Word Ultra — Set 294

Set 294 of Word Ultra covers 5 words: desiderium, clepsydra, oligarchy, tatterdemalion, exegesis. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. desiderium · noun/dɪˈzɪd.ɪr.i.əm/

   a longing or desire for something that is absent

   After years of living abroad, she felt a deep desiderium for the familiarity of her hometown.

   Synonyms: yearning, longing, desire

   Origin: Latin 'desiderium', meaning 'desire' or 'longing'

2. clepsydra · noun/ˈklɛp.sɪ.drə/

   a device for measuring time by the flow of water

   In ancient times, a clepsydra was often used by scholars to time their discussions during philosophical debates.

   Synonyms: water clock, hydrosphere

   Origin: from Greek 'klepsydra', from 'kleptein' meaning 'to steal' and 'hudor' meaning 'water'

3. oligarchy · noun/ˈɑlɪˌɡɑrki/

   a form of government in which power is held by a small group of individuals

   The nation's government has devolved into an oligarchy, where a handful of wealthy elites make decisions that benefit only themselves.

   Synonyms: plutocracy, aristocracy, gerontocracy

   Origin: derived from the Greek 'oligarchia', from 'oligos' meaning 'few' and 'archia' meaning 'rule' or 'governance'

4. tatterdemalion · noun/ˌtætərdɪˈmeɪliən/

   a person dressed in ragged clothing or a person of shabby appearance

   The tatterdemalion wandered the streets with a look of bewilderment, his clothes hanging off him in tattered shreds.

   Synonyms: ragamuffin, urchin, waif

   Origin: The word 'tatterdemalion' likely originates from a combination of 'tattered' and 'Malion', with 'Malion' possibly being a playful or diminutive variant from 'malleus' or even from a folk etymology. Its use suggests a connection to rags or raggedness.

5. exegesis · noun/ˌɛksɪˈdʒisɪs/

   the critical interpretation and analysis of a text, especially a religious scripture

   The pastor provided a thorough exegesis of the biblical passage, shedding light on its historical context and cultural significance.

   Synonyms: interpretation, analysis, commentary

   Origin: from the Greek 'exēgēsis', meaning 'explanation' or 'interpretation'.