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a female superior of a convent of nuns
The abbess oversaw the daily workings of the convent.
to accept
They will have to abide the decision of the committee.
to do away with; to put a stop to
They argued over whether the death penalty should be abolished.
the act of doing away with something
In his speeches, he called for the abolition of slavery.
the movement to end slavery
Abolitionism spread as more people demanded the end of slavery.
of or pertaining to the fight to end slavery; a person who fought for the abolition (end) of slavery
Many formerly enslaved people living in the northern United States were abolitionists.
an authoritarian governing system in which a hereditary ruler holds complete power until death
Ruled by an absolute monarchy, the empire's citizens constantly lived in fear of oppression and injustice.
a political system where a ruler has unlimited power
Under absolutism, the king could make laws without asking anyone else.
formulated in the mind or in thought and not necessarily connected with what is real, proven, or tangible
The scientist's theory about how galaxies are formed is completely abstract.
formulated in the mind or in thought and not necessarily connected with what is real, proven, or tangible
He described his idea abstractly, which made it difficult for his colleagues to comprehend what he was trying to propose.
an amount that is more than ample; very plentiful quantity
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner has an abundance of food.
the act or process of increasing the speed or rate of
Quick acceleration allowed her to pass the truck safely.
the formation of a celestial object by the effect of gravity pulling together surrounding objects and gases
Recall that the Earth formed from the accretion of planetesimals.
to amass
Now a millionaire, the tycoon began to accumulate many priceless paintings from Europe.
to come to possess, especially gradually over time
You've acquired an American accent after living in the States.
the belief in or practice of trying to make social or political changes through active, militant, or demonstrative involvement, especially in particular issues
She believed that activism could bring about change, and she spoke at and took part in many demonstrations.
a person who works to bring about change in society, usually by speaking up, protesting, or taking action for a cause they believe in
the activist organized a march to raise awareness about protecting the environment
to make fit or suitable for a particular need or condition
They adapted the reading room so they could hold meetings there.
Responding to the current and future impacts of climate change to minimize harm.
Being able to blend into the environment is an adaptation called camouflage.
changes made to an existing work
Her brilliant essay on communications, written in 1990 before the internet came along, needed a few adaptations before it could be re-published in the magazine's anniversary edition.
the rapid evolution of many new species that possess adaptations that allow them to fill previously empty ecological roles, or niches
Adaptive radiation allows organisms to fill new roles in an ecosystem over the course of many generations.
the condition of being addicted, especially to a narcotic substance
He'd started smoking recently and was already developing an addiction to nicotine.
the act of directing or managing
She has great skill in the administration of her business.
of or pertaining to administration or management
Whether to hire more workers is an administrative decision.
a person who manages, especially business or public affairs
The middle school's administrators include the principal, vice principal, and dean.
to take on as one's own (a manner, style, or point of view)
As children grow up, they tend to adopt the values, beliefs, and opinions of their peer group.
the act or condition of choosing or accepting a law, practice, tradition, or language
We support the adoption of these policies.
well beyond an early stage of development, or considerably beyond the level of others
They were not surprised that this small country had such advanced health care.
something that gives a position of superiority or domination
A degree from a top school is said to be an advantage when applying for jobs.
a person who engages in journeys or other undertakings that involve risk, danger, or excitement
The adventurers rounded the globe, excited to finally return home.
Action done in support of a cause, policy, or candidate.
After years of advocacy, the students successfully pushed the school district to transition to electric buses.
the communities that abandoned nomadism but still lived as foragers
Affluent foragers, or wealthy hunter-gatherers, were those who had enough resources to settle down and stay in one place.
The landmass that includes the continents of Africa, Europe, and Asia
life after death
Belief in the afterlife is a common characteristic of many religions.
the use of force or violence against another in order to dominate or achieve one's own aims
The researchers believe that violent programming can cause aggression in young children.
relating to agriculture; rural; agricultural
In agrarian societies, most people cultivate the land to supply food for their families and society.
having to do with agriculture or farming
I live in an agricultural area of the state where there are many cornfields.
a period of major changes in farming methods that greatly increased food production
An agricultural revolution in the seventeenth century allowed more food to be produced by fewer people on less land, making it easier for factories to find workers and raw materials.
the system or practice of raising of crops and livestock
With improved methods of farming, agriculture flourished in the rural society.
human intelligence simulator or the ability of technology like computers to perform tasks normally completed by humans
Some people are afraid of AI because they think it will take over the world.
When an AI generates incorrect or misleading information.
the study of how metals are composed, often based on a spiritual or religious pursuit
Just because you don't believe in magic doesn't mean alchemy was pointless, because those who practiced it showed the same type of curiosity we value in scientists today.
an archaic (no longer used) device used to purify liquid by distillation
Alchemists used the alembic many centuries ago.
a being from a planet that is not Earth; extraterrestrial
Movies often portray aliens as little green creatures from Mars.
in the religion of Islam, the name of the supreme deity
Islam is a monotheistic religion and followers only believe in one god whom they refer to as Allah.
to make more bearable
The medication will alleviate the pain, but it will not eliminate it.
a mutually beneficial relationship between two nations forged to further common interests or prevent attack from common enemies
The two nations formed an alliance in hopes of defeating their common enemy in war.
of or pertaining to a flood plain or to sediment deposited by flowing water
Prospectors went panning for alluvial gold in the streams of southwestern Montana.
a brain disorder that affects a person’s memory and cognitive skills
Today, more people are living longer, which increases the possibility of contracting Alzheimer’s disease.
an official who represents their country in another nation
The ambassador met with leaders of the other country to discuss peace talks.
a member of one of the indigenous peoples of the Americas (used chiefly in anthropological and linguistic contexts)
Her grandmother was an Amerindian and grew up on a Cherokee reservation in North Carolina with other native people.
a white crystalline salt once used to dry cells
Ammonium chloride is commonly found in fertilizers.
to separate into parts for close scrutiny
The police had the substance analyzed in the laboratory to identify it.
someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
Imagine the surprise of that early ancestor who stuck a willow branch into the ground, only to find that it grew into a tree.
a traditional Chinese belief system that believed in a deep respect for one's ancestors after death, rooted in the belief that the spirit of one's ancestors will continue to look after the family while in the after life
She followed the traditional Chinese beliefs of ancestor veneration, believing that her ancestors will continue to look after her and her family.
People from past generations of a family or group who lived long before us
something that comes from one's ancestors (family members from long ago) or is connected to people who lived in earlier times
The community gathered to celebrate an ancestral festival that had been passed down for hundreds of years.
nuns who were attached to a specific church and characterized by living a very modest and secluded life
Rather than marry a man she didn't love, she chose to become an anchoress and live in an abbey for the rest of her life.
people who lived long ago; usually in reference to those who made significant contributions to our collective learning
I often wonder what the ancients would think of the high-tech world we live in today.
the belief that spiritual beings or souls can exist without a body to house them or in plants, animals, and other objects
Immigrants from various Asian countries have brought the belief in animism to various US communities.
to add (territory) to an existing nation or city
The United States annexed Texas in 1845.
a new epoch, not formally accepted by geologists, during which our species has become the dominant force for change in the biosphere
The Anthropocene marks the end of the Holocene epoch, about the time of the Industrial Revolution, 200 years ago.
Caused by human activity.
Anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions must quickly decline if we want to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
pertaining to the scientific study of mankind, especially its origins, development, social customs and structures, and cultures
I find kinship an interesting anthropological topic.
the scientific study of human culture including beliefs, customs, and archaeological records
I find the study of kinship an interesting area of anthropology.
a medicine used to treat bacterial infections
The first antibiotic used to treat infections was penicillin.
opposed to the influence of the clergy or church in public affairs, especially politics
The secular government adopted an anticlerical stance, seizing lands from the church.
opposed or against colonial rule; related to the fight against colonialism
Anticolonial struggles continue today in pockets across the world.
ancient times, generally prior to c. 500 CE
He believed that art from antiquity was superior to art from the Middle Ages.
prejudice, discrimination, or hostility toward Jews
The genocide of the Holocaust was largely motivated by the Nazi's anti-semitism.
a policy of racial segregation, especially the segregation of blacks and whites and the discrimination against blacks in the Republic of South Africa
When studying apartheid in South Africa, we must keep in mind how recently this system of segregation existed.
any instance of terrible destruction and devastation, especially on a scale that could bring about an end to the world
Nuclear war in the region could lead to an apocalypse.
to cause to become calmer or less agitated, especially by satisfying demands or making concessions
The prime minister hoped to appease the dictator and prevent a full-scale war.
a political strategy or policy that favors conflict avoidance, attepting to bring about a state of peace, quiet, ease, or calm
After World War I, many citizens approved of Chamberlain's acts of appeasement, hoping to satisfy Hitler and prevent another war.
A person who learns a trade or skill from an experienced worker
A program in which someone learns a trade or skill through hands-on work and training from an expert
means or method of dealing with something
Since she was failing tests, the teacher suggested she try a different approach to studying.
fitting the practical or social requirements of the situation; seemly; suitable
When you're doing carpentry, you'll get the best results if you use tools that are appropriate to each task.
The breeding and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms for food and other purposes.
The Earth’s changing climate is creating a lot of problems for aquaculture, especially for less wealthy farmers in regions most severely impacted by the climate crisis.
resulting from whim or caprice instead of from a rule or reason
The committee's decision seemed completely arbitrary.
of or relating to archaeology, the study of past human life and culture using information gained from the analysis of artifacts
Archaeological findings have contributed tremendously to our understanding of time before written record.
the systematic and scientific study of past human life and culture using information gained from the analysis of their artifacts, such as pottery, tools, buildings, and the like
Archaeology as a discipline has contributed tremendously to our understanding of time before written records.
Person who studies past human life and cultures by examining material remains
a high-ranking social class, having special privileges and influence
She was born into the aristocracy and was expected to marry someone of her own class.
a member of a titled or privileged class
Aristocrats can be distinguished from peasants by their style of clothing.
an agreement between opposing sides in a conflict to stop fighting, usually to negotiate a treaty
The two countries agreed to an armistice so the fighting would pause while leaders discussed peace.
a competition between countries to build up the most weapons, especially nuclear weapons
During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were in an arms race.
a building used for the storage or manufacture of weapons, munitions, and other military equipment
They dropped a bomb on their enemy's arsenal.
any object made by human beings
The museum had an exhibit of ancient Mexican artifacts.
a process in breeding animals and cultivating plants by which the breeder chooses to perpetuate only those forms having certain desirable inheritable characteristics
The artificial selection of plants and animals beneficial to humans started much earlier than many people think.
Large gunpowder weapons that fire powerful projectiles long distances
a person skilled in making things, especially by hand
The shop features pottery and ceramics made by local artisans.
one who practices extreme self-denial, especially of material comforts and pleasures, and especially for religious reasons
He had come to see no value in material things and joined a group of ascetics.
having hopes of greater acheivment and success in something
As an aspiring actor, I spend a lot of money having my eyebrows waxed to perfection.
to murder for pay for ideological reasons
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
the deliberate killing of a prominent or important person, often for political or ideological reasons
to examine and try to discover the extent, quality, or nature of
The teachers discussed a new way to assess students' progress.
to absorb and incorporate (an ethnically distinct group) into the dominant culture of an area
The villagers were forcibly assimilated into the society of the conquerors.
small rocky, icy, and metallic celestial bodies left over from the formation of the Solar System which can range from a few meters to several hundred kilometers in width
Most asteroids in our solar system are located in what is called the asteroid belt.
an interdisciplinary scientific field concerned with the origins, early evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe
Astrobiology used to be called exobiology and involves the theoretical and experimental study of life beyond our planet.
navigational tools used by sailors to determine latitude by measuring the altitude of the sun or stars above the horizon.
a scientist who studies the universe beyond the Earth
The Doppler effect helps astronomers identify whether objects such as stars or galaxies are moving toward us or away from us.
enormous; immense
The astronomical price of the vacuum deterred many customers from buying it.
the branch of physics that studies celestial bodies and the universe as a whole
Studying astronomy has had other results besides satisfying man's curiosity.
the study of the properties and interactions of planets, stars, galaxies, and other astronomical objects
In astrophysics, questions are more plentiful than answers.
similar to a slingshot; a stick that us used to propel a dart or spear
Indigenous peoples in the Americas used at atlatl for hunting.
the mixture of gases surrounding a planet
The composition of the Earth’s atmosphere has played a critical role in the development of life on Earth.
a small unit of matter composed of protons, electrons, and usually neutrons
Everything is made of atoms, including you and me.
the average mass of an atom of a given element
The atomic mass of an element tells you a lot about it and how it reacts.
an exceptionally evil, ruthless, or cruel act
Mass murders, rapes, and other atrocities were carried out to instill terror and gain control of the region.
accuracy, truth
The seller of the painting had to prove its authenticity before anyone was willing to buy it.
of, pertaining to, or advocating complete obedience or subjugation to authority, especially political authority, without concern for individual rights
The European monarchs had been authoritarian rulers for centuries.
a system of ruling that advocates for complete obedience or subjection to authority, especially political authority, without concern for individual rights
Without access to non-governmental newspapers, the citizens living under authoritarianism could not learn much about international affairs.
a respectable or credible source
A historian is a person who is an authority on history and who studies it and writes about it.
a ruler who has absolute or unlimited power
The autocrat stripped the nobles of their lands.
operation by machinery rather than by people
The automation of the manufacturing workforce threatens people's jobs but can also improve safety and efficiency.
free and independent, as a state or an organism; self-governing
Once governed by its powerful neighbor, the small region is now autonomous.
freedom and independence; self-governance
Most teenagers want autonomy even though they are still highly dependent on their parents.
the state or condition of being aware
Public awareness of the disease increased after a famous actor died of it last month.
in mathematics and statistics, the "x" and "y" lines that cross at right angles to make a graph
On a line graph that tracks the number of push-ups John does every day, the x-axis contains the days of the week and the y-axis is labeled with numbers ranging from 0 to 30.
very simple, unicellular, asexual, and prokaryotic organisms
There are countless species of bacteria on Earth.
a political and societal system between 1192 and 1868, in which the Shogun held political power, though the idea of an emperor still exists
In the bakufu system, the shogun held more power than the emperor himself.
a state in which opposing forces are equal
It's a challenge to keep a balance in the demands of work and family.
