golf handicap
Her golf handicap is 15.†
golf handicap = the number of strokes over the standard (par) that one averages over four rounds at a golf course
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
NASCAR
NASCAR claims to have higher U.S. television ratings than every sport except the NFL.†
NASCAR = National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing sanctions auto races like the Daytona 500 for cars with the basic chassis of cars sold to the general public (stocked in auto showrooms)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Formula One (auto racing)
Formula One cars race up to speeds of over 200 miles an hour.†
Formula One = Formula One (F1 aka Grand Prix racing) is the world's most popular form of auto racing with 150-200 mile races covering straightaways and frequent turns — often on closed-off public streets
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Ivy League
She wants to attend an Ivy League school.
Ivy League = a group of universities and colleges in the northeastern United States that have a reputation for scholastic achievement and social prestige
Definition
Generally Ivy League means:a group of universities and colleges in the northeastern United States that regularly compete against each other in sports and have a reputation for scholastic achievement and social prestige
(Specifically: Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, & Yale)
(Specifically: Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, & Yale)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
forgo
You will have to forgo alcohol.
forgo = do without
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
muster
as in:
muster strength or the crew
She mustered the courage to introduce herself.
mustered = gathered
Definition
Generally this sense of muster means:to gather
The exact meaning of this sense of muster is often subject to its context. For example:
- "mustered her courage/strength/a smile" — to gather from within
- "muster the soldiers/crew" — to gather — typically for inspection
- "muster volunteers/votes" — to gather enough to do something
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
mock
I will not permit the defendant to make a mockery of this trial.
mockery = something that is ridiculous
Definition
Generally mock means:making fun of
or:
not real
or:
not real
Word Statistics
| Library | 31 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
omen
He looked for an omen before going into battle.
omen = a sign of what would happen
Definition
Generally omen means:a sign of something about to happen
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
byline
They moved her byline from the bottom of the article to the top.
byline = printed line giving the name of the writer of an article
Definition
Generally this sense of byline means:a line giving the name of the writer of an article — typically at the top of the article
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
officiate
accused of betting on games at which he officiated†
officiated = act in an official capacity — such as when enforcing rules at a sports event or presiding over a wedding ceremony
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
wrest
The radical wing of the party is trying to wrest control from the moderates.
wrest = take (with effort)
Definition
Generally wrest means:obtain with difficult effort or force
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 2000 |
growth hormone
She said studies don't support claims that human growth hormone improves athletic performance.†
growth hormone = a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that promotes growth in humans
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
farce
as in:
the meeting was a farce
The peace talks have become a farce.
farce = a situation that is so badly organized or going so poorly that it seems ridiculous
Definition
Generally this sense of farce means:a situation that is so badly organized or going so poorly that it seems ridiculous
or:
a situation that is made to look like one thing, but is really another
or more specifically:
a situation that is supposed to be fair, but is completely unfair
or:
a situation that is made to look like one thing, but is really another
or more specifically:
a situation that is supposed to be fair, but is completely unfair
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
oblivious
She is oblivious to the dangers.
oblivious = unaware of
Word Statistics
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
apparent
The effects of the drought are apparent to anyone who sees the dry fields.
apparent = clear or obvious
Definition
Generally apparent means:clear or obvious; or appearing as such but not necessarily so
Word Statistics
| Library | 66 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 500 |
cumulative
The benefits are cumulative.
cumulative = increase through a series of additions over time
Definition
Generally cumulative means:increased by a series of additions over time
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
brouhaha
She waded into the brouhaha over the political ad.†
brouhaha = a confused disturbance far greater than its cause merits — especially noise and/or criticism
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
contract
as in:
legal contract
She signed the contract.
contract = a written agreement that is enforceable by law
Definition
Generally this sense of contract means:an agreement - typically written and enforceable by law
Word Statistics
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
debut
The band debuts a new song or two every month.
debuts = introduces (or presents for the first time)
Definition
Generally debut means:a first presentation
in various senses, including:
- the first performance of a new play
- the introduction of a new product
- the introduction of a young woman to society at a social event held in her honor (a debutante ball)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
ruse
She pretended to need help with her homework as a ruse to see him again.
