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exordium

noun/ɪnˈtrəˌdʌkʃən/

definition

the introductory part of a discourse or composition

example

The speaker's exordium captivated the audience, setting the tone for a compelling argument.

synonyms
introductionpreambleprologue
word origin — Latin 'exordium', from 'ex' (out of) + 'ordiri' (to begin)

exordium, habromania, peccability, encaustic, haruspicy: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 19. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. exordium · noun/ɪnˈtrəˌdʌkʃən/

    the introductory part of a discourse or composition

    The speaker's exordium captivated the audience, setting the tone for a compelling argument.

    Synonyms: introduction, preamble, prologue

    Origin: Latin 'exordium', from 'ex' (out of) + 'ordiri' (to begin)

  2. habromania · noun/juˈfɔriə, ˈdʒɔɪfəlnəs, blɪs/

    a state of being excessively happy or having an overabundance of joy

    After receiving the good news, she was swept away by a sudden bout of habromania that made her feel as if she could conquer the world.

    Synonyms: euphoria, joyfulness, bliss

    Origin: The term 'habromania' derives from the Greek roots 'habra' meaning 'joy' and 'mania' meaning 'madness' or 'frenzy'.

  3. peccability · noun/ˌpɛkəˈbɪlɪti/

    the quality or state of being capable of sinning or being morally imperfect

    The doctrine of original sin emphasizes the peccability of human nature, suggesting that everyone is prone to moral failing from birth.

    Synonyms: fallibility, sinfulness, imperfection

    Origin: from Latin 'peccabilis', meaning 'that may sin', from 'peccare' which means 'to sin' or 'to do wrong'

  4. encaustic · noun/ɪnˈkɔstɪk/

    a painting technique using heated wax to which colored pigments are added

    The artist showcased her stunning encaustic paintings at the gallery, revealing the vibrant textures achieved through the use of hot wax.

    Synonyms: wax painting, hot wax technique, colored wax

    Origin: from Greek 'enkaustikos', meaning 'to burn in', from 'enkauston' (burned in, encaustic paint)

  5. haruspicy · noun/həˈrʌspɪsi/

    the practice of examining the entrails of animals to predict the future

    In ancient Rome, haruspicy was often employed by priests to interpret the will of the gods based on the entrails of sacrificed animals.

    Synonyms: divination, augury, soothsaying

    Origin: Latin 'haruspicium', from 'haruspex', meaning 'one who inspects entrails'.