isomorph, philopolemic, aposiopesis, chattel, macrospore: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 6. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. isomorph · noun/ˈaɪ.soʊ.mɔrf/

   a substance or structure that has a similar form or appearance to another

   The newly discovered mineral was identified as an isomorph of quartz, exhibiting a similar crystal structure despite its different chemical composition.

   Synonyms: homomorph, analogue, counterpart

   Origin: from the Greek 'isos' meaning 'equal' and 'morphe' meaning 'form'

2. philopolemic · adjective/ˌfɪləˈpəˈlɛmɪk/

   relating to or characterized by a fondness for arguments or disputes

   Her philopolemic nature made every dinner conversation a lively debate, with her eager to engage in discussions on politics and philosophy.

   Synonyms: argumentative, contentious, quarrelsome

   Origin: from Greek 'philos' meaning 'loving' and 'polemos' meaning 'war'; reflecting a love for debate or conflict

3. aposiopesis · noun/ˌæpəˈsaɪəˌpiːsɪs/

   a rhetorical device in which a speaker breaks off in the middle of a sentence, leaving it unfinished

   In her speech, the politician employed aposiopesis to create dramatic tension, leaving the audience hanging on her unfinished thought.

   Synonyms: ellipsis, unfinished syntax

   Origin: From Greek 'aposiopesis', meaning 'a becoming silent' (from 'apo-', 'from' + 'siopē', 'silence')

4. chattel · noun/ˈʃætəl/

   a movable item of personal property

   The family decided to auction off their chattels, including antiques and collectibles, to downsize their home.

   Synonyms: personal property, movable property, goods

   Origin: From Middle English 'chatelet', from Old French 'chattel', derived from 'chatel' meaning 'property' (from Latin 'capitale' meaning 'property, wealth').

5. macrospore · noun/ˈmæk.roʊˌspɔr/

   a large spore that develops into a female gametophyte in certain plants

   In seed plants, the macrospore develops into the female gametophyte, which is critical for reproduction.

   Synonyms: megaspores, large spores, female spores

   Origin: from macro- meaning 'large' and spore from Greek 'spora' meaning 'seed' or 'sowing'