one’s children
Literatum
Of the copying of a text letter by letter
“the monk copied the text literatum” (adverb)
Spatulate
Have a broad, rounded end
(Adjective)
Penury
The state of being extremely poor, especially because of lack of opportunities. 
Anima
NOUN
1. (In Jungian psychology) The feminine part of a man’s personality.
2. (Philosophy) The soul, especially the irrational part of the soul, as distinguished from the rational mind.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES “Steve started to get in touch with his anima through playing with his daughters.”
“My meditation practice focuses on nourishing the anima.”
Ephemeral
Lasting for a short period of time
Ephemeral
Lasting for a short period of time
Auricular
Relating to the ear or hearing
Effluent
Shining brilliantly
Skirr
Move rapidly, especially with a whirring sound
Pneumothorax
Collapsed lung
Nimbus
Luminous cloud or a halo around a supernatural being
Tutelary
Serving as a guardian or patron
Susurrus
Whispering or murmuring
Purlieu
The area near, or surrounding a place
Quixotic
Impractical
Oleaginous
Greasy
Oleaginous
Greasy
Matutinal
Of or occurring in the morning
Cogent
Convincing
“The attorney made a cogent argument”
Gloaming
Twilight
Omnifarous
Adj. comprising of or related to all sorts of varieties
Resilient
Able to recover from difficult situations
Reify
Make something that is abstract more real or concrete
Bouyant
Able to float.
You better know this one.
Adulation
Intense and overwhelming admiration
Conscientious
Thorough and careful
Phosphene
A ring or spot of light produced by pressure on the eyeball
Phosphene
A ring or spot of light produced by pressure on the eyeball
Discombobulate
To confuse or frustrate
Napery
Household linen like tablecloth or napkins.
Eclectic
To have unique ideas.
Melliferous
Producing honey
Gemeinschaft
Social relations between individuals based on close personal and family ties
Holophrasis
NOUN
1. The expression of a whole phrase in a single word — for example “howdy” for “how do you do.”
2. The learning of linguistic elements as whole chunks by very young children acquiring their first language — for example “it’s all gone” learned as “allgone.”
Parsimony
Thrifty
Welkin
The sky or heavens
Feckless
Ineffective
Definition: lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible.
Origin: mid 16th century (in the sense ‘valueless, feeble’): from Scots and northern English dialect feck ‘effect, value’ (from Old Norse festr ‘firmly fastened’) + -less.
Example: He was a feckless youth who spent all his money on parties.
“Ineffective” is a fitting synonym for the word “feckless”. Both words describe a lack of ability or power to achieve a desired result. However, “feckless” carries a connotation of irresponsibility and a lack of initiative or character, while “ineffective” simply means not producing the desired effect. The word “ineffective” is often used in situations where a plan or action did not have the intended outcome, but it does not necessarily imply a lack of effort or responsibility on the part of the person involved. In contrast, “feckless” implies a character flaw or lack of responsibility.
Inglenook
NOUN
1. A space on either side of a large fireplace.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES “We filled the inglenook with bookshelves and turned it into a cozy reading area”
Facetious
Definition: treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant
Origin: from the Latin word facetus meaning “witty” or “elegant”
Example: “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize the funeral was BYOB.” His facetious comment was met with awkward silence.
“Playful” is not an accurate synonym for “facetious”, as the latter implies a certain level of insincerity or irreverence. However, both words share a lightheartedness and sense of humor. To be playful is to engage in activities or behavior that are enjoyable and not serious. It can refer to physical play, playful banter, or a playful attitude. A person who is playful may be seen as fun-loving and youthful. While facetiousness can be seen as inappropriate or offensive in certain situations, playfulness is generally seen as a positive trait.
Pleach
VERB
1. Entwine or interlace (tree branches) to form a hedge or provide cover for an outdoor walkway.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES “Winter is the optimal time for pleaching your trees.”
“The trees were pleached to create a romantic walkway in the garden.”
“If you pleach the tree branches, they will provide more shade.”
Teleology
Pronunciation: tel-ee-ol-uh-jee
Definition: the study of purpose or goal-directedness in nature, especially in relation to the belief that natural phenomena are designed with a specific end or purpose in mind.
Maquillage
NOUN
1. Makeup; cosmetics.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“Andrea watched YouTube videos to learn new techniques for her maquillage.”
“Theater performers usually wear thick layers of maquillage to ensure the audience can see their features.”
