Lexicology

Hamilton Vuu Word: Dissolves Title of Reading: Journey Into the Earth Sentence form reading: As rainwater drips through cracks in the ground over thousands of years, the acid dissolves the limestone. Definition: to melt: liquefy. Source is dictionary.com Synonyms: melt, liquefy. Antonym: form Analysis Part of Speech: Verb Word: Microbes Title of Reading: Journey Into the Earth Sentence form reading: According to scientist, microbes live in the groundwater of Lechuguilla. Definition: a microorganism, esp. a pathogenic bacterium. Source is dictionary.com Synonyms: bacteria, germ. Antonym: macrocosm Analysis Part of Speech: Noun Word: Formations Title of Reading: Journey Into the Earth Sentence form reading: Although Lechuguilla’s cavers and passageways finished forming thousands of years ago, it spectacular formations are still growing and changing. Definition: the manner in which a thing is formed; disposition of parts; formal structure or arrangement. Source is dictionary.com Hamilton Vuu Synonyms: architecture, construction. Antonym: dissolves Analysis Part of Speech: Noun Word: Mineral Title of Reading: Journey Into the Earth Sentence form reading: As rainwater drips through holes in Lechuguilla’s limestone ceiling, it dissolves rock that’s filled with a mineral called calcium carbonate. Definition: any of a class of substances occurring in nature, usually comprising inorganic substances, as quartz or feldspar, of definite chemical composition and usually of definite crystal structure, but sometimes also including rocks formed by these substances as well as certain natural products of organic origin, as asphalt or coal. Source is dictionary.com Synonyms: rock, gem Antonym: water Analysis Part of Speech: Noun Word: Stalagmites Title of Reading: Journey Into the Earth Sentence form reading: A similar thing happens when the water hits the floor, though the effect is different: the mineral forms into stalagmites that shoot up like cones from the ground. Definition: a deposit, usually of calcium carbonate, more or less resembling an inverted stalactite, formed on the floor of a cave or the like by dripping of percolating of calcareous water. Source is dictionary.com Synonyms: pillar, column Hamilton Vuu Hamilton Vuu Antonym: stalactite Analysis Part of Speech: Noun Word: Gradually Title of Reading: Journey Into the Earth Sentence form reading: These left-behind minerals gradually form giant, clear crystals that jut from the walls like swords or chandeliers. Definition: taking place, changing, moving, etc., by small degrees or little by little. Source is dictionary.com Synonyms: bit by bit, moderately Antonym: abruptly. Analysis Part of Speech: Adverb Word: Infection Title of Reading: Journey Into the Earth Sentence form reading: Certain microbes are used to create drugs that treat infection in humans, so scientist believe that tiny life-form in caves may have medical benefits. Definition: an infecting with germs of disease, as through the medium of infected insects, air, water, or clothing. Source is dictionary.com Synonyms: germs, virus Antonym: sanitation Analysis Part of Speech: Noun Hamilton Vuu Hamilton Vuu Word: Benefits Title of Reading: Journey Into the Earth Sentence form reading: Certain microbes are used to create drugs that treat infection in humans, so scientist believe that tiny life-form in caves may have medical benefits. Definition: useful aid. Source is merriam-webster.com Synonyms: aid, assistance Antonym: harm Analysis Part of Speech: Noun