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Electricity and Magnetism - Benjamin Crowell
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Monochrome and Color Television - Gulati
Monochrome and Color Television - R R Gulati (Second Ed)
The book has been designed to meet the requirements of a modern text book on ‘Television Engineering’ for Electrical and Electronics Engineering students at the degree level. It will also meet the needs of a comprehensive course on TV Engineering in Polytechnics and Technical Schools. In addition the book will be of immense value to practicing engineers and technicians.
Students engaged in self study will also benefit very much from this text.
The matter has been so presented that any Engineering student with a basic knowledge of the various electronic building blocks and fundamentals of communication systems will have no difficulty in understanding the subject.
Comprehensive design criteria for various sections of the receiver have been given in each chapter without going into rigorous mathematical details. Due emphasis has also been laid on TV receiver servicing and servicing equipment. Detailed charts for locating faults and trouble shooting together with alignment procedures for the various sections of the receiver have also been included.
Discrete Time Control Systems - Katsuhiko Ogata
Katsuhiko Ogata "Discrete-Time Control Systems, Second Edition"
Prentice Hall | 1995-01-19 | ISBN : 0130342815 | Pages: 745 | PDF
A comprehensive treatment of the analysis and design of discrete-time control systems, which provides a gradual development of the theory by emphasizing basic concepts and avoiding highly mathematical arguments. The book features comprehensive treatment of pole placement, state observer design, and quadratic optimal control.Prentice Hall | 1995-01-19 | ISBN : 0130342815 | Pages: 745 | PDF
Size : 94.6Mb
Bevy
bevy [ BEV-ee ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. an assemblage or collection
2. a group
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The advertisement for the pageant stated that a bevy of beauties would walk the ramp.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
The bevy of judges then attended the traditional Lord Chancellor's breakfast in the Great Hall in the Houses of Parliament.
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. an assemblage or collection
2. a group
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The advertisement for the pageant stated that a bevy of beauties would walk the ramp.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
The bevy of judges then attended the traditional Lord Chancellor's breakfast in the Great Hall in the Houses of Parliament.
Emancipate
emancipate [ i-MAN-suh'-peyt ]
[ transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to free from restraint or bondage
2. to be free from parental control
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
Many bonded labourers were emancipated because of pressure exerted on manufacturers by the international community.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
This liberal-minded tsar emancipated the serfs and, for his troubles, was assassinated by a terrorist bomb.
[ transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to free from restraint or bondage
2. to be free from parental control
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
Many bonded labourers were emancipated because of pressure exerted on manufacturers by the international community.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
This liberal-minded tsar emancipated the serfs and, for his troubles, was assassinated by a terrorist bomb.
Scavenge
scavenge [ SKAV-inj ]
[ intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (tr. v.) to search through and gather from wastage
2. (tr. v.) to expel exhaust gases from the cylinder of an internal-combustion engine
3. (tr. v.) to remove impurities from molten metal by chemicals
4. (intr. v.) to search through refuse
5. (intr. v.) to feed on dead or decaying matter
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The children scavenged the city dump for material to use in their science project.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Yasar told Sahintas he scavenges packing paper and cardboard boxes from garbage bins for resale to private recycling companies.
[ intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (tr. v.) to search through and gather from wastage
2. (tr. v.) to expel exhaust gases from the cylinder of an internal-combustion engine
3. (tr. v.) to remove impurities from molten metal by chemicals
4. (intr. v.) to search through refuse
5. (intr. v.) to feed on dead or decaying matter
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The children scavenged the city dump for material to use in their science project.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Yasar told Sahintas he scavenges packing paper and cardboard boxes from garbage bins for resale to private recycling companies.
Chortle
chortle [ CHAWR-tl ]
[ noun, verb ]
MEANING :
1. (v.) to chuckle gleefully
2. (v.) to express one's happiness with a gleeful chuckle
3. (n.) a gleeful chuckle
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The children chortled when they saw the antics of the clown.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
During the rest of the speech, Mr Wilson consulted his BlackBerry on more than one occasion and joined in repeated Republican jeers, sarcastic chortles and waving bits of paper that by themselves breached protocol for joint sessions, when the House of Representatives and the Senate assemble to listen to the head of state.
[ noun, verb ]
MEANING :
1. (v.) to chuckle gleefully
2. (v.) to express one's happiness with a gleeful chuckle
3. (n.) a gleeful chuckle
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The children chortled when they saw the antics of the clown.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
During the rest of the speech, Mr Wilson consulted his BlackBerry on more than one occasion and joined in repeated Republican jeers, sarcastic chortles and waving bits of paper that by themselves breached protocol for joint sessions, when the House of Representatives and the Senate assemble to listen to the head of state.
