optic
an optical illusion†
optical = relating to sight or light
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
elegant
as in:
as elegant equation
It is an elegant solution that will reduce complexity and save material.
elegant = a solution that is simpler (and often more comprehensive) than most would anticipate
Word Statistics
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
simulate
A computer model is used to simulate the effects of wind.
simulate = imitate or represent
Definition
Generally simulate means:make an imitation or representation of
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
parameter
I enjoy writing for the paper, but I wish my work wasn't bound by such tight parameters.†
parameters = a fixed limit that establishes how something should be done
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 2000 |
ratio
There is much interesting study on the predictive value of the ratio of the length of the index finger to the ring finger within a given gender and race.
ratio = relative lengths
Definition
Generally ratio means:the relative magnitudes of two quantities — often expressed as a:b (which could also be expressed as the fraction a/b)
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
assess
as in:
assess the situation
They assessed the property's value at $500,000.
assessed = considered and set
Definition
Generally this sense of assess means:consider something and make a judgment
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
continuous
The national power grid is under almost continuous attack.
continuous = constant (uninterrupted)
Definition
Generally continuous means:continuing in time or space without interruption or irregularity
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
optimal
It is the optimal solution.†
optimal = most desirable possible — often given the circumstances
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
radiation
Ionizing radiation has enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules.
radiation = particles emitted by nuclear decay (i.e., particles smaller than an atom that are sent out due to radioactivity)
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
inclusive
as in:
10 to 20 inclusive
I was grouped with students who scored 53% to 64% inclusive.
inclusive = including stated limits
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
contract
as in:
the metal contracted
When it is cold, the metal in the bridge contracts and the joints are further apart.
contracts = gets shorter
Definition
Generally this sense of contract means:when something gets shorter or smaller
Word Statistics
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
dynamic
as in:
a dynamic personality
a dynamic speaker†
dynamic = energetic and enthusiastic
Definition
Generally this sense of dynamic means:energetic and enthusiastic — often inspiring others
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
equilibrium
Panic threw the stock market out of equilibrium.†
equilibrium = a stable situation in which forces are in balance
or:
a person's sense of physical or (more rarely) emotional balance
or:
a person's sense of physical or (more rarely) emotional balance
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
equivalent
At $50 a share, it is equivalent to about a billion dollars.
equivalent = is about equal
Definition
Generally equivalent means:being equal or essentially equal
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
algorithm
We wrote a computer algorithm to find words that would interest you.†
algorithm = a precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
schema
It is a useful schema for discussing perception and understanding.†
schema = a representation of a complex system
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
methodology
a proven research methodology†
methodology = a system of principles and procedures for doing or studying something
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
polymer
Cellulose is a natural polymer.†
polymer = a compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated smaller molecules (simple monomers)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
indicate
These maps are drawn with north to the top unless otherwise indicated.
indicated = pointed out (shown)
Definition
Generally indicate means:to show (point out, demonstrate, express, or suggest)
Word Statistics
| Library | 40 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 10 |
symposium
I'm excited to attend the symposium on robotics.
symposium = a gathering to discuss a specific subject — generally with shared and breakout sessions in which individual or panels of experts address audiences
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
criteria
We're considering five primary criteria as we compare job applicants.
criteria = reference points against which things can be evaluated
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
sequential
She has a gift for breaking a complex task into a simple series of sequential steps.
sequential = happening in a specific order — especially chronological order
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
phenomenon
It is a growing social phenomenon on high school campuses.
phenomenon = something that is of special interest
Definition
Generally phenomenon means:something that exists or happened — especially something of special interest — sometimes someone or something that is extraordinary
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
mean
We have a mean annual rainfall of 23 inches.
mean = average
Definition
Generally this sense of mean means:the average number
For example, the mean of 1 & 3 is 2.
More generally, the mean of n numbers is computed by dividing the sum of the numbers by n; for example, the mean of 1, 2, and 6
= (1+2+6) / 3
= 9 / 3
= 3
For example, the mean of 1 & 3 is 2.
More generally, the mean of n numbers is computed by dividing the sum of the numbers by n; for example, the mean of 1, 2, and 6
= (1+2+6) / 3
= 9 / 3
= 3
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
median
median household income†
median = the middle value of an ordered set of values (or the average of the middle two in a set with an even number of values)
The median of 2,4,7,7 is 5.5.
The median of 2,4,7,7 is 5.5.
