omphaloskepsis, hendiadys, boondoggle, haruspex, cereologist: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 230. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. omphaloskepsis · noun/ˌɑmfəloʊˈskɛpsɪs/

   the contemplative practice of gazing at one's navel

   During the meditation retreat, many participants engaged in omphaloskepsis, finding tranquility in the simple act of gazing at their navel.

   Synonyms: navel-gazing, self-contemplation, introspection

   Origin: from Greek 'omphalos' meaning 'navel' and 'skepsis' meaning 'reflection' or 'inquiry'

2. hendiadys · noun/ˌhɛnˈdaɪədɪs/

   a stylistic device in which two nouns are used together to express a single concept

   In his poem, the author employed hendiadys to create a vivid image, describing the joy and excitement of the moment with the phrase 'sound and fury'.

   Synonyms: duality, compound, coupling

   Origin: Latin, from Greek hendiadys, meaning 'one through two'

3. boondoggle · noun/ˈbuːnˌdɑːɡəl/

   a wasteful or pointless project or activity

   The government funded a massive infrastructure boondoggle that ended up serving no real purpose and draining taxpayers' money.

   Synonyms: white elephant, waste, folly

   Origin: The term 'boondoggle' was coined in the 1930s in the United States, possibly derived from the term for a kind of leatherworking or craft project, often accompanied by a sense of unnecessary or frivolous work.

4. haruspex · noun/ˈhɑrəsˌpɛks/

   a priest in ancient Rome who practiced divination by examining the entrails of sacrificed animals

   The haruspex carefully examined the entrails of the sacrificed animal, seeking signs of the gods' favor.

   Synonyms: augur, diviner, soothsayer

   Origin: Latin haruspex, from 'haru' meaning 'to observe' and 'specere' meaning 'to look at'

5. cereologist · noun/ˌsɛrɪˈɑlədʒɪst/

   a person who studies or specializes in the cultivation of cereals

   The cereologist conducted extensive research to improve the yields of staple crops like wheat and barley.

   Synonyms: agronomist, agriculturalist, cereal specialist

   Origin: from Latin 'cerealis', meaning 'of corn' or 'of grain'