Word Ultra — Set 16

Set 16 of Word Ultra covers 5 words: mélange, aeromancy, phantasmagoria, oenology, peroration. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. mélange · noun/məˈlɑ̃ʒ/

   a mixture of different elements or ingredients

   The festival showcased a delightful mélange of cultures, featuring music, dance, and food from around the world.

   Synonyms: medley, mixture, blend

   Origin: French, from Latin 'melange' meaning 'to mix'

2. aeromancy · noun/ˌɛroʊˈmænsi/

   divination by observing atmospheric phenomena

   In ancient cultures, aeromancy was practiced by those who believed that storms and winds could reveal the will of the gods.

   Synonyms: meteoromancy, atmomancy, weather divination

   Origin: The word 'aeromancy' originates from the Greek words 'aero' meaning 'air' and 'manteia' meaning 'divination'.

3. phantasmagoria · noun/ˌfæntæzməˈɡɔriə/

   a sequence of real or imagined events often seen in a dreamlike state

   As I drifted into sleep, a bizarre phantasmagoria of colors and sounds enveloped me, merging reality with my deepest fears.

   Synonyms: hallucination, dreamscape, vision

   Origin: The word 'phantasmagoria' originates from the French 'fantasmagorie', which combines 'fantasme' (phantasm) and 'sorcery' or 'magic' (-gorie). It was first used in the 19th century to describe a series of images or effects, often used in magic lantern shows.

4. oenology · noun/iˈnɑlədʒi/

   the science and study of wine and winemaking

   After completing her degree in oenology, she landed a job at one of the most prestigious wineries in Napa Valley.

   Synonyms: vinology, enology

   Origin: from the Greek 'oinos' meaning 'wine' and 'logia' meaning 'study of'

5. peroration · noun/ˌpɛrəˈreɪʃən/

   a concluding part of a speech or discourse typically summarizing the main points

   The speaker concluded his address with a powerful peroration that elegantly summarized the key themes of his argument.

   Synonyms: conclusion, summation, closing

   Origin: from Latin 'peroratio', meaning 'to speak completely, to finish speaking'