Energy
Definitions and Samples
1. combustion n. The process of burning
When air quality is poor, combustion of materials in a fireplace is
prohibited.
Usage tips Combustion is often followed by of.
Parts of speech combust v, combustible adj
2. component n. One part of a system or whole
Their home theater system has a number of separate components.
Usage tips Component is often followed or preceded by of.
3. convey v. To transport from one place to another; to transmit or make
known
A messenger conveyed the prince’s letter to the commander of the
army.
The worst part about being a doctor was when she had to convey
bad news to a family.
Parts of speech conveyance n, conveyor n
4. discretely adv. Separately; distinctly
In order to understand how the engine worked, each component
needed to be studied discretely.
Parts of speech discrete adj
5. nucleus n. A central or essential part around which other parts are
gathered; a core
The nucleus of many European cities is the town square.
Usage tips Nucleus is often followed by of.
Parts of speech nuclear adj
6. permeate v. To spread or flow throughout; to pass through or penetrate
The smell of cooking permeated the entire apartment building.
Parts of speech permeation n
7. rotate v. To turn around; to take turns in sequence
The planet rotates on its axis once every 14 Earth days.
The children rotate classroom responsibilities on a weekly basis.
Parts of speech rotation n
8. solar adj. Of, or relating to, the sun
The ancient society kept time with a solar calendar.
9. source n. The point of origin or creation
The reporter was unable to identify the source of the information
for his story.
Parts of speech source v
10. trigger v. To set off or initiate
I was certain any mention of politics would trigger a big argument.
Parts of speech trigger n