week 7: 2014/04/21 ~ 2014/04/25

week 7: 2014/04/21 ~ 2014/04/25

part 1: article<ways to fight depression> note - etymology

e : electronic, on the Internet

ex: email(n.), eBook(n.), ezine(n.)

mega : million, large

ex: megastore(n.), megabyte(n.), megadeal(n.)

iso : equal, uniform

ex: isolate(v.), isotope(n.), isodont(n.)

syn(sy, syl, sym, sys) : together, same

ex: system(n.), synthesis(n.), sympathy(n.)

sist(stat, stit) : stand, set up, be

ex: statue(n.), persist(v.), institution(n.)

part 2: vocabulary

day 1     4/21

depression     n.     \di-ˈpre-shən, dē-\

sentence(in the article): In some case, an imbalance of brain chemicals and other factors may be at work, and this type of serious depression requires medication. 

meaning 1:  a state of feeling sad
meaning 2: a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant and often is unable to live in a normal way
meaning 3: a period of time in which there is little economic activity and many people do not have jobs
simple sentence: She has been undergoing treatment for severe depression.
part of speech: 

• antidepression     a./n.
• minidepression     n.
• nondepression     n.
• postdepression     a.
• predepression     a./n.

snap     \ˈsnap\

sentence(in the article): We all get blues from time to time, but we usually snap out of it.

n.
meaning 1: a sudden, short, sharp sound caused by something breaking or moving into a new position
meaning 2: the act of snapping your fingers or the sound made when you snap your fingers
meaning 3: a device that fastens something by closing or locking with a short, sharp sound; especially : a set of two metal or plastic pieces that fit tightly together when you press them
v.
meaning 1: to break quickly with a short, sharp sound
meaning 2: to move into a specified position with a short, sharp sound
meaning 3: to close (something) with a fastener and especially with a snap
a.
meaning : done or made suddenly or without careful thought
ad.
meaning : with a snap

simple sentence: The branch snapped and fell to the ground.
part of speech: 

• snapless      a.
• snappable     a.
• snappingly     ad.

despair     \di-ˈsper\

sentence(in the article): However, sometimes it feels like despair take hold and just won't go away.

n.
meaning 1: the feeling of no longer having any hope
meaning 2: someone or something that causes extreme sadness or worry
v.
meaning : to no longer have any hope or belief that a situation will improve or change

simple sentence: Things look bad now, but don't despair.
part of speech: 

• despairer     n.
• self-despair     n.
• undespaired     a.

take hold     v.

sentence(in the article): However, sometimes it feels like despair take hold and just won't go away.

meaning 1: assume control
meaning 2: have or hold in one's hands or grip
simple sentence: Excitement took hold of the audience and soon everyone was cheering.

imbalance     n.     \(ˌ)im-ˈba-lən(t)s\

sentence(in the article): In some case, an imbalance of brain chemicals and other factors may be at work, and this type of serious depression requires medication. 

meaning 1: the state or condition of lacking balance, as in proportion or distribution.
meaning 2: faulty muscular or glandular coordination.
simple sentence: Her depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.

day 2     4/22

chemical      \ˈke-mi-kəl\

sentence(in the article): In some case, an imbalance of brain chemicals and other factors may be at work, and this type of serious depression requires medication. 

n.

meaning : a substance (such as an element or compound) that is made by a chemical process

a.

meaning 1: of or relating to chemistry

meaning 2: working by means of chemicals

simple sentence: They studied the compound's chemical structure.

part of speech: 

• chemically     ad.
• nonchemical     a./n.
• prechemical     a.
• pseudochemical     a.
• semichemical    a.

severe    a.      \sə-ˈvir\

sentence(in the article): In other less severe cases, though, simple changes in lifestyle can make all the difference.

meaning 1: very bad, serious, or unpleasant

meaning 2: causing a lot of physical pain or suffering

meaning 3: very harsh

simple sentence: The storm caused severe damage to the roof.

part of speech:

