Exploring vocabulary - Muschla Gary R. 2012
A not very smart dinosaur
Words with Greek roots, II
Many English words have Greek roots. The origins of some of these words can be traced back thousands of years. Some Greek roots (with their meanings in parentheses) are gram (letter, written), log (word), meter (measure), arch (ruler, leader), phon (sound), and sci (know).
1. monarch (n): the ruler of a nation; a king or queen
The monarch was known for her wisdom and was loved by her people.
2. grammar (n): the study of the forms and uses of words in sentences
Grammar is an important part of language arts.
3. thermometer (n): an instrument used for measuring temperature
Heather checked the thermometer outside to find how cold it was.
4. science (n): knowledge based on observed facts, experimentation, and organized information
Through science we can understand the world around us.
5. diagram (n): a drawing that shows how something works
Mr. Ross showed the class a diagram of the inside of the space station.
6. barometer (n): an instrument used for measuring air pressure
A low reading on a barometer usually means a storm is coming.
7. prologue (n): an introduction or opening to a story
The book began with a prologue.
8. diameter (n): a line segment passing through the center of a circle with its endpoints on the circle
Kevin measured the diameter of the circle with his ruler.
9. apology (n): words saying that a person is sorry
Please accept my apology for coming to the meeting late.
10. matriarch (n): a woman who rules or leads a family or clan
Angela’s grandmother is the matriarch of her family.
Vocabulary tip
Words with the same Greek roots have related meanings.
15.1 A not very smart dinosaur
A certain dinosaur had a brain about the size of a walnut. But this dinosaur weighed about 6,000 pounds (2,722 kilograms). What was the name of this dinosaur?
To answer the question, find the word for each definition. Choose your answers from the words after each definition. Write the letter of each answer in the space above its definition number at the bottom of the page. One letter is provided.
1. words saying a person is sorry
H. greeting
S. apology
N. prologue
2. knowledge based on observed facts, experimentation, and organized information
S. science
B. geography
A. grammar
3. a drawing that shows how something works
A. barometer
E. diagram
O. diameter
4. a woman who rules or leads a family or clan
A. monarch
O. princess
U. matriarch
5. a line passing through the center of a circle with its endpoints on the circle
N. diagram
T. barometer
O. diameter
6. the study of the forms and uses of words in sentences
E. language
U. grammar
A. diagram
7. an introduction or opening to a story
A. prologue
U. diagram
I. diameter
8. an instrument used for measuring temperature
R. barometer
T. thermometer
L. science
9. a king or queen
U. matriarch
S. diameter
R. monarch
10. an instrument used for measuring air pressure
G. barometer
N. thermometer
L. diameter
