Vocabulary

"Magic and the Brain"

October 17, 2016
anecdote (n.)
a short, interesting story that is often
amusing
OF: anecdotal (adj.)
Ex. He opened his speech with an
anecdote about a drunken elephant.
Ex. You cannot say that something is true
based only on anecdotal evidence.
luminous (adj.)
bright or shining, especially in the dark
OF: luminously (adv.), luminosity (n.)

Ex. The luminous dial on the alarm clock filled the room with green light.

Ex. The full moon glowed luminously over the lake.

stimulus (n.)
something that inspires activity
OF: stimulate (v.), stimulation (n.)
Ex. For many people, caffeine is a
stimulus that helps wake their brains
up.
Ex. In some children, red dye can
stimulate hyperactivity.
cognitive (adj.)
having to do with the mental action of
acquiring knowledge
OF: cognition (n.)

Ex. A teacher will try to stimulate her

students' cognitive abilities.
Ex. Tests often are designed to measure
your cognition.
scrutiny (n.)
extremely close examination
OF: scrutinize (v.)
ex. A political candidate's personal life often endures
intense scrutiny when they run for office.

Ex. My mother scrutinizes her grocery receipt for

overcharges.
versatile (adj.)
able to adapt to many different
situations
OF: versatility (n.)

Ex: This versatile scarf can be tied twelve

different ways.
Ex. The conductor was impressed with the
musical versatility of the violinist.
diagnostic (adj.)
Describes using symptoms or
characteristics to define and solve
problems

ex. A mechanic uses unusual noises as a

diagnostic tool to figure out what is wrong with a
broken car.
Ex. A doctor asks diagnostic questions to
diagnose a patient's illness.
predisposition (n.)
A tendency to do something

Ex. I have a predisposition towards overeating.

Ex. Some ethnic groups have a predisposition towards

certain diseases.