• severely     ad.
• severeness     n.
• oversevere    a.
• overseverely     ad.
• oversevereness    n.

lifestyle     \ˈlīf-ˈstī(-ə)l, -ˌstī(-ə)l\

sentence(in the article): In other less severe cases, though, simple changes in lifestyle can make all the difference.

n.

meaning 1: a particular way of living 

meaning 2: the way a person lives or a group of people live

a.

meaning : associated with, reflecting, or promoting an enhanced or more desirable lifestyle <lifestyle magazines>

simple sentence: She envied the lavish lifestyles of wealthy people.

symptom     n.     \ˈsim(p)-təm\

sentence(in the article): The symptoms of depression often include losing interest in things and eating and sleep disorders.

meaning 1: a change in the body or mind which indicates that a disease is present
meaning 2: a change which shows that something bad exists : a sign of something bad
simple sentence: Cold intolerance can be a symptom  of a metabolic problem.
part of speech: 

• presymptom     n.

disorder     \(ˌ)dis-ˈȯr-dər, (ˌ)diz-\

sentence(in the article): The symptoms of depression often include losing interest in things and eating and sleep disorders.

n.
meaning 1: a confused or messy state : a lack of order or organization
meaning 2: a state or situation in which there is a lot of noise, crime, violent behavior, etc.
meaning 3: (medical)  a physical or mental condition that is not normal or healthy
v.
meaning 1: to disturb the order of
meaning 2: to disturb the regular or normal functions of

simple sentence: The mayor is concerned that a rally could create public disorder.
part of speech: 

• predisorder     n.

day 3     4/23

throughout         \thrü-ˈau̇t\

sentence(in the article): Functioning throughout the day can be overwhelming when people feel unhappy, hopeless, and tired all the time.

ad.

meaning 1: in or to every part

meaning 2: from the beginning to the end : during the whole time or situation

prep.
meaning 1: in or to every part of (something)
meaning 2: during an entire (situation or period of time)

simple sentence: The house is painted white throughout.

overwhelming     a.     \-ˈ(h)wel-miŋ\

sentence(in the article): Functioning throughout the day can be overwhelming when people feel unhappy, hopeless, and tired all the time.

meaning 1: very great in number, effect, or force

meaning 2: used to describe something that is so confusing, difficult, etc., that you feel unable to do it

simple sentence:  The temptation to despair may become overwhelming.

part of speech: 

• overwhelmingly      ad.
• overwhelmingness     n.

hopeless     a.     \ˈhō-pləs\

sentence(in the article): Functioning throughout the day can be overwhelming when people feel unhappy, hopeless, and tired all the time.

meaning 1: a person trained in methods of treating illnesses especially without the use of drugs or surgery

meaning 2: a person who helps people deal with mental or emotional problems by talking about those problems : a person trained in psychotherapy

simple sentence: He works with a therapist to improve his speech.

therapist     n.     \ˈther-ə-pist\

sentence(in the article): Besides getting help from doctors or therapists, there are many ways of fighting depression that don't cost a dime.

meaning 1: a person trained in methods of treating illnesses especially without the use of drugs or surgery

meaning 2: a person who helps people deal with mental or emotional problems by talking about those problems

meaning 3: a person trained in psychotherapy

simple sentence: He works with a therapist to improve his speech.

dime     n.     \ˈdīm\

sentence(in the article): Besides getting help from doctors or therapists, there are many ways of fighting depression that don't cost a dime.

meaning 1: a cupronickel-clad coin of the U.S. and Canada, the 10th part of a dollar, equal to 10 cents.

meaning 2: Slang.