ruse = a deceptive maneuver — such as a trick or lie
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
dominate
The defending World Champions dominated their unranked opponent.
dominated = controlled (were much more powerful than)
Definition
Generally dominate means:to control; or to be most influential, powerful, abundant, important, or conspicuous
Word Statistics
| Library | 17 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
general manager
The general manager denied the rumors of a trade.†
general manager = the highest ranking manager
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
rout
We routed the other team.
routed = defeated in an overwhelming manner
Definition
Generally this sense of rout means:an overwhelming defeat; or a disorderly retreat
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
center (basketball position)
Marc Gasol plays the center position for the Memphis Grizzilies basketball team.†
center position = basketball: one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game — typically the tallest, strongest player
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
point guard
Allen Iverson is a great point guard.†
point guard = basketball position; primary ballhandler who also sets up the offense
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
power forward
Tim Duncan is a great power forward.†
power forward = basketball position noted for tall, strong players who play down low, rebound, blocks shots, and score inside
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
shooting guard
Kobe Bryant is a great shooting guard.†
shooting guard = basketball position also called the off-guard or two-guard; relative to the point guard, handles the basketball less, shoots more — especially from 3-point range
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
acquire
Children acquire language at an amazing rate.
acquire = obtain (get)
Definition
Generally acquire means:obtain (come into the possession of something)
Word Statistics
| Library | 17 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 2000 |
emerge
China recently emerged as a world power.
emerged = came out (became)
Definition
Generally emerge means:to come out, or to appear
Word Statistics
| Library | 58 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
hamstrung
Efforts are hamstrung by out-dated regulations.†
hamstrung = make less effective or powerless
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
firsthand
I heard this story firsthand.†
firsthand = received directly from the original source; or experienced in person
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
perimeter
Don't go beyond the perimeter of the campgrounds.
perimeter = outer edges
Definition
Generally perimeter means:the outer edge
The exact meaning of perimeter can depend upon its context. For example:
- "Stay inside the defensive perimeter." — the outer edges of the area that is defended
- "It is common on the city's perimeter." — the outer edges of the city
- "What is the perimeter of the square?" — the sum of the length of the sides of a geometric shape
Word Statistics
| Library | 12 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 |
versatile
She is a versatile thinker.†
versatile = useful or skillful in many different ways
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
bronze
as in:
bronze won't corrode in salt water
The sculpture of a bull on Wall Street is made of bronze.
bronze = a brownish metal that is made of copper and (usually) tin
Definition
Generally this sense of bronze means:a brownish-colored metal with red or yellow hues that is made of copper and (usually) tin
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
poise
She has great charm and great poise.
poise = composure (calm confidence — even when under pressure)
Definition
Generally poise means:calm and in control — as in "shows poise under pressure"
and/or:
prepared for action — as in "poised for action" — (sometimes suspended or hovering as in "a finger poised over the mute button")
and/or:
confident and graceful in movement — as in "the poise and balance of a dancer"
and/or:
prepared for action — as in "poised for action" — (sometimes suspended or hovering as in "a finger poised over the mute button")
and/or:
confident and graceful in movement — as in "the poise and balance of a dancer"
Word Statistics
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
designate
2 meanings
as in:
designated driver
I'll be the designated driver.
designated = assigned (for a particular purpose)
Definition
Generally this sense of designate means:assign someone or something for a particular purpose
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
designated by a star on the map
State capital cities are designated on the map by stars.
designated = signified (indicated in a particular way)
Definition
Generally this sense of designate means:indicate or signify (show something in a particular way)
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
designated hitter
We disagree about the American League's designated hitter rule.†
designated hitter = baseball: a player who is designated to bat in place of the pitcher
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
cornerback
Asante Samuel is a great cornerback.†
cornerback = football: one of two defensive players who line up closest to the sideline to defend against passes — especially to the wide receivers
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
blitz
as in:
blitz the quarterback
He's especially good at responding to a blitz.
blitz = American football: a defensive maneuver to swiftly tackle the quarterback by pursuing him with one or more defenders who normally remain behind the line of scrimmage
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
compliant
as in:
compliant with the law
The company was fined for not being regulation 4.3 compliant.