“I’ve been practicing a new maquillage style inspired by Japanese anime.”
Panacea
Definition: a solution or remedy for all problems or difficulties
Origin: from Greek panakeia, from pan- ‘all’ + akos ‘cure’
Example: The company claims that their new product is a panacea for all your skin problems.
When someone refers to a panacea, they are talking about a solution for all problems. It’s like a magical cure that can fix anything that ails us. While there may not be an actual panacea in the real world, the idea of one can be comforting. It’s easy to get bogged down by the many difficulties and stresses of life, but the thought of a panacea can give us hope that there is a way out of our problems. Whether it’s a specific product or a general mindset, the idea of a panacea reminds us that there is always a way forward.
Betoken
VERB
1. Be a sign of; indicate.
2. Be a warning or indication of (a future event).
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“A smile that reaches the eyes can betoken genuine happiness.”
Galere
NOUN
1. A group or coterie.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“The members of the galère were easily recognizable by their matching outfits.”
“Their galère consists of people with a shared interest in woodworking.”
“People who grow up together often form a tight-knit galère.”
Crabwise
ADVERB
1. To, toward, or from the side, typically in an awkward way.
ADJECTIVE
1. Moving sideways, typically in an awkward way.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“Roberto’s dodgeball technique was to move crabwise without taking his eyes off his opponents.”
“We were forced to take crabwise steps while attempting to shimmy into the cramped space.”
“Celine had to squeeze into her car crabwise after the blizzard made it impossible to fully open her door.”
Quagmire
quagmire /ˈkwaɡˌmī(ə)r/
Definition: A soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot. Alternatively, it can also refer to a complex or hazardous situation from which it is difficult to free oneself.
Origin: The word quagmire is derived from the English “quag”, a dialect term for ‘bog’, and “mire”, another term for marsh or bog, from Middle English.
Example: The hikers found themselves stuck in a quagmire after the heavy rain.
Apodictic
ADJECTIVE
1. Clearly established or beyond dispute.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES “The head surgeon has an apodictic knowledge of human anatomy.”
Capitulate
capitulate Pronunciation: kuh-pich-uh-leyt
Definition: to give up resistance; surrender unconditionally or on prearranged terms
Origin: The word comes from the Latin word ‘capitulare’, which means to arrange under heads or chapters. It was used in medieval times to describe the act of drawing up the terms of a treaty or treaty of surrender.
Disparate
disparate Pronunciation: /ˈdɪsp(ə)rət/
Definition: fundamentally different; distinct in nature or quality
Origin: Derived from the Latin word “disparatus,” meaning “separated” or “distinct,” which is a combination of the prefix “dis-“ (meaning “apart” or “away”) and “paratus” (meaning “prepared” or “equipped”).
Farinaceous
ADJECTIVE
1. Consisting of or containing starch.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“Many people find farinaceous foods rather comforting.”
“Risotto is my favorite farinaceous dish.”
“Farinaceous foods such as rice and noodles are staples in many cultures.”
Ontogeny
ontogeny Pronunciation: ɑnˈtɑdʒəni
Definition: The process of individual growth and development from conception to maturity, involving the series of changes that occur in an organism’s structure and function over its lifetime.
Origin: The word “ontogeny” originated from the Greek word “ontos” meaning “being” or “creature” and “genesis” meaning “origin” or “birth.”
Magnifico
NOUN
1. An eminent, powerful, or illustrious person.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“Arthur was considered a magnifico in the publishing industry.”
“Despite her reputation as a magnifico of the art world, she’s actually very humble.”
“In the book, the evil wizard is a nearly unbeatable magnifico.”
Oddment
NOUN
1. (Usually “oddments”) A remnant or part of something, typically left over from a larger piece or set.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“The dress was made of colorful oddments stitched together in a classic design.”
“Denise gathered oddments from various china sets to build her eclectic collection.”
“Bill used oddments from his auto shop to repair the engine.”
English, late 18th century
Why This Word?
“Oddment” is a hybrid of the Latin suffix (“-ment”) combined with the Germanic word “odd,” which stems from the Old Norse “oddi,” meaning “third or additional number.” If you have ever made or owned a “crazy quilt,” you’d be quite familiar with oddments. …
Frisson
frisson /frēˈsôn/
Definition: a sudden strong feeling of excitement or fear
Origin: French, from frissonner ‘to shiver,’ from Old French friçon ‘a trembling,’ diminutive of fris ‘cold, shiver.’
