demulcent, heterotelic, marmoreal, brumous, panacean: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 190. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. demulcent · adjective/dɪˈmʌlsənt/

   having a soothing or softening effect especially on irritated or inflamed tissues

   After suffering from a sore throat, she found relief in a demulcent syrup that coated her throat and reduced the irritation.

   Synonyms: soothing, calming, softening

   Origin: From Latin 'demulcens', present participle of 'demulcere', meaning 'to soothe' or 'to stroke gently'

2. heterotelic · adjective/ˌhɛtərˈtoʊlɪk/

   having a purpose or goal that is external to the activity itself

   The students engaged in heterotelic activities, such as studying for exams, that aimed to achieve grades rather than enjoying the learning process itself.

   Synonyms: extrinsic, external, purposive

   Origin: from the Greek 'heteros' meaning 'other' and 'telos' meaning 'end' or 'purpose'

3. marmoreal · adjective/mɑrˈmɔr.i.əl/

   having the qualities of marble especially in smoothness or coldness

   The marmoreal surface of the statue reflected the pale light, giving it an eerie, lifelike quality.

   Synonyms: marble-like, smooth, cold

   Origin: From Latin 'marmoreus', meaning 'of marble', derived from 'marmor', meaning 'marble'.

4. brumous · adjective/ˈbruː.məs/

   characterized by fog, mist, or darkness

   The brumous morning shrouded the village in a thick veil of mist, making it difficult to see further than a few feet ahead.

   Synonyms: foggy, misty, overcast

   Origin: from Latin 'bruma', meaning 'winter solstice', derived from 'brumalis', meaning 'wintry'

5. panacean · adjective/ˌpæn.əˈsi.ən/

   having the qualities of a cure-all or solution to all problems

   Many enthusiasts believe that technology is a panacean solution to all the challenges facing education today.

   Synonyms: universal, remedy, solution

   Origin: from the Greek 'panakēs', meaning 'all-healing', derived from 'pan-' meaning 'all' and 'akos' meaning 'cure'.