drivel, potable, precipitous, chimeric, persnickety: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 95. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. drivel · noun/ˈdrɪv.əl/

   meaningless or nonsensical talk or ideas

   Her speech was full of drivel that made no sense.

   Synonyms: nonsense, twaddle, rubbish

   Origin: Middle English 'drivellen', from 'driven'

2. potable · adjective/ˈpoʊtəbl/

   suitable for drinking

   The city made sure the water from the taps is potable for everyone to drink.

   Synonyms: drinkable, safe, clear

   Origin: from Latin 'potabilis', meaning 'drinkable', from 'potare' meaning 'to drink'

3. precipitous · adjective/prɪˈsɪp.ɪ.təs/

   steep or characterized by sudden and dramatic changes

   The mountain had a precipitous slope that made climbing very difficult.

   Synonyms: steep, abrupt, sharp

   Origin: from Latin 'praecipitus', meaning 'headlong, steep, or hasty'

4. chimeric · adjective/kaɪˈmɛrɪk/

   relating to or denoting an organism containing genetic material from different sources or species

   The scientist created a chimeric mouse that had cells from both a human and a rat.

   Synonyms: hybrid, mixed, composite

   Origin: from Greek 'Chimaira', a monster with parts from different animals

5. persnickety · adjective/pərˈsnɪk.ɪ.ti/

   placing too much emphasis on trivial or minor details

   The persnickety teacher wanted every paper to be perfectly folded and neat.

   Synonyms: fussy, picky, finicky

   Origin: The word 'persnickety' is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, thought to come from the Scottish word 'persnick,' meaning 'to be finicky' or 'particular.'