People who rob travelers, villages, or trade routes, especially in remote or dangerous areas.
the military organization used by the Qing Dynasty in which banners of different colors were used to distinguish different groups of warriors
The banner system allowed the Qing to organize its warriors into various administrative units, each with a different job.
a person in a culture believed by those in another culture to be savage, primitive, or uncivilized
The Romans fought the barbarians to the north.
anything that impedes or restricts
Her lack of education is a barrier to career advancement.
to trade goods or services for equivalent goods or services without an exchange of money
Neither of them had any money, so they agreed to barter.
nitrogen-containing biological compounds which come together to create the basic building blocks of nucleic acids
Bases bond with each other to align the backbones of genetic material, giving DNA its helical shape.
a knifelike weapon that attaches to the muzzle end of a rifle for use in close combat
The soldier died after being stabbed with a bayonet.
the actions and reactions of a group, person, animal, or thing, either characteristically or under specific circumstances
The honeybee colony is an example of complex insect behavior.
a set of principles which form the base of a philosophy or religion
Her belief system combined elements of Hinduism and Buddhism.
to leave or dispose of property by a will
He bequeathed his entire home to his daughter.
an inclination or preference that influences judgment
The report showed a strong bias in favor of the factory owners.
a theory, first articulated in the 1920s, proposing that the universe started out extremely hot and dense and gradually cooled off as it expanded
The theory of the Big Bang is widely accepted in the scientific community.
a unified account of the entire history of the universe that uses evidence and ideas from many disciplines to create a broad context for understanding humanity; a modern scientific origin story
Big History encourages students to see the connections between their lives and the history of the universe.
A written order for one party to pay a specific amount to another, often used in trade
An agreement between nations that is legally enforceable and must be followed by all parties involved
the variety of life forms in a habitat, whether that habitat is a local environment or an entire planet
Climate change threatens the current biodiversity that exists on our planet.
A liquid fuel made from renewable biological sources, such as plants and algae.
Many airlines are exploring biofuel made from plant-based materials to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
of or pertaining to the growth, development, and functioning of living things
Many studies have explored the biological differences between males and females.
a major ecological community type (such as tropical rain forest, grassland, or desert).
The marine biome is composed of all the world's oceans and has the most diverse group of plants, animals, and temperatures.
Distinct regions of the planet that are defined by a shared ecology and often have similar climates, soils, and geography.
At a 2˚ C increase, 13% of Earth’s land will shift to a new biome.
the entire network of life on Earth; the region of Earth in which living organisms can be found
Catfish, mold, pine tries, eagles, and people all have one thing in common—we live in the same biosphere.
the ability to walk on two rear legs
Bipedalism may have evolved in our ancestors from the need to see above the tall grasses of open plains.
a system of global power dominated by two opposing superpowers or ideologies
responsibility
I accepted the blame for what happened and thought up a plan to make amends.
to make holy by religious ritual
The priest blessed the marriage.
a swift military attack from the air or ground
During the war, most of the city was obliterated in a blitzkrieg.
the use of ships or forces to prevent goods, people, or supplies from entering or leaving an area
the act or practice of purging by opening a vein; phlebotomy
Historically, people would try to cure Yellow Fever by bloodletting.
a member of the majority faction of the Russian political party that seized power in 1917 and formed the Communist party in the Soviet Union
The Bolsheviks wanted to revolt against the Russian government instead of waiting for reform to happen over time.
a unit of material, such as cloth, that is usually stored rolled up
He needed to buy one bolt of fabric for his daughter's lion costume.
a metal shell filled with explosives that is dropped, thrown, or otherwise directed at a certain target for destructive purposes
The planes dropped hundreds of bombs on the city.
a lasting attraction between atoms, ions or molecules that enables the formation of chemical compounds
A water molecule forms when an oxygen atom forms a bond with two hydrogen atoms.
an expert in the scientific study of plants
I once took a class in which a botanist taught us about all the different kinds of edible plants that exist in this area.
a large detached rock
Suddenly a boulder came spilling down the cliff and landed in the river.
The 'middle' class of people who own property and have some access to money
the middle class
The American bourgeoisie is finding college tuition increasingly unaffordable.
a member of a class of nobles in Russia with high rank
The boyars demanded land in exchange for their pledge of loyalty to the new king.
the refusal to purchase certain types of goods, refusal to engage in commercial relations with a particular entity
People organized a boycott of the shoe manufacturer to protest unjust labor practices.
somewhat salty
After hiking for many hours without water, we were disappointed to discover that the lake we reached was brackish.
a cultured, socially elite person, especially a member of an upper-class family
In Hindu society, Brahmins hold a lot of authority and status.
something that serves to connect separate things, concepts, people, or groups
The opposing forces must find some kind bridge, or common ground to resolve their differences.
the quality, state, or condition of being bright
The brightness of his screen distracted from my viewing of the movie.
a fabric woven with a raised pattern
The brocade pillow case looked beautiful next to her new sheets.
a spiritual philosophy and religion, founded in the sixth century BC by Buddha and widespread in Asia, that teaches release from the self and from one's earthly desires
Buddhism teaches that liberation can only be achieved by letting go of all desires.
goods, such as cloth, timber, or grain, that are sold in large quantities at lower prices
Large bags of grain are often sold as bulk goods.
an organized group of hired officials, especially governmental
The governor is at the head of the state bureaucracy.
an official in a government office, especially one who follows rules and routines rather than personal judgment
The government bureaucrat hosted a public forum to hear from citizens about how the new health care law could affect them.
a system used in ancient China to select bureaucratic candidates through exams
Bureaucratic examinations determined who went into civil service.
the repeated change from economic growth to economic retraction
an official group of advisors to the head of a government
The President met with his cabinet to discuss the plan.
A dead human body, often used for medical or scientific purposes.
a political doctrine in which the emperor controlled the political state and religious affairs
Caesaropapism gives a singular ruler ultimate power, the ability to rule both church and state.
a bitter substance often in coffee, tea, chocolate and is used as a stimulant or diuretic
The caffeine in coffee makes me stay up later than I usually would.
to compute mathematically
If you calculate the cost of driving your car to work every day, you'll find it's much cheaper to ride the bus.
a system of calculation in mathematics involving algebraic notations, to measure rate of change, length, or volume
Calculus is helpful not only in the field of mathematics, but also in many branches of physics.
any of several systems of dividing time into regular segments and assigning the beginnings of years
Over the millennia, many different calendars have emerged in completely isolated societies.
the main ruler, civil and religious, in an Islamic society
In the thirteenth century, Baghdad was ruled by a caliph.
The community a caliph (Muslim spiritual and political leader) rules, or the period of time when they rule it
elegant lettering or writing done by hand
Chinese calligraphy is done with a brush.
either of two species of large, long-necked, humped mammals of Africa and Asia, often domesticated for riding and carrying loads
Camels transported the travelers across the desert.
a systematic, concerted set of activities undertaken for a particular purpose
They're on a campaign to raise money for the Red Cross.
a man made waterway for transportation or irrigation
The two lakes are connected by a canal.
a large mounted gun for firing heavy shells
The cannon's bombardment of the city led to its eventual defeat.
a member of the chapter of priests serving in a cathedral or a collegiate church
The canon took on new responsibilities with the new position.
A program that sets a cap on greenhouse gas emissions that steadily lowers over time in order to curb emissions and, in many cases, raise money to address climate change.
The cap-and-trade system allows companies to buy and sell emissions permits, creating a financial incentive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time.
money or other wealth owned or used by a business
We will be expanding our business as soon as we get enough capital.
a competitive economic system in which products and production means are owned by individuals or private groups
Marx argued that capitalism was the key feature of the modern world, but created such profound inequality that it would eventually have to be abolished in a future socialist society.
of or pertaining to capitalism (an economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned and prices are chiefly determined by open competition in a free market)
The United States has a capitalist economy.
a person who is taken and kept as a prisoner or enslaved
The captive was forced onto a ship during the slave trade.
a band of people traveling together for safety, especially across a desert
The travelers rejoiced as their caravan neared the oasis.
a large roadside inn where travelers and traders could rest and get supplies
Merchants traveling the Silk Road stopped at a caravanserai to rest and feed their animals.
a small, fast sailing ship developed by the Portuguese in the 1400s, used for exploration
Explorers sailed across the ocean in a caravel.
a chemical element with six protons that is formed in the death cycle of medium and large stars and is basis for all known life on Earth
Carbon is found in all living things.
The technology and processes that collect CO₂ at the point of emissions to then store underground or elsewhere.
Many power plants are investing in carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology to trap CO₂ emissions and store them underground, reducing their environmental impact.
The natural process by which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, plants, and animals.
Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are altering the Earth’s natural carbon cycle and driving climate change.
a colorless, odorless, incombustible gas that is produced naturally in breathing, combustion, and decomposition, and commercially for use in dry ice, fire extinguishers, and carbonated beverages
Carbon dioxide is the primary compound currently contributing to the greenhouse effect in our atmosphere.
The total amount of greenhouse gases generated by an individual, organization, product, or activity.
Carbon footprints are often used as a tool to focus on what individuals can do, but it is just as helpful to look at the carbon footprints of large companies and nations.
A tax on emissions associated with burning fossil fuels that makes visible the “hidden” cost of carbon emissions.
Carbon taxes also help create incentives to come up with carbon-free alternatives to save money.
the maximum population size of a biological species that can be sustained by that specific environment, given the food, habitat, water, and other resources available
When the deer population reaches carrying capacity, they will begin to run out of food.
to form or inscribe by cutting
She carves horses out of ivory.
a crop that is produced to be sold somewhere else, rather than consumed locally
Imperialists forced local communities to change their fields from food crops to cash crops in an attempt to increase profits.
an alloy of iron, carbon, silicon, and other elements that ranges from hard and brittle to soft and strong, depending on its composition
The creation of cast iron allowed for variations in strength and durability of iron tools.
any social grouping in a society that is based on heredity, wealth, or the like
Marrying a wealthy aristocrat meant she was in a higher caste.
a social structure in which one's class in society is determined by heredity
The Indian caste system was very rigid and made it difficult for someone of a lower class to move into a higher class.
to remove the sexual organs of, esp. the testicles
The vet suggested that the farmer castrate his bulls.
a member of the armed forces removed from active duty as a result of being killed, wounded, captured, or missing in action
There were thousands of casualties after the battle.
to bring about or change
The death of the king catalyzed an entire restructuring of the political system.
a calamity with widespread effects; disaster
Floods and earthquakes represent catastrophes not only for humans but for all forms of life.
relate to or of the magnitude of a calamity with widespread effects
The catastrophic news distracted them for the rest of the week.
to arrange by categories; classify
She categorizes her clothes into three groups: work clothes, stay-at-home clothes, and dating clothes.
the theological and moral doctrines, the faith, and the ecclesiastical practices of the Roman Catholic Church
Catholicism flourished after the fall of the Roman Empire.
the process of identifying causality: the relationship between a cause and its effect
Students must use causal reasoning skills to identify the reasons Rome's fall.
the act or process of causing (to make happen; creating or influencing)
When looking through articles about the fall of the Han, you want to focus on causation as well as long-term effects.
reason for an action or condition
The cause of the fire was a cigarette.
of, pertaining to, or arising from a connection between two events in which one causes the other to happen
John Green talks about the cause and effect of certain actions that brought about World War I.
troops mounted on horseback or in armored carriers or helicopters, or the branch of military service composed of such troops
The cavalry came storming over the hill, immediately frightening the enemy.
relating to the skies, stars, or outer space; sometimes "the heavens"
Astronomers are interested in determining how celestial bodies revolve around one another.
the state of being unmarried, and/or abstention from sexual intercourse, especially as the result of a religious vow
The nun took a vow of celibacy when entering the convent.
a system considered analogous in structure or function to a living body
A brain is simply a cluster of special nerve cells focused on coordinating the activities and vital functions of many different cells and cell groups.
to examine and control the content of
The school board censored books in the library with what they felt were controversial topics.
refers to information, speech, or content that is removed, blocked, or restricted by an authority
is an official count of the population, along with other demographic information
a place of focused or centralized activity
The city center contains the majority of local government buildings and is constantly bustling with people.
to concentrate or bring under a single authority or control
Although the nation's government was centralized, local authorities are also able to enact legislation.
when power and decision-making are concentrated in a ruler, place, or government
More than other large regions, China in 1750 was a centralized state with standard laws, currency, and taxes.
a type of government in which decisions are made by one executive power
Although the nation is controlled by a centralized government, local governments are also able to make laws.
a period of 100 years
Magnifying lenses were being as far back as the fourteenth century.
pertaining to, characterized by, or used in a ceremony
The ceremonial headdress was worn for religious occasions only.
a transformation or alteration
There has been a change in her.
a state, condition, or place of complete disorder and confusion
He lived a monastic life, reflecting on his place in the world and secluding himself from the chaos outside his home.
a black solid that results from the heating of wood, bone, or other forms of organic matter
After the fire, all that was left of the once lush, green forest were mounds of charcoal.
having unusually strong personal allure or appeal; marked by charisma
The charismatic leader charmed and enthralled his audience.
a display of information in graphic or tabular form
This chart shows the company's profits and loss over the past 10 years.
a written document that gives rights or privileges
The king granted a charter to the colony so it could govern itself.
an association with investors or shareholders and incorporated and granted rights by royal charter for the purpose of trade, exploration, and colonization
Some early English charter companies handled overseas trade and so were significant in English cultural expansion.
inca messengers who ran long distances to deliver messages and goods
the ownership of a person as property or chattel
The horrific system of chattel slavery endorsed buying and selling people as property.
material produced by or used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules
Synthetic fabrics contain fibers made by combining various chemicals.
energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds such as atoms and molecules that is released in the event of a chemical reaction; the most widely used type of energy that is crucial to the existence of humans and the natural world
When you burn wood, stored chemical energy is released and converted into thermal and light energy.
the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions
Medical students are required to have an understanding of chemistry.
the foremost or most important person in a group; leader
The chief of police was in charge of the investigation.
a leader of a band of people, especially of a clan or tribe
The chieftain ruled over the valley.
a region or a people ruled by a chief
The coalition of chieftaincies banded together to help fend off barbaric armies from the noth.
the practice of employing young children in, often in dangerous conditions
the thing or person selected from two or more alternatives
He is my choice for the best actor of the year.
a bacterial infection of the intestines caused by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food
Crowded living conditions and poor sanitation can lead to cholera outbreaks.
the order of events in time
She tried to remember the chronology of the incidents to help police.
the outer boundary of a circle or other curvilinear figure or area
When measuring the circumference of a circle, you need to know the object's radius or diameter.
a fortress built on a high place in or near a city
The invaders attacked the citadel, but they were easily repelled.
a person belonging by birth or naturalization to a political and geographic entity, especially a nation
His father emigrated from Russia in 1917 and became a French citizen.
the state of being a citizen; the state of belonging to a political or geographic entity or nation
You can now apply for US citizenship online.
a large human settlement that lives in a defined area, usually with permanent structures
Many people work in the city and commute to their homes in the suburbs.
a self-governing state made up of a city and its surrounding territory
Venice was once a powerful city-state.
the intentional, nonviolent refusal to comply with a government law or requirement, in order to try to influence the government to change some law, or policy
Acts of civil disobedience are seen as a way to push policymakers to listen to the issues of citizens.
a war within a nation between opposing political factions or regions
At conflict over the true heir to the throne, the two political factions began a civil war that would last for more than ten years.
a person who is not serving in the military or the police
In addition to military personnel, many civilians were killed during the bombings.
a complex society often with a system of government and laws, use of language, and the keeping of records
Fertile land and an abundant water supply made civilization possible in the region.
educated or refined; not impulsive or destructive; socialized or civil
They believe that animal abuse should never be tolerated by a civilized society.
