SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 36

Set 36 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: effigy, snicker, plasticity, retort, vise. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. effigy · noun/ˈɛfədʒi/

   a sculpture or model of a person

   The artist unveiled a striking effigy of the historical figure during the town festival.

   Synonyms: likeness, statue, figure

   Origin: from Middle French 'effigie', from Latin 'effigies', meaning 'representation, image' (from 'effigere' meaning 'to shape, form').

2. snicker · noun/ˈsnɪkər/

   a quiet, suppressed laugh

   She couldn't help but let out a snicker when she saw her friend trip over his own feet.

   Synonyms: snort, titter, chuckle

   Origin: Origin uncertain; likely from a variant of 'snicker' as related to a suppressed laugh.

3. plasticity · noun/plæˈstɪs.ə.ti/

   the quality of being easily shaped or molded

   The artist admired the clay's plasticity, which allowed her to effortlessly shape it into intricate designs.

   Synonyms: malleability, flexibility, adaptability

   Origin: late 19th century: from Greek plastikos 'capable of being shaped,' from plassein 'to shape'

4. retort · noun/rɪˈtɔrt/

   a quick, sharp, or witty reply

   Her quick retort left everyone in the room speechless, as they hadn't expected such a sharp comeback.

   Synonyms: reply, comeback, rejoinder

   Origin: from Latin 'retortus', past participle of 'retorquere' meaning 'to twist back'

5. vise · noun/vaɪs/

   a tool used for holding an object firmly in place

   He used a bench vise to securely hold the wood while he cut it.

   Synonyms: clamp, grasp

   Origin: from Middle French 'vise', meaning 'to see', which relates to being able to see or hold securely.