Example: The music gave her a frisson of excitement that she had never felt before.
Hypotension
hypotension Pronunciation: /ˌhaɪpəˈtɛnʃən/
Definition: a medical condition characterized by abnormally low blood pressure, usually below 90/60 mmHg.
Origin: The word “hypotension” originates from the Greek words “hypo” meaning “under” and “tension” meaning “pressure.”
Boulevardier
NOUN
1. A wealthy, fashionable socialite.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“Genevieve was a vivacious boulevardier who was known for her style and throwing exclusive parties.”
“Daisy Buchanan from ‘The Great Gatsby’ is a boulevardier and the epitome of the 1920s flapper.”
“Many boulevardiers attend debutante balls as part of their entrance into society.”
Gregarious
gregarious pronunciation: /ɡrɪˈɡeərɪəs/
Definition: fond of company; sociable.
Origin: from Latin gregarius (of a flock or herd), from grex, greg- ‘a flock, herd’.
Example: “He was a gregarious man who loved to socialize with his colleagues after work.”
Sociable can be used synonymously with “gregarious”. Both words describe an individual who is fond of company and enjoys spending time with others. Sociable can also refer to one’s ability to interact with others in a comfortable and enjoyable manner. A sociable person is often viewed as friendly and approachable, and is typically well-liked by others. While “gregarious” specifically refers to a fondness for company, “sociable” can also imply a certain level of skill in social interactions. A person who is gregarious may not necessarily be skilled at socializing, but a sociable person is typically both fond of company and adept at interacting with others.
Epigrammatic
ADJECTIVE
1. Of the nature or in the style of an epigram; concise, clever, and amusing.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“Taylor’s epigrammatic wit always garners her lots of attention at parties.”
“He has a distinctly epigrammatic writing style.”
“I’ve filled my home with wall art and decor containing epigrammatic sayings.”
Elision
elision Pronunciation: ih-LIZH-uhn
Definition: the omission or deletion of a sound or syllable in speech or writing, often for the purpose of making pronunciation or meter more fluent
Phlegmatic
ADJECTIVE
1. (Of a person) Having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“Patrick has a phlegmatic temperament; he doesn’t anger easily.”
“Some people mask their emotions behind a more phlegmatic exterior.”
“Queen Elizabeth II of England was known for her usually phlegmatic
Excoriate
excoriate /ek-skawr-ee-eyt/
Definition: to criticize or berate severely; to censure or denounce harshly
Origin: The word excoriate comes from the Latin word excoriare, meaning “to skin” or “to strip off the hide”. In English, the word has been used since the 15th century to describe the act of flaying the skin from a person or animal. Over time, the word has taken on a figurative meaning, referring to the harsh criticism or condemnation of a person’s character or actions.
Exhortation
NOUN
1. An address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“When he grabs something he shouldn’t, my dog usually heeds my stern exhortation to ‘drop it!’”
“The teachers signaled the end of recess with a verbal exhortation
Ethnography
ethnography Pronunciation: eth-NAH-gruh-fee
Definition: Ethnography refers to the systematic study and analysis of the customs, culture, and social behavior of specific groups or communities. It involves the collection of detailed information through direct observation, interviews, and participant observation. Ethnography aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the cultural practices, beliefs, and values of a particular group, highlighting the social and cultural context in which they exist.
Xiphoid
ADJECTIVE
1. Sword-shaped.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“The children looked for any xiphoid objects they could use to pretend to duel with each other.”
“The face masks had small medieval helmets and xiphoid figures printed on them.”
“The newest Nerf toy has a xiphoid shape.”
Dermatology
dermatology Pronunciation: dur-muh-tol-uh-jee
Definition: the branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of the skin and its diseases.
Origin: The word “dermatology” originated from the Greek words “derma” meaning “skin” and “logos” meaning “study.”
Pneumonia
Lung infection
Tantivy
NOUN
1. A rapid gallop or ride.
2. (Exclamation) Used as a hunting cry.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“The horse’s tantivy was as fast as thunder.”
"The cry of 'tantivy!' was as loud as a trumpet."
Verisimilitude
verisimilitude Pronunciation: /veri-si-mi-li-tood/
Definition: the appearance or quality of being true or real; the degree to which something resembles reality or truthfulness
Origin: The word “verisimilitude” originated from the Latin word “verisimilitudo,” which means “likeness to truth.” It entered the English language in the early 17th century.
