auroral, nummiform, coeval, abderian, megalithic: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 140. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. auroral · adjective/əˈrɔrəl/

   relating to or resembling the dawn or the northern lights

   The night sky was illuminated by auroral displays, painting the landscape with vibrant hues of green and blue.

   Synonyms: dawnlike, radiant, luminous

   Origin: Derived from Latin 'aurora,' meaning 'dawn,' combined with the suffix '-al' indicating 'pertaining to.'

2. nummiform · adjective/ˈnʌmɪfɔrm/

   shaped like a coin

   The ancient artifact was discovered in a nummiform shape, resembling a large, weathered coin from centuries past.

   Synonyms: coin-shaped, circular, disc-like

   Origin: The word 'nummiform' originates from the Latin 'nummus' meaning 'coin' combined with the suffix '-form' meaning 'shaped like'.

3. coeval · adjective/koʊˈiːvəl/

   having the same age or origin

   The fossils discovered in the site are coeval with the emergence of the first dinosaurs.

   Synonyms: contemporary, coexisting, synchronous

   Origin: from Latin 'coaevalis', meaning 'of the same age', derived from 'co-' (together) + 'aevum' (age or era)

4. abderian · adjective/ˌæb.dɪˈrɪ.ən/

   given to laughter or foolishness

   The abderian antics of the clowns left the audience in fits of laughter, proving that silliness can be the best entertainment.

   Synonyms: mirthful, droll, foolish

   Origin: The word 'abderian' originates from the name of the ancient Greek town of Abdera, which was reputedly home to a number of philosophers and thinkers known for their folly and silliness.

5. megalithic · adjective/ˌmɛɡəˈlɪθɪk/

   relating to or denoting large stones used in prehistoric monuments

   The archaeologists uncovered a megalithic structure that dated back to the Neolithic period, revealing the impressive engineering capabilities of ancient civilizations.

   Synonyms: monolithic, gigantic, colossus

   Origin: From the Greek words 'mega' meaning 'great' and 'lithos' meaning 'stone'