• ten dollars.
• a 10-year prison sentence.
• dime bag.

simple sentence: The beauty of this deal is that all the extras won't cost you a dime.

day 4     4/24

work wonders     v.

sentence(in the article): Forcing yourself to exercise can work wonders on your emotional condition.

meaning : Succeed, produce a good outcome, as in The new coat of paint works wonders with this bedroom , or The physical therapy has worked wonders with these patients . Literally meaning "perform miracles," this term has been used somewhat more loosely since the 1700s.

simple sentence: This special cream will work wonders on your rash.

alter     v.     \ˈȯl-tər\

sentence(in the article): Exercise alters the levels of brain chemicals involved in emotions.

meaning 1: to change (something)

meaning 2: to make a change to (a piece of clothing) so that it will fit better

meaning 3: to remove the sex organs of (an animal) so that the animal is unable to reproduce

simple sentence: Alcohol can alter a person's mood.

part of speech: 

• alterer     n.
• half-altered     a.
• prealter     v.
• realter     v.
• unaltering     a.

down-and-out     a.     

sentence(in the article): If you're feeling down-and-out, getting up and out might be the solution.

meaning 1: very poor and without hope 

meaning 2: having no money, job, etc.

simple sentence: Whenever I am feeling down-and-out, I make myself get some exercise.

isolated     a.     \ˈāī-sə-ˌlātəd\

sentence(in the article): It isn't easy, but it's better than being isolated.

meaning 1:  separate from others

meaning 2: happening just once

meaning 3: happening in different places and at different times

simple sentence: he town remains a very isolated community.

part of speech: 

• isolatedly     ad.
• semi-isolated     a.

melt     \ˈmelt\

sentence(in the article): Having listeners can take a load off your shoulders and help melt the blues away.

n.

meaning 1: the act or process of melting; state of being melted.

meaning 2: something that is melted.

meaning 3: a quantity melted at one time.

meaning 4: a sandwich or other dish topped with melted cheese: a tuna melt.

v.

meaning 1: to change or to cause (something) to change from a solid to a liquid usually because of heat

meaning 2: to gradually become less or go away

meaning 3: to begin to have feelings of love, kindness, sympathy, etc.

simple sentence: Their determination melted in the face of opposition.

part of speech: 

• meltable     a.
• meltability     n.
• meltingly     ad.
• meltingness     n.
• nonmeltable     a.

day 5     4/25

hand in hand     ad.

sentence(in the article): A healthy, balanced,diet goes hand in hand with a healthy mind, and what you eat affect your body and mood.

meaning 1:  together; jointly
meaning 2: clasping each other's hands
simple sentence: They walked hand in hand when going to school.

trans fat     n.

sentence(in the article): A study in Spain shows that eating food high on trans fat is linked to depression, whereas olive oil and polyunsaturated fats reduce depression risk.

meaning : a type of fat that is found especially in some vegetable oils and that is bad for your health
simple sentence: Trans fats are unsaturated fats which are uncommon in nature but can be created artificially.

whereas     conjunction      \hwer-ˈaz, wer-, (ˌ)(h)wər-\

sentence(in the article): A study in Spain shows that eating food high on trans fat is linked to depression, whereas olive oil and polyunsaturated fats reduce depression risk.

meaning 1: used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different
meaning 2: (law) since it is true that
simple sentence: Whereas there are many good reasons to switch to Plan B, we must stick with Plan A as long as it is feasible.

polyunsaturated     a.     \ˌpä-lē-ˌən-ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd\

sentence(in the article): A study in Spain shows that eating food high on trans fat is linked to depression, whereas olive oil and polyunsaturated fats reduce depression risk.

meaning : of an oil or fatty acid:  having many double or triple bonds in a molecule
simple sentence: Polyunsaturated fatty acids are fatty acids that contain more than one double bond chain of carbon atoms.

dwell on/upon sth

sentence(in the article): Learn to recognize and express your emotions without dwelling on them.

meaning : Linger over; ponder, speak or write at length
simple sentence:  Let's not dwell on this topic too long; we have a lot to cover today .

week 6: 2014/04/07 ~ 2014/04/11

week 6: 2014/04/07 ~ 2014/04/11

part 1: unit 6 note - vocabulary strategy: choosing which word to study

When we study vocabulary words, it is important not to study two similar words at the same time. There are four types of similar words we should avoid:

