pullulate, convoke, vilipend, indurate, debouch: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 91. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. pullulate · verb/ˈpʌl.jəˌleɪt/

   to breed or produce often in great numbers

   In spring, flowers pullulate in the garden, creating a beautiful display.

   Synonyms: multiply, reproduce, breed

   Origin: from Latin 'pullulatus', the past participle of 'pullulare', meaning 'to sprout'.

2. convoke · verb/kənˈvoʊk/

   to call together or summon to a meeting

   The teacher will convoke a meeting for all the parents next week.

   Synonyms: call, summon, gather

   Origin: from Latin 'convocare', meaning 'to call together'

3. vilipend · verb/ˈvɪlɪpɛnd/

   to regard or treat with contempt or disdain

   Many people vilipend the ideas of those who are different from them.

   Synonyms: despise, scorn, disdain

   Origin: from Latin 'vilipendere', meaning 'to regard as worthless'

4. indurate · verb/ˈɪndjʊrˌeɪt/

   to make hard or unfeeling

   The harsh experience seemed to indurate her heart, making it difficult for her to trust others again.

   Synonyms: harden, solidify, toughen

   Origin: from Latin 'indurare', meaning 'to harden'

5. debouch · verb/dɪˈbaʊtʃ/

   to emerge from a narrow or confined space

   The river will debouch into the sea after flowing through the canyon.

   Synonyms: emerge, exit, come out

   Origin: From French 'déboucher', meaning 'to unbottle' or 'to come out'