The idea that imperialists were helping colonized people by forcing them to adopt the imperialists’ culture
an assertion that something is true
Henry claims that he can make the best burger in town.
the four ways (intuition, authority, logic, evidence) by which we evaluate historical claims
Evidence is one of the claim testers we can use to evaluate the truthfulness behind the Big Bang Theory.
an important analytical process for assessing the quality and truthfulness of claims
Claim testing helps you evaluate people’s assertions.
a group of people linked together through family ties and imagined or adopted kinship
The clan worked together to defeat their enemies and flourish in the valley they just discovered.
to assign to a particular category or group
These rocks are typical of certain types, so they are quite easy to classify.
Energy sources that are naturally replenished and emit little to no greenhouse gases.
Many countries are investing in clean energy sources like wind and solar to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions.
the group or body of people authorized to conduct religious services, such as ministers, priests, or rabbis
Nuns were an important part of the clergy.
a high, steep or overhanging surface of rock or Earth
Be careful going down this trail, there is a steep cliff on one side.
the weather conditions in a place, averaged over several years or decades
Antarctica is known for both its cold climate and its penguins.
changes in the measures of Earth’s climate over a long period of time including weather, precipitation, and temperature patterns
Rising global temperatures due to climate change are causing more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heatwaves.
Someone who, when it comes to climate change, believes either that fear will inspire action or that there’s no point in acting because it’s already too late to solve climate change.
Climate doomers might think otherwise, but there’s a lot we can do to mitigate climate change.
Tools that collect and share regional climate information so people can manage local risks and problems and adapt practices.
Using Climate Information Systems, researchers work together with farmers to establish climate-smart procedures to make farming more resilient and sustainable.
The research, development, and scaling of new climate solutions.
Climate innovation means both new technologies and new ways of doing and thinking about things.
The idea that the challenges we're facing as our climate changes shouldn't affect any one community more than others, even though the physical impacts are different around the world.
Climate justice proposes that these communities should have the power to improve their situations—and they should be able to get the support they need to adapt.
A simulation of Earth’s climate system used to re-create past climatic conditions and predict future conditions based on different factors including human action.
As technology advances, climate model predictions have become increasingly accurate.
Someone who, when it comes to climate change, believes that hope is a better motivator than fear and that we must focus on more than the bad news of climate change.
Climate optimists believe we can make a difference if we act quickly and get our priorities in order.
a hard black or dark brown substance found in the Earth and burned as fuel
After collecting the coal, they began loading it onto the train to transport to the nearest city.
to grow together or unite to form a single body or organization
The scientists' ideas coalesced and together they devised a new theory.
an alliance, esp. a temporary one, of various factions, parties, or nations
Without a majority party, a coalition often governs.
a protective covering some insects make around themselves while they grow or change
The silk was made from a cocoon spun by a silkworm.
any of a wide variety of saltwater fishes, caught commercially for food
While many enjoy salmon, cod is a favorite in the Liu family.
a system of symbols (such as letters or numbers) used to represent assigned meanings
Our genetic code is saved in our DNA and transcribed for cell function.
a set of rules about how to behave and do business with other people
On page 10 of the student handbook, a code of conduct defines appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
the process of shifting from one linguistic code (a language or dialect) to another, depending on the social context or conversational setting
Code switching is very common in my family because my mother is from France and my father is from Germany.
the analysis and deciphering of cryptographic writings or systems
Code-breaking was an important skill during wartime.
to force someone to do something, even if they don’t want to
A ruler can coerce people to obey laws by threatening punishment.
someone who persuades or pressures (a person) to do something by using threats, intimidation, or authority
Not only was the murderer sentenced to time in jail, but his coercers were also indicted as accessories to the crime.
of or using coercion (power to persuade someone using threats or intimidation)
The cult leaders sometimes used coercive methods to recruit followers.
of, pertaining to, or involving the use of the mind for acquiring knowledge and processing thought
Thinking and memorizing are cognitive tasks that require a lot of mental concentration.
Using tools, technology, or medicine to improve the way the brain works.
a new way of thinking that leads to development and advancement, particularly in methods of thought and communication
A series of cognitive revolutions helped propel ancient societies into the modern, industrialized world.
the quality or condition or having a clear, logical structure or of being understandable
The coherence of his speeches makes note-taking easy.
the act, process, or state of sticking together
After the high ropes course, the team felt a sense of cohesion.
the system of metal money used by a government or nation
American coinage can be somewhat confusing as each coin is very similar.
to be in the same place or occur at the same time
Our lunch breaks coincide, so we usually eat together.
of events, occurring simultaneously
It was coincident with the building of the feudal system.
to cooperate or work with someone else, especially on an artistic or intellectual project
A team of professors from five universities collaborated on the project.
to fall down; give way; cave in
The bridge collapsed because of high winds and faulty design.
done by or characteristic of individuals acting together
The members of a collective farm worked the land together.
an imagined idea of connectivity between a group of people caused by shared language, culture, history, or ideas
Their desire to do well and school and be successful in their careers helped the friends to develop a sense of collective imagination.
the process, specific to the human species, of sharing and accumulating knowledge over multiple generations and across regions
Only through collective learning were we able to develop the sophisticated technologies we have today.
the doctrine or practice of centralized economic control, especially of the means of production
Collectivism is one of the tenets of communist ideology.
the act or process of organizing or reorganizing an economy, business, or industry based on collective ownership and joint control of the means of production and distribution
The collectivization of factories in the Soviet Union theoretically put industry in the hands of the workers.
to organize or reorganize (an economy, business, or industry) based on collective ownership and control of the means of production and distribution
Fire department regulations require public buildings to be equipped with sprinklers.
an act or instance of coming together with violent force
Her car insurance will pay for the damage that resulted from the collision.
of or pertaining to a colony or colonies, territories governed by a distant country
The colonial government failed to meet the needs of its residents.
the policy or practice of a wealthy or powerful nation maintaining or extending its control over other countries, especially in establishing settlements or exploiting resources
Colonial expansion allowed European nations to extend not only their influence but also expand their culture to other territories.
the practice of a foreign government exercising political or economic control of another community
Colonialism imposed European control over most of Africa in the nineteenth century.
lands controlled by another country, often far away
The colonies sent raw materials back to their home country.
a member of a group establishing a colony, a territory governed by a distant country
Colonists took over native land with little regard for those already living off that land.
the act or process of forming colonies
Colonization of the Americas occurred after Columbus discovered them in 1492.
to establish or form a colony on; settle
The British began to colonize Australia in the late eighteenth century.
When a powerful group takes control of a land and its people, often by force
person or country that takes control of another place and its people
a territory governed by a distant country, often occupied by numbers of citizens of that country
Before declaring independence, America consisted of 13 British colonies.
the role race and racism had in American society after the abolition of slavery
DuBois wrote about the color line in an attempt to bring awareness to the injustices stemming from racial segregation after the abolition of slavery.
The transfer of plants, animals, people, ideas, and diseases between the Americas and the rest of the world after 1492
someone or something that engages in combat
The combatants began to fight among themselves.
a heavenly body orbiting the sun and having a nucleus surrounded by a nebulous sheath that may form an elongated tail when the body comes close to the sun
Many comets circle our Sun and are visible to us only on certain days of the year or even once in a hundred years.
An economic system where the government controls production and distribution
in the Jewish or Christian Bible, one of the Ten Commandments or laws given to Moses by God
The commandments that were given to Moses are seen by many as the rules for living a good life.
the exchange of goods or services for money
The trade agreement is expected to increase commerce between the two nations.
of or relating to trade or business
Our offices are in the commercial district.
raising crops and livestock for the purposes of trade or business
Next to the pastoral industry, commercial agriculture is the principal source of Australian wealth.
the process or effort of managing or running something simply for financial gain
The commercialization of athletics has created a multibillion dollar industry.
something with a practical use or value
Fertile land and drinkable water have always been precious commodities.
associated with all sides or with all members of a group
The political leaders claimed that they were working for the common good.
the most recent individual or species from which all the organisms of a studied set are descended
All bipedal species in the human line since it diverged from the common ancestor with chimpanzees; first appeared 8 to 5 million years ago.
of or pertaining to a community (a group of people living close together or having shared interests and concerns)
Adopting the new style of habit at the convent was a communal decision.
a disease that can be transmitted from one person to the other
Wearing a mask reduces the likelihood of catching an airborne communicable disease.
to exchange thoughts, ideas, or information
We didn't speak each other's language well, so we sometimes had trouble communicating.
the transferring of messages or exchanging of information or ideas
Most self-help books say that communication is vital to a relationship.
the theory of a classless social system in which all property and means of production are owned in common; socialist theory deriving from the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and adopted by the Soviet Union
China adopted communism as their political and economic system in 1949.
one who advocates communism or belongs to the Communist Party
During the Red Scare, many people were frightened of being associated with communists.
a group of people living close together or having shared experience and identity
The mayor held a public meeting to get opinions from the community concerning the new library.
to note likenesses and differences
The professor compared the economic system in the United States with the economic system in China.
the process or result of comparing or of being compared
This detailed comparison of the two systems helped me understand the differences.
the striving of business firms against one another to secure trade
Competition should lower prices for consumers.
a system of exchange of goods and services based on supply and demand
Competitive markets promise the lowest prices for consumers, often regardless of the negative externalities that are unaccounted for in those prices.
complicated in structure; consisting of interconnected parts
Compound machines that have many parts are complex machines.
the quality of being intricate and compounded
Organic compounds are not only unique in their complexity, they are also unusually numerous.
the relation among the parts of something
The composition of this compound gives it unique properties when it comes to magnetism.
a settlement of differences by partial concession of demands by each party
The two sides negotiated for several days before reaching a compromise.
grouped closely together
All the shops were concentrated on one main street.
a prison camp in which large numbers of political prisoners, aliens, or those considered undesirable are confined and sometimes executed
During the 1940s, Japanese Americans on the West coast were forced into concentration camps by the US military.
a distinct, novel idea that has been reached through consideration
Henry Ford's concept of assembly line manufacturing made the mass production of automobiles possible.
an act or instance of conceding, such as granting a right or privilege or admitting a point in an argument; something conceded, such as a right or privilege or a point in an argument
After losing the war, the government had to agree to the concessions of the winning country.
a woman who lived with—and could have children with—a man, but who had lower status and less legal rights than his wife
The way a person behaves or acts, especially in following rules or laws
a channel, ditch, or pipe used to convey water or other liquid
A conduit links the man made pond to the creek so that excess rainwater can run off.
