Illness
Definitions and Samples
1. aggravate v. To make worse; to anger or intensify
Running will aggravate your sore knees.
Parts of speech aggravation n
2. decrepit adj. Weakened or worn out because of age, illness, or excessive
use
The once-beautiful building was now dirty, decrepit, and roofless.
3. disease n. An unhealthful condition caused by an infection or a longterm
physical problem
Thanks to developments in medicine, many once-fatal diseases can
now be cured.
4. fatally adv. Causing death or disaster
The soldier was fatally wounded in the battle.
Parts of speech fatality n, fatal adj
5. forensics n. The use of science and technology to investigate facts in
criminal cases
Advances in the study of forensics have made it much easier to
identify criminals from very small traces of evidence.
Parts of speech forensic adj
6. persist v. To continue to exist; to hold to a purpose, despite any
obstacle
If your symptoms persist, you should go see a doctor.
Lola persisted in her efforts to become a lawyer.
Parts of speech persistence n, persistent adj
7. prognosis n. An educated guess of how something will develop, especially
a disease
The room fell silent when the doctor gave Senator Grebe a grim
prognosis of months of treatment.
8. terminal adj. Located at an end; approaching death
The cancer ward at the hospital held both terminal and recovering
patients.
Parts of speech terminate v, terminally adv
9. vein n. Any of the tubes that form a branching system, especially those
that carry blood to the heart
She became fascinated with human anatomy, especially when she
learned how veins transport oxygen.
10. wound v. To inflict an injury on
Sometimes he didn’t realize his sharp humor could wound as well
as entertain.
Parts of speech wound n