Vocabulary #2 – Period 5
1.
infirm
in-furm]
adjective
1. feeble or weak in body or health, especially because of age; ailing.
2. unsteadfast, faltering, or irresolute, as persons or the mind;
vacillating:infirm of purpose.
3. not firm, solid, or strong:an infirm support.
4. unsound or invalid, as an argument or a property title.
Origin: 1325-75; Middle English
2. engender
en-jen-der]
verb
1. to produce, cause, or give rise to:
Hatred engenders violence.
2. to beget; procreate.
verb (used without object)
Origin 1275-1325; Middle English <
Old French
3.
profusion [pruh-fyoo-zhuh n]
noun
1. abundance; abundant quantity.
2. lavish spending; extravagance.
Origin: 1535-45; < Latin
4.
tenuous
ten-yoo-uh s]
adjective
1. thin or slender in form, as a thread.
2. lacking a sound basis, as reasoning; unsubstantiated; weak: a tenuous
argument.
3. thin in consistency; rare or rarefied.
4. of slight importance or significance; unsubstantial:
He holds a rather tenuous position in history.
5. lacking in clarity; vague: He gave a rather tenuous account of his past
life.
Origin: 1590-1600
5.
nadir
ney-der, ney-deer]
noun
1. the lowest point; point of greatest adversity or despair.
Origin:1350-1400; Middle English ≪ Arabic
6.
enmity
[en-mi-tee]
–noun, plural -ties.
a feeling or condition of hostility; hatred; ill will; animosity; antagonism.
[Origin: 1250–1300; ME
7.
preeminent [pree-em-uh-nuh nt]
–adjective
eminent above or before others; superior; surpassing: He is preeminent in his
profession.
[Origin: 1400–50; late ME < L
8.
sentinel sen-tn-l]
noun
1. a person or thing that watches or stands as if watching.
2. a soldier stationed as a guard to challenge all comers and prevent a
surprise attack:
to stand sentinel.
Origin: 1570-80; < Middle French
9.
consummate
kon-suh-meyt;
verb
1. to bring to a state of perfection; fulfill.
2. to complete (an arrangement, agreement, or the like) by a pledge or the
signing of a contract: The company consummated its deal to buy a smaller
firm.
1400-50; late Middle English
10. reverence rev-er-uh ns, rev-ruh ns]
noun
1.a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration.
2. a gesture indicative of deep respect; an obeisance, bow, or curtsy.
Origin: 1250-1300; Middle English < Latin