A loose alliance of states that agree to cooperate with each other
The tribes formed a confederation to defend themselves against the invaders.
an organized meeting of persons with common interests, especially professional interests, for the purpose of sharing information and opinions
The agriculture conference attracted industries from livestock herding to fertilizer manufacturing.
the act of seizing by virtue of authority
The confiscation of the man's phone after he got arrested was part of police procedure.
an armed battle or war
The conflict between England and France lasted for many years.
a clash or conflict
During the confrontation between the two soccer teams, lots of mean comments were said.
ideas, values, or practices that come from Confucianism, a belief system based on the teaching of Confucious that emphasizes respect, family loyalty, and social harmony
He lived according to Confucian principles.
the ethical teachings of Confucius, which emphasize reverence for ancestors, devotion to family and friends, cultivation and discipline of the mind, and social responsibility
Confucianism and its basis in morality, virtue, and social order was adopted by the Chinese empire as its official belief system.
association, relationship; something that connects
There is a strong connection between money and power.
the state or quality of being connected other things
The company's connectivity with its partners led to massive improvements in efficiency.
to gain or overcome by force, especially armed force
The invading army conquered all the lands to the north.
the act or process of conquering
The conquest of these lands brought disease and misery to the native populations.
a Spanish conqueror of the sixteenth century
The conquistador was proud of himself for taking control of so much land, but he was a villain to the indigenous people already living there.
being aware of your surroundings; making deliberate decisions
Your conscious thoughts are the ones that you know you're making, while your unconscious or subconscious thoughts happen when you're dreaming.
the state or quality of being conscious or aware
When the doctor started administering the anesthetic, the patient lost consciousness almost immediately.
compulsory enrollment in military service
The men became soldiers through conscription.
permission or agreement, such as that given by people to a government in a democracy
John Locke argued that governments needed the consent of the people, a princple that influenced the American colonies to fight for independence from Britain.
that which follows; result
The tenant's fall in the stairway was a direct consequence of the landlord's property neglect.
the preservation of a resource, especially a natural resource such as soil, water, or forests, from loss, pollution, or waste
The conservation policy saved the animals that were at risk.
a person who favors the traditional and opposes rapid change; (in a political context) favoring free enterprise, private ownership, and socially traditional ideas
As a conservative, the minister was uncomfortable with the way he saw the church changing.
a wife or husband, esp. of a royal personage
Prince Philip was the consort of Queen Elizabeth II.
the set of basic laws and principles by which a nation, state, or other organization is governed
They were forced to change the club's constitution so women could join.
a system of government in which a country is ruled by a king and queen whose power is limited by a constitution
Although the queen is the head of the state, under the established constitutional monarchy, she does not have the authority to create laws.
a chief magistrate of the ancient Roman Republic
The consul was responsible for upholding the law and ensuring that those who committed crimes were punished.
one who purchases goods or services; a person or thing that consumes
The farm depended on consumers to buy their corn to stay in business.
a good (merchandise; inventory) bought and used by customers, rather than by manufacturers for producing other goods
Supply usually exceeds demand for the bulk of consumer goods.
the idea that the consumption of goods is beneficial to society or its economy
In the United States, consumerism has contributed largely to the overfilling of landfills and the pollution of oceans.
the purchase of goods and services
Consumption in the United States is generally highest during the holiday season.
the spread of disease from one person to another through direct or indirect contact
Doctors worked to stop the contagion from spreading through the town.
a government policy, enacted in a variety of ways, that is intended to curb the territorial growth, economic expansion, or ideological influence of a hostile nation, in particular communist nations
Under the policy of containment, the United States tried to extend its sphere of influence in order to curb the spread of communism.
Existing or happening in the present; modern, new.
Jules Verne was unique in that contemporary writers were not yet exploring the area that we now call science fiction.
to put into a context, or provide a context for (context: the set of circumstances or events in which a particular event occurs)
I can better sympathize with my grandmother when I consider her difficult circumstances and contextualize her decision.
one of the Earth's major land masses, such as North America, Australia, or Antarctica
Asia is the largest continent on Earth.
the idea that the Earth's continents move in relation to each other, so that continents currently separated by oceans were joined together in the past
The theory of plate tectonics explains why continental drift occurs.
things that are constant over time; something in an uninterrupted state
The film's storyline lacks continuity, so I was often confused about what was going on.
a formal agreement between people or groups
They signed a contract to agree on the land sale.
a condition in which two things are in opposition to each other
The case he was trying to make was weakened contradictions in his supporting evidence.
to compare (two people or things) in order to make their differences clear
The essay contrasted Japan's legal system with the one in the United States.
to give individually or with others to a common fund or collective effort
They contributed considerable funds to the campaign to save the old movie theater from destruction.
any fire intentionally ignited to meet specific land management objectives, such as to reduce flammable fuels, restore ecosystem health, recycle nutrients, or prepare an area for new trees or vegetation
Controlled burns can actually help reduce the chances of forest fires.
a society of persons, usually nuns, devoted to a religious life with the guidance of a superior
The convent provided an alternative to childbearing in Medieval Europe.
a formal meeting or assembly called together to discuss or pursue common interests
Members of the medical association will be having their convention in Chicago next month.
to change or influence change in someone else's or one's own faith or beliefs
She began the process to convert to Judaism when she became engaged to someone of the faith.
shake or tremble uncontrollably due to a medical problem
As the fever got worse, his whole body convulsed.
to work with others, especially for a common purpose
Several nations cooperated in the relief effort.
the process of working with others, especially for a common purpose
Cooperation between national governments had led to several important alliances still in effect today.
A network of farmers who work together to improve productivity and advance their own economic interests
the dense center of the Earth, made mostly of iron, and some nickel
The movement of molten iron and nickel in the outer core generates the Earth's magnetic field.
an association of persons recognized by law and authorized to carry out certain functions with powers independent of the individual members
When starting their coffee business, they set up a new corporation.
a relationship or correspondence between two or more things
There is a strong correlation between income and education.
to support with evidence or testimony; certify the truth of
The next witness corroborated the young man's story.
radiation coming from every direction in the universe that is considered to be the remnant of the Big Bang
Cosmic background radiation can be picked up by some of the most basic devices, like radio players.
an area in spacetime that constitues a single universe or cosmos
Our cosmic bubble is currently 93 billion lightyears across and is still expanding.
the idea that space and time (space-time) underwent an expansion at a rate much faster than the speed of light during the first 10 to 36 seconds after the Big Bang
If cosmic inflation continued past the first moments of the universe, our universe would be much larger than it is today.
the study of the universe on its largest scales, including its origin
Many astrophysicists study cosmology and the beginning of the universe.
Diverse and open to different cultures and ideas
Ancient Alexandria was a cosmopolitan city where Egyptians, Greeks, Jews, and others lived and shared ideas.
the totality of material existence, especially considered as a unified, orderly whole
It is very hard to picture our cosmos because of its vast and variable size.
Skilled fighters and horse riders who lived in Eastern Europe and Russia; they formed independent groups and often worked as mercenaries
a plant that produces soft, white fibers used in making a variety of textile products
Cotton demand fueled atrocities like the transatlantic slave trade.
an assembly of persons gathered together for administrative, legislative, or advisory purposes
The town council will be voting on the issue tonight.
to list or name (numbers or items) one by one in order to find the total
The teacher counted all students on the bus.
a large geographic region defined by political, natural, or cultural boundaries
France is a country in Europe.
the sudden and forceful attempt of a group, especially of military or other government personnel, to seize state power
The collegiate athlete staged a coup in attempt to have his head coach fired.
a sovereign and his or her councilors, together making up a ruling power
The king called on his court for advice about the ongoing war.
a female prostitute, especially a mistress or sexual partner of a wealthy or high-ranking man
Although courtesans were of high status in the Indian caste system, most were also prostitutes.
A formal agreement or promise. In the Hebrew tradition, it refers to the sacred agreement between God and the Israelites, where they promised to follow God's laws in return for guidance and protection
concealed or done in secret
The government has been carrying out covert operations in the region for several years.
a birthplace or time of origin
Many call Philadelphia the cradle of American independence.
a bowl-shaped depression with a raised rim, such as the mouth of a volcano or geyser, or the circular depressions on the surface of the moon, usually with a mountain at their center
An asteroid crater found in Mexico was crucial evidence to proving how the dinosaurs went extinct.
the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new
Both Jews and Christians see the universe as God's creation.
the quality of being believable, or the power to cause others to believe
His wide experience as a soldier and commander gives his statements about war great credibility.
believable or plausible
The teacher allowed him to make up the exam because she thought his excuse was credible.
an agreement in which a borrower is given goods or services with the promise to pay at a later date
As the family paid its bills regularly, their credit was still good at the general store.
A technology that allows scientists to modify the DNA of living organisms. Cas9 and Cas20 are proteins that scientists use like tiny scissors to do the “cutting” of DNA strands.
the plants or produce resulting from agriculture
Plant growers and farmers are trying to develop bigger and better food crops.
Amount of crop grown, usually for food, livestock feed, or fuel.
Both droughts and floods are expected to become more common, reducing crop yields and livestock production.
a method of execution in which the condemned person is tied or nailed to a cross
Jesus's method of execution was crucifixion.
any of the several attempts of Medieval European Christians to recover and then defend the Holy Land in and around Jerusalem from the Muslims
Pope Urban II encouraged the Crusades by urging Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from the Muslims.
the solid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of moving plates both of the continental (lighter, made of granite) and oceanic (heavier, made of basalts) varieties
The crust of the Earth is incredibly thin relative to the mantle and core.
to tend and help (plants) grow; to encourage the growth and flourishing of
We're cultivating vegetables on our farm now.
the act of tending and helping plants grow
Food cultivation was an important milestone in human history.
the sharing of different ideas, traditions, and knowledge with another country or culture
Through cultural exchange, ancient societies and empires were able to adopt new religions, practices, and ways of life.
the language, customs, beliefs, and art of a particular group of people
The drive-in movie was once a staple of American culture.
of, concerning, or written in wedge-shaped characters, as were many languages of the ancient Near East, such as Sumerian and Babylonian
A team of linguists is studying the ancient cuneiform texts in hopes of translating them into English.
any money in circulation as a valid means of trade or exchange
Before adopting the euro, Italy used the lira as its chief unit of currency.
done quickly and without care
The symptoms were so clear that even a cursory examination of the patient would have resulted in a confident diagnosis.
the governmental office that administers trade and collects taxes on imports and exports
The Customs House is where British officials determined tax policies for the Gold Coast colony.
a circle of events that repeats in a regular pattern
Evaporation and condensation are parts of the water cycle.
military lords underneath the shoguns with large landholdings
The Japanese daimyos were responsible for running large estates that stretched over long distances.
a Chinese philosophy and religious system, based on the teachings of Lao Tzu, that advocates a life of simplicity, acceptance of the course of nature, and
Daoism places a large emphasis on simplicity, and the idea of yin and yang emerged from this value.
An Arabic phrase meaning, “The House of Islam”; it refers to the parts of the world where Muslims are in the majority and the rulers practice Islam
the cause of the accelerated expansion of the universe
Little is known about dark energy as we still do not know why the universe's expansion is speeding up.
an abundant material in the universe that interacts with gravity but not with light
Dark matter makes up about 85 percent of our universe, yet we still know very little about it.
plural form of datum, an individual piece of information that is used to draw a conclusion
Data about the US population is collected every 10 years.
the first appearance or beginning of something long-lasting
The dawn of a new world was upon them.
actual, especially as opposed to what is believed to be the case or what is formally acknowledged
In many cities there is de facto racial segregation in housing.
Nazi camps during World War II where prisoners were sent to be worked to death or killed
Prisoners suffered terribly in Nazi death camps.
something owed to another, such as money or services
Your debt to the bank is now $20,000.
when a country’s debt is reduced or canceled to help its economy recover or grow
The reduction or elimination of greenhouse gas emissions from processes, products, and systems.
Decarbonization is essential for combating climate change, requiring a shift from fossil fuels to low- or zero-carbon alternatives.
To reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from processes, products, and systems.
Government and industries are working to decarbonize the economy by reducing fossil fuel dependence.
to rot or become rotted; decompose
This tooth has decayed and will need to be fixed with a filling.
used to describe organizations or their activities which are not controlled from one central place
The empire used to have just one capital city and one ruler, but now things are more decentralized, with authorities living in several different cities.
the act of deciding, or the judgement, choice, or resolution that one has come to after considering a matter
Supervisors will admit that at times they base their decisions on hunch and intuition.
the public document by which the United States of America was declared to be free and independent of England in 1776
The Declaration of Independence is on display at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C.
a falling off or loss, a movement downward
The rapid decline in population was due to the spread of the plague.
the process or act of freeing a colony or eliminating colonialism
The decolonization process left many previous colonies in shambles, due to economic dependence and arbitrary borders made by colonizers.
to set free (a colony or colonies) from colonial rule
After World War II, many European countries were too weak to hold onto their colonies and so started the move to decolonize.
an official and authoritative order or decision, especially by a ruler or government
He and all of his followers were banished by the king's decree.
the process of recreating organisms by using the DNA of extinct species
Scientists recently used extinct woolly mammoth DNA to create a new species called the woolly mouse.
the removal of forest or trees from an area of land
Producing paper encourages deforestation and other negative environmental impacts.
the act or process of degrading, or the condition of being degraded or falling apart
Marriage to an actor brought about her degradation in the eyes of her aristocratic family.
tending to debase or humiliate
The bully made a degrading comment that disgusted those who heard.
the reduction or destruction of a nation's or region's industrial capacity
The country went through deindustrialization due to the increase in the export of goods.
a person who is authorized to speak or act for one or more others, such as a representative to a conference or convention
Delegates from each state assembled for the convention.
to describe or portray in precise or vivid detail
In her article, she delineated the plight of the homeless.
a deposit of sand and soil at the mouth of some rivers, especially large ones, usually in the shape of a triangle
The river delta had soil that was well-suited to agriculture.
in economics, the desire of consumers for goods or services
The product was invented ten years ago, but there was no great demand for it until recently.
the process of reducing or eliminating a country's military forces and weapons
After World War II, Germany went through demilitarization to prevent another conflict.
a form of government in which power ultimately rests with the people, either directly or through elected representatives
The dictator was forced out of power and democracy was established.
having or promoting social, economic, and political equality
All citizens are equal in a truly democratic society.
the process of making a country or system more democratic, giving more people the right to vote and participate in government
The fall of the dictatorship led to the democratization of the nation’s political system, allowing citizens to elect their leaders for the first time in decades.
a way to describe a group of people based on things like their age, gender, income, education, or where they live
Demographic information helps advertisers decide the best places to advertise.
the study of human populations, involving statistical analysis of size, distribution, density, migration, and fertility
As factories closed and people relocated, the demography of the town changed.
a person who participates in a public demonstration
The demonstrators blocked streets to get attention.
having parts closely massed with little space between
The population in the cities is extremely dense.
the state or condition of having parts closely massed with little space between
The density of the compound was critical to its chemical properties.
to declare (something) false; refuse to agree with or admit
The Church originally denied that Earth revolves around the sun.
the condition of relying on another for help or support
The baby birds' dependency on their parents for food required them to stay in the nest at all times.
relying on another for help or support
Previously the country had been a dependent colony.
to portray or represent, as in a painting, sculpture, or written work
He depicted the hero's wife as a computer wizard.
to deprive of rank or office, especially from an important position such as that of king
The rebels deposed the leader and quickly established a provisional government.
an economic state in which business is very bad, unemployment is very high, and poverty is widespread
As the economy fell into a depression, many newly hired employees worried they would be laid off.
when something sacred, holy, or very important is treated with great disrespect or damaged
The protesters were outraged when the historic cemetery was desecrated with graffiti.
the detaining of someone, especially for a short time, either as punishment or until a trial can be held
The immigrant waiting his hearing was held in a detention center.
the act or an instance of destroying or ruining, or the destruction or ruin thus caused
When the crops died off, mass devastation spread across the land.
to become technologically advanced
National food companies develop and operate chains of restaurants known as company-owned units.
the act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
Primary growth is also responsible for the development of branches, leaves, and flowers.
great attachment; strong affection
He felt great devotion toward his aunt, who had raised him as her own.
the Ottoman practice by which Christian children from the Balkans were forced to become soldiers and bureaucrats for the sultan
Through the practice of devshirme, the Ottoman Empire took boys from their families and converted them to Islam.
in Buddhism and Hinduism, the underlying nature, as of the universe or one's self; essence
A warrior's dharma is to fight, and a doctor's dharma is to heal.
a drawing, plan, or chart that makes clear the parts or workings of something
The manual includes several diagrams of the car's engine and other parts.
a language that is a part of a group of languages sharing a common origin, or that is one of several varieties making up the language of a culture that has no single standard
The children learn the country's official dialect in school but use their regional dialect at home.
a scattering of any people with a common culture
When war broke out in their home country, a large diaspora settled in a neighboring nation.
a ruler who has supreme and total authority, especially one who has seized power or who uses it harshly or selfishly
The dictator ruled the country with an iron fist for decades.
a country or government under dictatorial rule
Under the dictatorship, it was illegal to speak out.
the food and drink ordinarily consumed by a person, animal, or group of such
Proteins in the diet are essential to animals for growth and repair.
to not be the same as; be unlike
The two girls are similar in some ways, but they differ in others.
the process in which heavier elements sink to the center and lighter elements float to the surface of planets
Through differentation, the Earth came to have three distinct layers: core, mantle, and curst.
the spreading or wide scattering of something
The diffusion of new technologies increased as trade routes expanded.
involving, relating to, or making use of computers and computerized technologies, especially those which access the Internet
We are now living in a digital world.
the practice or skill of conducting negotiations between nations or governments.
