calibrate
1 use
She calibrated the oscilloscope for better measurement.
calibrated = made fine adjustments
Definition
Generally calibrate means:make fine adjustments or measurements; or divide into marked intervals for optimal measuring;
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
collide
1 use
The cars collided and burst into flame.
collided = crashed together with violent impact
Definition
Generally collide means:crash together with violent impact; or come into conflict
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
consternation
1 use
Much to the consternation of Congress, raising the tax decreased tax collections as manufacturers moved to other countries.
consternation = dismay (unhappiness and worry)
Definition
Generally consternation means:dismay (unhappiness, worry, and often confusion) — typically over something unexpected
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
gambol
1 use
The puppies were gamboling in the back yard.
gamboling = frolicking (skipping, leaping, and/or running around in a happy, playful manner)
Definition
Generally gambol means:to frolic (skip, leap, and/or run around in a happy, playful manner)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
grave
1 use
Her smile disappeared as she suddenly realized the gravity of her situation.
gravity = seriousness or importance (weightiness)
Definition
Generally this sense of grave means:serious and/or solemn
The exact meaning of this sense of grave can depend upon its context. For example:
- "This is a grave problem," or "a situation of the utmost gravity." — important, dangerous, or causing worry
- "She was in a grave mood upon returning from the funeral." — sad or solemn
- "She looked me in the eye and gravely promised." — in a sincere and serious manner
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
hideous
1 use
The beast had hideous fangs.
hideous = extremely ugly, offensive, and/or frightening
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
impediment
1 use
a speech impediment†
impediment = something that interferes with action or progress
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
synchronous
1 use
The fireworks were synchronized with the music.†
synchronized = caused to happen at the same time or in a coordinated sequence; or set clocks/watches to show the same time
(editor's note: The suffix "-ive" converts a word to a verb. This is the same pattern you see in words like apologize, theorize, and dramatize.)
(editor's note: The suffix "-ive" converts a word to a verb. This is the same pattern you see in words like apologize, theorize, and dramatize.)
Definition
Generally synchronous means:at the same time or in a coordinated sequence
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
Thor
1 use
Thor is the main character of a Marvel Comics series.†
Thor = Norse mythology: god of thunder; pictured as wielding a hammer
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
vigilant
1 use
We need to remain vigilant when interacting with websites we don't know.
vigilant = carefully observant or attentive — often to possible danger
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |