Word Power ANSWERS
1. recurrent
(c) on-and-off
Javier’s doctor prescribed a new medication for his recurrent migraines.
2. proprietor
(a) owner Are you the proprietor of this fine establishment?
3. derriere
(b) backside The last time I went rollerskating, I tripped and fell on my derriere! (b) support with evidence The detectives reviewed security footage to corroborate the victim’s story.
5. terrarium
(c) glass enclosure
Our pet turtle, Humphrey, lives in a terrarium.
6. arbitrary
(a) based on whim
Good judges don’t make arbitrary decisions; they follow the letter of the law.
7. barnstormer
(c) traveling performer Jorge began acting as a barnstormer, starring in shows across the country.
8. orrery
(b) solar system model
The bronze orrery on Ed’s desk belonged to his father, a noted astronomer.
9. arrears
(b) unpaid debts Overwhelmed by her arrears, Hannah filed for bankruptcy.
10. preternatural
(a) exceptional
The young quarterback has a preternatural ability to find his receiver.
11. gerrymander
(c) finagle voting districts The city council denies trying to gerrymander key downtown districts
to sway the election results.
12. arrowroot
(c) starchy plant Powdered arrowroot can thicken sauces and stews.
13. farrier
(a) one who shoes horses After a brief stint as a jockey, Derek worked as a farrier at a dude ranch.
14. retrograde
(a) reversed
Mercury retrograde, a period when the tiny planet’s orbit appears to change direction, is often considered unlucky.
15. precursor
(c) forerunner Ragtime music was a precursor to jazz.