The release of the hostages was hailed as a victory for diplomacy.
an official employed to conduct negotiations between nations or governments
The foreign diplomat met with the president to discuss shared trade interests between their two countries.
of or pertaining to the practice or skill of conducting negotiations between nations or governments
The two nations have resumed diplomatic relations.
Technology that pulls CO₂ directly from the atmosphere to filter, collect, concentrate, and permanently store it deep underground or to use it in other processes.
2023, only 27 direct air capture plants were operational, with another 130 in development.
A system of government where citizens vote on laws and decisions themselves instead of electing representatives
Measurable changes in Earth’s natural systems directly caused by warming temperatures.
Another set of direct impacts is the increased likelihood—and often severity—of some naturally occurring events, such as floods, storms, and wildfires.
a form of representative democracy where voters can vote for any candidate in the land, and each representative's vote is weighted in proportion to the number of citizens who have chosen that candidate to represent them
The American colonists believed they should have direct representation in British Parliament.
a form of colonial government where imperial officers and soldiers directly control a colony
Direct rule was often very costly because it relied on many soldiers and officers from the colonizing country, all of whom had to be paid salaries.
an area of study or learning
Astronomy and biology are scientific disciplines.
not connected; separated
The two friend groups felt completely disconnected after a big fight.
to make accurate distinctions
Some people cannot discriminate between butter and margarine.
the act, or collective acts, of making invalid, unfair, or hurtful differentiations, as in prejudice against people belonging to a specific group
The civil rights movement fought to bring an end to discrimination in this country.
an abnormal physical or mental condition that causes an organism to function wrongly; illness; sickness
Influenza is a contagious disease.
Living organisms that spread infectious diseases between animals and/or humans.
Some areas will see more rainfall and standing water, resulting in a larger geographic range for disease vectors such as mosquitoes.
the act of depriving someone of a right of citizenship, especially the right to vote
History is filled with stories in which disenfranchisement is used as a form of oppression.
to take away false beliefs or hopes; remove illusions of
After fighting for years, the soldiers were disillusioned about their role in the war.
the condition of being deprived of false beliefs or hope; realizing something is not as one thought it was
Disillusionment set in after the war when the consequences of warfare were more than devastating than people expected.
False information deliberately spread to mislead, either by influencing public opinion or obscuring the truth.
Disinformation about climate change is often spread through misleading claims, such as exaggerating scientific uncertainty.
cheerless or depressing
The room was dismal, with tiny windows, filthy curtains, and gray walls.
disagreement or refusal to accept official opinions or decisions
There was dissent among the citizens about the new law.
one who disagrees with, dissents from, or opposes (the opinions or doctrines of others or the authority of some group or institution)
Dissidents, who wrote books had been banned by the government, found ways to publish their books outside the country.
to persuade against doing something
Our host dissuaded us from driving in such foul weather and invited us to stay another night.
the measure of separation between things, places, or points in time
The distance between two objects can be measured in a variety of ways.
far away in time or space
A telescope helps us view distant objects, including planets, stars, and galaxies.
A method used to separate or purify liquids through heating.
to divide into parts and give out to each of several people, or groups
Charities distribute food and medical supplies to those in need.
the act or process of distributing (to spread over an area)
Distribution of free t-shirts will occur at the front gate of the stadium.
the act of separating and moving or leading in different directions
The divergence of species sometimes begins when certain members become geographically separated from others.
of a different kind; different; unlike
Our customs and theirs are quite diverse, and yet we were able to find a common ground.
The diversification of her stock portfolio kept her from losing thousands of dollars that day.
the state or condition of being being varied or consisting of various kinds
Crop diversity replenishes the soil and helps pest control.
the practice of trying to tell the future or gain knowledge through spiritual or magical means
The priest practiced divination by reading signs in the stars.
of, from, pertaining to, or characteristic of a god or gods
They prayed to the goddess for divine wisdom.
one who is spiritual or godlike, as opposed to the Earthly or worldly
I was given the opportunity to ask the mystical diviner about my future.
the breakdown of labor into its components and their distribution among different persons, groups, or machines to increase productive efficiency
After implementing divisions of labor, the company became more efficient at producing products in a timely manner.
the double-stranded molecule, present in all living cells, that contains the genetic information used to form and maintain the cell and passes that information to offspring cells
A gene is a segment of DNA involved in producing a polypeptide chain.
a belief or system of beliefs held and promoted by a religious, governmental, academic, or other group; dogma
This book compares Christian doctrine with Hindu doctrine.
a rounded, circular roof or ceiling on a room or building; something that has a shape similar to an architectural dome, such as a rounded rock formation or the sky
The dome-like shape of the sky is evidence that the Earth is round.
to tame an animal, especially to be kept as a pet or used for work on a farm or ranch
Cats were first domesticated thousands of years ago.
the state of being a tamed animal, especially one kept as a pet or for use on a farm or ranch
Domesticated cats were a part of human life starting thousands of years ago.
the act of taming an animal, especially to be kept as a pet or used for work on a farm or ranch
The farmer's domestication of sheep with soft wool was the result of breeding sheep with those traits.
the feeling of having two identities, shaped by how others see you and how you see yourself
something with both favorable and unfavorable aspects or effects
My status as a university student was a double-edged sword when trying to get internships because I had little experience but a good education.
a widow of high rank, especially one who keeps her title or property after her husband dies
A dowager could still have wealth and influence even without her husband.
money, goods, or property that a bride’s family gives to the groom or the groom’s family at marriage
The bride's family gifted the groom an elaborate dowry filled with family heirlooms.
an unusually prolonged lack of rain
The crops were ruined by drought.
a substance that causes a chemical change in the body
The body is said to develop tolerance to a drug, when the original dosage no longer produces the desired results.
the state of feeling as though you have two identities housed in one person or mind
Dual consciousness occurs when a person sees themselves in one way but also knows that they are viewed differently through the eyes of others.
in theology, the belief that two opposing principles, good and evil, govern the world, or the belief that man has two basic natures, physical and spiritual
In Christianity, dualism exists between good and evil in the form of heaven and hell.
The idea that two opposite forces or qualities exist together and depend on each other
underground prison, often found in a castle
Enslaved people were held in dungeons at Cape Castle in the British Gold Coast colony.
a place where someone lives; a home
Her dwelling was a small cabin in the forest.
a sequence of powerful leaders in the same family
The 800-year dynasty came to an end when rebel forces attacked the royal palace, killing the last of the imperial family.
a rocky planet that supports life; the third planet from the Sun in our Solar System
Earth is home to numerous species of plant and animal life.
a shaking or other movement of part of the Earth's surface, resulting from volcanic activity or the sudden release of tension along geologic fault lines
The earthquake caused roads to crack, buildings to topple, and hundreds of fires to break out in the city.
Communist countries in Central and Eastern Europe that were aligned with the Soviet Union
at a particular observation point, the blocking of light from one celestial body by another
We all went outside to watch the eclipse of the moon.
of or pertaining to the production and distribution of goods, wealth, and services
Women's economic position improved during World War II, as they took over jobs previously held by men.
unfairly taking advantage of people’s labor or resources for financial benefit
the state or act of decreasing government control of the economy in order to increase the role of private entities in the market
The economic liberalization of China has been kept in check partially by its communist government.
the way a society organizes the production, distribution, and consumption of its goods and services
The United States in the 1850s had an economic system that included both wage-labor factories and slave labor plantations.
all individuals contributing to and sharing in the income and expenses of a household
Families were the primary economic unit during the eighteenth century as they often worked together to support and provide for one another.
the systematic study of the production and distribution of goods and services
Economics is a study of the process by which people make and spend their incomes.
the system, within a particular country, or region, of handling wealth and resources, producing goods and services, and consuming goods and services
The American economy was particularly strong in the 1950s.
a community of living things, together with their surrounding environment
A pond makes an interesting ecosystem to study.
The ability to complete a task quickly and with minimal waste of time or resources
of, pertaining to, based on, or characterized by belief in the principle of equal rights for everyone
The experimental school was run on egalitarian principles.
A social system where people share resources and decision-making with little difference in status, wealth, or power
the thin-shelled ovum of a bird or reptile that allowed animals to move permanently onto land
Without the invention of the egg, life may have never permanently come on land.
the process of selecting a person for office by voting
This year's election will include both local propositions that citizens must vote on and multiple legislative seat races.
the interaction of electric currents or fields and magnetic fields
Among other things, electromagnetism is responsible for the interaction between electrically charged particles, including holding electrons and protons together to form atoms.
a negatively charged subatomic particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom
Electrons dictate how atoms interact with each other.
a substance that that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical processes. Each element is distinguished by its atomic number, or, the number of protons in its nuclei.
Some of the more well-known elements are lead, zinc, hydrogen, and gold.
the group of people having the greatest authority or privilege or highest status
The fancy restaurant on 9th Avenue only caters to the elite.
to place a government injunction or other legal restriction on trade or the shipment of goods
The government embargoed imports of beef temporarily.
to rise up from or come out of a surrounding environment or substance; to come into being
New and radical ideas began to emerge toward the end of the century.
abilities or characteristics that arise from the collective functioning of a system, but are not from any singular part of that system
Landscapes have emergent properties that species or natural habitats on their own do not.
retired but continuing to hold as an honorary title the one held just prior to retirement
The emeritus professor doesn't teach anymore, but he recently published a book.
to leave one country or region, usu. the country of origin, in order to settle in another
The family emigrated to a new country to escape war.
The release of substances, such as gases, particles, or radiation, into the air, water, or soil.
The countries with the highest CO₂ emissions per person are wealthy countries—like Canada and Australia—or oil-producers like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
the supreme ruler of an empire
The emperor was cruel and ruled with an iron fist.
a single political unit, with one supreme ruler, composed of different nations or peoples
The emperor expanded the Russian empire to the east.
based on or verifiable by experience or experiment, rather than on or by theory
Claims for the effectiveness of the drug are based on empirical evidence.
the English language translation of the title given to the mother or widow of a Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Vietnamese emperor
In January, architects were sent by the empress dowager to design a mausoleum for her late husband.
the process of grouping small farms owned by peasants into larger ones owned by the wealthy
The enclosure of English farmlands forced many rural workers and peasants to move to the city to find work in factories.
a legal system by which the Spanish crown attempted to define the status of the indigenous population and force them into unpaid labor
Through the encomienda system, countless Native Americans died from exhaustion and abuse.
a book or set of books containing articles on a wide variety of subjects, or on many aspects of one subject, usually arranged in alphabetical order
Before the internet, people had to look information up in the encylopedia.
inspiring or expressing warm affection
The students found the professor's mismatched outfits endearing.
the capacity to do work, associated with matter and radiation
There are many forms of energy, including kinetic energy, potential energy, and chemical energy.
a machine that derives force and motion from the conversion of energy, such as fuel or electricity, to work
Without replacing the engine, this car won't last more than a few days.
to provide with previously lacking insight, information, or knowledge
The lecture enlightened me about the power of the mind over the body.
the act of enlightening, or the condition of being enlightened
Many religions revolve around the idea of enlightenment as an end goal of existence.
an eighteenth century philosophical movement that emphasized science and reason
During the Enlightenment, organized religion was considered backward.
to force another person into slavery or to be in a condition of bondage
The Romans enslaved thousands of people, with many being owned by the state to work in agricultural and mining industries.
individuals forced to work without pay, not free to leave, and often treated as property and without any social status
In the nineteenth century, enslaved people of African descent provided much of the raw cotton that fueled Britain’s textile industry.
individuals forced to work without pay, not free to leave, and often treated as property and lacking social status
Enslaved people fought centuries-long struggles for freedom across the Atlantic world.
the state of being a slave or being in a condition of bondage
The horrifying mass enslavement of imported Africans was the basis of the American agricultural economy for over a century.
to cause to be a certainty
Plenty of fluids and rest will ensure a speedier recovery.
to cause to be snarled or tangled; to involve, as in a difficult, complex, or inpleasant situation; to cause to be complex or difficult
The girl found herself entangled in a difficult situation.
anything that exists objectively and distinctly, whether nonliving or living; a thing or being
As a corporation, the business is a distinct entity and must pay its own taxes.
having to do with the creation and development of economic ventures: of, relating to, characteristic of, or suited to an entrepreneur
The company founded by a group of entrepreneurial scientists two years ago has now developed into a multimillion dollar corporation.
lacking order; a state of disorder
Your bedroom is in a state of entropy as it gradually becomes messy after you've cleaned it.
the area in which something exists or lives
The physical environment can have a great effect on the way people live.
a political and social movement focused on protecting, restoring, and improving the natural environment.
an agent or messenger, especially a diplomat
An envoy from a neighboring kingdom brought gifts and praise to the new leader.
any of a large number of proteins that act as catalysts for chemical reactions within living things
Amylase is a digestive enzyme present in saliva.
geologic time period lasting half a billion years or more
As defined by geologists, the four eons are the Hadean, Archean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozonic.
an long and incredible poem, novel, film
His new film is an epic that retells the tale of Jason and the Argonauts.
an outbreak, usually of disease, that spreads rapidly, afflicting many individuals
The Ebola epidemic caused both major loss of life and significant socioeconomic disruption in West Africa.
