Words: The Power WithinLesson 5Knowing What’s Out There

AQUAquanautAqu + naut (sail)Literal definition - sail waterDictionary definition – (n) a person

who swims underwater using an aqualung

It took the aquanaut over 24 hours to complete the repairs on the sea lab.

AQUAquarius Aqu + ius (of)Literal definition – of waterDictionary definition – (n) in astronomy a

large constellation, the Water-carrier or Water-bearer, said to represent a man pouring water from a jar; in astrology it is the 11th sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters about January 21

We used our telescope to locate Aquarius in the night sky.

AQU = WATERAquiferAqu + fer (carry, bear)Literal definition – carry waterDictionary definition – (n) a body

of permeable rock that can contain or transmit ground water

We dug a well to tap into the aquifer and create a new water source for the crops.

GEOGeocentricGeo + centr (center)Literal definition – earth centerDictionary definition – (adj)

having or representing the earth as the center

People used to believe that our solar system was geocentric, but now we know that it is heliocentric

GEOGeographyGeo + graph (write, record)Literal definition – record earthDictionary definition – (n) the study of the

physical features of the earth and its atmosphere and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these, including the distribution of population and resources, land use, and industries

When we studied Africa, we focused on its geography, especially population density.

GEO = EARTHGeologyGeo + logy (study of)Literal definition – study of earthDictionary definition – (n) the science

that deals with the earth’s physical structure and substance, its history, and the processes that act on it; the geological features of an area

In geology, we learned about volcanoes and how they are formed.

HYDRDehydrateDe (down, away, from) + hydrLiteral definition – water from; water

awayDictionary definition – (v) to lose a large

amount of water from the body; to remove water from food to preserve and store it

Workouts in the intense heat can dehydrate a person quickly, so drink plenty of water.

HYDRHydrophobiaHydr + phobia (fear)Literal definition – water fearDictionary definition – (n) extreme

or irrational fear of water, often a symptom of rabies in humans

After being bitten by the rabid dog, Teacake developed hydrophobia and would not go near the water.

HYDR = WATERHydroplaneHydr + planus (plain, flat)Literal definition – flat water; water

plainDictionary definition – (n) a light, fast

motorboat designed to skim over water; a seaplane; (v) to slide uncontrollably on the wet surface of a road

It only takes a half an inch of water to hydroplane on any paved surface.

SCIConscienceCon (together, with) + sci + ence (state)Literal definition – state of knowing withDictionary definition – (n) an inner

feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one’s behavior

My guilty conscience forced me to confess to stealing the candy from the store.

SCIConscientiousCon (together, with) + sci + ious (full

of)Literal definition – full of knowing withDictionary definition – (adj) wishing to

do what is right, especially to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly

The conscientious student prepared ahead of time instead of waiting until the last minute.

SCI = KNOWScienceSci + ence (state of)Literal definition – state of knowingDictionary definition – (n) the intellectual

and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation

In science we learn all sorts of things about how the world around us works by studying biology, astronomy, anatomy, chemistry, physics, etc.

TERRTerrariumTerr + arium (place)Literal definition – earth placeDictionary definition – (n) a vivarium

for smaller land animals, especially reptiles, amphibians, or terrestrial invertebrates, typically in the form of a glass-fronted case

In science we made a terrarium when we studied ecosystems.

TERRTerrestrialTerr + ial (pertaining to)Literal definition – pertaining to

earthDictionary definition – (adj) of,

on, or relating to the earth; living on or in the ground; (n) an inhabitant of the earth

Extraterrestrials are called such because they come from beyond the earth.

TERR = EARTHTerritoryTerr + ory (pertaining to)Literal definition – pertaining to earthDictionary definition – (n) an area of land

under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state; an area of land defended by a group of animals against others of the same sex or species

Cats are very territorial and will often defend their territory by fighting other cats.