This Week's Word 5/5-5/9

etymology (noun) :

1. The study of the history of words and language, and of how words and language change over time.
2. The origin and development of a word over time.

Etymology: from Greek etymologia, from etymon "true sense" + logos "word."

Previous words

• abbreviate
• abstract
• adjacent
• analogy
• annotation
• antagonist
• argument
• assumption
• authority
• bias
• citation
• composition
• compromise
• concise
• conclusion
• conflict
• conjecture
• conservative
• constant
• context
• coup d'etat
• courteous
• culture
• decipher
• demonstrate
• dependent
• essay
• etymology
• evidence
• exacerbate
• excerpt
• factor
• fallacy
• figurative
• fragment
• frame
• function
• identity
• inference
• introduction
• inverse
• imply
• integral
• justify
• learning
• liberal
• literal
• logic
• metaphor
• model
• non sequitur
• opaque
• objective
• opinion
• paraphrase
• perspective
• plagiarism
• plausible
• primary
• reciprocal
• redundant
• reference
• regime
• relationship
• relevant
• rhetoric
• sarcasm
• satire
• significant
• static
• structure
• study
• subjective
• subtle
• succinct
• summary
• symmetry
• synthesis
• system
• theme
• theory
• thesis
• transition
• valid
• variation

Abbreviate (v) : To shorten. To abridge. To reduce something while still holding on to the important parts.

Mr. McGillicuddy insisted that students abbreviate their book reports to a simple "thumbs up" or "thumbs down," so he wouldn't have to spend as much time grading papers.

Abbreviation (n): A letter or group of letters, taken from a word or group of words, used to save time, effort or space.

"AFAIK" is an abbreviation for "as far as I know."

from Latin brevis "short

Abstract

(adjective): theoretical; something not in the physical world; an idea.
(noun): a summary of a text.
(verb): to take away, remove, or summarize.

Etymology: From Latin, abstractus "drawn away"

Adjacent (adjective)

1. Nearest in space or position. Next to something, without necessarily touching.
2. (Geometry) Joining at a vertex. Use to describe sides of a polygon.

From Latin, from ad- "to" + jacere "to lie, rest," (literally, jacere means "to throw")

Analogy

1. Comparing two things to show how they are alike.

2. A method of reasoning based on comparisons.

Here is an obvious analogy: A boiled egg, and your brain on the Friday before winter break.

Annotation (noun):

1. A comment, extra information, explanation, or instructions added to a text, often after the text is written.
2. The act of annotating.

etymology: From Latin, annotare "to add notes to," from ad- "to" + notare "to note, mark.

Antagonist (noun):

1. A person or group of persons who acts as an enemy or acts in opposition.
2. A drug that works against the effect of another drug.
3. a muscle that works against another muscle and returns it to its original position.

etymology: from Greek from anti- "against" + agonizesthai "to compete for a prize"

Argument (noun)

1. A fact or statement used as evidence that something is true.

2. Controversy; dispute; disagreement; discussion

3. (Math) A variable in algebra whose value determines the dependent variable.

Assumption (noun)

1. Something taken for granted. A statement or concept on which is treated as if it were true, for the purpose of argument.
2. An agreement to pay a debt, such as a mortgage, previously owned by another person.
3. Direct ascent into heaven.

Etymology: from L. assumere "to take up," from ad- "to, up" + sumere "to take

Authority (noun)

1. The power to give orders.

Mr. Willoughby said firmly, "I have the authority to give detentions, and I'm not afraid to use it!"

2. An expert whose statements are knowledgeable.

Martha was an authority on gum-chewing, so other students often consulted her for advice on how to do it.

3. Official permission.

The students received authority to play frisbee on the soccer field after school.

4. Persons who have control over others. (usually plural)

The authorities declared a no-homework day, and all the students cheered.

5. Assurance or confidence.

Charleston spoke with authority to the other students about the upcoming math test, since the teacher had already explained to him what was going to be on it.

6. Government agency

The Tennessee Valley Authority constructed many dams.

Etymology: from L. auctoritatem "invention, advice, opinion, influence, command," from auctor "author"

Bias

1. (noun) A prejudice or unfair preference.
2. (verb) To influence in an unfair way
3. (noun) Diagonal, especially across the weave of a fabric

From Middle French biasis "slant, oblique"

Citation (noun): 

1.  The information needed to identify or find a particular text.  The elements describing an information resource.  A footnote or  reference. 

Citation of sources is required in formal writing and follows a standard format.