A health professional who studies the cause and transmission of diseases.
In the future, fields like healthcare may expand as more nurses, epidemiologists, and public-health officials are needed to handle new health risks caused by climate change.
a subdivision of a geologic period
The first animals in the horse family appeared during the Eocene Epoch.
the condition, fact, or defined state of being equal
Many describe the Civil Rights Movement as a fight for equality.
A math expression that shows two sides are equal. Often uses letters or symbols to represent unknown numbers. For example: E = mc²
characterized by fairness
He dealt with his children in an equitable manner in his will.
a geologic time period lasting several hundred million years
The agrarian era is an era of human history, beginning roughly 10,000 years ago, when most people were focused on agriculture.
in pre-revolutionary France, everyone in a particular social class
Pre-revolutionary France had three estates: one for the clergy, one for the nobility, and one for the commoners.
morally justified; conforming to a set of moral principles, especially of a profession or other group
Animal rights groups argue that using animals in experiments is not ethical, even though it is legal.
products from suppliers that actively uphold labor rights and safe working conditions
of or related to a large group of people who share a distinctive culture, language, or religion, or who are of the same race or national heritage
Japanese and Chinese immigrants made up two of Hawaii's major ethnic groups in 1900.
aggressive nationalism and patriotism, especially as directed against foreign countries
Nazi ethnic chauvinism fueled hatred during World War II.
a smaller group within a larger population that shares a common culture, language, or heritage
a form of nationalism wherein the nation is defined by a shared heritage, which usually includes a common language, a common faith, and a common ethnic ancestry
Ethnic nationalism has become an extremely consequential force throughout first, second, and third world countries.
the condition of being a member of an ethnic group or sharing its traits
One's ethnicity cannot be used to deny someone the right to work or housing in the United States.
a person who studies different societies and cultures
The age-old customs of the locals have long fascinated ethnologists.
the study of or belief in the genetic improvement of the human race through control of breeding
Eugenics is a dangerous philosophy because it leads to extreme discrimination and cruelty, like in the Holocaust.
an organism with cells characteristic of all life forms except primitive microorganisms such as bacteria
Cells without a distinct nucleus are prokaryotes, while those with a distinct nucleus are eukaryotes.
men who have been castrated, had no children or wives, and were often employed as a part of an Asian imperial court
The eunuch served the emperor until his death.
focused on European culture and history while excluding a broader world view
If you only talk about World War II as it occurred in Europe, you may have a Eurocentric perspective because many non-European countries took part and were affected by the war.
to avoid or escape by cleverness or trickery
It's incredible that he was able to evade punishment time and time again.
to determine the level, value, or worth of; appraise
The researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of the drug.
focused on spreading religious faith with strong enthusiasm
The evangelical preacher spoke passionately to the crowd.
a basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
Archaeologists have learned much about early people by studying evidence.
the process by which living organisms change over time due to DNA mutations and adaptation to the environment
Once on the islands, the evolution of the finches' beaks happened fairly quickly.
of or pertaining to evolution or the theory of evolution
The evolutionary history of fish is quite an incredible story.
the subfield of biology that studies the evolutionary processes that produced the diversity of life on Earth
The field of evolutionary biology has exploded over the last century as the theory of evolution has entered mainstream science research.
to undergo development or evolution
As Confucianism evolved, the original emphasis on tradition became associated with ancestor worship.
to honor or glorify
His followers exalted him as a savior.
to expose by digging away overlying material
The archaeologists excavated the tomb in search of Egyptian artifacts.
a short passage taken from a written work or film
My friend likes to read excerpts from famous novels to entice us to read them.
the act of giving something in return for something received
Internal respiration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the body of an animal.
prolonged separation from one's country, home, or loved ones
His horrible crime resulted in exile.
to make larger or more extensive
The school expanded its library last year and added more computers.
the act or process of making large or more extensive
The expansion of modern trade networks traces back to the European Age of Exploration.
the policy of encroaching on other territories or countries for political or economic advantage
Many British politicians in the late nineteenth century advocated for expansionism.
an outing or journey taken for a specific purpose, or the organized group, with its equipment and conveyances, undertaking such a trip
At the end of the fifteenth century, Vasco de Gama's expedition from Portugal to India paved the way for new trade routes that had long-lasting economic effects.
that which is paid out or expended
The new carpet represented a large expenditure, but it was necessary.
a particular situation or event that one has encountered or lived through
The whole experience, as the author remembers it, is lost in the second version because the sensory details are omitted.
a physicist who creates tests to detect and confirm evidence
The experimentalist spent hours trying to decide the timeframe for the next test.
to take unfair advantage of someone or something for your own benefit
The company tried to exploit its workers by paying unfair wages.
the selfish or unfair using of someone or something for one's own advantage
The exploitation of enslaved people kept labor costs down for plantations in early America.
treating others unfairly for one's own benefit; using something or someone to turn to advantage or profit
The British forced local Africans to work unsustainable hours in their exploitative mining operation.
the act or an instance of traveling across or through for the purpose of discovery or investigation
For the competition, participants had to do an exploration of the possible alternatives to fossil fuels.
the act or practice of sending goods abroad for sale or trade
The export of textiles and cotton was important to the Indian economy.
having great reach or extension
Chile has an extensive border with Argentina.
the act of getting rid of by totally destroying
During the Nazi regime, Hitler and others called for the extermination of the Jewish population.
Nazi camps designed specifically to kill large numbers of people, mainly Jews, during the Holocaust
Millions of Jews were killed in extermination camps such as Auschwitz.
no longer existing as an animal species
Unusually high levels of the element iridium at the K-T boundary gave scientists an important clue about how the dinosaurs became extinct.
the act or process of becoming or making extinct, or of being ended or putting an end to
Extinction events may occur abruptly or over a longer period of time.
an act or instance of extracting, or the condition of being extracted
The extraction of minerals from the ground was very important to the company.
People who hold very strong or radical beliefs, often willing to spread violence to promote their point of view
to make less difficult; help in progress
Her guidance counselor's advice facilitated her college application process.
a group or party within, and often at odds with, a larger organization
Though most members of the party were in favor of the new regulation, one faction of the party was completely opposed.
something that has an influence on or is a partial cause of something that happens
Her decision to quit was influenced by several factors, not just that she was passed up for a promotion.
a building or set of buildings where products are manufactured
I pass by the chocolate factory on my way to work every morning, and it always smells delicious.
an extreme and widespread shortage of food
People were starving due to the famine caused by severe flooding in the region.
to cultivate (land) or raise (animals)
They had to drain the swamp before they could farm the land.
one who operates a farm (a parcel of land and the buildings on it used for agricultural activities)
The farmer was fortunate to produce a surplus of crops this year.
domestication of plants and animals
The development of farming led to increased food supplies.
A political group or belief system that supports extreme nationalist or anti-immigration ideas
a system of government characterized by strong, often dictatorial control of political and economic affairs, and often by warlike nationalism and brutal suppression of political dissidents and ethnic minorities
The Nazi's wanted to spread fascism and rule the world.
of, concerning, or resembling fascism or fascists
Nazi Germany was a fascist society.
ultimate result
I was disappointed with the book's ending because I wanted to know the fate of the other characters.
the act purposefully and needlessly spreading public fear over an issue
During the Red Scare, fear-mongering was used to get people to accuse their closest friends of communist tendencies.
a cyclic structure of cause and effect that causes some initial change in the system to run through a series of secondary effects, eventually influencing the initial change in some way
A positive feedback cycle accelerates the rate of a process.
a belief in and movement for the equality of women and men, especially in terms of rights and opportunities
a person who advocates for the same social, political, and economic rights for women as for men
Many feminists advocate for equal pay for women.
cruelly savage; fierce
Sam was attacked by a ferocious raccoon when he stepped out onto his back porch.
producing or capable of producing abundant growth of farm crops or other vegetation
The crops flourished in the fertile soil.
cause (an egg, female animal, or plant) to develop a new individual by introducing male reproductive material
The male fish fertilizes the eggs of the female.
an organic or inorganic substance added to soil to improve plant production or growth
The fertilizer aided in the growth of the farmer's crops.
a system where kings or lords gave land to others in return for loyalty and service
Under the feudal system, loyalty and service were often exchanged for land and shelter.
a written agreement between two persons of differing status during the Middle Ages, offering a mutual exchange of goods or services
The knight signed a feudal contract with the lord, promising to protect the lord's land in exchange for food and lodging.
a type of social and political system in which landholders provide land to tenants in exchange for their loyalty and service
The feudal system lasted for 2,000 years in China.
a system of economic and political organization, as in Europe in the Middle Ages, in which one person would pledge to support another person; for example, a knight might pledge to fight when needed in exchange for land from the king
Serfs were among the lowest class during the age of feudalism.
paper currency that is not convertible into gold, silver, or any other standard
The currency in the United States today is a form of fiat money.
the domain of a lord under the system of feudalism
Reorganization of Japanese fiefdoms caused shifts in power structures.
an expanse of open and usually grassy ground, or such an expanse used for growing crops
Imperialists forced local communities to change their fields from food crops to cash crops in an attempt to increase profits.
reverence for parents considered in Chinese ethics the prime virtue and the basis of all right human relations
Filial piety is an important aspect of many Asian cultures as one's elders are considered to be vessels of wisdom and enlightenment.
the management of money or other assets
The treasury is that part of a government that is concerned primarily with finance.
a person skilled in or occupied in financial operations such as investments, usually on a large scale
Many financiers work on Wall Street in New York City.
Relating to government money (especially taxes), spending, and budgeting.
A government that prioritizes funding and maintaining a strong military through efficient taxation
any group of vessels or vehicles under single ownership or operating as a single unit
The city's fleet of taxicabs is decreasing due to strict limitations on drivers.
to grow in a healthy, often rapid way, increasing in strength, beauty, or importance
The ideas we came up with at the beginning of the year have flourished, and now everyone is talking about them.
unsteadiness; vacillation
Temperature fluctuations are common in spring.
an act or acts of foolishness; rash behavior
The immature prank was a youthful folly.
a process where females tightly wrapped their feet in silk in order to attain a slender shape over time, seen as a sign of beauty in China around the tenth century
In Song China, foot binding was a popular practice and signified femininity.
to search for food or supplies, or to make a raid in search of them
The small group went foraging for berries.
a person who searches for food or supplies
The foragers went out early in the morning to collect berries in order to avoid the heat of day.
the act of searching for food and supplies
It is midday, and you have paused your foraging activities to rest in the forest.
proscribed, as by law or custom; not allowed
Smoking was forbidden inside the building, but it was allowed outside.
in, from, characteristic of, or involving a country that is not one's own
She has never traveled to a foreign country.
direct colonial control of a community by a foreign empire
The system of European formal colonialism in the Caribbean was replaced by the informal colonialism of the United States.
solidify thinking and refine arguments through a writing process
exceptionally difficult
Building the pyramids was a formidable task.
a public meeting to discuss some issue of public or general interest
The forum was to introduce the new regional planning agency that was created to improve transportation infrastructure in the area.
the remains (or an impression) of a plant or animal that existed in a past geological age and that has been excavated from the soil
Fossils of marine life in the rock showed that the area had once been underwater.
Natural carbon-rich fuels that are formed over long periods of time and release greenhouse gases when burned.
Since 1750, the burning of fossil fuels has added more and more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, rapidly warming the planet and causing climate change.
establishing or beginning something, such as an organization or institution
Founding a chess club at the begining of the school year guaranteed he would become more popular.
being four times as great; having four times as much
The effect of the medicine increases fourfold if it is taken before a headache starts, instead of during.
easily damaged
That antique vase is extremely fragile and needs to be handled with great care.
a particular lens or perspective that information is perceived through
In order to find patterns, Diego had to read the articles in a particular frame of mind.
a market in which buying and selling is theoretically conducted without restriction
Most conservatives believe in a free market, as opposed to government intervention in business.
the outer or furthest reaches, as of settlement, exploration, or knowledge
The frontier held the promise of prosperity for many settlers.
anything consumed as a source of energy, such as gasoline or plutonium
Coal is a plentiful fuel.
of or relating to essential purpose or function
Gravity is the fundamental force of attraction between any two objects that have mass.
any of the four basic forces—gravitational, electromagnetic, strong, and weak—that govern how objects or particles interact and how certain particles decay, and which all known forces of nature can be traced to
Gravity and electromagnetism are two of the four fundamental forces.
any apparatus in which heat is generated for a specific purpose
Iron smelting occurs in a furnace where temperatures must reach over 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit for the metal to melt.
to combine lighter atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus
When helium fuses in the core of a star, it forms carbon.
time yet to come
In the future, we may be able to live on other planets.
a large "society" of stars, held together by mutual gravitational pull
The identification of Cepheids in nearby galaxies first proved that the universe had more than one galaxy.
the whole extent or range of anything
Her vast literary knowledge covers the gamut of genres, from graphic novels to epic poems.
a military force that is assigned to a fort or village
The garrison lined the wall of the city, awaiting attack.
to collect from various sources
Little evidence has been gathered to show that people learn such behaviors as aggressiveness, fluent speech, or good manners by observation.
the total market value of the goods and services produced by a country's economy during a specified period of time
A country's gross domestic product (GDP) is a good indicator of the strength of its economy.
