hebdomadal, bellicose, fabular, nosocomial, risible: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 214. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. hebdomadal · adjective/ˌhɛb.dəˈmɑː.dəl/

   relating to or occurring every week

   The team held hebdomadal meetings to discuss progress and assign new tasks each week.

   Synonyms: weekly, seven-day, periodical

   Origin: from Greek 'hebdomadalis' meaning 'of a week', from 'hebdomas' meaning 'week'

2. bellicose · adjective/ˈbɛlɪkoʊs/

   inclined to start quarrels or wars

   The bellicose attitude of the political leader raised concerns about the potential for conflict in the region.

   Synonyms: aggressive, belligerent, combative

   Origin: from Latin 'bellicosus', from 'bellum' meaning 'war'

3. fabular · adjective/ˈfæb.jə.lər/

   relating to or resembling a fable or myth

   The fabular themes in the novel explore the timeless struggle between good and evil.

   Synonyms: mythical, legendary, allegorical

   Origin: From Latin 'fabulāris', derived from 'fabula' meaning 'story, fable'.

4. nosocomial · adjective/ˌnɑːsəˈkoʊmiəl/

   pertaining to or originating in a hospital, especially infections acquired in a hospital

   The hospital implemented strict hygiene protocols to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections among patients.

   Synonyms: hospital-acquired, hospital-related, institutional

   Origin: from the Latin 'nosocomium' meaning 'hospital', derived from 'noso-' meaning 'disease' and 'komeion' meaning 'to take care of'

5. risible · adjective/ˈrɪzəbl/

   provoking laughter; laughable or ridiculous

   The comedian's risible antics had the audience in stitches from start to finish.

   Synonyms: laughable, ridiculous, comical

   Origin: from Latin 'risibilis' meaning 'able to be laughed at', derived from 'rideo' meaning 'I laugh'