A complete citation can include information such as author, page numbers, volume number and publication date.

2.  A ticket given by a police officer for minor legal infractions such as traffic offenses or public misbehavior.

Officer Merwin gave Little Bobby a traffic citation for going twenty miles an hour on his tricycle.

3.  An official award, usually announced in public.

Mrs. Norwood received a citation from the Chamber of Commerce for rescuing the Mayor’s cat from a tree.

4.  A horse, winner of the Triple Crown in 1948.

          Citation, a bay colt, lived from 1945 to 1970.

Etymology:  from Latin. citationem "a command," form of citare "to summon”

Concise (adj.) Brief. To the point. Terse. The opposite of verbose.

Augustus, who was a concise writer, often wrote papers that were shorter than the required number of pages. However, his writing was so clear and correct many of his teachers never noticed. Maurice, however, always wrote more than required, but much of what he wrote didn't make any sense. Maurice couldn't figure out why Augustus always got better grades than he did.

Conclusion (noun)

1. The end or finish of something.

2. The result of a process.

3. A decision reached after you have considered something.

4. A final arrangement.

5. Logic: A deduction from the premises.

From Latin concludere, to end.

Composition (n)

1. (Art) The plan, placement, or arrangement of the elements of a piece of art.
2. The bringing together of parts or elements to form a whole.
3. The material out of which something is made.
4. (English class) The act of creating a written work
5. (English class) A piece of writing.
6. (Music) A musical work.
7. (Publishing) the process of setting type and arranging it on a page.

Etymology: from Latin com, "with" and ponere "put, place."

Compromise

1. (noun) An agreement to settle a disagreement in which both sides give up some ground.
   
   Selwyn and his teacher Mr. Wiley came to a compromise: Selwyn would do some homework rather than none, and Mr. Wiley would call Selwyn’s parents once a week instead of every evening.
   
2. (verb) To make something open to danger or suspicion.
   
   Marguerite compromised her e-mail security when she sent her log-in password to her friend Felice.

Conflict

1. (noun) argument, controversy, or dispute

Frank and his teacher Mr. Spellbinder had an ongoing conflict over how to do math homework. Mr. Spellbinder kept insisting Frank had to show his work, but Frank didn't feel like it, frankly.

2. (noun) opposition in drama or fiction between characters or forces.

In Treasure Island, there is an ongoing conflict between Jim's desire for independence and his desire to trust the adults around him.

3. (noun) a battle or small war

The conflict in Iraq often dominates the news.

4. (verb) to differ or disagree

School conflicts with my need for relaxation.

conjecture

• speculation: a hypothesis
• guess or opinion based on incomplete evidence

Etymology: from L. conjectura "conclusion, interpretation

conservative (adj.)

1. cautious

Mr. Wetheringham took a conservative approach to investing his money, avoiding risky stocks.

2. politics:  favoring policies of caution and tradition; opposing liberalism and reform; often identified with “right-wing” politics

Politically conservative voters often, but not always, join the Republican party in the United States.

3. resistant to change.

“I’m a conservative person,” said Mrs. McGillicuddy.  “That’s why I wear old-fashioned clothes and drive a 1942 Studebaker.”

4. The largest political party in the United Kingdom, whose members are often known as “Tories” because the party grew out of the Tory Party.

The current Leader of the Opposition in the UK is David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party.

Etymology:  from Latin conservare "to keep, preserve."

Constant (n.)

1.  A number with a fixed value. 

In math, the ratio of a circle’s radius to its circumference is a constant called pi.  It is about 3.14159

constant (adj.)

1.   changeless; without stopping

At the shore, the thunder of the surf is constant.

2.   faithful or steadfast

Menelaus was always a constant husband, even though his wife Helen was faithless.

Etymology:  from L. constantem "standing firm, stable, steadfast.

Context (noun):

Surroundings, environment, setting, or location. The facts, or events that surround a situation or event.

The word "chum" means some bloody meat used as bait for shark fishing. However, in the context of a friendly conversation it means "pal." If you threw your pal to the sharks, however, you could say, "I used my chum as chum."

From Latin: com- "together" + textere "to weave"

Coup d'etat (noun):

1. a sudden and complete change of government, illegally or by force

etymology: From French, "a blow of the state" or "a strike at the state."

Courteous

(adj.): Having or showing good manners; polite; gracious.  Showing tact and consideration for others, in a dignified way.   Considerate of others.  Etymology:  From Old French:  “curt,” meaning “court,” as in the court of a king.  Synonyms which all mean something slightly different include polite, mannerly, well-behaved, civil, and genteel.