• similar in spelling or sound

       ex: exhort, exhale

• similar in meaning 

       ex: remodel, renovate

• opposites

       ex: spacious, cramped

• belong to a category

       ex: wheat, oats, and barley (grains)

part 2: vocabulary

day 1     4/07

curriculum     n.     /kəˈrikyələm/  

sentence(in the article): It’s hands-on experience and academic curriculum to tie it together. 

meaning: the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
simple sentence: The professor is busy preparing his chemistry curriculum plan.

dedicated     a.     \diːˈfrɒst\

sentence(in the article):  Revolution Foods is a for-profit social venture dedicated to reforming the way people think of school lunch—both what kids buy and what they bring. 

meaning: devoted to a cause or ideal or purpose
simple sentence: A chapel dedicated to the dead of World War II".
part of speech: 

• dedicatedly     ad.

defrost     v.    \ diːˈfrɒst\

sentence(in the article): They have to start work hours before the students even hit the snooze button because these days—unlike the last several decades in the history of school lunches—the cooks do a whole lot more than defrost tater tots and thaw cheese pizza.

meaning 1: to become free of ice or frost
meaning 2:
simple sentence:The refrigerator defrosted quickly.

exhort     v.     \ ɪɡˈzɔt\

sentence(in the article):  A child’s drawing of a friendly octopus, posted on the door to an adjoining office, exhorts “Eat Natural Healthy Food!” And so it is done.

meaning : to urge, advise, or caution earnestly; admonish urgently
simple sentence: We would exhort  readers to add their own voices to the site's reviews.
part of speech: 

• exhorter     n.

follow suit

sentence(in the article): Although other Bay Area school districts are starting to follow suit—San Francisco lets students choose fresh fruit and low-fat vegetable side dishes, Mount Diablo has chucked its deep-fat fryers and Oakland is offering salad bars—Berkeley is still the only district of its size in the nation to completely overhaul its food program.

meaning: to follow the example of another
simple sentence: The girl jumped over the fence, and her playmates followed suit.

day 2     4/08

fossil fuel      n.

sentence(in the article): Cooper says that the food’s origin is just as important as its quality because when foods travel a shorter distance to end up on your plate, they use less fossil fuels in their transportation.

meaning: any combustible organic material, as oil, coal, or natural gas, derived from the remains of former life.
simple sentence: Maybe the fossil fuel  industry is simply too powerful.

made from scratch

sentence(in the article): Today, nearly everything is made from scratch. 

meaning:  making something by starting from the beginning with the basic ingredients.
simple sentence:  We made the cake from scratch, using no prepared ingredients.

organic     a.     \ɔːˈɡænɪk\

sentence(in the article): Besides freshness, Berkeley’s menu also stresses organic, locally grown food.

meaning: constitutional in the structure of something; fundamental; integral
simple sentence: Organic  birds are allowed to roam free and have perches and other chances to exhibit natural behaviour.

part of speech: 

• organically     ad.

overhaul     v.     \ˌō-vər-ˈhȯl\

sentence(in the article): Although other Bay Area school districts are starting to follow suit—San Francisco lets students choose fresh fruit and low-fat vegetable side dishes, Mount Diablo has chucked its deep-fat fryers and Oakland is offering salad bars—Berkeley is still the only district of its size in the nation to completely overhaul its food program.

meaning: to look at every part of (something) and repair or replace the parts that do not work
simple sentence: The mechanic overhauled the car's engine.
part of speech: 

• overhauler     n.

produce     \prə-ˈdüs, prō-, -ˈdyüs\

sentence(in the article): Thirty percent of the food served in the district’s cafeterias is local, and all produce is regionally grown, mostly from the California corridor.

n.
meaning: fresh fruits and vegetables
v.
meaning: to make or create (something) by a natural process

simple sentence: The college has produced some well-known scientists.
part of speech: 

• misproduce     v.

day 3     4/09

remodel     v.     \(ˌ)rē-ˈmä-dəl\

sentence(in the article): Around the spacious, newly remodeled kitchen, others chop hundreds of broccoli florets—the heads will go out to various Berkeley schools for salad, while the stems will be made into soup. 

