UNUSUAL WORDS XXXVI

Do you know the meaning of any of these valid, but infrequently used words?

1. PERGOLA

2. TOPIARY

3. FECUND

4. HALLUX

5. POLLEX

6. XYLOID

7. CAJOLE

8. NUBILE

9. ADDUCE

10. CORDATE

11. EXEGESIS

12. TACITURN

13. PLEONASM

14. ADVERTENT

15. ADUMBRATE

 

Answers:

 

1. PERGOLA - An arbor formed of horizontal trellis work supported on columns or posts, covered by vines or other plants   

 

2. TOPIARY - Bushes trimmed into the shapes of animals, ornamental horticulture

 

3. FECUND - Fertile, fruitful

 

4. HALLUX - Big toe

 

5. POLLEX - Thumb

 

6. XYLOID - Resembling wood

 

7. CAJOLE - Persuade by flattery or coaxing

 

8. NUBILE - Of marriage-able age (said of women)

 

9. ADDUCE - Cite as an example

 

10. CORDATE - Heart-shaped, as leaves

 

11. EXEGESIS - Scholarly interpretation of a passage or text

 

12. TACITURN - Reserved or incommunicative in speech 

 

13. PLEONASM - The use of more words than necessary to convey meaning, as: He thought about it in his mind.

 

14. ADVERTENT - Attentive

 

15. ADUMBRATE - Give a sketchy outline, disclose partially