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25 Questions: Word Definitions Multiple Choice Quiz | Humanities
A quiz on unusual words, one for each letter of the alphabet from A to Y. (The max is 25 questions!) Match the word with the correct definition. These are tough but educational. I hope you have as much fun taking the quiz as I did looking up the words!
A multiple-choice quiz
by Pat6789.
Estimated time: 5 mins.
This word is derived from George Babbitt, the title character in a Sinclair Lewis novel, 'Babbitt'. This character is a smug, uncultured, conventional businessman interested only in business and social success.
3. Cabala
Answer: Occultism or mysticism
This was originally an occult religious philosophy developed by certain Jewish rabbis, based on mystical interpretation of the Scriptures. It has some currency today.
4. Dactylography
Answer: Study of fingerprints
This is actually the study of fingerprints as a means of identification.
5. Eclaircissement
Answer: Explanation or clarification
A clearing up as of a dispute or difficult point; a clarification or explanation. When capitalized, 'The Enlightment'.
6. Falciform
Answer: Curved
From the Latin 'Falx' = Sickle
7. Gambado
Answer: Prank
Also a curvetting leap, as by a horse, or a long legging or gaiter.
8. Hallux
Answer: Big toe
9. Iatrology
Answer: The science of medicine or healing
10. Jalousie
Answer: Wooden or glass slatted door or window
Interestingly, the root of this word is the French for Jealousy!
11. Kobold
Answer: Mischievous sprite
A helpful or mischievous sprite or brownie; or a gnome in mines or other underground places.
12. Lacuna
Answer: A gap
13. Malapropism
Answer: Ridiculous misuse of words
Derived from the name of a character in a play 'The Rivals' by Sheridan. The character is Mrs. Malaprop who misuses words. An example of a malapropism is: 'He reached the pinochle of his career.'
14. Nevus
Answer: Birthmark
Alternative spelling = naevus.
15. Onomatopoeia
Answer: Word imitating a sound
Examples of onomatopeoia are 'pop,' 'arf,' and, I might add, 'duh'!
16. Perdurable
Answer: Permanent
Just what it sounds like! Also, everlasting...
17. Quisling
Answer: A traitor
This word is derived from the name of a Norwegian politician, Vidkun Quisling, who betrayed his country to the Nazis during World War II.
18. Roentgenography
Answer: X-ray photography
Named for Wilhelm Konrad Roentgen, a German physicist who is credited as the discoverer of x-rays.
19. Shivaree
Answer: A noisy celebration
20. Thaumaturgy
Answer: Magic
21. Ululate
Answer: To howl
To howl, wail or lament.
22. Vaticinate
Answer: To fortell the future
23. Wamble
Answer: To wriggle about
24. Xiphoid
Answer: An anatomical structure
The Xiphoid process is cartilage at the base of the sternum (breastbone).
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor LadyCaitriona before going online.
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