meaning: to change the structure, shape, or appearance of (something)
simple sentence: We remodeled the kitchen last year.

part of speech: 

• remodeler     n.

spacious     a.     \ˈspā-shəs\

sentence(in the article): Around the spacious, newly remodeled kitchen, others chop hundreds of broccoli florets—the heads will go out to various Berkeley schools for salad, while the stems will be made into soup. 

meaning: having a large amount of space
simple sentence: Almost all of the guests were able to fit into the spacious living room.

part of speech: 

• spaciously     ad.

stock      \ˈstäk\

sentence(in the article): Today, the new King kitchen—opened in August after an $8.7 million renovation—is fully stocked, with pots and pans, ladles and whisks.

n.

meaning: the supply of goods available for sale in a store

v.

meaning: to have a supply of (something) in a store for sale

a.

meaning: regularly used or included with something

simple sentence: Here are the stock patterns you can choose from.

part of speech: 

• stocklike     a.

acre     n.     \ˈā-kər\

sentence(in the article): Studies have shown that an acre of land dedicated to growing plants can produce more than twice as much food as an acre used for raising animals.

meaning: a measure of land area in the U.S. and Britain that equals 4,840 square yards (about 4,047 square meters)
simple sentence: The house sits on two acres of land.

part of speech: 

• half-acre     n.

advocate     \ˈad-və-kət, -ˌkāt\

sentence(in the article): They advocate solutions that do not involve giving up meat altogether, such as creating farming practices that are more humane to animals.

n.

meaning: a person who argues for the cause of another person in a court of law

v.

meaning: to support or argue for (a cause, policy, etc.)

simple sentence: She works as a consumer advocate.

part of speech: 

• advocator     n.

day 4     4/10

cite     v.     \ˈsīt\

sentence(in the article): Vegetarians cite medical studies that establish  connection between a high consumption of red meat and many diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

meaning: to write or say the words of (a book, author, etc.)
simple sentence: The article cites several experts on the subject.

part of speech: 

• citer     n.

consumption     n.     \kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən\

sentence(in the article): Vegetarians cite medical studies that establish  connection between a high consumption of red meat and many diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

meaning:  the act of eating or drinking something
simple sentence: The jet's high fuel consumption makes it expensive to operate.

part of speech: 

• nonconsumption     n.

digest     \ˈdī-ˌjest\

sentence(in the article): These cattle are fed corn, which they cannot digest.

n.

meaning: information or a piece of writing that has been made shorter

v.

meaning: to change (food that you have eaten) by a biological process into simpler forms that can be used by the body

simple sentence: He has trouble digesting certain foods.

part of speech: 

• digestedly     ad.

grain     \ˈgrān\

sentence(in the article): By combining meat with beans, vegetables, and grains, people can easily decrease the amount of meat that they eat.

n.

meaning: the seeds of plants (such as wheat, corn, and rice) that are used for food; also : a single seed of wheat, corn, rice, etc.

v.

meaning: to paint in imitation of the grain of wood or stone

simple sentence: The machine grinds grain into flour.

part of speech: 

• grainer     n.

objection     n.      \əb-ˈjek-shən\

sentence(in the article): To deal with the objections about the poor treatment of animals raised for food, many supermarkets now often antibiotic and hormone-free beef from grass-fed cattle and free-range chickens that were given the freedom to wander around.

meaning: a reason for disagreeing with or opposing something : a reason for objecting
simple sentence: My main objection is that some people will have to pay more than others.

part of speech: 

• nonobjection     n.

day 5     4/11

on the defensive

sentence(in the article): Meat is still on the menu,  but it is definitely on the defensive.

meaning: Prepared for withstanding aggression or attack
simple sentence: The debate team's plan was to keep their opponents on the defensive.

reluctantly     ad.     \ri-ˈlək-təntli\

sentence(in the article): Still, many meat eaters reluctantly admit that there are problems
with the meat industry.

