Reading...
Play button
Play button
Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
44 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
|
leap |lēp|
|
verb ( past or past part. leaped |lēpt|or leapt |lept|) [ intrans. ]
jump or spring a long way, to a great height, or with great force : I leaped across the threshold | figurative Fabia's heart leapt excitedly. • move quickly and suddenly : Polly leapt to her feet. • [ trans. ] jump across or over : a coyote leaped the fence. • make a sudden rush to do something; act eagerly and suddenly : it was time for me to leap into action. • ( leap at) accept (an opportunity) eagerly : they leapt at the opportunity to combine fun with fund-raising. • (of a price or figure) increase dramatically : sales leaped 40 percent during the Christmas season. • ( leap out) (esp. of writing) be conspicuous; stand out : amid the notes, a couple of items leap out. noun a forceful jump or quick movement : she came downstairs in a series of flying leaps. • a dramatic increase in price, amount, etc. : a leap of 75 percent in two years. • a sudden, abrupt change or transition : a leap of faith. • [in place names ] a t |
|
|
chunk 1 | ch ə ng k|
|
noun
a thick, solid piece of something : huge chunks of masonry littered the street. • [in sing. ] an amount or part of something : fuel takes a large chunk of their small income. verb [ trans. ] divide (something) into chunks : chunk four pounds of pears. • (in psychology or linguistic analysis) group together (connected items or words) so that they can be stored or processed as single concepts. ORIGIN late 17th cent.: apparently an alteration of chuck 3 . chunk 2 |tʃəŋk| verb [ intrans. ] move with or make a muffled, metallic sound : the door chunked behind |
|
|
chop | ch äp
|
verb ( chopped , chopping ) [ trans. ]
cut (something) into small pieces with repeated sharp blows using an ax or knife : they chopped up the pulpit for firewood | finely chop the parsley. • ( chop something off) remove by cutting : they chopped off all her hair. • cut through the base of (something, esp. a tree) with blows from an ax or similar implement, in order to fell it : the boy chopped down eight trees | [ intrans. ] the men were chopping at the undergrowth with machetes. • strike (a ball) with a short heavy blow, as if cutting at something. • (usu. be chopped) abolish or reduce the size or extent of (something) in a way regarded as brutally sudden : their training courses are to be chopped. noun 1 a downward cutting blow or movement, typically with the hand : an effective chop to the back of the neck. 2 a thick slice of meat, esp. pork or lamb, adjacent to, and typically including, a rib. 3 crushed or ground grain used as animal feed. 4 [in sing. ] the broken motion of water, typically due t |
|
|
ratify |ˈratəˌfī|
|
sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid. See note at approve
|
|
|
churn | ch ərn|
|
noun
a machine or container in which butter is made by agitating milk or cream. butter churn verb 1 [ trans. ] (often be churned) agitate or turn (milk or cream) in a machine in order to produce butter : the cream is ripened before it is churned. • produce (butter) in such a way. 2 [ intrans. ] (of liquid) move about vigorously : the seas churned | figurative her stomach was churning at the thought of the ordeal. • [ trans. ] (often be churned) cause (liquid) to move in this way : in high winds most of the lake is churned up. • [ trans. ] break up the surface of (an area of ground) : the earth had been churned up where vehicles had passed through. 3 [ trans. ] (of a broker) encourage frequent turnover of (investments) in order to generate commission |
|
|
hydrant |ˈhīdrənt|
|
noun
an upright water pipe, esp. one in a street, with a nozzle to which a fire hose can be attached. |
|
|
chip in (or chip something in)
|
contribute something as one's share of a joint activity, cost, etc. : the rookie pitcher chipped in with nine saves and five wins | the council will chip in a further $30,000 a year
|
|
|
friction |ˈfrik sh ən|
|
noun
the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another : a lubrication system that reduces friction. • the action of one surface or object rubbing against another : the friction of braking. • conflict or animosity caused by a clash of wills, temperaments, or opinions : a considerable amount of friction between father and son |
|
|
moat |mōt|
|
noun
a deep, wide ditch surrounding a castle, fort, or town, typically filled with water and intended as a defense against attack. verb [ trans. ] [often as adj. ] ( moated) surround (a place) with a moat : a moated castle |
|
|
tailored |ˈtālərd| |ˈteɪlərd| |ˈteɪləd |
|
adjective
1 (of clothes) smart, fitted, and well cut : a tailored charcoal-gray suit. • [with submodifier ] (of clothes) cut in a particular way : her clothes were well tailored and expensive. 2 made or adapted for a particular purpose or person : specially tailored courses can be run on request |
|
|
genesis |ˈjenəsis|
|
noun [in sing. ]
the origin or mode of formation of something : this tale had its genesis in fireside stories |
|
|
rudimentary |ˌroōdəˈment(ə)rē|
|
adjective
involving or limited to basic principles : he received a rudimentary education. • of or relating to an immature, undeveloped, or basic form : a rudimentary stage of evolution |
|
|
carnival |ˈkärnəvəl|
|
noun