Example: The movie’s stunning special effects and attention to detail created a sense of verisimilitude, making the audience feel as though they were part of the action.
Hubris
Hubris (hyo͞o′brĭs)
Definition: Excessive pride or self-confidence often leading to downfall.
Origin: Late 19th century, from Greek “hybris” meaning ‘insolence’ or ‘violent pride’.
Example: His hubris led him to believe that he was invincible, resulting in his unfortunate downfall.
The term “hubris” is primarily used to describe an individual’s excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to their downfall. It refers to an inflated sense of self-worth or overconfidence, which blinds a person to the potential consequences of their actions, often resulting in a devastating setback or downfall. This term is originally derived from Greek mythology, where figures with excessive pride were often punished by the gods for their arrogance. In modern context, “hubris” can be seen in various scenarios, such as in business, politics, or personal relationships, where excessive pride or overconfidence can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Catharsis
Catharsis is a psychological term that refers to the process of releasing pent-up emotions, which can lead to a sense of relief and a renewed sense of well-being.
Intrepid
intrepid Pronunciation: in-TREP-id
Definition: fearless; adventurous
Origin: from Latin “intrepidus” meaning “not trembling” or “not frightened”
Example: The intrepid explorer ventured deep into the jungle, undeterred by the dangers that lay ahead.
Fearless is an apt synonym for the word “intrepid.” To be intrepid means to be without fear, to have the courage to face challenges and take risks. It entails a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone and embrace the unknown. An intrepid person is not afraid to explore new territories, whether they be physical or mental. This quality is often associated with adventurers, explorers, and pioneers who have a passion for pushing boundaries and discovering new things. To be intrepid is to be bold and daring, and to live life to the fullest.
Vertiginous
ADJECTIVE
1. Causing vertigo, especially by being extremely high or steep.
2. Relating to or affected by vertigo.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“The roller coaster had a vertiginous effect on many who rode it.”
“Ray’s dog gets vertiginous on car rides through the mountains.”
“High balconies can make someone who’s afraid o
Unbosom
VERB
1. Disclose (one’s thoughts or secrets).
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“Caroline unbosomed her concerns to her best friend.”
“Mental health professionals are used to clients who unbosom their secrets.”
“Do you have someone you can unbosom your personal thoughts to?”
Kinetic
“The dancer’s kinetic energy was captivating.” is the correct sentence that uses “kinetic” appropriately. In this statement, “kinetic” is used to describe the dancer’s energy in motion or action. The word “kinetic” refers to something related to movement or motion, and in this context, it perfectly captures the mesmerizing energy displayed by the dancer. The sentence implies that the dancer’s dynamic and lively movements held the attention of the audience, captivating them with the sheer power and grace of their performance.
Immutable
Immutable /iˈmyo͞otəb(ə)l/
Definition: Unchanging over time or unable to be changed.
Origin: Late Middle English (in the sense ‘not able to decay’): from Latin immutabilis, from in- ‘not’ + mutabilis ‘changeable’ (from mutare ‘to change’).
Example: The laws of physics are considered to be immutable.
“Immutable” essentially refers to something that is steadfast and unchangeable. A concept or entity tagged as immutable remains constant, unalterable, and permanent regardless of conditions or circumstances. The term is often used in various disciplines such as computer science, physics, and philosophy to denote unchanging variables, laws, or principles. It is a potent term used to emphasize the unchangeable nature of an entity, making it a significant and profound concept in discussions or arguments that require the establishment of unalterable facts or truths.
Praxis
NOUN
1. Practice, as distinguished from theory.
2. Accepted practice or custom.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“As a doctor, Jeremy put the Hippocratic oath into praxis on a daily basis.”
“It’s praxis for guests to bring a host gift, but my weekend guests went above and beyond with their generosity.”
“Marian achieved results by turning her exercise plan into praxis.”
Unfettered
unfettered /ʌnˈfɛtəd/
Definition: Unrestricted, free from confinement, not controlled or limited.
Origin: From the English term fetter, meaning to restrain or tie up. The prefix ‘un-‘ meaning ‘not’ was added to create the opposite meaning.
Example: “The writer enjoyed the unfettered freedom of expression in his new book.”
