Word Power

The Shape of Things

You already know that staying in shape is a key to good health. But it is just as important to keep your vocabulary finely tuned and toned. Try this quiz – about shapes of the literal sort – then hit the next page for answers.

1. gangling adj. – A: loose and lanky. B: bulging with muscles. C: short in stature.

2. helix n. – A: having a pointed tip. B: warped or subtly deformed outline. C: a three-dimensional spiral.

3. deltoid adj. – A: triangular. B: circular. C: squared off.

4. trefoil adj. – A: pliable. B: having a three-leaf design. C: tapering narrowly.

5. conical adj. – A: like an igloo. B: like a cone. C: like a tunnel.

6. pentagram n. – A: five-pointed star. B: crescent moon. C: square.

7. elliptical adj. – A: slanted in structure or design. B: embossed. C: oval.

8. sigmoid adj. – A: crossed like the letter X. B: curved like an S. C: bent like an L.

9. whorl n. – A: well-rounded body part, such as a muscle or feature. B: flat surface. C: circular pattern.

10. serrated adj. –A: a series of interconnected circles, rings or similar shapes. B: elongated. C: having notched edges.

11. cordate adj. – A: stringlike. B: heart shaped. C: free-form.

12. svelte adj. – A: undulating or waving. B: slender. C: in a checked or repeating pattern.

13. sinuous adj. – A: having many curves and turns. B: covered in scales, like a snake. C: seedlike, as in an avocado or a peach.

14. lozenge n. – A: 90-degree angle. B: level used in architectural design. C: diamond.

15. ramify v. – A: become solid, as cement. B: jut out. C: split into branches or parts.