Vocab Workout - Set 2 Flashcards
(20 cards)
Define:
symbiotic
(sim-bee-ott-ik)
adj. related to a relationship between two or more organisms living together
The whale and the small fish that cling to its body have a symbiotic relationship.
Prefix: sym- (from Greek syn, meaning “together”); Root: bio (from Greek bios, meaning “life”); Suffix: -ic (forming adjectives, meaning “pertaining to”)
Define:
synapse
(sin-apse)
n. the small gap between the cells of nerves
Neurotransmitters travel across the synapse between brain cells.
Prefix: syn- (from Greek, meaning “together”); Root: apse (from Greek haptein, meaning “to fasten”)
Define:
synchronous
(sing-kruh-nuss)
adj. operating at the same time or at the same rate
The film was notable for its synchronous premiere in 11 capital cities around the globe.
Prefix: syn- (from Greek, meaning “together”); Root: chron (from Greek chronos, meaning “time”); Suffix: -ous (forming adjectives, meaning “full of”)
Define:
tacit
(tass-it)
adj. implied or unspoken
There was a tacit agreement between the two companies that neither would expand into the other’s city.
Root: tac (from Latin tacitus, meaning “silent”)
Define:
taciturn
(tass-ih-turn)
adj. tending to be silent; quiet
Some of the students were quite taciturn and had to be asked to participate more.
Root: tac (from Latin tacitus, meaning “silent”); Suffix: -urn (forming adjectives, indicating a tendency)
Define:
exacerbate
(ig-zass-er-bate)
v. to make worse
The children’s screaming exacerbated their father’s headache.
Prefix: ex- (from Latin, meaning “out” or “thoroughly”); Root: acerb (from Latin acerbus, meaning “bitter” or “harsh”)
Define:
v. exact
(ig-zact)
v. to forcibly obtain
The detectives finally exacted the truth from the witness.
Prefix: ex- (from Latin, meaning “out” or “thoroughly”); Root: act (from Latin agere, meaning “to do” or “to drive”)
Define:
exculpate
(ek-skull-pate)
v. to free from blame
The political prisoner was fully exculpated only when the dictatorship was overthrown and an independent truth commission established.
Prefix: ex- (from Latin, meaning “out” or “from”); Root: culp (from Latin culpa, meaning “fault” or “blame”)
Define:
exhort
(ig-zort)
v. to urge by strong appeal
Taking the loudspeaker in her hand, the policewoman exhorted the kidnapper to release his hostage.
Prefix: ex- (from Latin, meaning “out” or “thoroughly”); Root: hort (from Latin hortari, meaning “to encourage” or “to urge”)
Define:
exigent
(ek-suh-djunt)
adj. requiring immediate attention; pressing, demanding
The show’s run was cut short by an exigent lack of funds.
Prefix: ex- (from Latin, meaning “out” or “thoroughly”); Root: ig (from Latin agere, meaning “to drive” or “to act”); Suffix: -ent (forming adjectives, meaning “performing an action”)
Which vocabulary word means the following?
adj. related to a relationship between two or more organisms living together
Hint: starts with “s”
symbiotic
synonyms: coactive, harmonious, joining, interdependent, collaborative, mutual
The symbiotic relationship between the bees and flowers benefits both species.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word.
The ________ is crucial for transmitting signals between neurons in the brain.
Hint: The word starts with ‘s’.
synapse
synapse (sin-apse)
n. the small gap between the cells of nerves
Which vocabulary word means the following?
adj. operating at the same time or at the same rate
Hint: starts with “s”
synchronous
synonyms: concurrent, simultaneous, coordinated, aligned, parallel
The dancers moved in synchronous harmony, perfectly in sync with the music.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word.
There was a ________ understanding between them, even though no words were exchanged.
Hint: The word starts with ‘t’.
tacit
tacit (tass-it)
adj. implied or unspoken
Which vocabulary word means the following?
adj. tending to be silent; quiet
Hint: starts with “t”
taciturn
synonyms: aloof, silent, mum, reserved, reticent, quiet
He remained taciturn throughout the meeting, preferring to listen rather than speak.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word.
His careless remarks only ________ the tense situation.
Hint: The word starts with ‘e’.
exacerbated
exacerbate (ig-zass-er-bate)
v. to make worse
Which vocabulary word means the following?
v. to forcibly obtain
Hint: starts with “e”
exact
synonyms: claim, take, demand, require, impose
The conqueror exacted heavy taxes from the subdued population.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word.
New evidence helped to ________ the accused of all charges.
Hint: The word starts with ‘e’.
exculpate
exculpate (ek-skull-pate)
v. to free from blame
Which vocabulary word means the following?
v. to urge by strong appeal
Hint: starts with “e”
exhort
synonyms: warn, beseech, encourage, urge, implore
The coach exhorted his team to give their best performance during the final match.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word.
The ________ nature of the patient’s condition required immediate medical intervention.
Hint: The word starts with ‘e’.
exigent
exigent (ek-suh-djunt)
adj. requiring immediate attention; pressing, demanding
