Pages 178-237 - Project Read

2004 Scripps National Spelling Bee Consolidated Word List: Words Appearing Frequently
myringitis
n
/ TmirEnSjIZDs /
Gk > L
inflammation of the tympanic
membrane.
Dr. Croke explained that Amy’s
myringitis was caused by a
bacterial infection in her ear.
myrmecologist
n
/ TmErmESkBlEjDst /
Gk
a specialist in the scientific study of
ants.
The myrmecologist told the
reporter that his interest in ants
began when he had been given an
ant farm at the age of seven.
myrmecology
n
/ TmErmESkBlEjG /
Gk
a scientific study of ants.
Receiving an ant farm for
Christmas was the beginning of
Art’s interest in myrmecology.
myrmidon
n
/ SmErmETdBn /
Gk
a follower or subordinate who
unquestioningly or pitilessly
executes orders : hireling.
Although the mayor always speaks
civilly to everyone, his myrmidon
can be ruthless in criticizing
opponents.
myrrh
n
/ SmEr /
Semitic > Gk > L > E
a yellow to reddish brown aromatic
bitter gum resin that is obtained
from various trees of East Africa
and Arabia.
In medieval Europe myrrh was rare
and precious.
mysticity
mystique
n
/ miSstGk /
Gk > L > F
the special esoteric skill or
mysterious faculty essential in a
calling or activity.
The mystique of computer
programming is completely foreign
to Jacqueline.
mythologem
mythomania
nabob
n
/ SnCTbBb /
Ar > Hindi
man of great wealth.
The Hollywood nabob rarely
traveled without his personal chef,
secretary, and masseur.
nacelle
n
/ nESsel /
L > F
an enclosed shelter on an aircraft
for an engine or sometimes for the
crew.
The cramped, stifling nacelle gave
Rico an attack of claustrophobia.
Naderism
n
/ SnCdETrizEm /
American name
named after consumer advocate
Ralph Nader, the promotion of
consumer interests especially by
public outcry against dangerous or
defective goods.
The policy of Naderism is named
for an outspoken consumer
advocate.
nadir
n
/ SnCdE(r) /
Ar > F > E
the point of the celestial sphere that
is directly opposite the zenith and
vertically downward from the
observer.
There was no way for Amos to see
the Moon, since it was at the nadir.
Page 211 of 349
naiad
n
/ SnCEd /
Gk
one of the nymphs believed by the
ancient Greeks and Romans to live
in and give life to lakes, rivers,
springs, and fountains.
Glenda came upon a statue of a
naiad by the lake.
naiant
nainsook
n
/ SnCnTsUk /
Skt > Hindi
a soft lightweight cotton fabric in
plain weave and various finishes
that is used especially for clothing
and curtains.
Janet’s new summer blouse is made
of nainsook.
naology
n
/ nCSBlEjG /
Gk
a study of sacred edifices.
With her background in
architecture and naology, Shauna
is just the right person to help
restore the old cathedral.
napalm
v
/ SnCTpBm /
Iranian > Gk > L + L > F
attack with bombs made with a
highly flammable jellied fuel
composed of gasoline and a
mixture of aluminum soaps as a
thickener.
The decision to napalm enemy
territory had more ramifications
than the intended destruction of
vegetation.
naprapathy
n
/ nESprapEthG /
Czech + Gk > E
a therapeutic system of drugless
treatment by manipulation of the
ligaments and connective tissues.
Norma relied on naprapathy to
relieve her pain after she sprained
her back.