uxorious, redolent, nephrotoxic, minatory, argute: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 10. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. uxorious · adjective/ʌkˈsɔːr.i.əs/

   excessively devoted or submissive to one's wife

   His uxorious behavior was evident when he insisted on carrying his wife's shopping bags, despite her insistence that she could manage on her own.

   Synonyms: submissive, devoted, doting

   Origin: From Latin 'uxoriosus', from 'uxor' meaning 'wife'.

2. redolent · adjective/ˈrɛd.əl.ənt/

   strongly reminiscent or suggestive of something

   The old library was redolent of ancient tomes and forgotten stories, filling the air with nostalgia.

   Synonyms: evocative, suggestive, resonant

   Origin: from Latin 'redolentem', meaning 'having a scent or fragrance', from 'redolere' meaning 'to emit a smell'

3. nephrotoxic · adjective/ˌnɛf.rəˈtɑ.k.sɪk/

   capable of causing damage to the kidneys

   The patient was advised to avoid nephrotoxic medications that could further compromise kidney function.

   Synonyms: kidney-damaging, renal-toxic, nephrotoxicant

   Origin: from 'nephro-' meaning kidney (from Greek 'nephros') and 'toxic' meaning poisonous (from Greek 'toxikon')

4. minatory · adjective/ˈmɪnəˌtɔri/

   expressing a threat or warning

   The minatory clouds gathered overhead, signaling an approaching storm that could bring destruction.

   Synonyms: menacing, threatening, ominous

   Origin: from Latin 'minatorius', from 'minari' meaning 'to threaten'

5. argute · adjective/ɑrˈɡjut/

   having or showing sharp insight or clear understanding

   Her argute analysis of the complex situation revealed insights that others had overlooked.

   Synonyms: shrewd, perceptive, insightful

   Origin: from Latin 'argutus' meaning 'sharp, shrewd, clear-sighted'