Word Ultra — Set 116

Set 116 of Word Ultra covers 5 words: oxter, cunctator, emolument, parergon, clinomania. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. oxter · noun/ˈɑːkstər/

   the armpit

   He wiped away the sweat that had gathered in his oxter after a long run.

   Synonyms: armpit, underarm, axilla

   Origin: From Old English 'oxter', related to Old Norse 'okstra' and Middle Dutch 'okster', ultimately of Germanic origin.

2. cunctator · noun/proʊˈkræstɪneɪtɚ, ˈdɔːdler, dɪˈleɪ/

   a person who procrastinates or delays taking action

   Despite his brilliance, John has often been criticized as a cunctator, always postponing crucial decisions until the last minute.

   Synonyms: procrastinator, dawdler, delay

   Origin: Latin 'cunctator' meaning 'one who delays'

3. emolument · noun/ɪˈmɑl.jə.mənt/

   payment or compensation received for work or services

   The employee received an annual emolument that included bonuses for exceeding performance targets.

   Synonyms: payment, compensation, salary

   Origin: from Latin 'emolumentum', meaning 'advantage' or 'profit', from 'emolere', meaning 'to grind out'.

4. parergon · noun/pəˈrɪɡən/

   something that is additional or supplementary to a primary work or subject

   The art critique focused on the painting itself, but it also acknowledged the parergon that surrounded it, including the ornate frame that complemented its beauty.

   Synonyms: appendix, supplement, adjunct

   Origin: From Greek 'parergon', meaning 'work alongside', derived from 'para-' (beside) and 'ergon' (work)

5. clinomania · noun/ˌklaɪnəˈmeɪnɪə/

   an excessive desire to stay in bed

   After a long week of work, Jane found herself succumbing to her clinomania, canceling plans just to remain in bed all weekend.

   Synonyms: bed addiction, bed laziness, sleepiness

   Origin: from 'clino-' meaning 'to incline or lean' and 'mania' meaning 'obsession or excessive enthusiasm'