malleiform, impecunious, plethoric, prelapsarian, recalcitrant: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 261. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. malleiform · adjective/ˈmæl.ə.fɔrm/

   having the shape or form of a hammer

   The ancient tool displayed a malleiform head, perfectly suited for striking chisels into stone.

   Synonyms: hammer-shaped, hammershaped, mallet-like

   Origin: from Latin 'malleus' meaning 'hammer' combined with the suffix '-iform' meaning 'in the shape of'

2. impecunious · adjective/ɪmˈpɛk.juː.ni.əs/

   having little or no money

   Despite his impressive academic credentials, he remained an impecunious artist struggling to make ends meet.

   Synonyms: poor, penniless, needy

   Origin: Latin 'impecuniosus', from 'in-' (not) + 'pecunia' (money)

3. plethoric · adjective/plɛˈθɔrɪk/

   characterized by an excessive amount of blood or fluid in the body

   The patient was diagnosed with plethoric symptoms, exhibiting an unusual amount of swelling and redness in her extremities.

   Synonyms: bloated, engorged, congested

   Origin: Late Latin 'plethoricus', from Greek 'plethōrô', meaning 'to be full or swollen'

4. prelapsarian · adjective/priˌlæpˈsɛr.i.ən/

   referring to the time or state before the fall of man or before original sin

   The garden was a prelapsarian paradise, untouched by sin and filled with pure innocence.

   Synonyms: innocent, uncorrupted, pristine

   Origin: From the Latin 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'lapsus' meaning 'fall'.

5. recalcitrant · adjective/rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trənt/

   stubbornly resistant to authority or control

   Despite multiple warnings, the recalcitrant student continued to ignore the school's rules and disrupt classes.

   Synonyms: unruly, obstinate, defiant

   Origin: from Latin 'recalcitrans', present participle of 'recalcitrare', meaning 'to kick back'