eldritch, sublunary, zaftig, oxygenaceous, ersatz: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 174. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. eldritch · adjective/ˈɛldrɪtʃ/

   weird and sinister or ghostly

   The eldritch atmosphere of the abandoned house sent shivers down my spine as I stepped inside.

   Synonyms: uncanny, eerie, creepy

   Origin: Originates from Middle English, possibly from a combination of the word 'elder' in the sense of 'strange' or 'supernatural' and 'witch'.

2. sublunary · adjective/səˈblunˌɛri/

   pertaining to the earthly or terrestrial world as opposed to the celestial

   Philosophers often debate the nature of sublunary existence as they ponder the differences between human experience and celestial ideals.

   Synonyms: terrestrial, earthly, mundane

   Origin: Derived from the Latin 'sublunaris', meaning 'beneath the moon', from 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'luna' meaning 'moon'.

3. zaftig · adjective/ˈzɑf.tɪk/

   having a full rounded figure often used to describe a woman

   The artist preferred to paint zaftig women, celebrating their curves and natural beauty.

   Synonyms: curvaceous, voluptuous, full-figured

   Origin: Yiddish, from 'zaftik', which means 'juicy, full of flavor'.

4. oxygenaceous · adjective/ˌɑːksɪˈdʒiːn.eɪ.ʃəs/

   having the properties or characteristics of oxygen

   The researchers studied the oxygenaceous environment in the ocean to understand its effects on marine life.

   Synonyms: aeriform, gaseous, atmospheric

   Origin: The word 'oxygenaceous' is derived from the word 'oxygen' combined with the suffix '-aceous', which means 'of or pertaining to'.

5. ersatz · adjective/ˈɜr.zæts/

   not genuine or authentic; inferior imitation

   The coffee shop served an ersatz version of espresso that tasted more like brown water than a rich, bold brew.

   Synonyms: fake, imitation, substitute

   Origin: German, meaning 'replacement' or 'substitute', used in English from the late 19th century