Podiatrist
podiatrist [ puh'-DAHY-uh'-trist ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. a person qualified to diagnose and treat foot disorders
2. a foot doctor
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He was not a podiatrist but was very knowledgeable about treating foot ailments.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Ms Jones, a practising podiatrist, said seven times as much pressure was put on the ball of a foot by someone wearing high heels.
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. a person qualified to diagnose and treat foot disorders
2. a foot doctor
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He was not a podiatrist but was very knowledgeable about treating foot ailments.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Ms Jones, a practising podiatrist, said seven times as much pressure was put on the ball of a foot by someone wearing high heels.
Piety
piety [ PAHY-i-tee ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. devotion to God
2. the state of showing reverence for God or an act of devotion
3. dutiful respect for parents
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
Some tourists who attended the Sunday prayer service in that village were impressed by the piety of the local people.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Her aim was not militaristic, but she recognised that boys responded more enthusiastically to a uniformed organisation kept busy with Army activities than they did to the evangelising movements of the time that sought to 'rescue’ the deserving poor through high-mindedness and piety.
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. devotion to God
2. the state of showing reverence for God or an act of devotion
3. dutiful respect for parents
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
Some tourists who attended the Sunday prayer service in that village were impressed by the piety of the local people.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Her aim was not militaristic, but she recognised that boys responded more enthusiastically to a uniformed organisation kept busy with Army activities than they did to the evangelising movements of the time that sought to 'rescue’ the deserving poor through high-mindedness and piety.
Exalt
exalt [ ig-ZAWLT ]
[ transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to elevate or raise in rank
2. to honour or glorify
3. to stimulate
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The moral of the story was that the humble would be exalted and praised by all.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Unlike the House of Commons, where the governing minister is part of the parliamentary body, in America, the President represents both the government and something more exalted.
[ transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to elevate or raise in rank
2. to honour or glorify
3. to stimulate
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The moral of the story was that the humble would be exalted and praised by all.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Unlike the House of Commons, where the governing minister is part of the parliamentary body, in America, the President represents both the government and something more exalted.
Ensue
ensue [ en-SOO ]
[ intransitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to follow as a consequence
2. to follow in order or succession
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The principal warned the students that if they did not obey the rules punishment would ensue.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
The militants fired at the officers with pistols at close range and fled away in the confusion that ensued, said Farooq Ahmad, inspector general of police in Kashmir.
[ intransitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to follow as a consequence
2. to follow in order or succession
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The principal warned the students that if they did not obey the rules punishment would ensue.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
The militants fired at the officers with pistols at close range and fled away in the confusion that ensued, said Farooq Ahmad, inspector general of police in Kashmir.
Barb
barb [ bahrb ]
[ noun, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a pointed part projecting backward from a main point, like a fishhook or arrowhead
2. (n.) an unpleasant or caustic remark
3. (tr. v.) to provide with a barb
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He erected a fence of barbed wire around his property.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Craig Brown is the foremost British satirist of his generation. From the Archbishop of Canterbury to Victoria Beckham, no one is safe from the barbs of his comedy.
[ noun, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a pointed part projecting backward from a main point, like a fishhook or arrowhead
2. (n.) an unpleasant or caustic remark
3. (tr. v.) to provide with a barb
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He erected a fence of barbed wire around his property.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Craig Brown is the foremost British satirist of his generation. From the Archbishop of Canterbury to Victoria Beckham, no one is safe from the barbs of his comedy.
Hypercritical
hypercritical [ hahy-per-KRIT-i-kuh'l ]
[ adjective ]
MEANING :
1. excessively harsh in judgement
2. overcritical or meticulous evaluation
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The board of directors were hypercritical about the performance report because it seemed too good to be true.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Armed Forces minister Adam Ingram accused Mr Kilfoyle of being "hypercritical" of the US administration.
[ adjective ]
MEANING :
1. excessively harsh in judgement
2. overcritical or meticulous evaluation
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The board of directors were hypercritical about the performance report because it seemed too good to be true.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Armed Forces minister Adam Ingram accused Mr Kilfoyle of being "hypercritical" of the US administration.
Institutionalize
institutionalize [ in-sti-TOO-shuh'-nl-ahyz ]
[ transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to make into or treat as an organization
2. to keep in a place reserved for the mentally sick
EXAMPLE 1 :
He had to be put in a straight jacket and institutionalized after he became irrationally violent.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Of course, toddlers who've been institutionalized since birth will be quicker to settle in.
[ transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to make into or treat as an organization
2. to keep in a place reserved for the mentally sick
EXAMPLE 1 :
He had to be put in a straight jacket and institutionalized after he became irrationally violent.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Of course, toddlers who've been institutionalized since birth will be quicker to settle in.