meaning: feeling or showing doubt about doing something : not willing or eager to do something
simple sentence: Increasingly, if reluctantly , there seems to be a growing awareness that   nothing in existence stands alone.
part of speech: 

• reluctant     a.

texture     \ˈteks-chər\

sentence(in the article): These painting reveal that throughout history  people have enjoyed the smell, taste, and texture of a roasted chicken or a lamb stew.

n.
meaning: the way that something feels when you touch it
v.
meaning: to give a particular texture to

simple sentence: The plant's leaves are almost leathery in texture.
part of speech: 

• textural     a.

willing     a.      \ˈwi-liŋ\

sentence(in the article): To protect their health and the environment some meat eaters are willing to reduce their consumption of animals.

meaning: quick to act or respond : doing something or ready to do something without being persuaded
simple sentence: He was a willing participant in the crime.
part of speech:

• willingly     ad.

octopus      n.      \ˈäk-tə-pəs, -ˌpu̇s\

sentence(in the article): A child's drawing of a friendly octopus, posted on the door, exhort ''Eat Natural Healthy Food!'' And so it is done.

meaning: a sea animal that has a soft body and eight long arms
simple sentence: The mimic octopus can impersonate lots of underwater creatures, including flatfish.

week 5: 2014/03/31~2014/04/04

week 5: 2014/03/31 ~ 2014/04/04

part 1: article note - vocabulary skill: root

1. Some word in English are built from a root, or Latin or Greek word part. The root combines with a prefix, a suffix, or both to become a word. 
2. Consequently, one root can form many different words.
3.  It can let us figure out the meaning of new word by learning what is root.
4. For example--radius

Radius is a Latin root word that means ‘’ray’’ or ‘’spoke of a wheel.’’

• She looked beautiful in the radiance of the afternoon sun.

In the sentence, the definition of radiance is ‘’brilliance’’.

• The hole was 40 feet across, so we knew the radius was 20 feet.

In the sentence, the definition of radius is ‘’straight line from the center to the circumference of a circle or sphere.’’

part 2: vocabulary

day 1     3/31

catchy     a.     \ˈka-chē, ˈke-chē\

sentence(in the article): He says that tunes, especially if they are catchy or repetitive, can affect the brain in the same way that histamines create an itch in the body.

meaning: appealing and easy to remember
simple sentence: I can't think of a catchy name for my blog.

consciousness     n.     \kän(t)-shəs-nəs\

sentence(in the article): It seems that music has a powerful effect on the human consciousness.

meaning 1: the condition of being conscious : the normal state of being awake and able to understand what is happening around you
meaning 2: a person's mind and thoughts
meaning 3: knowledge that is shared by a group of people
simple sentence: Hopefully, his inspiration will live in the consciousness of those who see only   possibilities.
part of speech: 

• underconsciousness     n.

device     n.     \di-ˈvīs\

sentence(in the article): This device produces  a deafening sound that is so painful that it temporarily disables a person.

meaning 1: an object, machine, or piece of equipment that has been made for some special purpose
meaning 2: a weapon that explodes
meaning 3: something that is done in order to achieve a particular effect
simple sentence: The store sells TVs, VCRs, and other electronic devices.
part of speech: 

• deviceful     a.
• devicefuliy     ad.
• devicefulness     n.

familiar     \fə-ˈmil-yər\

sentence(in the article): If a person with the earworm starts humming the tune, people nearby who are also familiar with the tune can catch the earworm.

n
meaning: a familiar friend or associate.
a.
meaning: commonly or generally known or seen: a familiar sight.

simple sentence: She spoke in a familiar way about her past.
part of speech: 

• familiarly     ad
• familiarness     n.

function     \ˈfəŋ(k)-shən\

sentence(in the article): In fact, Petr Janata, a cognitive neuroscientist who has studied music and the brain,says that music can function like a movie soundtrack.

n.
meaning 1: the special purpose or activity for which a thing exists or is used
meaning 2: the job or duty of a person
v.
meaning 1: to work or operate
meaning 2: to have a specified function, role, or purpose

simple sentence: The function of the heart is to pump blood through the body.
part of speech: 

