aqueous, arable, astringent, brittle, caustic: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 153. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. aqueous · adjective/ˈeɪ.kwi.əs/

   pertaining to or resembling water

   The scientists observed that the aqueous solution contained a higher concentration of nutrients essential for plant growth.

   Synonyms: watery, liquid, hydrous

   Origin: from Latin 'aqua' meaning 'water'

2. arable · adjective/ˈɛrəbl/

   suitable for growing crops

   The region is known for its rich arable land, which supports a variety of crops throughout the year.

   Synonyms: croppable, cultivable, tillable

   Origin: from Old French 'arable,' from Latin 'arabilis,' from 'arare' meaning 'to plow'

3. astringent · adjective/əˈstrɪn.dʒənt/

   having a sharp taste or smell that causes a tightening sensation in the mouth

   The astringent taste of the unripe fruit made me wince as it caused a tight feeling in my mouth.

   Synonyms: sharp, biting, pungent

   Origin: from Latin 'astringentem', meaning 'to bind fast or tighten'

4. brittle · adjective/ˈbrɪt̬.əl/

   easily broken or damaged

   The brittle glass shattered into a hundred pieces when it hit the floor.

   Synonyms: fragile, breakable, delicate

   Origin: from Middle English 'brittel', from Old English 'brytt', meaning 'broken' or 'fractured', related to the verb 'break'.

5. caustic · adjective/ˈkɔstɪk/

   able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action

   The chemist carefully handled the caustic solution to avoid any skin burns.

   Synonyms: corrosive, burning, causticizing

   Origin: from the Greek word 'kaustikos', meaning 'able to burn', from 'kauein', meaning 'to burn'.