The World of Words: Vocabulary for College Success ... - eLibrary

74 Chapter 3 Words for Feeling, Expression, and ActionEmulating the GeckoRemember how painful it can be to remove a sticky adhesive bandage? Thegecko, a type of lizard, has an adhesive force in its toes that, in theory, wouldenable just one toe to support a 250-pound person! Yet, the gecko can let go ofsomething instantly, without force or pain. In developing better adhesives,scientists are emulating the gecko, which uses a weak magnetic force called VanDer Waals. A gecko tape is now available that attaches and releases withoutleaving a sticky mess. Boots using this force may even enable robots in outerspace, where other adhesives don’t work, to climb up vertical walls.9. enigma (noun) ĭ-nĭgmßsomething unexplainable or puzzlingThe cause of the growing number of people with allergiesremains an enigma to medical professionals. Related Wordenigmatic (adjective) The enigmatic expression in the famousportrait Mona Lisa makes us wonder what she is thinking andfeeling.Mona Lisa’s smile is enigmatic.Is she sad, happy, kind, cruel?Gianni Dagli Orti/CORBISCopyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.