Vocabulary Unit 8
ineffable
adj. not expressible in words; too great or too sacred to be uttered Her feelings were ineffable.
risible
adj. pertaining to laughter; able or inclined to laugh; laughable Risible babies can make anyone happy.
mnemonic
adj. relating to or designed to assist the memory n. a device to aid the memory We use mnemonic devices to remember vocabulary words.
symptomatic
adj. typical or characteristic; being or concerned with a symptom of a disease A sore throat is symptomatic of a cold.
parameter
n. a determining or characteristic element; a factor that shapes the final outcome; a limit; a boundary The project parameters indicated the formatting for the paper.
pundit
n. a learned person; one who gives authoritative opinions The professor was a pundit.
volte-face
n. an about-face; a complete reversal She made a 180 degree volte-face.
lucubration
n. laborious study or thought, especially at night; the result of such work Frankenstein's lucubration ended in the creation of the Monster.
obloquy
n. public abuse indicating strong disapproval or censure; the disgrace resulting from such treatment The Korean government has a strong obloquy.
hoi polloi
n. the common people, the masses The hoi polloi like chicken.