Enhancing Vocabulary: Definitions and Examples for Key Terms

1. Word StudyCrossroads Middle SchoolCycle OneTrimester Two{Revised 2013-2014}

2. voc Definition: call, speak Language of Origin: Latin

3. voc: call, speak • vociferous • advocate • convocation

4. vociferous • adjective • Definition: noisy; uproarious • Sentence: • The soccer player disagreed with the referee’s call in a vociferousmanner.

5. advocate • noun • Definition: one who speaks or writes in support of another or a cause • Sentence: • The doctor is a passionate advocate of good health.

6. convocation • noun • Definition: a large formal assembly • Sentence: • The valedictorian was the first speaker to address the convocation.

7. path Definition: feeling, suffering Language of Origin: Greek

8. path: feeling, suffering • sympathy • empathy • pathogen

9. sympathy • noun • Definition: the ability to show concern for someone else’s situation • Sentence: • When John missed the final shot of the game, his teammate showed great sympathy and offered support.

10. empathy • noun • Definition: the ability to share the emotions/thoughts, of another person because of your own personal experiences • Sentence: • Karen’s empathy for Mary was immediate, when she found out that she was also being bullied.

11. pathogen • noun • Definition: a microorganism capable of causing disease • Sentence: • Influenza, or the flu, can be caused by different pathogens that enter the body.

12. geo Definition: earth Language of Origin: Greek

13. geo: earth • geothermal • geopolitical • geocentric

14. geothermal • adjective • Definition: relating to the internal heat of the earth • Sentence: • Geothermal energy  is power extracted from heat stored in the earth.

15. geopolitical • adjective • Definition: the combination of geographic and political factors influencing a specific nation or region • Sentence: • Civil war often occur in countries where there are geopolitical disagreements .

16. geocentric • adjective • Definition: having the earth and its inhabitants as a center of a theory or belief • Sentence: • The idea of the sun traveling around the Earth is an old geocentric theory.

17. struct Definition: to build Language of Origin: Latin

18. struct: to build • constructive • indestructible • obstruct

19. constructive • adjective • Definition: leading to improvement or advancement; helpful • Sentences: • A conceited person, who believes they are perfect, might have a difficult time accepting constructive criticism.

20. indestructible • adjective • Definition: cannot be destroyed • Sentence: • Diamonds are widely considered to be indestructiblebecause they are one of the hardest known substances.

21. obstruct • verb • Definition: to block or stop up with an obstacle • Sentences: • A large roadblock obstructed the driver’s ability to continue to his destination.

22. bio Definition: life Language of Origin: Greek

23. bio: life • biology • biodegradable • symbiotic

24. biology • noun • Definition: the science of life and living organisms (structure, function, growth, etc.) • Sentences: • In class we studied the biology of the rain forest.

25. biodegradable • adjective • Definition: able to decompose naturally by the action of microbes • Sentence: • Companies have started producing biodegradable trash bags which are much better for the environment.

26. symbiotic • adjective • Definition: describes a relationship in which two different organisms benefit from living together • Sentence: • Many living creatures in the wild have a symbiotic relationships.

27. gnos / sci Definition: to know Language of Origin: Greek

28. gnos / sci: to know • diagnostic • science • conscientious

29. diagnostic • adjective • Definition: Serving to distinguish or characterize, particularly when identifying disease • Sentence: • The diagnostic lab workers were able to determine what the infection was so the doctor could prescribe the correct medicine.

30. science • noun • Definition: the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation • Sentences: • After careful observation, the science students formed a logical hypothesis, and an experiment confirmed their theory.

31. conscientious • adjective • Definition: wanting to do what is right; acting in a thorough and careful manner • Sentences: • Kevin has always been a very conscientious student, working hard to achieve his goals.

32. morph Definition: shape, form Language of Origin: Greek

33. morph: shape, form • metamorphosis • anthropomorphic • morphology

34. metamorphosis • noun • Definition: change of form, structure, substance, or function • Sentence: • The class learned about how caterpillars undergo metamorphosis to become butterflies.

35. anthropomorphic • adjective • Definition: attributing human characteristics to animals, gods, or objects • Sentence: • I enjoy reading stories in which the characters are anthropomorphic animals.

36. morphology • noun • Definition: the study of form or structure • Sentences: • In order to gain an insight about pollination, one needs to understand the morphology of the flower.

37. para • Definition: beside, beyond, helping, assist • Language of Origin: Greek

38. para: beside, beyond, helping, assist • paradox • paradigm • parameter

39. paradox • noun • Definition: a statement that seems contradictory, but may actually be true • Sentences: • It is a paradox that computers need maintenance so often, since they are meant to save people time.

40. paradigm • noun • Definition: an example or model • Sentences: • Her recent open house revealed a paradigmof the modern energy-efficient home.

41. parameter • noun • Definition: a boundary or limit; guideline • Sentence: • Students need to discuss the parameters of the group project before beginning.