Ch 7.4: Unit 22

These words come from the Latin root CREV, meaning "to crack."

Key Words

Example Usage

• The climber carefully searched for a crevice in the rock face to get a better handhold.
• A warning sign was placed near the deep crevasse in the glacier to prevent accidents.

Word Spark

• crevice: Think of a tiny crack in the sidewalk where a small weed is starting to grow.
• crevasse: Imagine a huge, terrifying crack in a glacier that seems to have no bottom.

These words originate from the Latin root FISS, meaning "to split" or "to divide."

Key Words

Example Usage

• The political party experienced a fission into two smaller groups over a major policy disagreement.
• After the earthquake, a long fissure appeared in the middle of the road.

Word Spark

• fission: Like one cell slowly pulling apart to become two separate, new cells.
• fissure: Picture a long, narrow crack opening up in the dry desert ground after a tremor.

This word comes from the Latin root HIA, meaning "to gape."

Key Words

Example Usage

• After a long semester, the students enjoyed a brief hiatus before their summer classes began.

Word Spark

• hiatus: Think of your favorite TV show taking a break for the summer before the new season starts.

These words are derived from the Latin root OS, OR, meaning "mouth" or "face."

Key Words

Example Usage

• The principal’s orotund voice boomed through the auditorium, commanding everyone’s attention.
• The nurse cleaned the small orifice of the wound before applying a bandage.

Word Spark

• orotund: Like a famous actor's deep, powerful voice reading a classic poem aloud in a theater.
• orifice: Imagine the small opening of a beehive where all the bees fly in and out.

Let's dig into words from the Latin root CAV, meaning "hollow."

Key Words

Example Usage

• The construction crew had to excavate a large area to lay the foundation for the new skyscraper.
• The old warehouse was a cavernous space, with echoes bouncing off the high ceilings.
• The inside of a bowl has a concave shape, perfect for holding soup.

Word Spark

• excavate: Think of construction workers with big yellow machines digging a huge pit for a new building.
• cavernous: Like stepping into an enormous, empty gym where your voice echoes loudly.
• concave: Picture the inside curve of a spoon you use to eat cereal.