Maximilian, a very courteous boy, always held the door open for the people behind him instead of slamming it in their faces. However, when a ravenous tiger was chasing him through the doorway, he was not nearly as courteous (though he did apologize to the tiger afterwards).

Culture

1. (noun) The beliefs, values, and behavior of a society

2. (noun) Good taste in arts and manners.

3. (verb) To grow living organisms.

Thanksgiving is part of American culture.

Some people say Philadelphians have no culture because they put Cheez Whiz on everything.

I cultured the bacteria in my mouth, and what grew on that Petri dish was disgusting.

decipher (verb):

To translate code into regular speech or writing; to break a code

Although the message was written in pig-Latin, Lloyd deciphered it easily.

To read complicated or difficult written text.

"Can you decipher this homework for me? I can't read your writing," said Mrs. McGillicuddy to Howard.

etymology: prefix de- ("from," "down," or "away") and cipher (meaning "zero" or "code") from Arabic sifr "zero."

Demonstrate (verb)

1. to show clearly, to display.

2. to show by reason or logic that something is true.

3. to explain and present.

4. to show the use of something to a customer.

5. to march in protest.

Leonard demonstrated the operation of the law of gravity by falling out the window. "Q.E.D.!" he shouted as he went down. (Q.E.D. is short for the Latin phrase quod erat demonstrandum, meaning "that which was to be demonstrated," which is often written at the end of a mathematical proof.)

dependent

• (adjective) relying on someone or something else
• (adjective) (grammar) not able to stand by itself as an independent clause.
• (adjective) (math) having a value related to, or determined by, another value.
• (noun) a person supported by another person, for tax purposes.

from Latin, dependere, from de- "from, down" + pendere "to hang, be suspended"

Essay

(noun):

1. A short, well-structured written work expressing an opinion on a topic and supporting the opinion with evidence..

Bertrand wrote an essay supporting his opinion that no one should have to study math in school. His teacher gave him an A but disagreed with him.

(verb)

1. To try, make an effort, or attempt.

The baby essayed a few steps, but immediately sat down on his rump.

Etymology: From Latin, exigere "test"

Etymology (noun) :

1. The study of the history of words and language, and of how words and language change over time.

2. The origin and development of a word over time.

Etymology: from Greek etymologia, from etymon "true sense" + logos "word."

Evidence (noun):

1. Information that supports a statement

2. Material used in court to prove or disprove a claim.

Gregory accused Walter of taking his pencil, and as evidence he showed that the pencil had "Gregory" written on it.

from L. evidentem (nom. evidens) "perceptible, clear, obvious," from ex- "fully, out of" + videntem "to see"

Exacerbate (verb)

1. To make worse.

The heavy rain exacerbated the flood problems.

2. To cause a disease or its symptoms to become more severe.

The cold weather exacerbated Rupert's flu symptoms.

Excerpt (noun):

A short piece or passage taken from a larger work.

In his paper explaining why Dr. Seuss was the best author ever, Dwayne quoted an excerpt from the immortal Green Eggs and Ham: "I do not like Green Eggs and Ham./ I do not like them Sam I Am."

Factor:

(noun)

1. Something which helps to cause something.

Effort is often a more important factor in success than talent.

2. Mathematics. A number which divides a quantity evenly.

2 and 3 are factors of 6

3. A quantity by which a quantity is multiplied or divided, to show an increase or decrease in a measurement:

The rain unexpectedly increased by a factor of ten, and Dabney got drenched.

Other meanings:

4. One who acts for someone else; an agent.

5. A person or firm that accepts accounts receivable as security for short-term loans.

6. Physiology. A substance that helps a reaction or process.

(verb)

1. (Mathematics) To find the numbers which will divide a quantity evenly.

Mr. Knight asked the students to factor the number 101.

2. .To figure in; to add to all the things that need to be considered.

If you factor in all the different subjects assigning homework, you realize why you have to spend so much time on it.

from Latin factor, maker, from facere, to make.

In popular culture, "factor" is often added to a word to make a title or slogan. For instance, the TV show is called Fear Factor, meaning that fear is a theme, main element, or ingredient of the stunts on the show.

