Week 2 SAT Vocab

Bowlderize

(v) to remove or delete parts of a book, song, or other work that are considered offensive

Galvanize

(v) to electrify; to excite/stir into action as if with an electric shock (often used metaphorically/figuratively)

Picayune

(adj) small value or importance

Gerrymander

(v) to divide a geographic area into voting district to give an unfair advantage to a party during an election

Maverick

(n) an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party; a nonconformist

Juggernaut

(n) an irresistible force that crushes everything in its path

Serendipity

(n) discovery by fortunate accident

Nadir

(n) the lowest point; the bottom

Panache

(n) stylish vigor or flair, especially in artistic performance

Catalyst

(n) a substance that accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction

• any agent that provokes or triggers change

Caustic

(adj) capable of destroying/burning or eating away by chemical reaction

• a ______ comment is one that hurts or burns

Crystallize

(v) to give a definite form to an idea or plan

Osmosis

(n) gradual, often unconscious process of assimilation

Sedentary

(adj) settled and therefore accustomed to sitting or doing little exercise

• remaining or living in one area (ecology)

Virulent

(adj) language that is bitterly hostile, hateful, and antagonistic

• disease or toxin that is extremely infectious, malignant, or poisonous (medical)

Empirical

(adj) to be guided by practical experience not theory

• based on direct observation or experience (science)

____ data