WORD STUDYYear 3, Trimester 1

tri

Greek, Latin Three; third; happening once out of

every three

TricepsTrimesterTriathlon

Triceps

Part of Speech: Noun Definition: A three-part muscle

In anatomy class, Jake learned that the triceps are the muscles in the back of the arm that help to extend the elbow.

Trimester

Part of speech: noun Definition: a term or period of

three months; a term or period that is divided into three equal parts

At Crossroads, the school year is split into three parts, called trimesters.

Triathlon

Part of Speech: noun Definition: An athletic

contest made up of three consecutive events

The Olympic triathlon contest requires athletes to swim .93 miles, bicycle 25 miles, and run 6.2 miles.

At the academic triathlon, students competed in math, geography, and science categories.

scope/spec

Greek See, look, examine, observe

SpectacularSpeculatePeriscope

Spectacular

Part of speech: adjective Definition: exciting to see

The hike to the top of Bear Mountain was difficult, but the view of the valley below was spectacular!

Speculate

Part of speech: verb Definition: to think or

wonder about

Because Rita didn’t know why James broke up with her, she could only speculate on the reasons behind his decision.

Mrs. Frost asked the students to speculate about what they would like to be when they grow up.

Periscope

Part of speech: noun Definition: instrument for viewing

things not in direct sight

The crew in the submarine used a periscope to see what was happening above the water.

A periscope uses mirrors to reflect images of things that are not in a direct line of sight.

phil/philo

Greek Love; friend

PhilanthropicPhilosophyPhilology

Philanthropic Part of speech: adjective Definition: showing concern

for humanity, especially by performing charitable acts

The company has many philanthropic initiatives, including a food drive and raising money for the American Cancer Society.

This year, the student council will try to be more philanthropic by supporting charities in the community.

Philosophy

Part of speech: noun Definition: the love and pursuit of

wisdom

Amy went to college to study philosophy, where she learned about the great thinkers Aristotle, Descartes, Confucius, and Plato.

Philology

Part of speech: noun Definition: the love and study of

words/literature

Ms. Quintana considers herself a true philologist; she loves to read, work on crossword puzzles, and write whenever she has free time.

son

Latin Sound

SonorousConsonantSonar

Sonorous

Part of speech: adjective Definition: Loud, deep, or rich in

sound

The sonorous cadence of the cello in the orchestra perfectly matched the heaviness of the play’s themes.

The sonorous echoes reverberating from the cave told us that it was very deep.

Consonant Part of speech: noun Definition: a speech sound

(with the exception of vowel sounds)

The contestant on Wheel of Fortune had guessed all of the consonants in the alphabet, so she was forced to buy a vowel at her next turn.

Sonar Part of speech: noun Definition: using sound waves to detect

objects.

Bats have terrible vision, but they are able to ‘see’ their surroundings by using sonar. The researchers used sonar to see the Titanic at the bottom of the ocean.

vert/vers

Latin Turn

IntrovertControversyVersion

Introvert

Part of speech: noun Definition: being turned

toward the inside

Jamie was often described as an introvert; she is very shy and prefers to be alone rather than in large crowds.

Controversy Part of speech: noun Definition: a long term public

dispute or disagreement due to conflicting opinions

The long standing controversy between the government and the Occupy Wall Street protesters will likely not be resolved any time soon.

Animal testing is a controversial issue; supporters believe it is necessary to ensure products are safe for humans, but protesters believe it is cruel.

Version

Part of speech: noun Definition: a variation of an original

The teacher created several different versions of the test to discourage students from cheating.

The newest version of Angry Birds has more levels and better graphics.

quad/quadr/quadri

Latin Four

QuadrantQuadricepsQuadriplegic

Quadrant Part of speech: noun Definition: any of the four quarters into which

something is divided

Mrs. Phelan told the students to graph the shape into quadrant II of the grid.

The traffic camera is directed at the northern quadrant of the intersection.

Quadriceps

Part of speech: noun Definition: a large, four-part muscle in front of

the thigh

After completing ten sets of squats and lunges, Alex’s quadriceps were very sore.

Quadriplegic

Part of speech: noun Definition: one affected

with paralysis of both arms and both legs

After a tragic spinal injury during a football game, Rutgers’ defenseman Eric LeGrand was left as quadriplegic.

locu/loqu

Latin Speak

ElocutionEloquentLoquacious

Elocution

Part of speech: noun Definition: the art of public speaking

The actress’s superb elocution captured the audience’s attention.

Eloquent Part of speech: adjective Definition: speaking beautifully and

forcefully

The politician was so eloquent in his delivery that it was hard to disagree with his points.

In order to be a princess, one must be both elegant and eloquent.

Loquacious Part of speech: adjective Definition: excessive

talking or wordiness

Kristy was a very nice and friendly person, but she had the tendency to be quite loquacious at times.

Frank’s loquacious nature made it difficult for Samantha to get her voice heard.

super/hyper

Latin, Greek Higher in quality or quantity; too much,

excessive

SupersedeSuperlativeHyperbolic

Supersede Part of speech: verb Definition: to replace or set aside in favor of

something new or better

The new disciplinary policy at school has superseded last year’s rules.

Superlative Part of speech: noun or adjective Definition: n- the highest degree or

status; adj - describing the highest degree or status

At the end of the year the students were awarded superlatives for their achievements during the school year.

The fit on my new jeans is superlative; I will never buy another brand again!

In grammar, the superlative form of ‘better’ is ‘best.’

Hyperbolic

Part of speech: adj Definition: exaggerated

The hyperbolic language of the newscasters only made the audience’s anxiety during the crisis worse.