• interfunction     a.
• multifunction     a.

day 2     4/01

get rid of

sentence(in the article): Thanks to  the Silence Machine, an invention by British scientist Selwyn Wright, you can get rid of the offensive tune without offending the little girl or her parent.

meaning:  To put (business affairs, for example) into correct, definitive, or conclusive form.
simple sentence: If you get rid of something that you no longer want or need, you throw it away or give it to someone.

hum     v.     \ˈhəm\

sentence(in the article): If a person with the earworm starts humming the tune, people nearby who are also familiar with the tune can catch the earworm.

meaning 1: to make a low continuous sound

meaning 2: to sing the notes of a song while keeping your lips closed

simple sentence: The garden was humming with bees.

infect     v.     \in-ˈfekt\

sentence(in the article): Earworms can also infect other people.

meaning 1: to cause (someone or something) to become sick or affected by disease

meaning 2: to cause (someone) to feel an emotion

simple sentence: If you're sick you should stay home to avoid infecting other people in the office.

part of speech: 

• infectant     a.

invade     v.     \in-ˈvād\

sentence(in the article): It is entirely possible that some day consumers will need to defend themselves against music that seems to invade private mental space.

meaning 1: to enter (a place, such as a foreign country) in order to take control by military force
meaning 2: to enter (a place) in large numbers
meaning 3: to enter or be in (a place where you are not wanted)
simple sentence: When tourists invade, the town is a very different place.
part of speech: 

• invadable     a.
• invader     n.

itch     \ˈich\

sentence(in the article): According to James Kellaris, a consumer psychologist at the University of Cincinnati, an earworm is a sort of brain itch.

n.
meaning 1: an uncomfortable or unpleasant feeling on your skin or inside your mouth, nose, etc., that makes you want to scratch
meaning 2: a constant and strong desire for something or to do something
v.
meaning: to have or produce an unpleasant feeling on your skin or inside your mouth, nose, etc. that makes you want to scratch

simple sentence: I had a slight itch on my back.
part of speech: 

• anti-itch     a.

day 3     4/02

phenomenon     n.     \fi-ˈnä-mə-ˌnän, -nən\

sentence(in the article): However, today, this phenomenon of music stuck in the head is quite common and affects up to 99 percent of the population.

meaning 1: something (such as an interesting fact or event) that can be observed and studied and that typically is unusual or difficult to understand or explain fully

meaning 2: someone or something that is very impressive or popular especially because of an unusual ability or quality

simple sentence: The movie eventually became a cultural phenomenon.

subjected     a.     \suhb-jiktid\

sentence(in the article): Even without earbuds, people are subjected to tunes on telephones, in elevators, and in offices, so it shouldn't be surprising that this supposedly harmless background noise attaches itself to their brains.  

meaning: being under domination, control, or influence
simple sentence: Sharp surface edges are subjected to abrasion, wear, and corrosion.

susceptible     a.      \sə-ˈsep-tə-bəl\

sentence(in the article): Kellaris says that musicians tend to be more susceptible to earworms, perhaps because of their sensitivity to music.

meaning 1: easily affected, influenced, or harmed by something

meaning 2: capable of being affected by a specified action or process

simple sentence: The virus can infect susceptible individuals.

part of speech: 

• susceptibleness    n.
• susceptibly     ad.

tune     \ˈtün, ˈtyün\

sentence(in the article): Thanks to  the Silence Machine, an invention by British scientist Selwyn Wright, you can get rid of the offensive tune without offending the little girl or her parent.

n.

meaning: a series of musical notes that produce a pleasing sound when played or sung

v.

meaning 1: to adjust (a musical instrument) so that it makes the correct sound when played

meaning 2: to make small changes to (something) in order to make it work better

simple sentence: Your negative assessment of the restaurant seems to be in tune with the opinions of the critics.

part of speech: 

• nontuned     a.

