Tina Tang的部落格

coherence (n.)  

definition :

the quality or state of cohering: as  integration of diverse elements, relationships, or values

ex.

The house has been expanded and remodeled so many times that now it's a jumbled mess that lacks coherence.

collapse (v.) 

definition :

to fall or shrink together abruptly and completely :  fall into a jumbled or flattened mass through the force of external pressure <a blood vessel that collapsed>

ex. 

He collapsed on stage during the performance and had to be rushed to the hospital.

collision (n.)  

definition :

an encounter between particles (as atoms or molecules) resulting in exchange or transformation of energy

ex.  

The car was destroyed in the collision.

combat (v.)  

definition :

a fight or contest between individuals or groups

active fighting in a war :  action <casualties suffered in combat>

ex. 

Some of these soldiers have never seen combat.

commix (v.)  

definition :

to become mingled or blended

ex. 

I learned which spices are commixed to make curry powder.

commodity (n.)  

definition :

a mass-produced unspecialized product <commodity chemicals> <commodity memory chips>

an article of commerce especially when delivered for shipment <commodities futures>

ex. 

Patience is a rare commodity.

compliance (n.)   

definition :

the act or process of complying to a desire, demand, proposal, or regimen or to coercion

ex. 

There has been a low rate of compliance with the new law.

compress (v.) 

definition :

to reduce in size, quantity, or volume as if by squeezing<compress a computer file>

ex. 

Her lips compressed into a frown.

concede (v.) 

definition :

(1)   to acknowledge grudgingly or hesitantly <conceded that it might be a good idea> 

(2)   to relinquish grudgingly or hesitantly <concede power>

ex. 

I concede that the work has been slow so far, but it should speed up soon.

concise (a.) 

definition :

marked by brevity of expression or statement :  free from all elaboration and superfluous detail <a concise report> <a concise definition>

ex.

A concise article on violence in the media that manages to say more than most books on the subject.

Meticulous (a.)

definition :

1. Timid, fearful, overly cautious

2. Characterized by very precise, conscientious attention to details

ex.

The book describes his journey in meticulous detail.

Tenaciously (adv.)

definition :

In a tenacious manner

ex.

He continued tenaciously, doggedly continuing over all obstacles.

Bloated (adj.)

definition :

1. Swollen with fluid or gas

2. Excessively or extremely large or wealthy

3. Describing software which is overloaded with features, known as bloatware

4. Slightly salted and lightly smoked (as in bloated herring)

ex.

He has a bloated, uncomfortable feeling after meal. 

Magnanimous (adj.)

definition :

Noble and generous in spirit.

ex.

He thinks himself ardent, impulsive, passionate, magnanimous — capable of boundless enthusiasm for an idea or a sentiment.

Wince (n.)(v.)

definition :

1. A sudden movement or gesture of shrinking away

2. A reel used in dyeing, steeping, or washing cloth; a winch. It is placed over the division wall between two wince pits so as to allow the cloth to descend into either compartment at will

3. To flinch as if in pain or distress

4. To wash (cloth), dip it in dye, etc., with the use of a wince

5. To kick or flounce when unsteady or impatient

Muster (v.)

definition :

to get enough courage, confidence, support etc. to do something, especially with difficulty
ex.

He mustered all his courage to take part in the game.

A horse winces.

Prophesy (v.)

definition :

1. To speak or write with divine inspiration; to act as prophet

2. To predict, to foretell

3. To foreshow; to herald; to prefigure

4. To speak out on the Bible as an expression of holy inspiration; to preach

ex.

There was a great war between the countries, just as the elders had prophesied.

Formidable (adj.)

definition :

1. causing fear, dread, awe or admiration as a result of size, strength, or some other impressive quality; commanding respect

2. difficult to defeat or overcome  

ex.

The new range of computers has formidable processing power.

Cunning (adj.)

definition :

1. Sly; crafty; clever in surreptitious behaviour

2. Skillful, artful

3. Wrought with, or exhibiting, skill or ingenuity; ingenious.

ex.

The fox is known for its cleverness and cunning.

Buckle (v.)

definition :

1. To distort or collapse under physical pressure; especially, of a slender structure in compression

2. To make bend; to cause to become distorted

3. To give in; to react suddenly or adversely to stress or pressure (of a person)

4. To yield; to give way; to cease opposing

5. To enter upon some labor or contest; to join in close fight; to contend

6. To buckle down; to apply oneself

ex.

It is amazing that he has never buckled after so many years of doing such urgent work.

heritage  [ˋhɛrətɪdʒ](n.)

definition :

property that descends to an heir 
ex:

This farm is my heritage from my father, as it was for him from his father.  

maiden  [ˋmedn] (n.) 

definition :

an unmarried girl or woman 
ex:

A story about a courageous knight who rescues a fair maiden.

frivolous [ˋfrɪvələs] (a.)

definition :

of little weight or importance
ex:

She thinks window shopping is a frivolous activity.

discourteous [dɪsˋkɝtɪəs] (a.)

definition :

lacking courtesy
ex:

The waiter was discourteous to me.

invoice  [ˋɪnvɔɪs] (n.)

definition :

an itemized list of goods shipped usually specifying the price and the terms of sale
ex:

Payment is due within 30 days after receipt of the invoice.