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coroner

noun/ˈkɔr.ən.ɚ/

an official who investigates and determines the cause of death in cases of sudden or unexplained deaths

The coroner concluded that the death was the result of natural causes after an extensive investigation.

medical examinerpathologistforensic investigator
word origin — The word 'coroner' originates from the Latin 'corona' meaning 'crown', referring to the royal official who was responsible for investigating deaths on behalf of the crown.

TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 68

Set 68 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: coroner, bequest, burden, referendum, deficiency. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. coroner · noun/ˈkɔr.ən.ɚ/

    an official who investigates and determines the cause of death in cases of sudden or unexplained deaths

    The coroner concluded that the death was the result of natural causes after an extensive investigation.

    Synonyms: medical examiner, pathologist, forensic investigator

    Origin: The word 'coroner' originates from the Latin 'corona' meaning 'crown', referring to the royal official who was responsible for investigating deaths on behalf of the crown.

  2. bequest · noun/bɪˈkwɛst/

    the act of giving or leaving personal property to someone through a will

    Her grandfather's generous bequest allowed her to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor.

    Synonyms: legacy, gift, inheritance

    Origin: From Middle English 'biquest', derived from Old French 'biqueste', from the Latin 'bi-cadere', meaning 'to bequeath'.

  3. burden · noun/ˈbɜrdən/

    a heavy load or responsibility that is difficult to bear

    Caring for her elderly parents became a heavy burden that she struggled to manage.

    Synonyms: load, weight, responsibility

    Origin: from Old English 'byrdan', meaning 'to carry, to endure' derived from Proto-Germanic *burthaz, meaning 'that which is carried'

  4. referendum · noun/ˌrɛf.əˈrɛn.dəm/

    a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of a new law or policy

    The government announced a referendum on the proposed constitutional amendments to gauge public opinion.

    Synonyms: plebiscite, vote, ballot

    Origin: from Latin 'referendum', meaning 'that which is to be referred' (from 'referre', meaning 'to bring back, refer')

  5. deficiency · noun/dɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/

    a lack or shortage of something that is necessary or required

    The patient was diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency, which was contributing to her fatigue and weakness.

    Synonyms: deficit, insufficiency, lack

    Origin: from Middle French 'déficience', from Latin 'deficientia', from 'deficere' meaning 'to fail, be wanting'