ETYMOLOGY — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from ETYMOLOGY

consumptive (adjective)

Suffering from tuberculosis or a similar wasting disease that causes the body to gradually deteriorate.

lexicons (noun)

Dictionaries or reference books listing words and their meanings, especially for ancient languages.

mockingly (adverb)

In a way that ridicules or makes fun of something, often with a sense of irony.

signification (noun)

The meaning or sense of a word or expression.

promiscuously (adverb)

In a random, indiscriminate, or mixed-together manner without careful selection.

cetology (noun)

The branch of zoology concerned with the study of whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

convivial (adjective)

Friendly, lively, and enjoying the company of others, especially while eating or drinking.

Leviathan (noun)

A biblical sea monster; used broadly to refer to any enormous whale or creature of immense power.

incontinently (adverb)

Immediately and without restraint or delay.

parmacetti (noun)

An archaic spelling of spermaceti, a waxy substance found in the head of sperm whales, once used in medicine and candles.

spermacetti (noun)

A variant spelling of spermaceti, a waxy oil from the head cavity of sperm whales, highly valued commercially.

harpooneer (noun)

A person who throws or wields a harpoon to catch whales; also spelled harpooner.

baleen (noun)

Flexible, bristle-like plates in the mouths of certain whale species, used to filter food from water.

veritable (adjective)

Genuine or true; used to emphasize that something is accurately described.

threadbare (adjective)

Worn so thin that the threads show through; by extension, shabby, exhausted, or overused.