“Unfettered” is essentially a synonym for “released from restraint.” This term depicts a state of absolute freedom, wherein an individual or entity is no longer held back by any form of restriction or limitation. Whether it pertains to physical confinement or metaphorical constraints such as laws, regulations, or societal norms, being unfettered is about experiencing unrestricted liberty. In essence, when someone or something is described as unfettered, they are devoid of any form of restraint, allowing them to act or function in an unhindered or uninhibited manner.
Filial
ADJECTIVE
1. Of or due from a son or daughter.
2. (Biology) Denoting the generation or generations after the parental generation.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“Anna’s filial duties included driving her parents to the doctor’s office every week.”
“Anthony couldn’t help but feel a kind of filial obligation to help his neighbor Mr. Jenkins.”
“The organization has an almost filial relationship with its parent company.”
Expedite
expedite Pronunciation: /ˈɛkspɪˌdaɪt/
Definition: To make a process or action happen more quickly or efficiently.
Origin: The word expedite comes from the Latin word “expedire,” which means “to set free” or “to make ready.” It first appeared in English in the mid-15th century.
Example: The boss asked his assistant to expedite the order so that it would arrive before the deadline.
“Speed up” is a simple way to describe what expedite means. It means to increase the speed or reduce the time needed for a process or action to be completed. When you expedite something, you’re trying to make it happen faster, whether it’s a shipment, a decision, or a project. This can be done by removing obstacles, simplifying processes, or allocating more resources. Expedited services are commonly offered by shipping companies, government agencies, and airlines. The goal of expediting is to save time and increase efficiency, which can lead to better results and greater satisfaction for all parties involved.
Auteur
NOUN
1. A filmmaker whose personal influence and artistic control over a movie are so great that the filmmaker is regarded as the author of the movie.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“Kathryn aimed to become an auteur whose films would be instantly recognizable.”
“The movie’s distinctive elements had critics calling the young director Hollywood’s newest auteur.”
“Female filmmakers such as Sofia Coppola and Greta Gerwig are becoming mo
Tectonics
tectonics Pronunciation: /tɛkˈtɒnɪks/
Definition: the study of the structure and movement of the Earth’s crust, particularly the processes of folding and faulting that result from the movement of tectonic plates.
Origin: The word “tectonics” is derived from the Greek word “tektonikos” meaning “pertaining to building.” It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the geological processes that shape the Earth’s crust.
Example: The scientist used the concept of plate tectonics to explain the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the region.
The study of Earth’s crust, known as “tectonics,” encompasses the examination of the Earth’s lithosphere, which is composed of tectonic plates that float atop the semi-fluid asthenosphere. This field of study investigates the processes that have shaped and continue to shape the Earth’s surface, including the movement of continents, the formation of mountains and oceanic trenches, and the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic activity. By analyzing the interactions between these tectonic plates, scientists gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature of the Earth’s crust and its impact on the planet’s geology and landscapes.
Prolific
prolific (pruh-lif-ik)
Definition: producing many works, results, or offspring
Origin: from the Latin word prolificus, meaning “generative”
Example: The author was known for her prolific output of novels, publishing at least three per year.
If someone is described as prolific, it means they are highly productive and produce a large quantity of work. Prolific can refer to any area of production, including writing, art, music, or even reproduction in biology. The term is often used to describe individuals who consistently produce high-quality work at a rapid pace. Being prolific is often a desirable trait, particularly in creative fields where generating new ideas and content is essential. However, it’s important to note that being prolific doesn’t necessarily mean producing great work, as quantity does not always equal quality.
Prolific
prolific (pruh-lif-ik)
Definition: producing many works, results, or offspring
Origin: from the Latin word prolificus, meaning “generative”
Example: The author was known for her prolific output of novels, publishing at least three per year.
If someone is described as prolific, it means they are highly productive and produce a large quantity of work. Prolific can refer to any area of production, including writing, art, music, or even reproduction in biology. The term is often used to describe individuals who consistently produce high-quality work at a rapid pace. Being prolific is often a desirable trait, particularly in creative fields where generating new ideas and content is essential. However, it’s important to note that being prolific doesn’t necessarily mean producing great work, as quantity does not always equal quality.
Sward
NOUN
1. An expanse of short grass.
2. The upper layer of soil, especially when covered with grass.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
“The cottage was situated on a simple sward in the English countryside.”
“Taylor wanted to clear the sward and plant a vegetable garden instead.”
“We need a riding mower to take care of a sward this large.”
