Word Ultra — Set 231

Set 231 of Word Ultra covers 5 words: burgeoning, grotesque, mycetophagous, turbid, extramundane. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. burgeoning · adjective/ˈbɜrdʒənɪŋ/

   beginning to grow or increase rapidly; flourishing

   The burgeoning tech industry is attracting a lot of young talent eager to innovate.

   Synonyms: thriving, expanding, blossoming

   Origin: From the verb 'burgeon', which originates from the Middle English 'burgeon', meaning 'to bud or sprout', probably from Old French 'bourgeon' meaning 'a bud'.

2. grotesque · adjective/groʊˈtɛsk/

   characterized by absurdity and distortion in appearance or nature

   The grotesque masks worn during the festival highlighted the absurdity of the traditions they were meant to celebrate.

   Synonyms: bizarre, unnatural, distorted

   Origin: from Italian 'grottesca', meaning 'of a cave', related to 'grotta', referring to ornamental decorations found in caves

3. mycetophagous · adjective/maɪˈsɛtəfəgəs/

   feeding on fungi

   The mycetophagous beetle species thrives in damp, decaying wood where fungi are abundant.

   Synonyms: fungivorous, mycophagous, fungus-eating

   Origin: The word 'mycetophagous' is derived from the Greek 'mykes' meaning 'fungus' and 'phagein' meaning 'to eat'.

4. turbid · adjective/ˈtɜr.bɪd/

   not clear due to stirred up sediment or impurities

   After the heavy rain, the river became turbid, making it difficult for the fishermen to see the fish beneath the surface.

   Synonyms: cloudy, muddy, opaque

   Origin: from Middle French 'turbide', from Latin 'turbidus', meaning 'disordered, troubled'.

5. extramundane · adjective/ˌɛkstrəˈmʌndeɪn/

   pertaining to or located outside the physical world or universe

   The philosophy explored the concept of extramundane existence, suggesting that there are realities beyond our physical universe.

   Synonyms: transcendent, otherworldly, celestial

   Origin: Derived from the Latin 'extra' meaning 'beyond' and 'mundanus' meaning 'of the world'.