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
mode
The most frequent class size (or the mode) is 20 students.†
mode = the most frequent value of a collection of values; for example: 7 in the series 1,1,2,4,7,7,7,9,13,29
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 2000 |
enhance
This sauce will enhance the flavor of the meat.†
enhance = increase quantity or quality
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
approximate
The state has approximately as many Republicans as Democrats.
approximately = about
Definition
Generally approximate means:almost, but not exact; or similar
Word Statistics
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
linear
a linear measurement
linear = relating to a line
Definition
Generally linear means:relating to a line
The exact meaning of linear can depend upon its context. For example:
- "linear foot" — measured along a straight line (in one dimension)
- "linear arrangement" — placed along a straight line
- "linear thinking" — in a clear, straightforward sequence
- "linear programming" — describing a proportional relationship that can be graphed with a straight line (described mathematically as an equation whose terms are of the first degree)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
simultaneous
On Super Tuesday a large number of states have simultaneous primary elections.
simultaneous = at the same time
Word Statistics
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 2000 |
diffuse
When the United States focused on terrorism, the movement went further underground and became more diffuse.
diffuse = spread out
Definition
Generally diffuse means:to spread; or to soften or calm
or:
to be spread out (not concentrated) — sometimes implying a lack or organization or the use of too many words
or:
to be spread out (not concentrated) — sometimes implying a lack or organization or the use of too many words
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
static
He was raised in a static village community where most people farmed in the same manner as their grandparents.
static = not changing
Definition
Generally this sense of static means:not moving or not changing
Word Statistics
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
coefficient
2 meanings
as in:
2x or y(a+b)
Divide by 2 to eliminate the leading coefficient.
coefficient = mathematics: a number that is multiplies a variable in an expression (such as 2 in 2x)
or:
mathematics: any factor of a term (such as y in y(a+b))
or:
mathematics: any factor of a term (such as y in y(a+b))
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
coefficient of thermal expansion
Determine the coefficient of friction between the two objects.
coefficient = physics: a constant number that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic (such as the coefficient of thermal expansion)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
correspond
4 meanings
as in:
corresponding time period
The girls are using a simple code where "1" corresponds to "A", "2" to "B" and so on for each of the 26 letters of the alphabet.
corresponds = is equivalent
Definition
Generally this sense of correspond means:connect or fit together by being equivalent, proportionate, or matched
(Two things are equivalent if they have the same or very similar value, purpose, or result.)
(Two things are equivalent if they have the same or very similar value, purpose, or result.)
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
corresponding by email
We correspond regularly via email.
correspond = write to each other
Definition
Generally this sense of correspond means:communicate by writing letters or email
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
a correspondence course
She took a correspondence course while she was in prison.
correspondence = done from afar via written communication
Definition
Generally this sense of correspondence means:done from afar
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
foreign correspondent of the paper
Let's get a report from our correspondent in Mexico City.
correspondent = reporter
Definition
Generally this sense of correspondent means:a reporter — typically from a foreign country or with a particular expertise
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
transparent
as in:
transparent shower door
The transparent shower door shows water spots.
transparent = capable of being seen through with clarity
Definition
Generally this sense of transparent means:able to be seen through with clarity
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
opaque
as in:
opaque shower door
They are engineering a window that can convert from transparent to opaque with the push of a button.
opaque = unable to be seen through
Definition
Generally this sense of opaque means:not able to see through
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
translucent
I could see a vague form through the translucent glass.
translucent = almost transparent; allowing light to pass through diffusely
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
denotes
The asterisk ("*") denotes a footnote.
denotes = indicates
Definition
Generally denotes means:means literally; or indicates
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
combustion
Increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is produced by combustion of fossil fuels, coal, and natural gas.
combustion = burning
Definition
Generally combustion means:the act of burning
or metaphorically:
a state of violent disturbance and excitement
or metaphorically:
a state of violent disturbance and excitement
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
finite
We are a wealthy country, but we still have to wisely allocate finite resources.†
finite = limited or with boundaries
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
propagate
as in:
propagate the idea
The spread of the Roman Empire helped to propagate the idea throughout Europe.
propagate = spread
Definition
Generally this sense of propagate means:to spread
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
subsequent
Her guess was proven right by subsequent developments.
subsequent = following
Definition
Generally subsequent means:following something else
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 500 |
hydraulic
The train uses hydraulic brakes.
hydraulic = relating to liquid — often describing machinery as moved by pressurized liquid
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
flexible
The job has flexible working hours.
flexible = adaptable to different conditions
Definition
Generally flexible means:bendable or adaptable
in various senses, including:
- easily bent without physical damage or injury — as of a hose or gymnast
- able to adjust readily to different conditions — as of a plan
- willing to make concessions — as of a negotiator or a boss
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
discrete
We collected data from three discrete studies.