1 a period of public revelry at a regular time each year, typically during the week before Lent in Roman Catholic countries, involving processions, music, dancing, and the use of masquerade : the culmination of the week-long carnival | Mardi Gras is the last day of carnival | [as adj. ] | a carnival parade. • figurative an exciting or riotous mixture of something : the whole evening was a carnival of fun. 2 a traveling amusement show or circus. |
|
|
geek |gēk|
|
noun informal
1 an unfashionable or socially inept person. • [with adj. ] a person with an eccentric devotion to a particular interest : a computer geek. 2 a carnival performer who does wild or disgusting acts |
|
|
punched card (also punch card
|
noun
a card perforated according to a code, for controlling the operation of a machine, used in voting machines and formerly in programming and entering data into computer |
|
|
credential |krəˈden ch əl|
|
noun (usu. credentials)
a qualification, achievement, personal quality, or aspect of a person's background, typically when used to indicate that they are suitable for something : recruitment is based mainly on academic credentials. • a document or certificate proving a person's identity or qualifications. • a letter of introduction given by a government to an ambassador before a new posting. |
|
|
meritocracy |ˌmeriˈtäkrəsē|
|
noun ( pl. -cies)
government or the holding of power by people selected on the basis of their ability. • a society governed by such people or in which such people hold power. • a ruling or influential class of educated or skilled people |
|
|
gauche
|
adjective
lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward |
|
|
blend |blend
|
verb [ trans. ]
mix (a substance) with another substance so that they combine together as a mass : blend the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water | [ intrans. ] add the grated cheese and blend well. • [often as adj. ] ( blended) mix (different types of the same substance, such as tea, coffee, liquor, etc.) together so as to make a product of the desired quality : a blended whiskey. • put or combine (abstract things) together : blend basic information for the novice with some scientific gardening for the more experienced | [as n. ] ( blending) a blending of romanticism with a more detached modernism. • merge (a color) with another so that one is not clearly distinguishable from the other. • [ intrans. ] form a harmonious combination : costumes, music, and lighting all blend together beautifully. • ( blend in/into) be unobtrusive or harmonious by being similar in appearance or behavior : she would have to employ a permanent bodyguard in the house, someone who would blend in. noun a mixture of differ |
|
|
swirl |swərl
|
verb [ intrans. ]
move in a twisting or spiraling pattern : the smoke was swirling around him | [as adj. ] ( swirling) figurative a flood of swirling emotions. • [ trans. ] cause to move in such a pattern : swirl a little cream into the soup. noun a quantity of something moving in such a pattern : swirls of dust swept across the floor. • a twisting or spiraling movement or pattern : she emerged with a swirl of skirts | swirls of color. |
|
|
allegation |ˌaliˈgā sh ən|
|
noun
a claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically one made without proof : he made allegations of corruption against the administration | allegations that the army was operating a shoot-to-kill policy |
|
|
buzz |bəz|
|
noun [in sing. ]
a low, continuous humming or murmuring sound, made by or similar to that made by an insect : the buzz of the bees | a buzz of conversation. • the sound of a buzzer or telephone. • informal a telephone call : I'll give you a buzz. • informal a rumor : the buzz is that he's in big trouble. • an atmosphere of excitement and activity : there is a real buzz about the place. • informal a feeling of excitement or euphoria : I got such a buzz out of seeing the kids' faces |
|
|
hose |hōz|
|
noun
1 a flexible tube conveying water, used esp. for watering plants and in firefighting. 2 [treated as pl. ] stockings, socks, and tights (esp. in commercial use) : a chorus girl's fishnet hose. • historical breeches : Elizabethan doublet and hose. verb [ trans. ] water, spray, or drench with a hose : he was hosing down the driveway |
|
|
turbulent |ˈtərbyələnt|
|
adjective
characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm : the country's turbulent 20-year history | her turbulent emotions. • (of air or water) moving unsteadily or violently : the turbulent sea. • technical of, relating to, or denoting flow of a fluid in which the velocity at any point fluctuates irregularly and there is continual mixing rather than a steady or laminar flow pattern |
|
|
vilify |ˈviləˌfī|
|
verb ( -fies, -fied) [ trans. ]
speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner : he has been vilified in the press |
|
|
conspiracy |kənˈspirəsē|
|
noun ( pl. -cies)
a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful : a conspiracy to destroy the government. See note at plot . • the action of plotting or conspiring : they were cleared of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. |
|
|
officiate |əˈfi sh ēˌāt|
|
verb
act as an official in charge of something, as a sporting event : the first woman to officiate a men's basketball game. • perform a religious service or ceremony : he baptized children and officiated at weddings |
|
|
helm 1 |helm|
|
noun ( the helm)
a tiller or wheel and any associated equipment for steering a ship or boat : she stayed at the helm, alert for tankers. • figurative a position of leadership : they are family-run empires whose founders remain at the helm. • Nautical a helmsman. verb [ trans. ] steer (a boat or ship). • figurative manage the running of : the magazine he helmed in the late eighties |