Antagonism
antagonism [ an-TAG-uh'-niz-uh'm ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. an active opposition
2. hostility that results in active resistance
EXAMPLE 1 :
The lawyer cross-examined the witness in such a way that the witness was overcome with antagonism.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The old order, based on antagonism, is being replaced by a brand new approach, based on friendship, co-operation and even fraternity.
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. an active opposition
2. hostility that results in active resistance
EXAMPLE 1 :
The lawyer cross-examined the witness in such a way that the witness was overcome with antagonism.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The old order, based on antagonism, is being replaced by a brand new approach, based on friendship, co-operation and even fraternity.
Doldrums
doldrums [ DOHL-druh'mz ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. stagnation or a state where there is no activity
2. a slump or a period of depression
3. a region of the ocean near the equator, characterized by light winds or squalls.
EXAMPLE 1 :
The company was in the doldrums after missing out on the huge contract.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The Western economies remain in the doldrums, yet oil prices just surged above $70 a barrel.
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. stagnation or a state where there is no activity
2. a slump or a period of depression
3. a region of the ocean near the equator, characterized by light winds or squalls.
EXAMPLE 1 :
The company was in the doldrums after missing out on the huge contract.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The Western economies remain in the doldrums, yet oil prices just surged above $70 a barrel.
Bewitch
bewitch [ bi-WICH ]
[ transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to affect by witchcraft
2. to cast a spell upon
3. to enchant of captivate
EXAMPLE 1 :
She bewitched the judges to declare her the Queen of the ball.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Young girls are bewitched, fall in love with their dark eyes and their soft warmth and bear children for them.
[ transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to affect by witchcraft
2. to cast a spell upon
3. to enchant of captivate
EXAMPLE 1 :
She bewitched the judges to declare her the Queen of the ball.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Young girls are bewitched, fall in love with their dark eyes and their soft warmth and bear children for them.
Rusticate
rusticate [ RUHS-ti-keyt ]
[ intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (intr. v.) to live in the country
2. (tr. v.) to suspend from university
3. (tr. v.) to send to the country
EXAMPLE 1 :
He wanted to leave the city and rusticate for some time in the hope that the fresh country air would do him some good.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Mr Wen asked the university not to expel, or "rusticate", Mr Jahnke, saying that education was the "best help" for a young student.
[ intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (intr. v.) to live in the country
2. (tr. v.) to suspend from university
3. (tr. v.) to send to the country
EXAMPLE 1 :
He wanted to leave the city and rusticate for some time in the hope that the fresh country air would do him some good.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Mr Wen asked the university not to expel, or "rusticate", Mr Jahnke, saying that education was the "best help" for a young student.
Conformist
conformist [ kuh'n-FAWR-mist ]
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) one who complies or is in agreement with
2. (n.) a person who acts in accordance with certain customs
3. (adj.) characterized by acting in agreement
EXAMPLE 1 :
He was a conformist and did exactly what was expected of him.
EXAMPLE 2 :
They have accused the festival - which was once regarded as counter-cultural - of becoming conformist in its apparent wish to acknowledge modern diversity.
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) one who complies or is in agreement with
2. (n.) a person who acts in accordance with certain customs
3. (adj.) characterized by acting in agreement
EXAMPLE 1 :
He was a conformist and did exactly what was expected of him.
EXAMPLE 2 :
They have accused the festival - which was once regarded as counter-cultural - of becoming conformist in its apparent wish to acknowledge modern diversity.
Unfledge
unfledged [ uhn-flejd ]
[ adjective ]
MEANING :
1. not having enough feathers for flight
2. inexperienced or untried
EXAMPLE 1 :
The troupe of performers consisted of unfledged young dancers.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Paul is the Head of Radio Entertainment and is responsible for all in-house comedy and entertainment programmes on BBC national radio, from established favourites such as Just A Minute to developing the talents of unfledged performers and writers.
[ adjective ]
MEANING :
1. not having enough feathers for flight
2. inexperienced or untried
EXAMPLE 1 :
The troupe of performers consisted of unfledged young dancers.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Paul is the Head of Radio Entertainment and is responsible for all in-house comedy and entertainment programmes on BBC national radio, from established favourites such as Just A Minute to developing the talents of unfledged performers and writers.
Disburse
disburse [ dis-BURS ]
[ transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to pay out cash, as from a fund
2. to expend
3. to spread out or scatter
EXAMPLE 1 :
At the end of the day money was disbursed to the labourers.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The UK government sees itself as a leading player in international climate diplomacy. In June, Prime Minister Gordon Brown proposed setting up a fund to raise and disburse $100bn (£60bn) annually for climate protection and adaptation.
[ transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to pay out cash, as from a fund
2. to expend
3. to spread out or scatter
EXAMPLE 1 :
At the end of the day money was disbursed to the labourers.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The UK government sees itself as a leading player in international climate diplomacy. In June, Prime Minister Gordon Brown proposed setting up a fund to raise and disburse $100bn (£60bn) annually for climate protection and adaptation.
Besiege
besiege [ bi-SEEJ ]
[ transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to surround with hostile forces
2. to hem in or harass
3. to cause to be distressed
EXAMPLE 1 :
The famous rock star was besieged by fans seeking autographs.
EXAMPLE 2 :
As the defenders of a besieged Bosnian town prepared to retreat, the prisoners of war held captive in the local jail feared the worst.
[ transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. to surround with hostile forces
2. to hem in or harass
3. to cause to be distressed
EXAMPLE 1 :
The famous rock star was besieged by fans seeking autographs.
EXAMPLE 2 :
As the defenders of a besieged Bosnian town prepared to retreat, the prisoners of war held captive in the local jail feared the worst.
Miscreant
miscreant [ MIS-kree-uh'nt ]
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a villain
2. (n.) a depraved person
3. (adj.) villainous or depraved
EXAMPLE 1 :
The miscreants stoned the shop and made off after breaking the glass showcase.
EXAMPLE 2 :
They wear their pants below their behinds in solidarity with their friends, brothers, uncles or fathers who aren't allowed belts while incarcerated, though perhaps the low-hanging pants are a defiant gesture to society at large for continually presuming them to be miscreant.
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a villain
2. (n.) a depraved person
3. (adj.) villainous or depraved
EXAMPLE 1 :
The miscreants stoned the shop and made off after breaking the glass showcase.
EXAMPLE 2 :
They wear their pants below their behinds in solidarity with their friends, brothers, uncles or fathers who aren't allowed belts while incarcerated, though perhaps the low-hanging pants are a defiant gesture to society at large for continually presuming them to be miscreant.
Precedent
precedent [ n. PRES-i-duh'nt; adj. pri-SEED-nt ]
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a legal decision serving as an authoritative pattern for similar cases in the future
2. (n.) a standard example
3. (adj.) anterior or frontal
EXAMPLE 1 :
The lawyer won the case by quoting a precedent from the supreme court.
EXAMPLE 2 :
In its bid for a do-over, the FAI pointed to precedent set in 2005 when a World Cup qualifier between Uzbekistan and Bahrain was replayed after the referee was found to have committed a technical error.
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a legal decision serving as an authoritative pattern for similar cases in the future
2. (n.) a standard example
3. (adj.) anterior or frontal
EXAMPLE 1 :
The lawyer won the case by quoting a precedent from the supreme court.
EXAMPLE 2 :
In its bid for a do-over, the FAI pointed to precedent set in 2005 when a World Cup qualifier between Uzbekistan and Bahrain was replayed after the referee was found to have committed a technical error.
Decollete
decollete [ dey-kol-TEY ]
[ adjective ]
MEANING :
1. a low neckline (of a dress)
2. wearing a strapless dress or one with a low neckline
EXAMPLE 1 :
The decollete dress that she wore for the parade must have cost the sponsors a tidy sum.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The cowl neck that is the designer's trademark tantalizingly exposed the actress's decollete.
[ adjective ]
MEANING :
1. a low neckline (of a dress)
2. wearing a strapless dress or one with a low neckline
EXAMPLE 1 :
The decollete dress that she wore for the parade must have cost the sponsors a tidy sum.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The cowl neck that is the designer's trademark tantalizingly exposed the actress's decollete.
Demeanor
demeanor [ di-MEE-ner ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) conduct or behaviour of a person
2. (n.) manner or style
3. (n.) facial expression or appearance
4. (n.) attitude
EXAMPLE 1 :
Most of her friends avoided her because of her bossy demeanor.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Knox was criticized in newspapers and tabloids around the world for her demeanor after the killing, which included photos of her and Sollecito comforting each other as crime scene investigators looked for clues in her house.
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) conduct or behaviour of a person
2. (n.) manner or style
3. (n.) facial expression or appearance
4. (n.) attitude
EXAMPLE 1 :
Most of her friends avoided her because of her bossy demeanor.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Knox was criticized in newspapers and tabloids around the world for her demeanor after the killing, which included photos of her and Sollecito comforting each other as crime scene investigators looked for clues in her house.
