Sunday, November 27, 2011

Eradicate

1.  verb
Definition:  to put do an end to, destroy; to pull up by the roots
Example: eradicate poverty
Sentence:  Scientists have used vaccines and other medicines to eradicate malaria in some countries.
Notes:  The word eradicate (pronounced err-aah-dih-cate) comes from the Latin radice, or roots.  Eradicate means to take out by the roots, coming right from the Latin.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Inconspicuous

1.  adj.
Definition: Not clearly visible or attracting attention; not conspicuous
Example: an inconspicuous garden
Sentence: The inconspicuous spy snuck up behind the criminal, knocked him out, and brought him to the station for questioning.
Notes:  This word is pronounced in-cuhn-spih-cu-us.  It is a fabulous word, and I recommend it for every use!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Archaic

1.  adj.
Definition: very old or old-fashioned
Example: an archaic hairstyle
Sentence: The original computers seem archaic compared to today's: they used to take up entire rooms!
Notes: Archaic almost means antique, just older.  An archaic antique is a different story!