Fallacy (noun):

1. an argument which seems to be correct but which contains at least one error
2. a mistake in reasoning.

etymology: from L. fallacia "deception"

Figurative (adjective):

1. Written language which is not necessarily literal. Comparing one thing to another or speaking about something as if it were something else. Examples of figurative language include metaphor and simile.
2. In art, painting which includes images from nature, especially animal or human. The opposite of figurative painting is abstract painting.

Etymology:  From Latin figura "a shape, form, figure"

Fragment

(noun)
1. a piece broken off or cut off of something else; "a fragment of rock"
2. an incomplete piece; "fragments of a play"
3. part of a sentence that has been punctuated as if it were a complete sentence. A sentence fragment is "Climbed up the rock."

(verb)
break up: break or cause to break into pieces; "The plate fragmented."

From L. fragmentum "a fragment, remnant," from root of frangere "to break."

Frame

1. (noun) a structure containing something or holding it up.

(My old house has a wooden frame structure.)

2. (noun) a single still picture from a film or video.

(Modern digital video can have a speed of 60 frames per second.)

3. (noun) the part of a window that holds the glass.

(The window was dirty, but its frame was clean.)

4. (noun) a border around a picture which protects it.

(The tiny oil painting in Wilson's study had a huge gold frame around it.)

5. (verb) to put something in a frame.

(Osbert framed a photograph of himself hugging a bear.)

6.(verb) to describe a situation in order to think about it.

(Let me frame it this way: if you don't have your homework with you when you come to class, it is not really finished.)

7. (verb) to trap someone and make him appear guilty.

(Odysseus framed Palamedes.)

Function:

1. (noun) What something is used for. Its purpose.

The function of a pencil is writing.

2. (noun) A social event, usually a formal one.

I attended a black-tie function at the Martian embassy. The Martian ambassador's black tie was on his third tail..

3. (noun) (Mathematics) A relationship between two sets of numbers so that each number in one set has a unique partner in the other set.

If you plot the function x=y on a graph, it will be a straight diagonal line intersecting (0,0)

4. (verb) To work properly.

My television set functions fine, but the programs are terrible.

from L. functio "to perform."

Identity (noun)

1. The name of an individual person or thing.

The guard asked for the identity of the Frankenstein monster, but the monster refused to answer (he didn’t know his name).

2. The specific traits of an individual person or thing.

Wardell thought his mask concealed his identity, but his ears were so large everyone greeted him by name all day.

3. The distinct personality of someone or something. 

Shawn sometimes felt as if students lost their identity when they all wore uniforms.

4. ( mathematics) An equation that is always true; two things that are equal.

X=X shows identity. 

Imply (verb):

1. To state something indirectly. To suggest or state something without saying it outright.

2. To suggest as a logically necessary result.

From Latin: implicare ("involve")

Inference (noun):

An assumption or guess, based on evidence or observation.

I made the inference that Webley was dead based on the fact that he had not moved for several days.

Verb form: to infer. Etymology: from Latin in- "in" + ferre "carry, bear.

Integral (adjective)

• A necessary part of the whole. If a part is integral to the whole, it is essential in order for the whole to work.
• (Math) The result of a mathematical integration
• Whole or entire, not lacking any of the parts.

Etymology: from Latin, integer, "whole"

Introduction (noun)

1. the first part of a written or spoken text.

   In the introduction of of his 5-paragraph essay, Bartholomew stated his thesis as “I should never have to do homework ever again.”  His teacher suggested a different thesis.

2. beginning something new

   “I am taking an introduction to fencing.  We aren’t allowed to hit anyone yet, but the teacher can hit us,” said Alicia.

3. presentation: formally making a person known to another or to the public

   Mr. Sleepyweazle made the introductions between Ralph and his new math teacher.  Ralph turned pale when he saw the teacher’s long fangs, but he managed to be polite.

4. a basic or elementary instructional text

   “This grammar book is only an introduction.  It doesn’t go into all the horrid details,” said Mrs. Sleepyweazle.

5. a new proposal

   In January, Apple announced the introduction of a new smartphone.

6. insertion: the act of putting one thing into another

   The introduction of the hypodermic needle under the skin can sometimes be painful.

Etymology:  from Latin intro- "inward, to the inside" + ducere "to lead"

Inverse (noun)

1. The opposite or backward version of something.

When George looked in the mirror, he saw the inverse of himself.

2. (Math) the negative of a number. Also its reciprocal.

The inverse of +3 is -3, but the inverse of 3/1 is also 1/3

From Latin: inversus, from the verb invertere, to invert or "in-turn."

Justify (verb):

1. To show to be reasonable.

The belief that the world is flat is justified if you just look at the horizon. However, the belief is incorrect.

