Word Ultra — Set 4

Set 4 of Word Ultra covers 5 words: farrago, bathymetry, oneirology, epithalamium, lucubration. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. farrago · noun/færˈɑːɡoʊ/

   a confused mixture or hodgepodge of things

   The presentation was criticized for being a farrago of unrelated statistics and vague concepts that left the audience confused.

   Synonyms: medley, mishmash, hotchpotch

   Origin: Latin 'farrago', meaning 'a mixed fodder for animals', derived from 'far', meaning 'spelt' or 'grain'.

2. bathymetry · noun/bəˈθɪmətri/

   the measurement of ocean or sea depths

   The bathymetry of the Mariana Trench reveals astonishing depths that have yet to be fully explored.

   Synonyms: depth measurement, underwater topography, ocean depth surveying

   Origin: from Greek 'bathus' meaning 'deep' and 'metria' meaning 'measurement'

3. oneirology · noun/oʊˈnɪrələdʒi/

   the scientific study of dreams

   Researchers in oneirology are uncovering the mysteries of why we dream and what our dreams signify.

   Synonyms: dream science,dream study

   Origin: from Ancient Greek 'oneiros' meaning 'dream' and 'logia' meaning 'study of'

4. epithalamium · noun/ˌɛp.ɪ.θəˈleɪ.mi.əm/

   a poem or song written in honor of a bride and groom

   The talented poet was commissioned to write an epithalamium for the couple's wedding, capturing their love in beautiful verses.

   Synonyms: wedding song, bridal ode, nuptial hymn

   Origin: derived from the Greek words 'epi-' meaning 'upon' and 'thalamos' meaning 'bridal chamber'

5. lucubration · noun/ˌluːkəˈbreɪʃən/

   intensive study or meditation at night

   After weeks of lucubration, she finally completed her thesis late into the night, fueled by caffeine and determination.

   Synonyms: study,research,concentration

   Origin: derived from the Latin 'lucubratio', which comes from 'lucubrare', meaning 'to work by candlelight'