Word Ultra — Set 120

Set 120 of Word Ultra covers 5 words: poltroon, abnegation, zenith, vicissitude, perianth. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. poltroon · noun/pɑlˈtrun/

   a coward or someone who lacks courage

   Despite his bravado, he turned out to be nothing more than a poltroon when faced with real danger.

   Synonyms: coward,cowardly,craven

   Origin: From Middle French 'poltroun', from Old Italian 'poltrone', ultimately of unknown origin

2. abnegation · noun/ˌæb.nɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/

   the act of rejecting or renouncing something

   Her abnegation of personal desires for the sake of her family's happiness was both admirable and selfless.

   Synonyms: renunciation, rejection, refusal

   Origin: from Latin 'abnegatio', from 'ab-' meaning 'away' and 'negare' meaning 'to deny'

3. zenith · noun/ˈziː.nəθ/

   the highest point reached in the sky by a celestial object or the highest point in a situation

   The sun reached its zenith at noon, casting the shortest shadows of the day.

   Synonyms: summit, pinnacle, apex

   Origin: The word 'zenith' comes from the Arabic 'samt' meaning 'path' or 'direction,' passed through Medieval Latin as 'zenitum' or 'senitum,' and was later adopted in Middle English.

4. vicissitude · noun/vɪˈsɪs.ɪ.tud/

   a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant

   After experiencing the vicissitudes of life, he learned to appreciate the small moments of joy amidst the chaos.

   Synonyms: fluctuation, change, uncertainty

   Origin: Latin 'vicissitudo', from 'vicissitus' meaning 'change, alternation'

5. perianth · noun/ˈpɛr.i.ænθ/

   the outer part of a flower, consisting of the petals and sepals

   The vibrant perianth of the tulip attracted many admirers in the spring garden.

   Synonyms: flower covering, floral envelope, bract

   Origin: from Greek 'peri' meaning 'around' and 'anthe' meaning 'flower'