Module 8 Vocab

Question 1

Algorithm

Answer 1

A finite set of unambiguous instructions that, given some set of initial conditions, can be performed in a prescribed sequence to achieve a certain goal and that has a recognizable set of end conditions.

Question 2

Ambulatory

Answer 2

Capable of walking; not bedridden

Question 3

Amortize

Answer 3

1. To liquidate (a debt, such as a mortgage) by installment payments or payment into a sinking fund.
2. To write off an expenditure for (an asset, especially an intangible one, such as a patent) by prorating over a certain period, usually the expected duration of the asset’s benefit.`

Question 4

Catalyst

Answer 4

A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process.
2. One that precipitates a process or event, especially without being involved in or changed by the consequences:

Question 5

countervail

Answer 5

To act against with equal force; counteract.

2. To compensate for; offset.

Question 6

debase

Answer 6

To lower in character, quality, or value; degrade.``

Question 7

demarcation

Answer 7

1. The setting or marking of boundaries or limits.

2. A separation; a distinction: a line of demarcation between two rock strata.

Question 8

depose

Answer 8

. To remove from office or power.

b. To dethrone.`

Question 9

diminution

Answer 9

The act or process of diminishing; a lessening or reduction.
b. The resulting reduction; decrease.
2. Music Statement of a theme in notes of lesser duration, usually one-half, of the original.
`

Question 10

emasculate

Answer 10

To castrate.

2. To deprive of strength or vigor; weaken.

Question 11

enmesh

Answer 11

To entangle or catch in or as if in a mesh. `

Question 12

extenuate

Answer 12

To provide with a trench, especially for the purpose of fortifying or defending.
2. To fix firmly or securely:

Question 13

inert

Answer 13

Incapable of moving or acting: “[Some patients] lingered, unable to breathe on their own, inert and unresponsive even to the most noxious stimulus” (Gary Greenberg).
b. Sluggish in action or motion; lethargic. See Synonyms at inactive.

Question 14

mutability

Answer 14

Capable of or subject to change or alteration.

b. Prone to frequent change; inconstant: mutable weather patterns.

Question 15

peripatetic

Answer 15

dj.
1. Walking about or from place to place; traveling on foot.
2. Peripatetic Of or relating to the philosophy or teaching methods of Aristotle, who conducted discussions while walking about in the Lyceum of ancient Athens.
n.
1. One who walks from place to place; an itinerant.
2. Peripatetic A follower of the philosophy of Aristotle; an Aristotelian.

Question 16

provocation

Answer 16

1. The act of provoking or inciting.

2. Something that provokes.

Question 17

ratify

Answer 17

To approve and give formal sanction to; confirm:

Question 18

retrograde

Answer 18

. Moving or tending backward: a retrograde flow.

2. Opposite to the usual order; inverted or reversed: the retrograde form of the melody.
3. Reverting to an earlier or inferior condition:

Question 19

sedentary

Answer 19

Characterized by or requiring much sitting: a sedentary job.

2. Accustomed to sitting or to taking little exercise.
3. Remaining or living in one area; not migratory: sedentary caribou herds.
4. Attached or rooted; sessile: sedentary marine organisms.

Question 20

somnambulist

Answer 20

See sleepwalking.

Question 21

stasis

Answer 21

1. Slowing; stoppage: bacteriostasis.

2. Stable state: homeostasis.

Question 22

truncate

Answer 22

1. To shorten or reduce: The script was truncated to leave time for commercials. See Synonyms at shorten.
2. To shorten (a number) by dropping one or more digits after the decimal point.
3. To replace (the edge of a crystal) with a plane face.
   adj.
4. Appearing to terminate abruptly, as a leaf of a tulip tree or a coiled gastropod shell that lacks a spire.
5. Truncated.

Question 23

ubiquitous

Answer 23

Being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time; omnipresent.

Question 24

vacillate

Answer 24

To be unable to choose between different courses of action or opinions; waver: She vacillated about whether to leave.

2. To change between one state and another; fluctuate: The weather vacillated between sunny and rainy.
3. Archaic To sway from one side to the other.