compliant = conforming to rules
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 2000 |
midfielder
Midfielders require incredible stamina and range on the soccer field.†
midfielders = soccer player who typically play in the middle third of the field and who assist with both defense and offense
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
slider
He has a wicked slider.†
slider = baseball: a pitch that appears to be a fastball, but has some break like a curveball
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
feint
The attack from the south was just a feint to distract us from the real attack.†
Mark Twain -- The Innocents Abroad
feint = any distracting or deceptive maneuver; or the act of making the maneuver
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
guile
Her cleverness and inventiveness was exceeded only by her guile.
guile = cunning (shrewdness and cleverness) and deceit
Definition
Generally guile means:cunning (shrewdness and cleverness) and deceitful
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
breaking ball
The slowest of Anderson's three breaking balls is a curveball.†
breaking balls = baseball: a pitch which does not travel straight like a fastball
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
penultimate
She was murdered in the penultimate episode.†
penultimate = next to the last
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
goaltending
International basketball doesn't follow the NBA goaltending rule.†
goaltending = basketball: interference with a shot by:
Touching the ball while the ball:
1. is on its downward trajectory toward the basket
2. has touched the backboard and is moving toward the basket
3. is/has bounced above the rim and has a chance of falling into the basket
Touching the ball while the ball:
1. is on its downward trajectory toward the basket
2. has touched the backboard and is moving toward the basket
3. is/has bounced above the rim and has a chance of falling into the basket
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
ligament
She tore a knee ligament and has to miss the rest of the season.
ligament = tough fibrous tissue that connects bones
Definition
Generally ligament means:a sheet or band of tough fibrous tissue that connects bones or cartilages
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
hat trick
scored a hat trick†
hat trick = the achievement of 3 positive feats in a sport
Definition
Generally hat trick means:the achievement of 3 positive feats in a sport
such as:
- soccer or hockey or lacrosse — 3 or more goals scored in a game by a single player
- rugby — 3 or more scores in a single game by the same player
- cycling — 3 or more stages won in a single tour — especially if won consecutively
- darts — 3 consecutive bullseyes by the same player in the same match
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
trivia
The game show places a premium on remembering trivia.
trivia = facts or details that are generally considered unimportant
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
corner kick
She headed it in off of a corner kick.†
corner kick = an unopposed kick from the corner of the goal line that is awarded to the attacking team when the ball goes out-of-bounds past the defender's goal line and was last touched by a defender
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
free kick
Her goal off of a free kick sealed the victory.†
free kick = an unopposed kick awarded to a team due an infraction by the opposing team
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
penalty kicks
The long-armed keeper snatched the penalty kick just outside the net.†
penalty kick = a foul kick taken from 12 yards in front of the goal and defended only by the goalkeeper who cannot advance beyond the goal line until the shot is taken
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
contend
as in:
She contended for the gold medal
Militant groups are contending for control of the country
contending = competing
Definition
Generally this sense of contend means:to compete
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 500 |
sprain
She sprained her ankle.
sprained = injured the ligaments of a joint caused by stretching them too far — most commonly injuring the ankle
(ligaments are the tough, fibrous bands that connect bones across joints)
(ligaments are the tough, fibrous bands that connect bones across joints)
Definition
Generally sprain means:injury to the ligaments of a joint caused by stretching them too far — most commonly injuring the ankle
(ligaments are the tough, fibrous bands that connect bones across joints)
(ligaments are the tough, fibrous bands that connect bones across joints)
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
strained muscle
She lifted something too heavy and strained her back.†
strained her back = Injury to muscles or tendons
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
friendly match
She was injured in a friendly match with a team from Mexico.†
friendly match = soccer: a match that is not a part of an official competition
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Yogi Berra
Yogi Berra famously said of a restaurant, "Nobody goes there no more, it's too crowded!"†
Yogi Berra = beloved and successful U.S. baseball player famous for Yogiisms such as "Ninety percent of this game is half mental." (b. 1925)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
furlong
She seized the lead in the final furlong and never looked back.†
furlong = a unit of length equal to 220 yards (1/8 of a mile)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
fibula
Tissue from the fibula is sometimes used to reconstruct the mandible.†
fibula = the calf bone (running from the ankle to the knee)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
topspin
She can hit the ball with a lot of topspin.†
topspin = when a ball is struck so that it spins forward and thus downward after being hit
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
curveball
The curveball was huge and sloping, and with a 12-mph differential from the fastball.†
curveball = baseball: a pitch thrown with a rotation that makes the ball curve
or more generally: anything that behaves indirectly, erratically, or surprisingly
or more generally: anything that behaves indirectly, erratically, or surprisingly
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
intrastate
Improving the road is a priority of the Florida Intrastate Highway System.†
intrastate = relating to or existing within the boundaries of a state
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
volley
3 meanings
in volleyball
They were especially excited to win such a long volley.