acoustic     a.     \ə-ˈküs-tik\

sentence(in the article): Amazingly, the thief isn't hurt because the officer hasn't used a real gun, but rather something called a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD).

meaning 1: of or relating to sound or to the sense of hearing

meaning 2: (of a musical instrument) not having its sound changed by electrical devices

simple sentence: She loves listening to acoustic folk music.

part of speech: 

• acoustically     ad.

day 4     4/03

activate     v.       \ˈak-tə-ˌvāt\

sentence(in the article): Simply activate the machine, point it at the offending target, and your peace and quiet is instantly restored.

meaning 1: to make active; cause to function or act
meaning 2: to aerate (sewage) in order to accelerate decomposition of impure organic matter by microorganisms.
meaning 3: to place (a military unit or station) on an active status in an assigned capacity.
simple sentence: Touch the screen to activate the system.

part of speech: 

• activation      n.
• unactivated     a.

beam     \ˈbēm\

sentence(in the article): At the same time, the officer and bystanders are not affected because unlike regular sound that spreads in many directions, the noise from the LRAD is directed like a beam of light.

n.

meaning 1: a line of light coming from a source (such as the sun or a headlight)

meaning 2: a line of energy, particles, etc., that cannot be seen

v.

meaning 1: to smile happily

meaning 2: to say (something) while smiling happily

simple sentence: She beamed as she told us the good news.

part of speech: 

• beamless     a.
• beamlike     a.

deafening      a.      

sentence(in the article): This device produces  a deafening sound that is so painful that it temporarily disables a person.

meaning: extremely loud
simple sentence: The gulf between them has been filled with a deafening outcry.

part of speech: 

• half-deafening     a.
• nondeafening       a.

frequency     n.     \ˈfrē-kwən(t)-sē\

sentence(in the article):

meaning 1: the fact or condition of happening often : common occurrence

meaning 2: the number of times that something happens during a particular period

simple sentence: Our visits decreased in frequency.

part of speech: 

• nonfrequence     n.
• nonfrequency     n.

high-pitched     a.     \ˈhī-ˈpicht\

sentence(in the article):

meaning: making a high sound
simple sentence: Stent was giving directions in a clear, high-pitched voice.

day 5     4/04

innovation     n.     \ˌi-nə-ˈvā-shən\

sentence(in the article):

meaning 1: a new idea, device, or method
meaning 2: the act or process of introducing new ideas, devices, or methods
simple sentence: She is responsible for many innovations in her field.
part of speech: 

• innovational     a.

lethal     \ˈlē-thəl\

sentence(in the article):

n.
meaning: an abnormality of genetic origin causing the death of the organism possessing it
a.
meaning: causing or able to cause death

simple sentence: He was sentenced to death by lethal injection.
part of speech: 

• lethality     n.
• le·thal·ness    n.
• lethally    ad.

offensive     \ə-ˈfen(t)-siv\

sentence(in the article): Thanks to  the Silence Machine, an invention by British scientist Selwyn Wright, you can get rid of the offensive tune without offending the little girl or her parent.

n.
meaning: a large military attack
a.
meaning 1: causing someone to feel hurt, angry, or upset : rude or insulting
meaning 2: very unpleasant

simple sentence: He made some offensive remarks.
part of speech: 

• offensively     ad.
• offensiveness     n.

restore     v.     \ri-ˈstȯr\

sentence(in the article): Simply activate the machine, point it at the offending target, and your peace and quiet is instantly restored.

meaning 1: to give back (someone or something that was lost or taken) : to return (someone or something)
meaning 2: to put or bring (something) back into existence or use
simple sentence: The police restored law and order.
part of speech: 

• restorable     a.
• restorableness     n.
• restorer     n.

temporarily      ad.     \ˌtem-pə-ˈrer-ə-lē\

sentence(in the article): This device produces  a deafening sound that is so painful that it temporarily disables a person.

meaning: during a limited time
simple sentence: The jury found the defendant was temporarily  insane.
part of speech: 

• temporary     a./n.