discrete = separate or distinct
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
essential
The essential feature of the pen is that it writes so consistently.
essential = absolutely necessary; or of greatest importance
Definition
Generally essential means:necessary or important or relating to the basic nature of something
Word Statistics
| Library | 24 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
matrix
a matrix of connective tissue†
matrix = a rectangular array of elements (or entries) set out by rows and columns
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
innovate
Apple is considered one of the most innovative companies.
innovative = introducing things that are new and different
Definition
Generally innovate means:bring something new to an environment
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
relevant
Shannon tells an interesting story, but it's not relevant to the decision we have to make.
relevant = important (related in a meaningful way)
Definition
Generally relevant means:relating in a meaningful way to the issue in question
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 10 |
component
It has only three major components.
components = parts
Definition
Generally component means:a part of something
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
hardware
We think it's a hardware failure.†
hardware = the physical part of a computer system
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
software
We spend more on software than hardware.
software = written programs stored in computer hardware (physical components of a computer) which instruct the hardware on what tasks to perform
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
constraint
I will devote my full energy to the project, without constraint.
constraint = limitation
Definition
Generally constraint means:limitation (something that limits something else)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 2000 |
laser
The nightclub has a laser light show.†
laser = an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
synthesis
His operas are the synthesis of music and drama in perfect harmony.†
synthesis = the combination of components into a complex whole
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
frontier
as in:
the frontier of brain science
She wants to extend the frontiers of voice-controlled computer applications.
frontiers = the most recent understandings and achievements in a changing field
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
comprised
The university is comprised of six colleges.
comprised = made up of (composed of)
Definition
Generally comprised means:made up of (composed of); or included
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
amplitude
The amplifier to increase the amplitude of sound waves.†
amplitude = greatness of magnitude or range — especially the height of a wave
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
artificial intelligence
It is an artificial intelligence program to help diagnose disease.†
artificial intelligence = a branch of computer science developing software that mimics human intelligence
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
thermodynamics
The first and second laws of thermodynamics are the ones that are best known.†
thermodynamics = the branch of physics concerned with the conversion of different forms of energy
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
vertical
The architect used long vertical lines to pull the eye upward.
vertical = oriented straight up and down (90 degrees relative to the floor)
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
horizontal
Paintings in which horizontal lines dominate, tend to be relaxing.
horizontal = in line with the floor, horizon, or another flat base
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
diagonal
The artist used diagonal lines to create tension.†
diagonal = a straight line connecting opposite corners of a rectangle; or any slope that could connect the corners of an imaginary rectangle that has one side parallel to the floor
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
nanotechnology
She is studying nanotechnology with a specialty in molecular self-assembly.†
nanotechnology = the branch of engineering that deals with things smaller than 100 nanometers — especially with the manipulation of individual molecules
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
synthetic
The couch is covered with synthetic leather.
synthetic = artificial (man-made rather than natural)
Definition
Generally synthetic means:artificial (man-made rather than natural); or not genuine
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
quantum
A photon is sometimes referred to as a "light quantum."†
quantum = physics: the smallest indivisible quantity of something — especially energy
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
solvent
as in:
the company is not solvent
The company is no longer solvent.
solvent = capable of meeting financial obligations
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
devise
She plans to devise something to launch water balloons.
devise = come up with (invent or create)
Definition
Generally this sense of devise means:to come up with a way of doing something — typically a creative idea or plan
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 500 |
calculus
She placed out of calculus in college.
calculus = the branch of mathematics that is concerned with continuously changing values
Definition
Generally this sense of calculus means:any system or process used to calculate values or to reason
or:
the branch of mathematics that is concerned with continuously changing values
or:
the branch of mathematics that is concerned with continuously changing values
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
diffraction
They use X-ray diffraction to scan luggage at the airport.†
diffraction = an effect on light when it passes an obstacle such as an opaque edge; or (more rarely) a similar effect on other waves/particles such as water, sound, and x-rays
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
trivial
We're in agreement on the main issues. We just have some trivial details to work out.
trivial = unimportant
Definition
Generally trivial means:of little importance — sometimes more specifically describing a challenge as easy and uninteresting
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
reciprocal
as in:
reciprocal numbers
the reciprocal ratio of a:b is b:a
reciprocal = inversely related — especially one of a pair of numbers whose product is 1; e.g., 1/5 is the reciprocal of 5
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
logarithmic scale
Earthquake force is measured with a logarithmic scale (the Richter scale).†
logarithmic scale = A scale in which positions are proportional to the logarithms of underlying values.
(editor's note: A normal (linear) scale might show one unit per inch; whereas a logarithmic scale (of base 10) might show 10 units at the first inch, 100 at the second, 1000 units for the 3rd, ...)