2. To show to be right by providing evidence or proof.

Chumley justified his statement that Long John Silver was an evil man by pointing out Silver's plan to kill the honest men.

3. To set lines of text so that the left or right margins, or both, are aligned.

I prefer to justify my work on the left, because justifying it on both margins makes it look stiff.

4. To defend actions.

Westley tried to justify his criminal behavior by blaming his childhood.

from L. justificare "act justly toward, make just," from justificus "dealing justly, righteous," from justus "just" (see just (adj.)) + root of facere "to do.

Learning

The process causing change in behavior as the result of practice or experience.

Liberal (adj.)

1. generous in giving; abundant or lavish

The police offered a liberal award for the capture of the fugitive.

2. politics: favoring policies of reform and progress; opposing conservatism or reactionism; often identified with “left-wing” politics

Liberal voters often, but not always, join the Democratic party in the United States.

3. broad-minded

Mr. Crawford had a very liberal view of the English language; he allowed his students to use "ain't" in their papers..

4. not the literal meaning

When George said the poem was about lost homework, the teacher said, “That is a very liberal interpretation.

5. academic: the “humanities,” that is, not technology, engineering, or science.

The liberal arts generally include such subjects as literature, philosophy, languages, and history.

Etymology: From Latin, liber, “free.”

Literal (adj):

1. obvious rather than secret or metaphorical. The ordinary meaning of a phrase. Explicit.

The literal meaning of "don't count your chickens before they're hatched," has a great deal to do with chickens. However, it really means "don't make plans based on uncertain results."

A literal translation often loses much of the meaning of another language.

2. simple, plain or direct.

Westinghouse Smith is very literal-minded. When he was told to "zip his lip, he sewed in an actual zipper.

Do NOT use "literal" incorrectly. If you "literally" fly out of the window, you had better have wings or a jet engine.

etymology: Latin, litera ("letter")

Logic (noun):

1. The science of reasoning.

In logic, if all snitters are boopey, and Philip is a snitter, then Philip is boopey.

2. The basic principles of any type of knowledge.

Josiah understood the logic of skateboarding.

3. Good reasoning or arguments in general.

The boys argued that they should not have homework because of the game, and Mrs. Weevil agreed with their logic.

Model:

(n) A person who acts as a human prop (for clothing, accessories, or products)

"America's Next Top Model" is a popular television show.

(n) A person who poses for artists or photographers

Who was the model for Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa"?

(n) A standard that should be imitated.

He is the very model of a modern Major-General.

(n) A simplified description of a complicated process

General relativity and quantum theory are both models of physical events, but they do not agree on some important points.

(n) A replica of a real-life object, usually smaller than the real thing

An orrery is a model of the Solar System. A dollhouse is a model of a real house.

(n) A type or version of a product.

His antique car was the 1961 model.

(v) To make something in clay, wax, or similar materials

Michelangelo often modeled his sculptures in wax before he started carving.

From L. modulus "measure, standard," itself from L. modus "manner, measure"

Metaphor

(noun) A figure of speech in which one thing is described as if it were another, different thing. A comparison which does not use the words "like" or "as."

An example of a metaphor is: "The winds of change swept over the government." In this metaphor, change is compared to a weather system.

A mixed metaphor occurs when two or more contradictory metaphors are used in the same statement. "Once you open a can of worms, they always come home to roost." is a mixed metaphor.

Etymology: Greek, from meta- "over, across" + pherein "to carry, bear"

Non sequitur: (noun)

1. (Common) A statement that does not seem reasonably connected to what preceded it.

"Now, class, can anybody name the parts of speech?" asked the teacher. "Yes, Morton?"

Morton raised his hand. "May I go to the bathroom?" he asked.

"That, class, is a good example of a non sequitur," said the teacher.

2. (Logic) A conclusion that does not logically follow from another fact or facts.

All logical mistakes in reasoning are non sequiturs: For instance, the argument "If all cats are mammals, and I am a mammal, then I am a cat" is a non sequitur.

3. (Popular) A comic strip created by Wiley Miller in 1991 and syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate to over 700 newspapers.

Latin for "it does not follow.

Objective:

1. (adjective) having actual existence; having reality; not affected by emotion or personal opinion. The opposite of subjective.

I try to be objective when watching horror movies, and to remember that the people are not really being dismembered, they're just actors. However, when I have bad dreams afterwards, it's hard.

2. (noun) aim or goal.

"My objective this year is to get an A in all my subjects," announced Sheldon to his parents. They suggested he might want to consider studying if he wanted to achieve that objective.

3. (adjective) (Grammar) The case of a noun or pronoun when it is the object of a verb.

When you say, "The millionaire gave me a check for $10,000," the word me is in the objective case.

4. (noun) The lens in a microscope or telescope that is the first to get light rays.

opaque (adjective)

1. Not allowing light to pass through.
2. Not clearly understood or expressed
3. Hard to understand; obscure

Etymology: From Latin opacus "shaded, shady, dark"

opinion (noun):

1. A personal belief, often strong, which is not necessarily supported by fact.
2. A legal document written by a judge, giving explanation of a court’s decision.
3. An editorial in a newspaper, giving the views of the writer rather than reporting on matters of fact.

Etymology:  From Latin opinionem "opinion, conjecture, what one thinks"

Paraphrase:

(v).  To rewrite or restate the ideas, opinions, or arguments of another person in your own words.  It is important in written schoolwork to give credit to the other person when you paraphrase.  Otherwise, paraphrasing is plagiarism.  Etymology:  from Greek, from para- "beside" + phrazein "to tell

Example: 

The textbook read, “Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, some bacteria, and some protistans use the energy from sunlight to produce sugar, which cellular respiration converts into ATP, the "fuel" used by all living things.”

Damian paraphrased this, “According to the textbook on page 73, plants and some single-celled living things make sugar by using sunlight for energy.  Then the cells use a kind of breathing called respiration to make the sugar into ATP, which is food for the plant.”  He put a footnote to the textbook at the bottom of the page.

Perspective (noun)

1. A way of looking at things or ideas.

2. (Art) A technique used to give the illusion of 3-D on a flat surface.

To draw in perspective, draw a horizon line and draw a vanishing point anywhere on the horizon. Lines which are parallel in real life are drawn to intersect at the vanishing point.

Plagiarism (noun):

Presenting someone else's work as if it were your own, and not giving credit to the author. This includes exact copying and paraphrasing. Plagiarism is a form of cheating.

Hezekiah cut-and-pasted some Internet text for his PowerPoint presentation, and was astonished when the teacher told him it was plagiarism.

Etymology: From Latin: plagiarius "kidnapper, seducer, plunderer," from plagium "kidnapping," from plaga "snare, net."

Plausible (adjective):

1. Seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; credible.

Barbara's math teacher told her, "Saying your dog ate your homework is a plausible excuse. Saying your mother ate your homework, on the other hand, is not plausible."

2. Giving a deceptive impression of truth or reliability.

Many urban legends are plausible, which is why people believe them even though they are untrue.

3. Insincerely smooth; fast-talking:

Todd was very plausible, and often managed to talk his way out of situations that would earn other students a detention.

Latin plausibilis, deserving applause, from plausus, past participle of plaudere, to applaud.

Primary (adjective)

1.  direct; immediate; first; not second-hand. 

Rupert said, "My primary goal in school is to get through the day.  My secondary goal is to earn all A's."

2.  chief; most important

The primary food source of squid is small fish

3.  an election that chooses candidates

This year, the candidates for President announced they were running a year before the primary election.

4.  relating to an elementary or lower school

"My primary school was on Mars," said Aloysius, wriggling his tentacles.  "My morning commute from Haverford was pretty long." 

5.  one of the main flight feathers on the outer edge of a bird wing. 

The primary feathers are large, and help propel a bird through the air.

Etymology: From Latin primus, meaning "first."

Reciprocal (adjective)

1. Showing mutual, matching, or equal relationship between two organizations or people.
2. Given or felt in return.
3. (Mathematics) A number's reciprocal is the number which, when the two are multiplied, gives the answer 1. For instance, the reciprocal of 4 is 1/4.

Etymology: from L. reciprocus "returning the same way, alternating"

Redundant (adj)

1. Repeated or duplicated unnecessarily

2. repetition of the same sense in different words

3. excess, more than is needed

4. (computers) extra system element backup

This is a true fact.

I am a beginner who just started.

Come pick up your free gift.

relationship (noun):

1. a connection, association, or involvement.
2. connection between persons by blood or marriage.
3. an emotional or other connection between people
4. a romantic involvement; affair.
5. (math) a function: the mathematical connection between two numbers or variables in ordered pairs.

Etymology: from L. relationem "a bringing back, restoring"

Relevant (adj.)