Asunder
asunder [ uh'-suh'n-DER ]
[ adjective, adverb ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) into separate parts or into pieces
2. (adj.) apart in position or direction
EXAMPLE 1 :
The hillock was rendered asunder by explosive charges and levelled by bulldozers.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Of all the marital vows that came asunder in 2008, none did so quite so loudly and with so much press coverage as those of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills.
[ adjective, adverb ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) into separate parts or into pieces
2. (adj.) apart in position or direction
EXAMPLE 1 :
The hillock was rendered asunder by explosive charges and levelled by bulldozers.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Of all the marital vows that came asunder in 2008, none did so quite so loudly and with so much press coverage as those of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills.
Pugilist
pugilist [ PYOO-juh'-list ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. a boxer
2. a person who fights with the fists
3. a professional fist-fighter
EXAMPLE 1 :
He earned fame and fortune by as a pugilist.
EXAMPLE 2 :
He is thought to be – pound for pound, inch-for-inch and punch for punch – the best pugilist in the world, a fighter without a flaw.
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. a boxer
2. a person who fights with the fists
3. a professional fist-fighter
EXAMPLE 1 :
He earned fame and fortune by as a pugilist.
EXAMPLE 2 :
He is thought to be – pound for pound, inch-for-inch and punch for punch – the best pugilist in the world, a fighter without a flaw.
Incognito
incognito [ in-kog-NEE-toh ]
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) with a disguise or having one's identity hidden
2. (n.) a person who has his identity concealed
3. (n.) the state of being in disguise
EXAMPLE 1 :
The celebrity said that she travelled incognito to avoid being mobbed by fans.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Prince William is said to wear a moustache and a flat cap when he wants to go incognito.
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) with a disguise or having one's identity hidden
2. (n.) a person who has his identity concealed
3. (n.) the state of being in disguise
EXAMPLE 1 :
The celebrity said that she travelled incognito to avoid being mobbed by fans.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Prince William is said to wear a moustache and a flat cap when he wants to go incognito.
Placate
placate [ PLEY-keyt ]
[ noun, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (tr.v.) to appease
2. (tr. v.) to pacify
3. (n.) a piece of plate armor to protect the torso
EXAMPLE 1 :
The peasants realised that the only way to placate the despot was to offer him half of their produce.
EXAMPLE 2 :
President Hamid Karzai said Afghan forces would take responsibility for security from international troops within five years in an inauguration speech which placated his impatient Western allies.
[ noun, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (tr.v.) to appease
2. (tr. v.) to pacify
3. (n.) a piece of plate armor to protect the torso
EXAMPLE 1 :
The peasants realised that the only way to placate the despot was to offer him half of their produce.
EXAMPLE 2 :
President Hamid Karzai said Afghan forces would take responsibility for security from international troops within five years in an inauguration speech which placated his impatient Western allies.
Alluvial
alluvial [ uh'-LOO-vee-uh'l ]
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a type of mud
2. (adj.) pertaining to the sediment deposited by flowing water
EXAMPLE 1 :
Farmers of the Indo-Gangetic plain produce bountiful crops because of the fertile alluvial soil.
EXAMPLE 2 :
One man escaped after falling into a cave as army sharp shooters sprayed the diggers with automatic fire in an alluvial diamond field, in a tribal area, about 20 miles north east of Mutare, near the Mozambique border.
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a type of mud
2. (adj.) pertaining to the sediment deposited by flowing water
EXAMPLE 1 :
Farmers of the Indo-Gangetic plain produce bountiful crops because of the fertile alluvial soil.
EXAMPLE 2 :
One man escaped after falling into a cave as army sharp shooters sprayed the diggers with automatic fire in an alluvial diamond field, in a tribal area, about 20 miles north east of Mutare, near the Mozambique border.
Plight
plight [ plahyt ]
[ noun, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) an unfortunate situation
2. (n.) a situation or predicament
3. (tr. v.) to pledge or to bind by a pledge
EXAMPLE 1 :
People donated in cash and kind after hearing of the sorry plight of the victims of the tsunami.
EXAMPLE 2 :
He describes the plight of villagers who lost everything to the floods.
[ noun, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) an unfortunate situation
2. (n.) a situation or predicament
3. (tr. v.) to pledge or to bind by a pledge
EXAMPLE 1 :
People donated in cash and kind after hearing of the sorry plight of the victims of the tsunami.
EXAMPLE 2 :
He describes the plight of villagers who lost everything to the floods.
Monogram
monogram [ MON-uh'-gram ]
[ noun, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a design consisting of two or more letters of the alphabet combined or interlaced
2. (n.) a single emblematic letter
3. (tr. v.) to mark with a design composed of one or more letters
EXAMPLE 1 :
The hotel had their monogram stitched on all the linen.
EXAMPLE 2 :
I'm thinking of marrying him because it will be great for all the monogram towels I own!
