terminal, vigorous, sedation, appetite, respiration: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced set 11. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. terminal · adjective/ˈtərmənəl/

   relating to an illness that cannot be cured and is expected to cause death

   The nurse took care of the patient with terminal cancer until the day he passed away.

   Synonyms: end-stage, final, deadly, fatal

   Origin: late Middle English (as adjective): from Latin terminalis, from terminus ‘end, boundary’

2. vigorous · adjective/ˈvɪɡ(ə)rəs/

   characterized by energetic action or activity

   Makemba led a vigorous lifestyle, working long hours as a nurse, raising twins at home and she still found time to jog every morning.

   Synonyms: active, dynamic, forceful, intense

   Origin: Middle English: via Old French from medieval Latin vigorosus, from Latin vigor (see vigor)

3. sedation · noun/səˈdeɪʃ(ə)n/

   the use of drugs to make someone more relaxed or to make them sleep

   It was explained to the patient that the procedure would be performed under heavy sedation and that they would, therefore, not feel anything.

   Synonyms: calmness, anesthesia

   Origin: mid 16th century: from French sédation or Latin sedatio(n-), from sedare ‘settle’ (see sedate)

4. appetite · noun/ˈæpəˌtaɪt/

   the feeling of wanting to eat

   During radiation treatment, patients might lose their appetite for foods they normally enjoy.

   Synonyms: hunger, craving

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French apetit (modern appétit), from Latin appetitus ‘desire for’, from appetere ‘seek after’, from ad- ‘to’ + petere ‘seek’

5. respiration · noun/ˌrɛspəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/

   breathing in and breathing out

   The nurse noticed that the patient's respiration was labored and gave him more oxygen to help him breathe.

   Synonyms: inhalation, exhalation

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin respiratio(n-), from respirare ‘breathe out’ (see respire)