Underworld — Vocabulary
Don DeLillo
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	14	top 100
yieldproduce (lead to) The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.more Show sample from book The windows yield a strong broad desert and enormous sky.†18 more produce or give Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data) to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
	5	top 100
yield#2give in The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.more Show sample from book We ordered coffee and watched the game and Parish sat in a thoughtful knot, arms and legs crossed, body twisted toward the window, yielding to the power of our differences.†18 more yield → yielding:giving in, giving up, or giving way (easily moved or soft) Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure) to give in, give way, or give up
	12	top 100
themean idea that is unifying or recurrent The party had a 1950's theme.more Show sample from book Brian believed I was safely encased, solid, with a house and family folded around me, surer than he was, older but also physically superior, physically fit, a man of hardier stuff, this was his own stated theme—a man who keeps his counsel.12 more recurring idea Show general definition for theme (as in: theme of the novel) a basic idea that underlies what is being said or done -- especially in a literary or artistic work
	1	top 2000
theme#2primary melody I smile every time I hear The Simpson's theme music.more Show sample from book Because it was the theme music on an old radio show.12 more music that is most repeated Show general definition for theme (as in: musical theme) the initial or primary melody of a musical composition or (as in "theme song") music that is most repeated in a film, television series, or other theatrical production
	21	top 2000
accordaccord → accordance:keeping She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.more Show sample from book It's like work that's paid for according to the number of units turned out.22 more accord → according to:in proportion to (depending upon) Show general definition for accord (as in: according to, or in accord with) in keeping with; or in agreement/harmony/unity with This meaning of accord is often seen in the form according to or accordingly where it can take on more specific meanings. For example: "According to Kim, ..." -- as stated by "To each according to her ability." -- based upon "Points are scored according to how well they perform." -- depending upon "The dose is calculated according to body weight." -- in proportion to "We got a flat tire. Accordingly, I pulled to the side of the road." -- because of what was just said; or as a result
	2
accord#2agreement They're hoping to have a stronger climate-change accord by the end of the year.more Show sample from book Not banned by international accord?22 more Show general definition for accord (as in: reached an accord) an agreement Show editor's word notes In this sense, accord can refer to a formal agreement (such as one written between two countries) or an informal agreement (such as an unvoiced consensus about what should be done).
	14	top 1000
sequenceordered set The sequence of events leading to the accident was carefully reviewed by the investigators.more Show sample from book Hollow bodies coming in endless sequence.†13 more arranged in a specific order Show general definition a set of things arranged or happening in a specific order -- often chronological order
	12	top 500
simulateimitate or represent A computer model is used to simulate the effects of wind.more Show sample from book Listen to this, she wears an armband, you won't believe this—they had Apartheid Simulation Day at her school.†11 more simulate → simulation:something that is not real, but is made to imitate or behave like something that is Show general definition make an imitation or representation of
	17
radiationparticles emitted by radioactive atoms Scientists use Geiger counters to measure radiation emitted by radioactive materials.more Show sample from book They sent manned aircraft through radiation clouds.16 more particles emitted by nuclear decay that can make people sick Show general definition for radiation (as in: nuclear radiation) particles emitted by unstable atomic nuclei Show editor's word notes Generally, radiation is discussed in terms of harmful levels of radiation that cause sickness. However, there is a normal level of radiation that is not harmful and sometimes radiation is carefully used for beneficial purposes such as medical treatments that use it to kill cancer cells.
	16	top 2000
parisha local church community or in some places including Louisiana: a jurisdiction of government like a county Are we talking about a governmental or a religious parish?more Show sample from book Parish looked politely hopeful.†15 more a local church community…
	7	top 1000
rigorousthorough The scientist conducted a rigorous analysis of the data to ensure no detail was overlooked.more Show sample from book And it forced us to develop the logic and rigor that would lead to systematic investigations of reality, to science, art, music, mathematics.7 more rigorous → rigor:difficult (thorough and careful) Show general definition for rigorous (as in: we follow a rigorous procedure) thorough and careful procedures
	1	top 1000
rigorous#2strict She supports a rigorous application of the law.more Show sample from book His stern measures as Director were given an odd legitimacy by his personal life, the rigor of his insistent celibacy.7 more rigorous → rigor:strictness (when enforcing rules) Show general definition for rigorous (as in: rigorous enforcement) strict when enforcing rules
	5
rapturea feeling of ecstasy (extreme happiness) She was in rapture as the chorus sang Bach's Hallelujah Chorus.more Show sample from book Brian went into a state of body rapture over a lime sherbet Chevrolet, a '57 Bel Air convertible with white upholstery.5 more ecstasy (extreme happiness) Show general definition for rapture (as in: listened with rapture) intense desired emotion -- usually extreme happiness
	1
rapture#2belief of some Christian denominations in a second coming of Jesus when believers are expected to go to Heaven The film depicted the Rapture beginning with the sound of Gabriel's horn.Charles Dickensmore Show sample from book The Rapture is approaching.5 more second coming of Jesus
	17	top 200
functionjob or purpose The function of the lens of the eye is to focus light on the retina.more Show sample from book And even with Jackie on one flank and Toots on the other—a couple of porkos who function as natural barriers—people keep pressing in, showing a sense of mission.22 more act (work as) Show general definition for function (as in: Its main function is to...) purpose, job, or natural activity
	3	top 200
function#2work or operate I don't function well on less than six hours of sleep a night; and I do best on nine.more Show sample from book I'm gonna keep on talking as long as I got a larynx that can function.22 more Show general definition for function (as in: can't function well without sleep) work or operate -- sometimes to work or operate normally or in a particular way
	3	top 200
function#3computer code that performs a specific task I like Amazon's new search function.more Show sample from book His personal computer had a multimedia function that allowed him to look at a copy of the famous videotape showing a driver being shot by the Texas Highway Killer.22 more Show general definition for function (as in: Amazon's new search function) computer code that performs a specific task
	6
dossiera collection of papers containing detailed information about a particular person The detective meticulously compiled a comprehensive dossier on the suspect, detailing every aspect of his life.more Show sample from book Edgar had many enemies-for-life and the way to deal with such people was to compile massive dossiers.†5 more dossier → dossiers:a collection of papers containing detailed information about a particular person… Show general definition a collection of papers containing detailed information about a particular person or subject -- often a person's record
	5	top 2000
askewnot straight (not in proper alignment) She came out of the water with her glasses askew but still on her head.more Show sample from book It was as if a science-fiction force had entered the house and made some things askew while sparing others.†4 more not straight; or not right Show general definition not straight (not in proper alignment) or: (when used figuratively) not right, or not as planned
	3	top 500
rancorfeelings of deep and bitter anger or hatred She made the suggestion to reduce the partisan rancor.†more Show sample from book Well, she was unloved in the deeper senses of the word but that was fine, she'd had enough love of the deeper types, painful and ever echoing, the rancorous marriages that make it hard for you to earn a dependable solitude.†2 more rancor → rancorous:showing deep and bitter anger or hatred Show general definition deep and bitter anger or hatred -- especially when long-standing