English 12 Lists 1-2

Aerobics

(n) a system of physical exercise designed to increase the intake of oxygen for the purpose of improving the circulatory system, especially the heart and lungs

Amerind

(n) an American Indian or Eskimo; (a) related in any way to native American or Eskimo culture

Gentrification

(n) the conversion of older urban areas as by the remodeling of run-down dwellings into neighborhoods for more affluent middle-class people thus increasing property values and displacing the poor

Laser

(n) a device that produces a very narrow and intense beam of light (of only a single wavelength) going in one direction

Nemesis

(n) anything that constantly frustrates one; appropriate punishment or retribution

Quisling

(n) a traitor or collaborator

Sitcom

(n) a television series treating current social themes or situations in a generally light and humorous fashion

Stonewall

(v) to act in an uncooperative and obstructive manner, as when protecting one’s interests under severe challenge or questioning

Wasp

(n) a person of white northern European and usually Protestant stock whose members are held to make up a privileged influential and conservative class in United States society

Yahoo

(n) a crude, coarse, or degraded person

Academese

(n) a style of writing (or speech) characteristic of people in academic life; writing that is sometimes too attentive to scholarship and elevation of style and thus difficult to understand

Cafetorium

(n) a large open area (especially in public schools) designed for feeding people cafeteria-style at specific times and for seating for various assemblies and performances at other times

Cremains

(n) the ashes of a cremated human body intended for burial or some commemorative ceremony

Draconian

(n) a harsh and rigorous person

Networking

(n) the development of extensive contacts with other people in the same occupation or with similar interests for the purpose of mutual support or the exchange of information

Quixotic

(a) extravagantly romantic idealistic and chivalrous

Snafu

(n) a characteristic confusion often on a large scale; any chaotic or confused situation

Stentorian

(n) a person who always talks too loudly

Titian

(n) a reddish golden brown (a) auburn

Yuppie

(n) a young professional person stereotypically materialistic upscale ambitious faddish