Set 274 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

megalith

noun/ˈmɛɡəˌlɪθ/

definition

a large stone used in the construction of a prehistoric monument

example

The ancient druids are believed to have gathered around the megalith to perform their rituals.

synonyms
monolithstoneboulder
word origin — from Greek 'megalithos' meaning 'large stone' (mega - large; lithos - stone)

megalith, hypolimnion, synesthesia, neolatry, catoptrophobia: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 274. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. megalith · noun/ˈmɛɡəˌlɪθ/

    a large stone used in the construction of a prehistoric monument

    The ancient druids are believed to have gathered around the megalith to perform their rituals.

    Synonyms: monolith, stone, boulder

    Origin: from Greek 'megalithos' meaning 'large stone' (mega - large; lithos - stone)

  2. hypolimnion · noun/ˌhaɪpəˈlɪmnɪən/

    the dense, cold bottom layer of water in a stratified lake

    During the summer, the hypolimnion remains thermally stratified, creating a cold layer that persists below the warmer surface waters.

    Synonyms: benthic zone, profundal zone

    Origin: from Greek 'hypo' meaning 'under' and 'limnion' meaning 'lake'

  3. synesthesia · noun/ˌsɪn.əˈθi.ʒə/

    a neurological condition where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic experiences in a second sensory pathway

    Many artists claim that their creative process is enhanced by experiencing synesthesia, where they can see colors when they hear music.

    Synonyms: synaesthesia

    Origin: The term 'synesthesia' comes from the Greek words 'syn' meaning 'together' and 'aisthesis' meaning 'sensation'.

  4. neolatry · noun/ˌniəˈlɑː.tri/

    the worship of novelty or an excessive fondness for new things and ideas

    The essay warned against neolatry—the reflex to treat every new technology as an improvement.

    Synonyms: novelty worship, novelty-seeking, innovation obsession

    Origin: Derived from the prefix 'neo-' meaning 'new' and the suffix '-latry' meaning 'worship'.

  5. catoptrophobia · noun/kæˌtɑp.trəˈfoʊ.bi.ə/

    fear of mirrors or seeing one's reflection

    Her catoptrophobia made it difficult for her to walk past mirrors without feeling anxious.

    Synonyms: pectopophobia, eisoptrophobia

    Origin: The word 'catoptrophobia' is derived from the Greek 'katoptron' meaning 'mirror' and 'phobos' meaning 'fear'.