Page 29 - WEBSTER Essential vocabulary

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Essential Vocabulary
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amorphous (uh MAWR fuhs) adj. 1. lacking definite form; shapeless; 2. of no
specific type; anomolous; 3. indefinite; vague
• Sulfur is a yellow, nonmetallic element that is found in crystal and amor-
phous forms.
• To one unfamiliar with the game of rugby, the game appears to be gov-
erned by amorphous rules.
• When Gino tried to pin Hailee down to a specific time, all he could get
from her was an amorphous response.
[amorphously adv.]
amphibian (am FIB ee en) n. 1. any one of a class of cold-blooded vertebrates
without scales (including frogs, newts, salamanders, and toads) that starts life with
gills, living in the water, and later develops lungs; 2. any plant or animal that is at
home both on land and in water; 3. any aircraft or vehicle that can operate on land
and in water
• It is not unusual to find amphibians in and around a pond.
• The early Pan American Airways Clippers were amphibians that loaded
and unloaded their passengers on land but took off from and landed on
water.
[amphibious adj.]
amplify* (AMP li fy) vt. 1. to make bigger and stronger; increase or extend
(power, authority, etc.); 2. to strengthen by adding details, examples, etc.;
3. (electronics) to strengthen an audio signal or electrical current
• Caesar Augustus amplified the reach of the Roman Empire.
• The robbery victim amplified his story by providing the license plate num-
ber of the felon’s car and a thorough description of his height, build, and
clothing.
• The sound of the lead singer’s voice is almost inaudible, but the sound
engineer will amplify it to make it stand out.
[amplified, amplifying, amplification, amplifier n.]
amusement (uh MYOOZ mnt) n. 1. the condition of being entertained; 2. a
thing or activity that amuses or entertains; entertainment
• Randy’s amusement was Claire’s main occupation.
• Marcia played solitaire for her own amusement.
• The antics of the dancing bears was a source of great amusement for the
audience.
amusing (uh MYOOZ eeng) adj. 1. entertaining; diverting; 2. causing laughter
or merriment
• The comedian’s stand-up routine was very amusing.
• An amusing incident takes one’s mind off his or her woes.
• Jose’s amusing facial contortions made everyone laugh.
[Syn. funny]