(editor's note: A normal (linear) scale might show one unit per inch; whereas a logarithmic scale (of base 10) might show 10 units at the first inch, 100 at the second, 1000 units for the 3rd, ...)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
plasma
as in:
a plasma gas
In a plasma, electrons and positive ions are attracted to each other, but are too energetic to stay together.
plasma = an ionized gas (typically at high temperature) that is a good conductor of electricity and reacts to magnetic fields
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
semiconductor
Semiconductor materials are at the foundation of modern electronics.†
semiconductor = a material that conducts electrical current under certain circumstances
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
transistor
Today, most transistors are embedded in integrated circuits.†
transistors = a semiconductor device use to amplify (or control) electrical current
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
integrated circuit
Better integrated circuits will result in better phones.†
integrated circuits = a microelectronic computer circuit incorporated into a single chip or semiconductor
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
hydrostatics
analyze the hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, and stability of the hull†
hydrostatics = the study of the mechanical properties of fluids that are not in motion
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
polarized light
Polarized sunglasses reduce glare caused by reflected light.†
polarized sunglasses = Light that vibrates in a single plane (as contrasted to ordinary light that vibrates in all directions)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
alkaline
an alkaline battery†
alkaline = having a pH greater than 7 (this is the opposite of acidic)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
decentralize
The government is decentralizing economic decision making.†
decentralizing = to change from one area of control or concentration to multiple areas
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
diode
Today, there are many specialized diodes, such as LEDs.†
diodes = an electronic component that acts like a one-way valve
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
ductile
It is less ductile in the cold.†
ductile = metal that is easily bent
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
anion
Anions are larger than their parent molecule or atom.†
anions = a negatively charged ion
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
cation
A hydrogen cation contains no electrons, and thus is much smaller than the parent hydrogen atom.†
cation = a positively charged ion
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
derive
She likes to win, but she doesn't derive pleasure from watching others lose.
derive = get
Definition
Generally derive means:to get something from something else
(If the context doesn't otherwise indicate where something came from, it is generally from reasoning—especially deductive reasoning.)
(If the context doesn't otherwise indicate where something came from, it is generally from reasoning—especially deductive reasoning.)
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
derivative
a highly derivative prose style
derivative = something developed from something else
Definition
Generally derivative means:something developed from something else
in various senses, including:
- a word based on another word — as in "Quickly is a derivative of quick."
- a mathematical value from a function — as in "We can derive X from Y," or "X is a derivative of Y."
- a type of investment whose value is based on another value — as in "We provide various derivatives that can protect against inflation."
- a work of art such as a film or painting that lacks ideas not previously expressed in other works of art — as in "Her work is too derivative to interest me."
- work based upon or influenced by prior work — as in "The book surveys psychological ideas derivative of, but not totally dependent on B.F. Skinner."
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
histogram
Most people will learn more from looking at a histogram than from seeing the underlying standard deviation.†
histogram = a bar chart representing a frequency distribution; heights of the bars represent observed frequencies
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
machine tool
The factory closed and the machine tools were shipped to Mexico.†
machine tools = a powered mechanical device, typically used to fabricate metal components of machines by the selective removal of metal such as cutting, grinding or drilling
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
joule
A joule is the amount of energy required to lift a small apple one meter straight up.†
joule = a small unit of electrical energy
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
colloid
Colloid science has become important to nanotechnology.†
colloid = a mixture with properties between those of a solution and fine suspension
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
potential energy
The pendulum repeatedly converts potential energy to kinetic energy and then back.†
potential energy = the energy stored in an object due to its position;
For example: an apple in a tree has potential energy that will be released if it is dropped to the ground; or a stretched rubber band has potential energy realized if it is released.
For example: an apple in a tree has potential energy that will be released if it is dropped to the ground; or a stretched rubber band has potential energy realized if it is released.
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
abrasion
as in:
abrasion of the rubber
We're convinced the skid marks are from her car because the rubber abraded from her tires is consistent with the length of the skid marks that lead to the crash.
abraded = wear away by rubbing
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
conservation of energy
The First Law of Thermodynamics applies conservation of energy to thermodynamic systems.†
conservation of energy = physics: the fundamental principle that the total energy of an isolated system is constant despite internal changes
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
right angle
The lines intersect at right angles.†
right angles = an angle measuring 90 degrees (like the angle between a classroom floor and wall)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
surface tension
Surface tension permits the water strider to walk on the surface of water.†
surface tension = physics: some insects can walk on water because of this water/air boundary created by the attractive forces between water molecules
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |