unit30 Flashcards
toxin
A substance produced by a living organism (such as bacteria) that is highly poisonous to other organisms.
toxicity
The state of being poisonous; the degree to which something is poisonous.
toxicology
A science that deals with poisons and their effect.
neurotoxin
A poisonous protein that acts on the nervous system.
tenuous
Having little substance or strength; flimsy, weak.
attenuated
Thinned or weakened.
extenuating
Partially excusing or justifying.
distended
Stretched or bulging out in all directions; swelled.
technocrat
A scientist or technical expert with power in politics or industry.
technophobe
One who fears or dislikes advanced technology or complex devices and especially computers.
technophile
One who loves technology.
pyrotechnic
Of or relating to fireworks.
longitude
Distance measured by degrees or time east or west from the prime meridian.
elongate
(1) To extend the length of; stretch. (2) To grow in length.
longueur
A dull and boring portion, as of a book.
oblong
Longer in one direction than in the other.
idiom
An expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but must be learned as a whole.
idiomatic
In a manner conforming to the particular forms of a language.
idiosyncrasy
An individual peculiarity of a person’s behavior or thinking.
idiopathic
Arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause.
aerial
(1) Performed in the air. (2) Performed using an airplane.
aerate
To supply with air or oxygen.
aerobic
(1) Living or occurring only in the presence of oxygen. (2) Involving or increasing oxygen consumption.
anaerobic
(1) Living or occurring in the absence of oxygen. (2) Relating to activity in which the body works temporarily with inadequate oxygen.
cadaver
A dead body, especially one that is to be dissected; a corpse.
decadent
Marked by decay or decline, especially in morals.
cadence
(1) The close of a musical phrase, especially one that moves to a harmonic point of rest. (2) The rhythmic flow of sound in language.
cadenza
A virtuosic flourish or extended passage by a soloist, often improvised, that occurs shortly before the end of a piece or movement.
tribute
(1) Something (such as a gift or speech) that is given or performed to show appreciation, respect, or affection. (2) Something that proves the good quality or effectiveness of something.
tributary
A stream flowing into a larger stream or a lake.
attribute
(1) To explain by indicating a cause. (2) To regard as likely to be a quality of a person or thing.
retribution
Something given in payment for a wrong; punishment.
