lucubratory, tremulous, esurient, furibund, amygdaliform: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 135. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. lucubratory · adjective/ˌluːkəˈbreɪtəri/

   characterized by or related to study or writing at night

   His lucubratory hours often resulted in insightful drafts that displayed a profound depth of thought.

   Synonyms: nocturnal, scholarly, studious

   Origin: From Latin 'lucubrare' meaning 'to work by light', from 'lux' meaning 'light'

2. tremulous · adjective/ˈtrɛm.jə.ləs/

   characterized by trembling or quivering

   Her tremulous voice revealed the fear she was trying to conceal during the presentation.

   Synonyms: quivering, shaking, trembling

   Origin: from Latin 'tremulus', from 'tremere' meaning 'to tremble'

3. esurient · adjective/ˈhʌŋɡri, ˈrævənəs, vəˈreɪʃəs/

   having a strong desire or appetite for food

   The esurient crowd eagerly lined up at the food festival, their eyes lighting up at the sight of gourmet dishes.

   Synonyms: hungry, ravenous, voracious

   Origin: from Latin 'esurientem', the present participle of 'esurire' which means 'to hunger'.

4. furibund · adjective/fjʊrɪˌbʌnd/

   extremely angry or furious

   The furibund crowd erupted in outrage when the controversial decision was announced.

   Synonyms: enraged, furious, irate

   Origin: from Latin 'furibundus', meaning 'raging, furious'

5. amygdaliform · adjective/əˈmɪɡ.də.lɪ.fɔrm/

   shaped like an almond

   The amygdaliform leaves of the plant gave it a distinct and recognizable appearance in the garden.

   Synonyms: almond-shaped, oval, elliptical

   Origin: from the Latin 'amygdala', meaning almond, combined with the suffix '-form' meaning shaped like