The social and cultural roles, behaviors, and identities that societies assign to people based on their perceived sex
The hiring guidelines are designed to reduce discrimination based on gender.
The expected behaviors and responsibilities a society assigns to people based on their gender
a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain
When two first-generation mice were mated, each could pass on either a gene for white fur or a gene for dark fur.
the first book of the Old Testament, which tells of the creation of the universe and the history of the Hebrew patriarchs
In the story of genesis, God creates humans last of all.
the variation in the amount of genetic information within and among individuals of a population
Low genetic diversity in a population increases the risk for extinction due to the inability to combat disease or adapt to environmental challenges.
the branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms
The ability to predict inherited birth defects is based on the science of genetics.
the intentional attempt to exterminate all members of a certain race, nationality, or ethnic group
In Rwanda, there was a mass genocide against a minority group.
a complete, single set of chromosomes
The human genome is incredibly long.
the process by which buildings in decaying neighborhoods are bought and renovated by relatively wealthy people, thus causing the displacement and sometimes homelessness of poor people
The gentrification of the Mission District in San Francisco has been a big concern.
designating the Earth as the center, as of the universe or solar system
A geocentric view of the universe was largely accepted for much of human history.
The intentional alteration of the Earth’s oceans, soils, or atmosphere, usually in order to reduce the effects of climate change.
Taking CO₂ out of the atmosphere is one form of geoengineering.
of or concerning geography, the science of the Earth's surface
The geographic and environmental constraints of the African continent led to mass human migration.
the study of Earth's physical features
To determine how the continents move, the student consulted geography texts.
a person who studies or works professionally in the field of geology, or earth science
Without geologists, we would know very little about the time before humans.
the branch of science that deals with the history of the Earth as recorded in rocks
Her interest in fossils led her to study geology.
An energy source or heating and cooling system that uses the Earth’s natural heat.
Geothermal heating systems can reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-powered systems.
a part of a town or city in which members of a particular religion, nationality, ethnic group, or race are forced by law, social, or economic pressures to live
The Jews of Warsaw had to live in ghettos established by the Germans beginning in 1940.
a very large accumulation of ice formed in cold regions from compacted snow and moving very slowly outward or downward on a slope
This glacier flows at a rate of 8 feet per day.
involving the entire Earth; not limited or provincial in scope
Some people say the Earth is in danger of becoming a global sewer.
a global decrease in population numbers, or in standard of living over a large area for a long time
The vast number of worldwide connections means a global collapse is possible.
The rise in global temperatures due mainly to the emission of greenhouse gases.
Global warming will lead to sea-level rise, increased drought, and more tropical storms.
the policy or attitude of putting global or worldwide concerns before national ones
The shifting fortunes of his company inspired him to rethink how a new form of globalism might work.
the increasing interconnection of the world that began at about 1500 CE and has accelerated since 1800
Globalization is the word that describes the whole process of big corporations moving around the world in search of new markets and cheaper labor.
extended or connected with the world
Now that the world is so globalized, individuals from all over the world can communicate.
a system where economies of countries are closely connected by trade and commerce
a monetary system in which the unit of currency is defined by and exchangeable for a fixed amount of gold
The Gold Standard System was used to back currency in the United States before the 1930s.
the most creative and flourishing period in the history of a nation, art form
The golden age of Rome was characterized by wealth, prosperity, and a growing interest in art, architecture, and literature.
the specific set of conditions necessary to enable greater complexity
Most scholars will argue that the creation of our habitable Earth occurred by chance as a result of a series of Goldilocks Conditions.
inventory; merchandise
Consumers exchange money for goods and services from producers.
to rule over or in by political or sovereign authority
The country is governed by the parliament.
a person or group of people who maintain leadership and control over a city, state, or civilization
The main goal of a representative government is to carry out the will of the people.
The five categories of human emissions sources, which are also the five categories of mitigation solutions.
The breakdown of the five Grand Challenges looks different in every country.
a diagram that expresses a relationship between two or more variable quantities or factors by lines, bars, dots, or the like
This graph shows the amount of rainfall in the region in each of the last 10 years.
the force by which a planet or other such body tends to draw objects toward its center
As if he were defying gravity, the magician seemed to be levitating.
the decade of the 1930s in the United States and other countries, characterized by the extreme economic hardship; the Depression
The Great Depression was a time of bankruptcy and hardships for the citizens of many countries trying to recover from the war.
the widespread death of the Native American people from epidemics, warfare, famine and slavery as a result of European arrival in the Americas
The Great Dying led to the death of an estimated 50-90% of Native Americans and left those that survived unprepared to fight off Europeans.
Stalin's campaign in the 1930s to eliminate perceived enemies through arrests, forced labor, and executions
The additional cost for a clean technology over one that emits greenhouse gases.
The green premium is a helpful tool for evaluating climate solutions and helping us decide where to focus our efforts.
a process by which certain trace gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat near the Earth’s surface and so keep the Earth’s climate warmer than it would be otherwise
The greenhouse effect happens because Earth emits some of the radiation it receives from the Sun back into space, but greenhouse gases trap some radiation before it escapes, warming up the Earth.
Gases, such as carbon dioxide, that trap heat and keep the planet warm. These are found naturally in our atmosphere, but human activity—especially burning fossil fuels—has added more and is causing climate change.
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat from the Sun inside Earth’s atmosphere.
When a company exaggerates or falsely claims to be more sustainable than it actually is.
Greenwashing is sometimes hard to identify because companies work hard to disguise it.
the total market value of the goods and services produced by a country's economy during a specified period of time
A country's gross domestic product (GDP) is a good indicator of the strength of its economy.
one of an unofficial or loosely organized group of soldiers who stage unconventional or surprise attacks against an enemy
The guerrillas were camped out in the forest, preparing for their next attack on government leaders.
combat in which small, mobile groups use hit-and-run tactics and ambushes to fight a larger, more traditional military forces
in Medieval times, an association of craftsmen or merchants in a single trade, formed to protect common interests such as price levels and quality standards
The teacher's union is a type of guild that protects the interests of educators.
a device having a sharp blade that is dropped vertically between two guide posts in order to sever the head of the condemned person underneath
The guillotine was used to execute many people during the French Revolution, including King Louis XVI.
The use of military threats or force to achieve goals in international politics
an explosive used to propel a gun projectile, especially the explosive made from potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal; black powder
The city had a large supply of gunpowder, so it didn't need new shipments to defend itself.
the spaces between the panels of a comic
The gutters of a comic are a place where the reader connects one panel to another.
a narrative record of the sayings or customs of Muhammad and his companions
The hadith, or accounts by the companions of Prophet Muhammad’s thoughts and deeds, supplement the Quran.
the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim is expected to make at least once, especially during Ramadan
One of the Five Pillars of Islam is the hajj, or the journey to Mecca.
the amount of time it takes one-half of an unstable element to change into another element or a different form of itself
The half-life of this compound is 10 years, meaning only half of it will be left after 10 years and only a quarter after 20 years.
a collection of 282 rules, established standards for commercial interactions and set fines and punishments to meet the requirements of justice
The saying "an eye for an eye" comes from Hammurabi's Code.
to provide shelter or safety
The old inn harbored enslaved people who were escaping north.
a state of agreement or accord; a pleasing or orderly relation among the parts of something
There was a certain harmony to the way she had arranged all the furnishings in the room.
the gathering of ripe crops
It's useless to harvest crops this early in the season because they still have a long way to grow.
a member of the group of Semitic people who trace descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
The Hebrews founded Judaism, a monotheistic religion that shares many sacred texts with Christianity.
predominance of one country or social group over others by virtue of leadership or influence
Spain's hegemony over most of Central and South America lasted into the nineteenth century.
a person who receives or has the right to receive, upon another's death, that person's rank or property
Prince William is the current heir to the British throne.
designating the Sun as the center of our solar system
Heliocentric theory dictates the current model of our solar system.
the second simplest of all chemical elements with two protons and (almost always) two neutrons
Helium is the second element on the periodic table because it has two protons at its center.
a three-dimensional curve with a central axis and a steadily increasing, steadily decreasing, or constant circumference
DNA forms a unique shape called a double helix.
pertaining to the Greek language, civilization, culture, and that developed after the conquests of Alexander the Great
Hellenistic architecture can be seen throughout the modern city as is evidenced by the many Greek style columns.
either of two halves of the terrestrial globe, formed by dividing it into northern and southern parts at the equator, or into eastern and western parts at the prime meridian
The continents of North and South America are located in the Western Hemisphere.
a person who looks after a herd of livestock or makes a living from keeping livestock, especially in open country
Some herders use dogs to corral sheep and cows.
a person who herds animals
The herdsman brought the sheep back to their main pasture at the end of the day.
a form of government and succession of power in which the throne passes from one member of a royal family to another member of the same family
Until very recently in human history, almost every state around the world was ruled by a hereditary dynasties, where power stayed with one family for multiple generations.
a religious belief or doctrine not in keeping with the established doctrine of a church, especially the rejection of or dissent from any aspect of Roman Catholic Church dogma by a baptized church member.
The view that the sun rather than the Earth might be the center of the universe was considered heresy by many in the seventeenth century.
of, pertaining to, or organized as a hierarchy (a body of persons or entities graded according to rank or level of authority)
Lion prides are hierarchical, with dominant males at the top.
a group of people graded according to their rank or level of authority
An admiral ranks at the top of the naval hierarchy.
A breakthrough in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics happened with the discovery of the Rosetta stone.
a part or region of a country that is at an elevation, especially an area with many mountains
There are permanent glaciers in the cool, humid highlands of the Pacific Northwest.
the Prophet Muhammad's migration (622 CE) from Mecca to Medina in order to escape persecution
The Hijra symbolizes the birth of the Islamic religion and community.
a person who writes about or is an expert on history
The historian is working on writing a book about early South American empires.
of or relating to history or to the past, particularly history recorded in written records
The development and history of life are important aspects of historical geology.
the tendency for historical accounts to be written in a way that favors the nation of origin of the author, often shining a positive light on said nation's accomplishments and failing to denote any errors or embarrassments
The saying that "history is written by the victors" is a good example of how historical bias occurs.
process of seeking truth or accurate information about events of the past
In order to learn all the impacts of the Tienanmen Square protests, the scholar started a historical inquiry into the subject.
the continuum of events occurring in succession leading from the past to the present, and even into the future
Events that happen now or in the future will become part of history.
a member of an ancient people who established an empire in the Mideast from about 2000 to 1200 BC
The first ever peace treaty was signed by the Hittites and Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II.
one's property, especially stocks or other securities
The investor had a lot of holdings in a few companies before he learned to diversify his portfolio.
handling or dealing with an entity in its entirety or wholeness rather than with emphasis on its parts or various aspects
At our clinic, we take a holistic view of human beings, and treat both physical and emotional aspects of illness.
the mass killing of six million Jews and millions of others by Nazi Germany during World War II
The Holocaust is remembered as one of history's greatest tragedies.
the geological epoch that begins with the end of the last ice age, about 13,000 years ago, and ends at the start of the Anthropocene epoch, about 200 years ago
There have been no major ice ages during the Holocene.
A mass famine in Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933 that caused millions of deaths
metabolic equilibrium actively maintained by several complex biological mechanisms that operate via the autonomic nervous system to offset disrupting changes
Your body may give off many signs when its homeostasis is upset.
all bipedal species in the human line since it diverged from the common ancestor with chimpanzees
The flamingos lived near the shallow lakes in East Africa at the time of the earliest hominins.
the scientific name for human beings or for humankind in general
The term Homo sapiens describes humanity as we know it today as well as our ancestors from hundreds of thousands of years ago.
to make the same throughout in structure, nature, or consistency; make homogenous
The American landscape is being homogenized by malls and fast food restaurants.
having a similar structure because of developing from the same origin
All members of the book club share a homogenous taste in reading.
a large number, group, or crowd
On our camping trip, hordes of flies would swarm when we opened up our sandwiches for lunch.
the juncture of the Earth and the sky as perceived by the observer
The ship seemed to disappear over the horizon.
a central location around which activity occurs
The kitchen is the hub of our household.
any living or extinct member of the family Hominidae characterized by superior intelligence, articulate speech, and erect carriage
Of all the known things on Earth, none is more complex than a human.
rights regarded as inherently belonging to all human beings, such as the rights to life, freedom, and dignity, and that supersede the rights of nations and governments
Universal human rights have been established by the United Nations.
A person or group that illegally moves people across borders, often exploiting them in the process
A Renaissance movement valuing human potential and achievements.
a follower of humanism movement that focused on studying classical authors to improve humanity
Francesco Petrarca is a humanist who believed in studying the past Greek and Roman artists and writers.
characterized by concern for improving the welfare of humanity
The company was motivated more by the desire for profits than by humanitarian concerns.
all humans on Earth
Big History tells the story of the Universe, Earth, and humanity.
to cause (someone) to lose pride or feel disgraced
It humiliated her that she'd boasted about going to Harvard and then wasn't accepted there.
the act of (someone) losing pride or feeling disgraced, often due to another's actions
When Grace was the last one to be picked for a soccer team during PE, she was filled with humiliation.
a member of a culture in which food is obtained by hunting, fishing, and foraging rather than by agriculture or animal husbandry
Every morning, the group of hunter-gatherers set out in search of berries and game.
Energy generated by the movement of water through the use of turbines and gravity.
Many countries rely on hydroelectric power as a renewable energy source, using dams to generate electricity from flowing water.
a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe
Stars are primarily made of large amounts of hydrogen.
A clean energy source that produces energy from the conversion of gaseous hydrogen to water.
Heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and ships, will need new technologies like hydrogen fuel cells and biofuels to continue to move the goods we use every day.
A scientist who studies water, its properties, and its movement.
There will be growing demand for scientists, including hydrologists, soil and plant scientists, and atmospheric researchers.
the practice or an instance of stating or pretending to hold beliefs or principles that one does not actually live by
The congregation could forgive the minister his misdeeds, but not the hypocrisy of his sternly moralizing sermons.
a proposed explanation that accounts for observed phenomena or known facts and that can be used to guide further investigation
My hypothesis is that going to bed earlier will improve my productivity during the day.
to form a hypothesis; to make an informed guess; theorize
We cannot know for certain at this point; we can only hypothesize.
