orotund, flagitious, puerile, iatrogenic, bifoliolate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 24. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. orotund · adjective/əˈroʊtənd/

   characterized by fullness, richness, and clarity in sound or style

   The orotund voice of the narrator captivated the audience, echoing through the hall with a richness that made the story come alive.

   Synonyms: resonant, sonorous, full-toned

   Origin: From Latin 'orotundus', meaning 'full of sound', from 'os' (mouth) and 'rotundus' (round)

2. flagitious · adjective/fləˈdʒɪʃəs/

   extremely wicked or criminal

   The flagitious crimes committed by the notorious gang shocked the entire community.

   Synonyms: wicked, villainous, nefarious

   Origin: from Latin 'flagitiosus', meaning 'criminal', from 'flagitium', meaning 'a crime or outrage'

3. puerile · adjective/ˈpjʊr.aɪl/

   childishly silly or trivial

   His puerile attempts at humor fell flat during the serious meeting.

   Synonyms: childish, juvenile, silly

   Origin: from Latin 'puerilis', meaning 'of a boy' or 'childish', from 'puer' meaning 'boy'

4. iatrogenic · adjective/aɪ.ə.trəˈdʒɛn.ɪk/

   caused by medical examination or treatment

   The patient's complications were found to be iatrogenic, resulting from the recent surgical procedure.

   Synonyms: medical, clinical, therapeutic

   Origin: from the Greek 'iatros' meaning 'physician' and 'genes' meaning 'born of, produced by'

5. bifoliolate · adjective/ˌbaɪˈfoʊl.i.əlt/

   having two leaflets

   The plant species exhibited bifoliolate leaves that were characteristic of its adaptation to the environment.

   Synonyms: bifoliate, two-leafed, diaphyllous

   Origin: From the prefix 'bi-' meaning two, and 'foliolus', which is derived from Latin 'folium' meaning leaf.