[ noun, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a design consisting of two or more letters of the alphabet combined or interlaced
2. (n.) a single emblematic letter
3. (tr. v.) to mark with a design composed of one or more letters
EXAMPLE 1 :
The hotel had their monogram stitched on all the linen.
EXAMPLE 2 :
I'm thinking of marrying him because it will be great for all the monogram towels I own!
Legislature
legislature [ LEJ-is-ley-cher ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) an officially elected body of people vested with the responsibility and authority to make laws
2. (n.) the branch of government having the authority to make laws
EXAMPLE 1 :
As a member of the legislature, he wielded a lot of influence in the state.
EXAMPLE 2 :
But the Law Lords dealt exclusively with points of law, and it was to the betterment of justice that they were also members of the legislature.
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) an officially elected body of people vested with the responsibility and authority to make laws
2. (n.) the branch of government having the authority to make laws
EXAMPLE 1 :
As a member of the legislature, he wielded a lot of influence in the state.
EXAMPLE 2 :
But the Law Lords dealt exclusively with points of law, and it was to the betterment of justice that they were also members of the legislature.
Squalor
squalor [ SKWOL-er ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1.(n.) a dirty or wretched condition
2. (n.) a miserable state
EXAMPLE 1 :
People commented on the squalor of the slum but no one did anything to uplift the people living there.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Except that the dirty secret lies not in Home Office archives but in the numbers of asylum seekers’ children held in captivity and in the migrant workers living in squalor and penury because the law allows gangmasters to exploit them.
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1.(n.) a dirty or wretched condition
2. (n.) a miserable state
EXAMPLE 1 :
People commented on the squalor of the slum but no one did anything to uplift the people living there.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Except that the dirty secret lies not in Home Office archives but in the numbers of asylum seekers’ children held in captivity and in the migrant workers living in squalor and penury because the law allows gangmasters to exploit them.
Impair
impair [ im-PAIR ]
[ intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (tr. v.) to cause to diminish in strength or value
2. (intr. v.) to become worse
EXAMPLE 1 :
The doctor said it was cataract that had impaired his vision.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The research, details of which were announced at the British Association's Festival of Science in Sheffield, UK, indicates that drastic dieting can impair memory and slow reaction times.
[ intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (tr. v.) to cause to diminish in strength or value
2. (intr. v.) to become worse
EXAMPLE 1 :
The doctor said it was cataract that had impaired his vision.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The research, details of which were announced at the British Association's Festival of Science in Sheffield, UK, indicates that drastic dieting can impair memory and slow reaction times.
Sear
sear [ seer ]
[ noun, intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (tr. v.) to burn the surface of
2. (tr. v.) to cause to wither
3. (intr. v.) to become withered
4. (n.) the catch or lever in the firing mechanism of a gun which keeps the hammer either half cocked or fully cocked
EXAMPLE 1 :
The village medicine man would sear the arm of children with a hot copper strip to protect them from jaundice.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Instead of baking your chicken, we'll sear it or grill it
[ noun, intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (tr. v.) to burn the surface of
2. (tr. v.) to cause to wither
3. (intr. v.) to become withered
4. (n.) the catch or lever in the firing mechanism of a gun which keeps the hammer either half cocked or fully cocked
EXAMPLE 1 :
The village medicine man would sear the arm of children with a hot copper strip to protect them from jaundice.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Instead of baking your chicken, we'll sear it or grill it
Homespun
homespun [ HOHM-spuhn ]
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) made at home
2. (adj.) simple or unsophisticated
3. (n.) a plain woven cloth
EXAMPLE 1 :
She earned a living by selling homespun shawls in the market.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Given that the fashionable elite will spend thousands of rupees on his homespun saris, and that new collections leave the shop shelves in minutes flat, it's a trickle-down effect that he thinks may actually work.
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) made at home
2. (adj.) simple or unsophisticated
3. (n.) a plain woven cloth
EXAMPLE 1 :
She earned a living by selling homespun shawls in the market.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Given that the fashionable elite will spend thousands of rupees on his homespun saris, and that new collections leave the shop shelves in minutes flat, it's a trickle-down effect that he thinks may actually work.
Trifle
trifle [ TRAHY-fuh'l ]
[ noun, intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) an article of little or no value
2. (n.) a type of dessert
3. (tr. v.) to waste
4. (intr. v.) to act as if something were of little value or significance
EXAMPLE 1 :
The benefactor modestly exclaimed that the gift was just a trifle.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Democracy can be frustrating at times but constant whinging and threatening to sink the vessel they are sailing in seems more than a trifle unwise.
