Life in the sea - Clipped words

Exploring vocabulary - Muschla Gary R. 2012

Life in the sea
Clipped words

Many long words are shortened by common use. These words are referred to as clipped words.

1. burger (n): a hamburger; a sandwich made with a patty of ground meat, usually beef

Martin ate a burger for dinner.

2. ump (n): umpire; a person who rules on the plays of a game

The ump called Ellie out at first base.

3. gym (n): gymnasium; a room for exercise or sports

We played basketball in the gym.

4. math (n): mathematics; the science that deals with numbers and measurement

Math is Katie’s favorite subject because she is good with numbers.

5. champ (n): champion; a person who holds first place or wins first prize in a contest or sports event

Nicholas is the champ of the fifth-grade 100-yard dash.

6. flu (n): influenza; an illness with fever, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue caused by a virus

Colin had the flu and missed a week of school.

7. plane (n): airplane; a winged vehicle capable of flying

Our family traveled to Chicago by plane.

8. condo (n): condominium; an apartment that is owned rather than rented

Ben’s grandparents live in a condo in Florida.

9. fridge (n): refrigerator; a box, cabinet, or room for storing foods or other substances at low temperatures

Ann helped her mother put the groceries into the fridge.

10. deli (n): delicatessen; a shop that sells foods ready for serving

Dad bought sandwiches at the deli for lunch.

Vocabulary tip

Clipped words have the same meaning as their longer forms.

28.1 Life in the sea

One type of scientist studies plants and animals that live in the ocean. What is this scientist called?

To answer the question, match each clipped word on the left with its longer form on the right. Write the letter of each answer in the space above the clipped word’s number at the bottom of the page. Some letters are provided.

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