exsanguinate, obnubilate, bifurcate, oblatrate, abscond: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 33. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. exsanguinate · verb/ɪkˈsæŋɡwəˌneɪt/

   to drain blood from a body or organism

   The scientist aimed to exsanguinate the lab rats to gather data for her research on blood loss.

   Synonyms: bleed, drain, withdraw

   Origin: from Latin 'exsanguinare', meaning 'to remove blood'

2. obnubilate · verb/ɑbˈnuːbɪˌleɪt/

   to obscure or cloud over

   The constant distractions seemed to obnubilate her thoughts, making it difficult for her to concentrate on the task at hand.

   Synonyms: obscure, cloud, haze

   Origin: From Latin 'obnubilare', meaning 'to cloud over, darken', from 'ob-' (over) + 'nubilare' (to cloud).

3. bifurcate · verb/ˈbɪfərˌkeɪt/

   to divide into two branches or parts

   The river bifurcates into two separate streams before flowing into the lake, creating a unique ecosystem.

   Synonyms: diverge, split, cleave

   Origin: The word 'bifurcate' originates from the Latin 'bifurcatus', past participle of 'bifurcare', which means 'to split in two', from 'bi-' meaning 'two' and 'furca' meaning 'fork'.

4. oblatrate · verb/əˈbleɪt/

   to offer or present something formally

   During the ceremony, the award committee will oblate a special recognition to the outstanding volunteers.

   Synonyms: present, offer, submit

   Origin: Derived from Latin 'oblata', the past participle of 'offerre', meaning 'to offer'.

5. abscond · verb/æbˈskɑnd/

   to leave hurriedly and secretly typically to avoid detection or legal prosecution

   After embezzling funds from the company, he decided to abscond with the money before anyone could find out.

   Synonyms: escape, flee, bolt

   Origin: Latin 'abscondere', meaning 'to conceal' or 'to hide'.