|
|
languish |ˈla ng gwi sh |
|
verb [ intrans. ]
1 (of a person or other living thing) lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble : plants may appear to be languishing simply because they are dormant. • fail to make progress or be successful : many Japanese works still languish unrecognized in Europe. • archaic pine with love or grief : she still languished after Richard. • archaic assume or display a sentimentally tender or melancholy expression or tone : when a visitor comes in, she smiles and languishes. 2 suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation : he has been languishing in a Mexican jail since 1974 |
|
|
disrupt |disˈrəpt
|
verb [ trans. ]
interrupt (an event, activity, or process) by causing a disturbance or problem : a rail strike that could disrupt both passenger and freight service. • drastically alter or destroy the structure of (something) : alcohol can disrupt the chromosomes of an unfertilized egg |
|
|
grueling |ˈgroōəli ng |
|
adjective
extremely tiring and demanding : a grueling schedule |
|
|
rot |rät|
|
verb ( rotted , rotting ) [ intrans. ]
(chiefly of animal or vegetable matter) decompose by the action of bacteria and fungi; decay : the chalets were neglected and their woodwork was rotting away. • [ trans. ] cause to decay : caries sets in at a weak point and spreads to rot the whole tooth. • figurative gradually deteriorate through lack of attention or opportunity : he cannot understand the way the education system has been allowed to rot. noun 1 the process of decaying : the leaves were turning black with rot. • rotten or decayed matter : she was busy cutting the rot from the potatoes. • ( the rot) a process of deterioration; a decline in standards : it was when they moved back to the family home that the rot set in. • [usu. with adj. ] any of a number of fungal or bacterial diseases that cause tissue deterioration, esp. in plants. 2 informal nonsense; rubbish : don't talk rot. |
|
|
boon 1 |boōn|
|
noun
1 [usu. in sing. ] a thing that is helpful or beneficial : the navigation system will be a boon to both civilian and military users. 2 archaic a favor or request : may I have the inestimable boon of a few minutes' conversation? |
|
|
escort|ˈesˌkôrt|
|
noun.a person, vehicle, ship, or aircraft, or a group of these, accompanying another for protection, security, or as a mark of rank : a police escort | he was driven away under armed escort.
• a man who accompanies a woman to a particular social event. • a person, typically a woman, who may be hired to accompany someone socially : [as adj. ] an escort agency. verb |iˈskôrt| |əsˈkɔrt| |ɛsˈkɔrt| |ɪˈskɔːt| |ɛ-| [ trans. ] accompany (someone or something) somewhere, esp. for protection or security, or as a mark of rank : Shiona escorted Janice to the door | the shipment was escorted by armed patrol boats |
|
|
transcription |tranˈskrip sh ən|
|
noun
a written or printed representation of something. • the action or process of transcribing something : the funding covers transcription of nearly illegible photocopies. • an arrangement of a piece of music for a different instrument, voice, or number of these : a transcription for voice and lute. • a form in which a speech sound or a foreign character is represented. • Biochemistry the process by which genetic information represented by a sequence of DNA nucleotides is copied into newly synthesized molecules of RNA, with the DNA serving as a template. |
|
|
secretary |ˈsekriˌterē|
|
noun ( pl. -taries)
a person employed by an individual or in an office to assist with correspondence, keep records, make appointments, and carry out similar tasks. • an official of a society or other organization who conducts its correspondence and keeps its records. • an official in charge of a government department : [as title ] Secretary of the Treasury. • a writing desk with shelves on top of it |
|
|
litigious |ləˈtijəs
|
adjective
concerned with lawsuits or litigation. • unreasonably prone to go to law to settle disputes. • suitable to become the subject of a lawsuit |
|
|
tedious |ˈtēdēəs|
|
adjective
too long, slow, or dull: tiresome or monotonous : a tedious journey |
|
|
parlance |ˈpärləns|
|
noun
a particular way of speaking or using words, esp. a way common to those with a particular job or interest : dated terms that were once in common parlance | medical parlance |
|
|
conflate |kənˈflāt|
|
verb [ trans. ]
combine (two or more texts, ideas, etc.) into one : the urban crisis conflates a number of different economic and social issues |
|
|
fad |fad|
|
noun
an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, esp. one that is short-lived and without basis in the object's qualities; a craze : prairie restoration is the latest gardening fad in the Midwest |
|
|
burgeon |ˈbərjən|
|
verb [ intrans. ] [often as adj. ] ( burgeoning)
begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish : manufacturers are keen to cash in on the burgeoning demand. • put forth young shoots; bud |
|
|
stagnant |ˈstagnənt
|
adjective
(of a body of water or the atmosphere of a confined space) having no current or flow and often having an unpleasant smell as a consequence : a stagnant ditch. • figurative showing no activity; dull and sluggish : a stagnant economy |
|
|
vault 2 |vɔlt| |vɔːlt
|
verb [ intrans. ]
leap or spring while supporting or propelling oneself with one or both hands or with the help of a pole : he vaulted over the gate. • [ trans. ] jump over (an obstacle) in such a way : Ryker vaulted the barrier |
