zeugma, imbroglio, jeremiad, formicary, componency: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 77. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. zeugma · noun/ˈzuːɡ.mə/

   a figure of speech in which a word applies to multiple parts of the sentence in different senses

   The zeugma in his speech brilliantly connected the ideas of love and loss, showcasing his eloquence as a speaker.

   Synonyms: polysemy, syllepsis, enjambment

   Origin: from Greek 'zeugma,' meaning 'a yoke' or 'to join together'

2. imbroglio · noun/ɪmˈbroʊljoʊ/

   a complicated and confusing situation or entanglement

   The political imbroglio surrounding the election results left many citizens confused about the validity of their votes.

   Synonyms: quagmire, muddle, tangled situation

   Origin: Italian imbroglio, from imbrogliare, meaning 'to confuse, entangle'

3. jeremiad · noun/ˌdʒɛr.ɪˈmaɪ.æd/

   a long, mournful complaint or lamentation

   The politician delivered a jeremiad about the decline of moral values in society, capturing the audience's attention with his impassioned lament.

   Synonyms: lamentation, complaint, grievance

   Origin: The term 'jeremiad' originates from the name of the biblical prophet Jeremiah, known for his prophecies of doom and lament.

4. formicary · noun/ˈfɔrmɪkɛri/

   a nest or colony of ants

   The formicary was bustling with activity as the worker ants carried food back to their nest.

   Synonyms: ant nest, anthill, ant colony

   Origin: from Latin 'formica' meaning 'ant'

5. componency · noun/kəmˈpɑː.nən.si/

   the state or quality of being a component or part of something

   The componency of each part in the machine is essential for its overall efficiency.

   Synonyms: componentness, part, element

   Origin: The word 'componency' is formed from the base word 'component,' which comes from the Latin 'componere,' meaning 'to put together.'