unit11 Flashcards
cantata
A musical composition, particularly a religious work from the 17th or 18th century, for one or more voices accompanied by instruments.
incantation
(1) A use of spells or verbal charms spoken or sung as part of a ritual of magic. (2) A formula of words used in, or as if in, such a ritual.
cantor
An official of a Jewish synagogue who sings or chants the music of the services and leads the congregation in prayer.
descant
An additional melody sung above the principal melody.
linguistics
The study of human speech.
multilingual
Using or able to use several languages.
lingua franca
A language used as a common or commercial language among peoples who speak different languages.
linguine
A narrow, flat pasta.
spirited
Full of energy or courage; very lively or determined.
dispiriting
Causing a loss of hope or enthusiasm.
respirator
(1) A device worn over the nose and mouth to filter out dangerous substances from the air. (2) A device for maintaining artificial respiration.
transpire
(1) To happen. (2) To become known.
verify
(1) To prove to be true or correct. (2) To check or test the accuracy of.
aver
To state positively as true; declare.
verisimilitude
(1) The appearance of being true or probable. (2) The depiction of realism in art or literature.
veracity
(1) Truth or accuracy. (2) The quality of being truthful or honest.
turbid
(1) Thick or murky, especially with churned-up sediment. (2) Unclear, confused, muddled.
perturb
To upset, confuse, or disarrange.
turbine
A rotary engine with blades made to turn and generate power by a current of water, steam, or air under pressure.
turbulent
(1) Stirred up, agitated. (2) Stirring up unrest, violence, or disturbance.
voluble
Speaking readily and rapidly; talkative.
devolve
((1) To pass (responsibility, power, etc.) from one person or group to another person or group at a lower level of authority. (2) To gradually go from an advanced state to a less advanced state.
evolution
A process of change from a lower, simpler, or worse state to one that is higher, more complex, or better.
convoluted
(1) Having a pattern of curved windings. (2) Involved, intricate.
factor
Something that contributes to producing a result: ingredient.
factotum
A person whose job involves doing many different kinds of work.
facile
(1) Easily accomplished. (2) Shallow, superficial.
facilitate
To make (something) easier; to make (something) run more smoothly.
lumen
In physics, the standard unit for measuring the rate of the flow of light.
luminous
(1) Producing or seeming to produce light. (2) Filled with light.
bioluminescent
Relating to light given off by living organisms.
luminary
A very famous or distinguished person.