[ noun, intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) an article of little or no value
2. (n.) a type of dessert
3. (tr. v.) to waste
4. (intr. v.) to act as if something were of little value or significance
EXAMPLE 1 :
The benefactor modestly exclaimed that the gift was just a trifle.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Democracy can be frustrating at times but constant whinging and threatening to sink the vessel they are sailing in seems more than a trifle unwise.
Cherubic
cherubic [ chuh'-ROO-bik ]
[ adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) pertaining to an angel represented as a beautiful rosy-cheeked child with wings
2. (adj.) like a sweet child with a chubby innocent face
EXAMPLE 1 :
Everyone fell in love with the cherubic little child.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Susan Boyle is not the only singer who has captured the judge's attention - a host of cherubic youngsters have also made it through to the semi-finals.
[ adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) pertaining to an angel represented as a beautiful rosy-cheeked child with wings
2. (adj.) like a sweet child with a chubby innocent face
EXAMPLE 1 :
Everyone fell in love with the cherubic little child.
EXAMPLE 2 :
Susan Boyle is not the only singer who has captured the judge's attention - a host of cherubic youngsters have also made it through to the semi-finals.
Mangle
mangle [ MANG-guh'l ]
[ noun, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (tr. v.) to severely injure or destroy
2. (tr. v.) to spoil or ruin
3. (n.) a machine for pressing clothes
EXAMPLE 1 :
The body of the driver was mangled in the crash.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The sight of burning cars, scattered debris and mangled corpses once again littering Haifa Street in the aftermath of Sunday's twin car-bombings will serve as an uncomfortable reminder of the past for many Iraqis.
[ noun, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (tr. v.) to severely injure or destroy
2. (tr. v.) to spoil or ruin
3. (n.) a machine for pressing clothes
EXAMPLE 1 :
The body of the driver was mangled in the crash.
EXAMPLE 2 :
The sight of burning cars, scattered debris and mangled corpses once again littering Haifa Street in the aftermath of Sunday's twin car-bombings will serve as an uncomfortable reminder of the past for many Iraqis.
Atone
atone [ uh'-TOHN ]
[ intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (intr. v.) to make amends or appease
2. (tr. v.) to expiate or to suffer or do penance for doing wrong
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He begged to be given an opportunity so that he could atone for his sins.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
An Indian man has "married" a female dog, hoping the move will help atone for stoning two other dogs to death.
[ intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (intr. v.) to make amends or appease
2. (tr. v.) to expiate or to suffer or do penance for doing wrong
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He begged to be given an opportunity so that he could atone for his sins.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
An Indian man has "married" a female dog, hoping the move will help atone for stoning two other dogs to death.
Sonorous
sonorous [ suh'-NAWR-uh's ]
[ adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) giving off a deep sound
2. (adj.) resonant or rich in sound
3. (adj.) an impressive style or manner of speech
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The sonorous sound made by the horn marked the beginning of the games.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
His chilling, sonorous tones were later brought to Hollywood, most notably as treacherous and overreaching power-seeker Saruman in "Lord of the Rings.
[ adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) giving off a deep sound
2. (adj.) resonant or rich in sound
3. (adj.) an impressive style or manner of speech
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The sonorous sound made by the horn marked the beginning of the games.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
His chilling, sonorous tones were later brought to Hollywood, most notably as treacherous and overreaching power-seeker Saruman in "Lord of the Rings.
Demotic
demotic [ di-MOT-ik ]
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) pertaining to the ordinary form of a language
2. (adj.) pertaining to the common people
3. (n.) the language of Greece
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He wrote modern poetry but copied the traditional style of demotic verse.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Any Briton watching would have been reminded of the easy, demotic charm of Tony Blair.
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) pertaining to the ordinary form of a language
2. (adj.) pertaining to the common people
3. (n.) the language of Greece
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He wrote modern poetry but copied the traditional style of demotic verse.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Any Briton watching would have been reminded of the easy, demotic charm of Tony Blair.
Coalesce
coalesce [ koh-uh'-LES ]
[ intransitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (intr. v.) to combine to form one unit
2. (intr. v.) to blend or unify
3. (intr. v.) to merge or amalgamate
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
Three political parties could coalesce to form the government as none of them were able to achieve a majority independently.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
These particles may help water droplets to coalesce, and so aid the formation of clouds.
[ intransitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (intr. v.) to combine to form one unit
2. (intr. v.) to blend or unify
3. (intr. v.) to merge or amalgamate
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
Three political parties could coalesce to form the government as none of them were able to achieve a majority independently.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
These particles may help water droplets to coalesce, and so aid the formation of clouds.