volley = many uninterrupted returns over the net
Definition
Generally this sense of volley means:to hit the ball before it touches the ground
or:
in the form, long volley: many uninterrupted returns over the net
or:
in the form, long volley: many uninterrupted returns over the net
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
in tennis
She won the set on a back-hand volley.
volley = a tennis stroke in which a player hits the ball before it bounces
Definition
Generally this sense of volley means:a tennis stroke in which a player hits the ball before it bounces
or:
in the form, long volley: many uninterrupted returns over the net
or:
in the form, long volley: many uninterrupted returns over the net
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
in soccer
From 18-yards out, she kicked a volley into the upper corner of the net.
volley = soccer: kicking the ball while it is in flight
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
inherent
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the inherent dignity of each person.
inherent = existing as an inseparable part or characteristic
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 500 |
small forward
LeBron James has started at the small forward and power forward positions.†
small forward = basketball position noted for a versatile player who can play inside and outside; usually smaller and quicker than the power forward
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
patella
He fractured his patella playing basketball.†
patella = the kneecap (a small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that protects the knee joint)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
preeminent
I think of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra as the world's most preeminent orchestra.
preeminent = surpassing all others
Definition
Generally preeminent means:outstanding or surpassing others in status, ability, or possession of a notable characteristic
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Triple Crown
2 meanings
in baseball
Lou Gehrig won the triple crown before getting sick.†
Triple Crown = an unofficial title won by a batter who ends the season with the leagues highest batting average, runs batted in, and home runs
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
in horse racing
The Kentucky Derby is my favorite race of the Triple Crown.
Triple Crown = a title won by a horse that can win the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
inflammation
inflammation around the wound†
inflammation = swelling, redness, and other body tissue response to injury or infection
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
no-hitter
He pitched a no-hitter; though it wasn't a perfect game.
no-hitter = baseball: a game in which a pitcher allows the opposing team no hits
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
tibia
The gymnast has bone spurs that cause extreme pain by digging into her tibia.†
tibia = the shin bone (running from the knee to the ankle)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig set the record for most career grand slams before his career was cut short by ALS.
Lou Gehrig = admired U.S. baseball player who hit 23 grand slam home runs before he had to retire because he was stricken with ALS (1903-1941)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
clavicle
He broke his clavicle and wrist in a motorcycle accident.†
clavicle = the collar bone (linking the scapula and sternum)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
rue
You'll rue the day you betrayed me.
rue the day = feel sadness and regret (about the day something happened)
Definition
Generally rue means:to feel sadness and regret
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
goal kick
Her header hit the upright before bouncing out to give us a goal kick.†
goal kick = a way to put the ball into play when it goes out-of-bounds beyond the goal line and was last touched by the team attacking the goal
(The defending team gets an unopposed kick from the corner of the goal area which is a box extending six yards in front of the goal.)
(The defending team gets an unopposed kick from the corner of the goal area which is a box extending six yards in front of the goal.)
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
let
After serving a let three consecutive times, the American measured the net.†
a let = generally a serve that strikes the net before falling into the service box, though a let can also be called due to outside interference during a rally
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
prevent defense
The Steelers scored against a prevent defense in the final seconds.†
prevent defense = football: adding an additional pass defender to prevent long gains by the offense
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |