paralipsis, plenilune, nanism, viaticum, anaphora: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 180. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. paralipsis · noun/pəˈræləpɪsɪs/

   the rhetorical device of drawing attention to something by claiming not to mention it

   During his speech, the politician employed paralipsis to highlight the scandal by stating he wouldn't discuss it further.

   Synonyms: apophasis, preterition, reticence

   Origin: from Greek 'paralipsis', meaning 'omission' or 'taking aside'

2. plenilune · noun/ˈplɛnɪˌluːn/

   the full moon

   As the plenilune rose over the horizon, it bathed the landscape in a silver glow, enchanting all who watched.

   Synonyms: full moon, moon, lunar

   Origin: from Latin 'plenilunium', combining 'plenus' (full) and 'luna' (moon)

3. nanism · noun/ˈnæn.ɪ.zəm/

   a condition characterized by abnormal short stature or dwarfism

   The child was diagnosed with nanism, a condition that affects physical development and leads to significantly shorter height compared to peers.

   Synonyms: dwarfism, short stature, midgetry

   Origin: from Latin 'nanus' meaning 'dwarf' and the suffix '-ism' indicating a condition.

4. viaticum · noun/vaɪˈætɪkəm/

   a provision or supplies for a journey especially in a spiritual context

   The priest offered the dying man viaticum to ensure he was spiritually prepared for his journey into the next life.

   Synonyms: provisions, supplies, provisions for the journey

   Origin: From Latin 'viaticum', meaning 'provisions for a journey', from 'via' meaning 'way, road'.

5. anaphora · noun/əˈnæfərə/

   the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences

   The use of anaphora in his speech emphasized the urgency of the message, making each point resonate with the audience.

   Synonyms: repetition, reiterance, pleonasm

   Origin: from the Greek 'anaphora,' meaning 'to bring back'