braxy, fustian, autotomy, logorrhea, nucleoplasm: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 152. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. braxy · noun/ˈbræksi/

   a disease in sheep characterized by sudden death and found in animals that have eaten putrid feed

   The farmer was grim when he discovered that several sheep had succumbed to braxy after grazing on contaminated feed.

   Synonyms: rot, blight, decay

   Origin: The word 'braxy' is of Scottish origin, possibly derived from the Old Norse word 'brak' meaning 'breaking' or 'to break.'

2. fustian · noun/ˈfʌstʃən/

   a type of thick cotton or linen fabric often used for upholstery or clothing

   The craftsman selected a luxurious fustian fabric to reupholster the antique chairs, ensuring durability and elegance.

   Synonyms: canvas, twill, velveteen

   Origin: Middle English fustian, from Old French fustian, from Italian fustagno, from fusta (meaning 'cotton or linen fabric')

3. autotomy · noun/ɔˈtɑː.tə.mi/

   the natural process by which an animal sheds a part of its body usually as a self-defense mechanism

   The lizard's autotomy allowed it to escape from the predator while leaving part of its tail behind.

   Synonyms: self-amputation, self-severance, autoscission

   Origin: The word 'autotomy' originates from the Greek 'auto' meaning 'self' and 'tome' meaning 'cut' or 'section'.

4. logorrhea · noun/ˌlɑɡəˈriə/

   excessive and often incoherent talkativeness

   During the meeting, her logorrhea was so overwhelming that no one else had a chance to speak.

   Synonyms: verbosity, wordiness, loquacity

   Origin: from the Greek words 'logorrhoia' (λόγος meaning 'word' and ῥεῖν meaning 'to flow')

5. nucleoplasm · noun/ˈnukliər ˌplæzəm/

   the gel-like substance within the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell

   The nucleoplasm supports the structure of the nucleus and facilitates the movement of molecules within it.

   Synonyms: nuclear sap, karyoplasm

   Origin: The word 'nucleoplasm' is derived from 'nucleus' (from Latin 'nucleus', meaning 'kernel' or 'seed') and 'plasm' (from Greek 'plasma', meaning 'something molded or formed').