Having a connection to a subject; related to the topic.  Not off topic.  Antonym:  irrelevant.

When Norbert raised his hand in class to discuss his weekend, Mrs. McGillicuddy pointed out that it was not relevant to the topic of the class, which was math. 

From L. relevare "to lessen, lighten"

Reference (noun)

1. a mention or remark that calls attention to something or someone (The History teacher made a reference to the Civil War.)
2. citation: a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage (Clyde got a bad grade because wrote a paper without any references or bibliography.)
3. a book or article which has important facts in it.  (Elmore used a reference book about sharks to write his paper.).
4. a formal recommendation describing a person’s character  (When Violet applied for a job teaching physics, she provided three references from former professors.)

Regime (noun) :

1. a ruling system of government.

3. a government in power.

4. the period during which a particular government or ruling system is in power.

Etymology: From Latin regimen, from regere, to rule

Rhetoric (noun):

1. Language used to persuade

2. High-sounding style of writing or speaking

3. Empty, confusing words

4. The study of persuasion

etymology: Greek, rhetor, "orator"

Satire (noun):

1. use of ridicule or scorn, often funny, to point out flaws with the hope of making its subject improve.

The TV show, "The Colbert Report," is a satire in which Stephen Colbert makes fun of news hosts by imitating them. The cartoon show "The Simpsons" often uses satire.

2. a literary example of such ridicule or scorn.

Jonathan Swift's satire, "A Modest Proposal," in which he suggested that poor people should practice cannibalism, was actually criticizing society's indifference to the poor.

From Latin satira, "satire, poetic medley."

Sarcasm (noun): Mocking, insulting or scornful language, often disguised as praise. A form of irony. Language used to mock or hurt another, often by saying the opposite of what is meant.

Gloomy Gus hated Ms. Murphy's sarcasm. "Well, if it isn't Mr. Jolly Sunshine!" she would say whenever he entered the room scowling. "Come on in and brighten everyone's day!

Significant (adj.):

1. important
2. fairly large
3. (statistics) too big a difference to be chance
4. meaningful

When Dwayne unexpectedly earned an A on his History test, the difference from his normal performance was so significant his teacher nearly died from joy.

Etymology:  from Latin, from signum "sign" + facere "to make"

noun:  significance

static

1. (adjective) Lacking movement; unchanging
2. (noun) Friction-caused electricity, electricity in the air, or the interference caused by that electricity.
3. (noun) (informal) Trouble.  

Etymology: from Gk. statikos "causing to stand, skilled in weighing,"

Structure

1. (noun) The way in which the parts of a thing are put together to make a whole.

The structure of an essay includes an introduction, detail paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

1. (noun) A building or other work of construction.

In order to build the new Upper School structure, the old library has to be torn down.

1. (verb) To organize parts into a whole.

Nicholas structured his PowerPoint presentation to begin with a vivid picture, include many catchy facts, and end with a strong conclusion. 

Etymology:  from Latin, structus, pp. of struere "to pile, build, assemble"

Study

noun

1. the use of the mind to gain knowledge.

2. the act or process of learning about something.

3. careful examination.

4. a branch of learning.

5. a room especially for reading and writing.

verb

1. to engage in study

2. to consider in detail, with attention

When preparing for exams, most students find it helpful to set aside a regular place and time to study a little bit every day.

From L. studium "study, application," originally "eagerness," from studere "to be diligent.

Subjective (adj)

1. influenced by one's personal interests, prejudices, emotions, senses. The opposite of objective.

Raymond remarked, "I think the world is out to get me, but that's just my subjective opinion."

2. (grammar) a pronoun used as the subject of a sentence.

"She" is the subjective singular feminine third person pronoun. "Her" is the objective case of the same pronoun.

Subtle (adj.) (pronounced "SUT-tel")

1. So slight that it is difficult to describe.

The Mona Lisa has a subtle smile.

2. Difficult to understand; abstruse.

George tried to win the argument, but his reasoning was too subtle to convince an audience of second graders.

3. Able to make fine distinctions; clever, crafty, or sly.

Neil had a subtle mind.

4. Insidious or hidden.

The nicotine in cigarettes has a subtle effect on the body.

from L. subtilis "fine, thin, delicate, finely woven," from sub "under" + -tilis, from tela "web" and texere "to weave"

Succinct:

(adjective): expressed in few words; concise; terse.

etymology: from L. succinctus "prepared, ready, contracted, short."

Summary:

1. (noun) A brief statement giving the main idea or main points of something.

