The Rosetta Stone

bitumen (U)

A black sticky substance like tar or asphalt, used for making roads or roofs. Ex: Workers spread hot __ on the surface of the new road to make it waterproof.

claim (n.)

1. A statement that something is true or is a fact, although other people might not believe it. 2. An official request or demand for something that you believe you have a right to. Ex: 1. The company's _ that its drink cures headaches was rejected. 2. The museum faced a formal _ for the return of ancient artifacts.

cult (adj. & n.)

1. (formal) A system of religious beliefs and practices 2. A small group of people who have extreme religious beliefs. 3. Sb or sth has become very popular. Ex: 1. The ancient Egyptians practiced a _ that worshipped the sun god Ra. 2. Members of the _ followed their leader without question. 3.The singer has become a __ figure in America.

decipher (v.)

To succeed in understanding, reading, or converting something that is difficult to read or understand. Ex: Scholars worked for years to __ the ancient symbols on the stone.

demotic (adj.)

used by or typical of ordinary people Ex: She prefers __ expressions over formal ones in daily conversations.

erect (v.)

To build a building, wall, or other structure; to put something up in a vertical position. Ex: Local authorities plan to __ a monument in memory of national heroes.

hieroglyph (n.)

A picture or symbol used in the ancient Egyptian writing system to represent a word, sound, or idea. Ex: Each __ carved on the tomb wall tells a story about the king's life.

indecipherable (adj.)

Impossible to read or understand. Ex: His handwriting was so messy that the notes were completely __.

inscribe (v.)

To write or carve words, names, or symbols on a surface (such as stone, metal, or paper). Ex: His name was __d on the gold medal he won at the competition.

naval opposition (phrase)

Resistance or conflict provided by a navy or sea forces. Ex: The invading fleet retreated after encountering heavy __.

populace (n.)

The ordinary people who live in a particular country or area. Ex: The government tried to reassure the __ after the economic crisis.

precedent (n.)

An official action, decision, or event in the past that is used as an example or rule to be followed in similar situations. Ex: The court's ruling set an important legal __ for future cases.

regent (n.)

A person who rules a country temporarily because the king or queen is too young, ill, or absent. Ex: The young prince reigned under the guidance of his mother, who served as __.

relinquish (v.)

To stop having something, or to give up control or possession of something, often unwillingly. Ex: The king was forced to __ his power to the parliament.

spoils of war (phrase)

Goods, property, or territory taken from an enemy after winning a war or battle. Ex: The victorious army returned home with valuable __.

statute of limitations (phrase)

A legal rule that establishes the maximum period of time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Ex: The police could not press charges because the __ had passed.