Sonnet
sonnet [ SON-it ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a rhapsody
2. (n.) a poem properly expressive of a single, complete thought of 14 lines
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He has the entire collection of Shakespeare's sonnets.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Writing for children is like the difference between writing a sonnet and writing a gossip column.
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a rhapsody
2. (n.) a poem properly expressive of a single, complete thought of 14 lines
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He has the entire collection of Shakespeare's sonnets.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Writing for children is like the difference between writing a sonnet and writing a gossip column.
Dingy
dingy [ DIN-jee ]
[ adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) pertaining to dark or dull atmosphere
2. (adj.) shabby or dirty coloured
3. (adj.) lacking brightness or freshness
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The student could barely afford to pay the rent for the dingy room.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Whether you're into exclusive bars, dingy dives or the dubious pleasures of a sweaty moshpit, Seattle has plenty to keep you entertained.
[ adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (adj.) pertaining to dark or dull atmosphere
2. (adj.) shabby or dirty coloured
3. (adj.) lacking brightness or freshness
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The student could barely afford to pay the rent for the dingy room.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Whether you're into exclusive bars, dingy dives or the dubious pleasures of a sweaty moshpit, Seattle has plenty to keep you entertained.
Vagabond
vagabond [ VAG-uh'-bond ]
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a person who travels from place to place and has no permanent home
2. a worthless or irresponsible person
3. (adj.) nomadic or wandering without settling anywhere
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
If you want to see the world travel in style, not like a vagabond.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Such bone-headed incompetence was a great pity because Davies' revival has a wonderful vagabond spirit to it.
[ noun, adjective ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a person who travels from place to place and has no permanent home
2. a worthless or irresponsible person
3. (adj.) nomadic or wandering without settling anywhere
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
If you want to see the world travel in style, not like a vagabond.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Such bone-headed incompetence was a great pity because Davies' revival has a wonderful vagabond spirit to it.
Parquet
parquet [ pahr-KEY ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a floor composed of short strips of wood forming a pattern
2. (n.) the entire main floor of a theatre
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He wanted the marble floor in the bedroom to be replaced by parquet.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Nicole Farhi sought to recapture her home's past, exposing the beautiful molding and parquet floors
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a floor composed of short strips of wood forming a pattern
2. (n.) the entire main floor of a theatre
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He wanted the marble floor in the bedroom to be replaced by parquet.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Nicole Farhi sought to recapture her home's past, exposing the beautiful molding and parquet floors
Purveyor
purveyor [ per-VEY-er ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a person who provides or supplies
2. (n.) a person who supplies provisions
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He was the purveyor of rations to the poor villages.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
He had delivered countless grams in the last few weeks; he hated being the purveyor of the bad news they contained.
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a person who provides or supplies
2. (n.) a person who supplies provisions
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
He was the purveyor of rations to the poor villages.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
He had delivered countless grams in the last few weeks; he hated being the purveyor of the bad news they contained.
Acclaim
acclaim [ uh'-KLEYM ]
[ intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (tr. v.) to applaud or praise joyfully
2. (tr. v.) to declare with joyous approval
3. (intr. v.) to make welcome with shouts of praise
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The book was acclaimed to be a best seller.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
But in Brownland all is going well for the Government, a grateful people acclaim Mr Brown and it is the Opposition which is in desperate trouble.
[ intransitive verb, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (tr. v.) to applaud or praise joyfully
2. (tr. v.) to declare with joyous approval
3. (intr. v.) to make welcome with shouts of praise
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The book was acclaimed to be a best seller.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
But in Brownland all is going well for the Government, a grateful people acclaim Mr Brown and it is the Opposition which is in desperate trouble.
Fleck
fleck [ flek ]
[ noun, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a speck
2. (n.) a spot or small patch
3. (tr. v.) to mark with a spot
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
She did a thorough job of cleaning the kitchen and not a fleck of dust was left.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
In late spring bluebells fleck the woodland floor with shimmering blue and the white flowers of wild garlic give the air a pungent smell
[ noun, transitive verb ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) a speck
2. (n.) a spot or small patch
3. (tr. v.) to mark with a spot
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
She did a thorough job of cleaning the kitchen and not a fleck of dust was left.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
In late spring bluebells fleck the woodland floor with shimmering blue and the white flowers of wild garlic give the air a pungent smell
Tribulation
tribulation [ trib-yuh'-LEY-shuh'n ]
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) serious trouble or suffering
2. (n.) distress or hardship
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The tribulations faced by the families of the freedom fighters are often not known.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
No one's immune to the trials and tribulations of life.
[ noun ]
MEANING :
1. (n.) serious trouble or suffering
2. (n.) distress or hardship
USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
The tribulations faced by the families of the freedom fighters are often not known.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
No one's immune to the trials and tribulations of life.
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