th
10
Grade ACT
Vocabulary
Unit 14
paradox

N. a statement that seems absurd,
but expresses a possible truth
paraphrase

n. or v. a restatement of a text; to
restate a text
parsimonious

Adj. characteristics of being frugal or
stingy
patent

N. the exclusive right granted by a
government to an inventor to
manufacture o sell an invention for a
certain number of years
pecuniary

Adj. of or pertaining to money
peremptory

Adj. leaving no opportunity for denial
or refusal; imperative
periphery

N. the external surface of a body
Aerial periphery
personification

N. giving human-like qualities to
something that is non-human or
inanimate
perspective

N. a technique of depicting spatial
relationships on a flat surface
Linear perspective
phalanx

N. any body of troops close together
phlegmatic

Adj. not easily excited; apathetic;
sluggish
pillory

N. a wooden framework erected on a
post, with holes for securing the
head and hands
plaintiff

N. a person who brings suit to court;
the accuser
plait

N. a braid, especially of hair and
straw
polemic

N. a controversial argument
WORD POWER

16. port – carry, bear
• portal
• port key

17. hydr, hydro – water
• hydrogen
• hydrate

18. aqua, aque – water
• aquarium
• aquatic

19. cosm - world; universe
• cosmos
• cosmopolitan

20. tele – far; distant
• telephone
• teleportation