Vocabulary List #1

Words from Mythology

1.(aegis) n – sponsorship;

protection

Ex: *The science fair was staged under the aegis of Microsoft.

*We felt relieved to learn that the school trip would be under the aegis of the Parents Association.

2. (Adonis) n – an exceptionally handsome young man; a plant with solitary red or yellow flowers

• Ex: Brad Pitt was considered an Adonis of the film world.

3. (bacchanal) n – a drunken reveler; a loud, wild party

Ex: *The bacchanal lasted into the late hours of the night.

*The bacchanalian scene in the play was so realistic the audience began to wonder what was really in the wine glasses.

4. (Cassandra) n – one who can see the future or truth

Ex: Since Marge had ignored her work all term, it took no Cassandra to predict her inevitable failure.

5. (cornucopia) n – abundance; horn of plenty

Ex: The people of the Third World still look for a cornucopia of riches that will end hunger and suffering in their lands.

6. (cupidity) n – excessive desire for wealth

Ex: The company president was accused of cupidity that led to outright theft.

7. (erotic) adj – concerning sexual love and desire

Ex: Genuine love between a man and a woman involves respect and regard for one another that go far beyond mere erotic sensations.

8. (herculean) adj – tremendously difficult and demanding

Ex: Digging the tunnel was a herculean task.

9. (hydra-headed) adj – difficult and multi-faceted

Ex: Economists are struggling to solve the hydra-headed problems of inflation without creating the evils of recession.

•10.(iridescent) adj – displaying lustrous colors like those of the rainbow

• Ex: The fashion show featured an iridescent display of color in the most modern styles.

•11.(narcissism) n – excessive admiration of oneself; egocentrism

Ex: Some people have such exaggerated opinions of themselves that they border on narcissism.

•12. (odyssey) n – a long series of wanderings, especially when filled with notable experiences or hardships

•Ex: My travels last summer were so extensive and exciting I am thinking of writing my own odyssey.

13.(Olympian) adj – majestic; incomparably superior

Ex: A turn of the road brought us to a landscape of Olympian beauty.

•14. (palladium) n- anything believe to provide protection or safety

Ex: The Bill of Rights is the palladium of American civil liberties.

15. (phoenix) n – a person or thing of beauty or excellence; a person or thing that has become renewed or restored after suffering calamity or apparent annihilation

Ex: We seldom reflect upon our phoenix-like ability to wake each day refreshed and imbued with new energy.