VOCABULARY AT WORK Flashcards
used in similes or comparisons to refer to a person who collects things, especially things of little use or value, or a person who chatters idly.
Magpie
seed of the areca palm (Areca catechu), which
grows in much of the tropical Pacific
Areca Nuts
from a word that means ‘coin’. During the Zhou dynasty (1122–221 bc) the coin official was an important functionary in charge of currency
Quan
who arranges relationships and marriages
between others, either informally or, in certain cultural communities, as a formal occupation.
MATCHMAKER
lose momentum, will, or desire; become insignificant or ineffectual.
SHRIVEL
divide into parts
PARTITIONED
Something that is shaped like a particular object or in a particular way has the shape of that object or a shape of that type
ODD-SHAPED
likely to be wrongly perceived
ILLUSION
where vague connections can never be
reached and hopes are not deployed before the storm arrives
PLASTIC HORIZON
bring out of sleep / awaken
ROUSE
powerful herbicide used by U.S. military forces during the Vietnam War to eliminate forest cover and crops for North
Agent Orange (Vietnam War)
lost partner by death
WIDOWER
originating from ancestor
DESCENDANTS
uneasiness
ANXIOUS
praiseworthy quality
MERITS
unsociable
REMOTE
not be able to be endured or tolerated
UNBEARABLE
a small drink of whisky or other spirits.
DRAM
not having any serious purpose or value
FRIVOLOUS
lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness.
FEEBLE
without interruption; constantly
INCESSANTLY
full of commiseration, meanness
PITIFUL
state of suffering
MISERIES
not definite
INDECISIVE
unjust bait
BRIBES
tall tower used to support tool used to dig hole and get oil
DERRICK
reproach / challenge in mocking or insulting
manner
TAUNTING
write / draw in a surface so that it can be seen
very clearly
EMBLAZONED
to cause to project
PROTRUDE
having the hand on the hip and elbow turned
outward
AKIMBO
wild or distraught with fear, anxiety, or other emotion.
FRANTIC
very upset: so upset that you are not able to think clearly or behave normally
DISTRAUGHT
a large destructive fire
CONFLAGRATION
the basal portion of a bodily part remaining after the rest is removed
STUMPS
burning slowly without flames but usually with
smoke
SMOULDERING
a fertile spot in a desert, where water is found.
OASIS
conduct oneself; behave.
COMPORT
the quality or state of being tranquil; calm.
TRANQUILITY
a state or country that is ruled by a sultan
SULTANATE
waste material; refuse or litter. / Criticize severely and reject as worthless.
RUBBISH
a weak, cowardly, or effeminate man.
PUSSY
a Hindu or Buddhist temple or sacred building,
typically a many-tiered tower, in India and East Asia.
PAGODA
lift or haul (a heavy thing) with great effort. / Produce (a sigh).
HEAVE
an unmarried woman, typically an older woman beyond the usual age for marriage.
SPINSTER
argue about petty and trivial matters.
BICKERING
unwilling to give or spend; ungenerous.
STINGY
(in Buddhism) a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. It represents the final goal of Buddhism.
NIRVANA
utter a high-pitched piercing sound or words,
especially as an expression of terror, pain, or excitement.
SHRIEK
an elderly or mature woman.
DAME
unwilling and hesitant; disinclined
RELUCTANT
an oval fleshy fruit that is purple, reddish, or yellow when ripe and contains a flattish pointed pit.
PLUM
be or become wide open.
GAPE
a landing stage or small pier at which boats can dock or be moored.
JETTY
(of a person) tremble convulsively, typically as a result of fear or revulsion.
SHUDDERED like a malarial victim
repair
MEND
a confused fight, skirmish, or scuffle.
MELEE
spotlessly clean and well looked after.
SPICK AND SPAN
sleek, elegant hairdo that’s similar to a bun
HIGH CHIGNON
to walk in a slow and relaxed way:
SAUNTERED UP
a person or thing that is doomed or cannot be saved
GONER
