Vocabulary from Classical Roots 9&10

Apogee

n.

1. The point in orbit when a planet or satellite (usually the moon) is farthest from the earth.

2. The highest point; culmination; apex.

Geocentric

adj.

1. Referring to the center of the earth in measurement or observation.

2. Considering the earth as the center of a planetary system.

Perigee

n.

The point in its orbit when a planet or a satellite (usually the moon) is nearest to the earth.

Inter

v.

To bury; to place in a grave.

Terra Cotta

n.

Ceramic clay used in pottery, statuary, and construction.

adj.

Referring to the color of the clay, a reddish brown that may vary from gray or orange to dark brown.

Terrestrial

adj.

1. Pertaining to earth and its inhabitants.

2. Referring to land as distinct from water or air.

Exhume

v.

1. To dig out of the ground or from a grave; to disinter.

2. To bring to light; to uncover.

Humus

n.

Rich, dark organic material formed by decay of vegetable matter, essential to soil’s fertility.

Mountebank

n.

A swindler; a charlatan; a trickster.

Paramount

adj.

Of chief importance; primary; foremost.

Promontory

n.

A high ridge of land jutting into a body of water; a headland.

Pastoral

adj.

1. Pertaining to a Christian minister of the duties accompanying the office.

2. Referring to life in open country or to fields for farming or grazing.

3. Pertaining to an idealized rural life.

Repast

n.

A meal; food served at a meal.

Rustic

adj.

Typical of country life and people; simple; rough.

n.

A rural person.

Rusticate

v.

1. To go to the country.

2. To cause to become rustic.

Animus

n.

1. A powerful feeling of hostility or antagonism; hatred.

2. An animating spirit.

Equanimity

n.

Composure and calm in stressful situations; equilibrium.

Pusillanimous

adj.

Cowardly; fearful.

Ether

n.

1. The regions of space beyond the earth’s atmosphere; the heavens.

2. A highly flammable liquid anesthetic

Ethereal

adj.

1. Spiritlike in lightness and delicacy.

2. Heavenly; celestial.

Diaphanous

adj.

Translucent; delicate.

Epiphany

n.

1. A revelatory manifestation of a divine being.

2. A revelation; a flash of understanding of the true nature of something.

3. (Capitalized) A Christian festival

Phantasm

n.

A phantom; an apparition; something unreal, as in a dream or a vision.

Sycophant

n.

A flatterer seeking favors or gain; a servile self-seeker

Aspiration

n.

1. Strong desire for achievement; ambition toward a long-range goal.

2. Expulsion of breath in speaking.

Dispirited

adj.

Dejected; discouraged; gloomy.

Hyperbole

n.

An exaggeration; a figure expressing excess.

Hyperborean

adj.

1. Far north; Arctic.

2. Very cold; frigid.

Hyperventilation

n.

The condition of taking abnormally fast, deep breaths.

Vent

n.

An outlet; an opening for passage of liquids, fumes, or sometimes air.

v.

To utter; to express, especially in relieving strong feelings.