Here is a very brief summary of the Trojan War: Paris stole Helen. The Greeks attacked Troy and defeated it. The End.

2. (adjective) Done quickly and informally.

Gary tried to convince his history teacher to give him a free homework pass, but the teacher gave him a summary rejection.

Symmetry (noun)

1. (Math) Exact reflection on both sides of a dividing line.

2. (Art) Balance in a work of art reached by having equal weight of objects, designs, or colors on either side of the center.

3. (Dog breeding) Pleasing balance between all parts of the dog.

from Latin, symmetria, from Greek, symmetria "agreement in dimensions, due proportion, arrangement," from syn- (together) and metron (measure).

Adrian Bruce's Symmetry page is a wonderful resource for this. http://www.adrianbruce.com/Symmetry/

Synthesis (noun):

1. Putting together ideas or things to make new ideas or things. Combining elements to make something new.

Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events books are a synthesis of adventure and dark humor, which is why so many people enjoy them.

2. (Chemistry) putting smaller molecules together to make a larger one.

The human skin makes Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight through a process of synthesis.

Etymology: From Greek, syn- "together" + tithenai "put, place"

System (noun):

1. Parts working together to make a whole.

The community of plants, animals, and microbes form a system of energy flow.

2. A set of methods or rules for doing something.

Melville had a system for guessing the winner of the basketball game.

3. Any organized approach.

"I need some more system in here," said Nichol, looking at his messy room.

4. The way things are run in the world.

Some people are always trying to beat the system.

5. A group of body organs working together to do a set of jobs.

The nervous system consists of the nerves, brain, and spinal cord.

from Gk. systema "organized whole, body"

Theme: (noun)

1. A main subject or topic, as of a poem, novel, play, speech, etc.

2. A short essay, often written as an exercise.

3. In a musical composition, a melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic subject or phrase, usually developed with variations.

From the Greek word thema

The school's themes in 2005 were "cherish diversity" and "treat one another with respect and integrity." Dr. Cox's theme for the year was "construction." The Middle School theme was "kindness."

Theory (noun):

1. (Science) An explanation of something in nature, supported by observation, experiments, and reasoning. A theory is a hypothesis which has been thoroughly tested, about which you can be confident. In science, a theory is never considered to be a fact. It is an attempt to explain facts.

Einstein’s theory of special relativity explains why the speed of light is always the same.

2. (Math) A set of theorems that make up a branch of mathematics.

Mathematicians who study knot theory don’t actually tie knots; they study the properties of all possible knots.

3. The general principles of an art or branch of study.

As part of training, a classical musician will usually study music theory.

4. (Common use) a theory is speculation, an idea, a guess, or any belief which guides actions. In popular use, a theory does not have to be supported by the facts.

Hank had a theory that aliens from the planet Flyswatter were controlling all of his actions, which was why he often did strange things.

A misunderstanding of this word is part of why people argue about the theory of evolution. The scientific theory of evolution is well-supported by the facts (definition 1), although the details of the theory continue to change. The theory of “intelligent design” is not supported by the facts, but is instead a belief which guides actions (definition 4)

The word ‘theory’ derives from the Greek ‘theorein’, which means ‘to look at’.

Thesis (noun)

1. A sentence that gives the main point or argument of a paper.

2. A written paper reporting original research for a graduate degree

In Marvin's thesis for his Master's Degree, his thesis was "Marvin should get an A." His professors disagreed.

Transition: (noun)

1. Passage from one place, condition, or stage to another; change.

2. Something, as a period of time or a situation, that leads from one stage or period to another.

3. Music: A passage connecting sections of a composition.

Elwood made a good transition from Lower School to Middle School. He made many good choices.

Middle School is a transition from the Lower School to the Upper School.

Valid (adjective)

1. solid, strong, well-founded
2. effective
3. legally sound, effective, or binding; having legal force: a valid contract.
4. (Logic) describing an argument which must be true if its premises are true

Etymology: From Latin, validus, strong.

Variation (noun)

1. A change or alteration in something.

There are many different variations of the game of poker, including Texas Hold'em and Seven Card Stud.

2. Repetitions (with change) of a musical theme.

Johann Sebastian Bach's "Goldberg Variations" are among the best music in the world.

3. A different version of something.

Some people say the Zune is just a variation of the iPod.

4. An object or process that is different from the standard type.

A variation of the German Shepherd dog has a white coat rather than the normal colors.

Etymology: From Latin, variare, to change.