Barron's 1100 Words You Need to Know » Week 13 - Day 2

Word List
  • ultimate [ul´ tə mit]
    final
    → “The ultimate possibility for hero and chorus alike is stated in Father Mapple’s sermon, and it is to become a saint.” W. H. Auden, “The Christian Tragic Hero”
  • eventuate [i ven´ chü āt]
    to result finally
    → “Her illness following the chemotherapy eventuated in death.” Terrence Foy, St. Louis Blues
  • emit [i mit´]
    to give off
    → “The smoke that was emitted when the bomb went off made some think it was a firecracker but I thought it was a revolver shot.” Journal of Andre Gide, Vol. I
  • subterranean [sub´ tə rā´ nē ən]
    underground
    → “Another celebrity expected during the three games at Madison Square Garden is Ed Norton—the actor, not the subterranean sanitation professional.” Richard Sandomir, “N.B.A. Finals,” New York Times, 6/21/99
  • viable [vī´ ə bəl]
    practicable, workable
    → “The organism remains viable in the soil for years.” Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

Enrico Fermi designed a device that could eventuate in a chain reaction. It consisted of layers of graphite, alternated with chunks of uranium. The uranium emitted neutrons, and the graphite slowed them down. Holes were left for long cadmium safety rods. By withdrawing those control rods Fermi could speed up the production of neutrons, thus increasing the number of uranium atoms that would be split (fission). When the rods were withdrawn to a critical point, then the neutrons would be produced so fast that the graphite and cadmium could not absorb them. In that manner a chain reaction would result. Slowly, Fermi’s first atomic pile began to grow in a subterranean room at Columbia University. The big question remained—was it viable?

Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences.

  1. A thorough investigation __________ in a comprehensive* report.
  2. After two years of confinement in a __________ dungeon, the prisoner was thin and wan.*
  3. The mayor issued a diatribe* against companies whose smokestacks __________ poisonous fumes.
  4. Gaining better housing for all was the __________ goal of the zealous* reformer.
  5. When the schism* in the company was healed, a __________ arrangement was worked out.

Definitions Match the new words with their meanings.

  1. a. underground
  2. b. final
  3. c. practicable, workable
  4. d. to give off
  5. e. to result finally
  1. ultimate __________
  2. eventuate __________
  3. emit __________
  4. subterranean __________
  5. viable __________

Answer Key
the lion’s share—the major portion
Because the salesman was essential to the business, he demanded the lion’s share of the profits.

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