Relating to Europe's Iberian Peninsula—present-day Spain and Portugal.
a principle or aim considered honorable; standard of excellence
He has high ideals and always tries to act with integrity.
the way people are classified by others or see themselves
Being Irish Catholic was an important part of my grandmother's identity.
of or concerning basic beliefs, concepts, and social and political aims of an individual, group, or institution
The ideological differences between capitalists and socialists are great.
the body of beliefs, symbols, and political and social aims that characterizes a particular group or institution
All aspects of our lives were influenced by Catholic ideology.
things used as representations of a god, gods, or other objects of worship
The church reprimanded hi for worshiping false idols, even though he argued that his prayers were sincere.
contrary to established laws or rules
He was arrested for illegal possession of a gun.
unable to read or write
Oral traditions were important in communities where most people were illiterate.
to explain or clarify by giving examples or presenting a graphic representation
The gym teacher illustrated how the move should be done by demonstrating it herself.
created through mental images (something not known, not real, or not yet real)
Without his technical skills, we may never have been able to make this imagined reality possible.
to take up permanent residence in a place or country to which one is not native
The girl immigrated from the United States to Korea.
the state or condition of being immune (resistant) to a disease
I get the flu shot each year in hopes of building my immunity against the virus.
effect or influence
His stirring speech had a great impact on the audience.
related to an empire or an emperor’s rule
Imperial armies conquered new lands to expand the empire’s power.
the policy of extending the rule or authority of one nation over others by territorial acquisition or through economic or political dominance
The emperor continued on his military rampage in the name of imperialism.
of or pertaining to the rule or authority of one nation over others by territorial acquisition or through economic or political domination
The general's ruthless attacks on neighboring kingdoms were driven by his imperialist mindset.
The process of carrying out or putting something into effect.
The implementation of stricter emissions regulations has helped reduce air pollution and encourage the use of renewable energy.
to bring in from an outside origin, especially to bring in (merchandise) from a foreign country
The United States has been importing more wine from Australia in recent years.
the act or business of bringing in foreign goods
They are dependent upon importation from foreign countries for cotton and grain.
to institute or establish as something to be fulfilled or borne
The state imposed higher taxes on the sale of liquor.
the state of being kept in a prison or other place of confinement
The disproportionate imprisonment of Black men for minor drug offenses has devastated the Black community in the United States.
to increase the quality or condition of; make better
They improved the design of their new cars.
a substance found in another substance, causing it to lack purity or making it dirty
I will not drink water that has impurities in it—I like my water clean and pure.
Something that motivates someone to perform a desired action.
Some climate policies use tax incentives to encourage businesses and individuals to purchase energy efficient equipment or install solar power.
starting to exist or become apparent; in an early stage of development
The incipient danger caused some to flee the country.
an instance of contradiction or illogic
The lawyer pointed out inconsistencies in the witness's testimony.
to bind by contract into service to another, especially as an apprentice
The boy was indentured to his boss.
bound to serve to another person
The early settlers of America paid for their voyage with labor through indentured servitude.
people who work for a set number of years, often to pay off debts, in exchange for eventual freedom
While indentured laborers technically agreed to the terms of their contract, most were coerced by persecution or poverty.
a person who is compelled by law to work for an employer for a defined term
She originally came to the colonies as an indentured servant, but ran away before the end of her contract.
a system where people worked for a set number of years in exchange for passage to a new place, food, or shelter
Many colonists came to America through indentured servitude, working for several years to pay off their travel costs.
the quality or state of being independent; freedom from outside control
The citizens claimed independence, which led to a revolution, but in the end they succeeded and the colonial powers were removed.
not ruled by another; freedom from others
An independent nation chooses their own form of government without outside intervention.
in a way that is free and not ruled by another
After breaking up with her girlfriend, she started doing everything independently for once.
having origin in a country or locality; native
The indigenous people of Hawaii suffered from illnesses brought by missionaries and other settlers.
Changes to the everyday systems we rely upon for our food, housing, and security as a result of climate change interacting with our human systems.
Other types of indirect impacts of climate change include increased heat- and cold-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and challenges to mental health.
a system of government where local rulers keep power but are controlled by a higher authority
The British used indirect rule by working through local chiefs.
the pursuit of individual needs and concerns, sometimes ignoring the needs and concerns of the community
Technology has contributed to increased individualism in recent decades.
A group of people who migrated from Eurasia and spread their languages
of or relating to or resulting from industry
Industrial materials need further processing before becoming a useful product.
an economic system that combines capitalism with intense manufacturing production in factories, characterized by division of labor to increase efficiency
Industrial capitalism changed how goods were produced.
a person who advocates for an economic system in which industry, trade, and capital are all privately owned and operated for profit
The industrial capitalists wanted Congress to pass an act to diminish governmental control of trade relations.
a period of technological innovation starting in England late in the eighteenth century that resulted in a major change in the way goods were produced and caused a major shift in global economics
The Industrial Revolution transformed the world's economies and led to technological advancements that made existing industries more efficient.
the introduction of industry into a region or country
Industrialization improved the country's economy.
to introduce industry into (a country, region, or ); make industrial
Africa is attempting to industrialize.
Referring to an area that has gone through the process of introducing industry, usually on a widespread scale
the group of companies, regarded collectively, that produce a similar product or service
The automobile industry employed thousands of workers.
the condition of being unequal, especially in natural talents or social or economic status
One type of inequality is a lack of access to resources.
unavoidable, regardless of the circumstances; certain to occur
We may be fearful of change, but change is inevitable.
contamination or invasion by germs or disease
The infection of one person can lead to an epidemic.
a sickness that can spread from one person, animal, or organism to another
Smallpox was an infectious disease that killed millions before vaccines were created.
subordinate in rank, position, or degree; of lesser value, importance, or quality
Throughout history, many ethnic groups have been viewed as inferior to other groups.
an increase in the average price level
Inflation in the economy increased the price of bread at the market.
A US federal law that aims to encourage clean energy and low-carbon technologies while also investing in domestic energy production, reducing the budget deficit, and lowering prescription drug prices.
Legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act promotes climate action through things like subsidies and tax incentives.
to have an effect on someone else's thinking or development
My writing is influenced by Margaret Atwood's work.
a continuous coming in of things or people
Every fall there is an influx of students in our town.
the knowledge acquired through study or experience or instruction
One area of concern to businesses and governments is the security of information stored in electronic files.
The physical assets and systems that enable our daily lives, including transportation, energy, buildings, and sanitation.
Extreme weather events like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires can damage or destroy infrastructure.
a person that lives in a place permanently
We are all inhabitants of Earth, regardless of which country you live in.
to receive (money or property) through a will made by, or legal succession to, a person who has died; be heir to
She inherited several million dollars upon her father's death.
the money and property passed from one person, upon their death, to another; often from parent to child
After her death, her children fought over her inheritance, until they realized she left everything to her cat.
the ability or action to begin something
Many social changes began with the initiative of ordinary citizens.
Unfair treatment that denies people fundamental rights.
The apartheid system in South Africa was condemned as an injustice against the country's Black majority population.
to propose or implement a new method, approach, idea, or the like; make inventive changes
We can't be satisfied with the old methods of doing things; we need to innovate.
a new method, approach, or idea
Thanks to the innovation of the Wright brothers, we have aircraft that allow us to travel swiftly and safely today.
one who proposes or implements a new method, approach, idea, or the like
Innovators must expect resistance or scorn from traditionalists.
people who use creativity and curiosity to develop new ideas and technologies
Without innovators we wouldn't have television, ice cream, or Angry Birds.
the act or process, or an instance of inoculating (injecting or otherwise infecting a person or animal with a virus or microorganism, especially in order to create immunity to a disease)
Travelers are advised that inoculation against yellow fever is advisable.
the state of being open to danger or threat, lack of protection
The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries were a time of great insecurity for communities in West Africa.
impossible or difficult to divide or to conceive of as separate; tending to remain together
In economics, supply and demand are inseparable forces.
an organization set up for a specific purpose, usually of public service, such as a hospital or school
This institution is funded by some very nice patrons.
to make part of law or incorporate into the way an organization, often government, runs
The new management institutionalized 30-minute lunch breaks.
one who uses armed force to rebel against one's own government
Government forces were sent to defeat the insurgents.
an act or instance of open rebellion against a government or other authority
The government sent troops to put down the insurrection.
the process of bringing parts together into a whole
The essay showed excellent integration of ideas.
devoted to study, speculation, and abstract mental activity
Universities are known as petri dishes of intellectual thought and debate.
property (such as an idea, invention, or process) that derives from the work of the mind or intellect.
Any song that you write is your intellectual property.
the collection and analysis of information about enemy forces
having an extreme degree of something, such as heat, or existing in an extreme degree or state
A laser gives out an intense light.
a system of farming that uses a large amount of labor, machinery, and chemicals to grow as many crops as possible, usually on a smaller piece of land (yields more crops than scattered farming)
Although the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has greatly increased the amount of crops produced through intensive farming, using these products is toxic and can cause health issues.
conscious plan; aim
Her intent was to use her wealth to help others.
connected one to the other
These three rooms are interconnected.
the state of being connected or cause to be connected one to the other or others
Complex webs of global trade lead to interesting interconnections.
combined form of dependence
The couple's interdependence grew after the birth of their first child.
combined form of dependency where multiple people or things rely on one another for help or support
The interdependency of these countries' trade networks makes them vulnerable to disasters in any of the countries.
A percentage of the money borrowed that is paid back to the lender in addition to the original amount
occurring between periods of glaciation
We are currently living through an interglacial period.
An international organization that assesses the science of climate change.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says that “Scientific evidence for the warming of the climate system is unequivocal.”
being or occurring at the middle place, stage, or degree or between extremes
Seventh graders are at an intermediate level in their education.
to make internal, especially to hold in or to incorporate into one's personality, attitude, or system of beliefs
During her childhood, she internalized all the messages about princesses and happy endings.
of or relating to the affairs of two or more nations
Such a large-scale project requires international cooperation.
the principle or policy of international cooperation, especially economic and governmental
Internationalism ideas were key to the success of the Allies.
to make international, to place under combined control or protection of many nations
The war forced countries to internationalize in hopes of beating the enemy.
to determine or explain the meaning of
These lines of the poem are somewhat hard to interpret.
the point or place where two or more things such as roads intersect
These two religions form an intersection between traditional faith practices and modern adaptations.
to enter a situation so as to change what is happening
If the neighbor had not intervened, a tragedy might have occurred.
the act of entering a situation so as to change what is happening by one nation in the affairs of another, as with military force
If the civil conflict continues to escalate in that country, a military intervention may be the only way to stop the slaughter of civilians.
to be woven together or intricately connected
The histories of the two families were forever interwoven by their children's marriage.
the power of knowing or apprehending something directly, without learning it consciously or submitting it to processes of logic
She never learned the rules of grammar, but she writes well using her intuition about what is correct.
an act or instance of invading, especially by an enemy or hostile army
The invasion of the playground by the second graders sent the first graders playing in the sandbox instead.
to think of, contrive, or create (something new)
We know that each Neanderthal man did not invent this style of toolmaking all over again.
something created for the first time, especially a new gadget, device, machine, or method
Tom is always so thankful for the invention of the dishwasher because he never wants to wash his dishes by hand.
to spend with the intention of gaining some benefit
I've invested 10 years of my life into building this business.
to systematically examine or search into
Scientists hope to find a cure by investigating the cause of the disease.
the act or process of investing (putting money or property into use with the intention of gaining profit or interest)
His investment into the company proved fruitful.
one who invests, especially one who invests at low risk for long-term profit
The company's investors lost a lot during the economic downturn.
a heavy brittle metallic element of the platinum group; used in alloys; occurs in natural alloys with platinum or osmium
Jewelry-makers use iridium, alloyed with platinum, because it is non-corrosive and is safe to wear against your skin.
any alloy of iron with carbon and other elements, used to make a variety of tools, containers, and the like
During the Iron Age, early peoples began to make tools and weapons out of iron rather than bronze and stone.
the stage or level of development of human culture that followed the Bronze Age and that was characterized by the use of iron tools and weapons, beginning about 1000 BCE
The Iron Age marked a period of technological advancement as people began to make their tools and weapons out of iron, which was stronger and more durable than bronze or stone.
A special oven used in ancient times to heat rock and extract iron for tools and weapons
the process of supplying water to land to help grow crops
Water for irrigation is expensive and should be used wisely.
supplying water to land by man made means to aid in growing crops
Farmers rely heavily on irrigation systems to water their crops.
a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad as set forth in the Qur'an
Islam is very similar to Christianity and Judaism, so Muslims refer to Christians and Jews as "people of the book."
of or pertaining to Islam or to the culture inspired by it
The use of geometric patterns is common in Islamic art.
a body of land smaller than a continent and completely surrounded by water
Once on the islands, the ancestral species could evolve rapidly.
apart from other persons or things
They took the boat around the shore in search of an isolated beach.
the state of being set apart from other things or people
He was living in almost complete isolation in a cabin in the mountains.
of, pertaining to, or in accordance with a policy or doctrine whereby a nation or country elects not to involve itself in the affairs of other nations or countries
Up until the bombing of Pearl Harbor during World War II, the United States was considered an isolationist country.
an Ottoman sultan’s elite corps of soldiers; a member of the Ottoman sultan's guard
A group of Janissaries can be seen patrolling outside the sultan's summer home whenever he is there.
A member of a religious order called the Society of Jesus, which was founded in 1540. Jesuits were known for their commitment to education and research.
an Arabic word meaning struggle against enemies
The military campaigns of West Africa to overthrow their rulers were considered jihad.
Some militant Islamist groups use the word jihad to mean a struggle against the enemies of Islam. But in the Quran, jihad has a different meaning, focused on internal spirituality.
aggressive nationalism and patriotism, especially as directed against foreign countries
Jingoism was one factor that led to the rise of this dictator and warmonger.
a business in which investors share ownership by buying stock and share both the profits and risks of doing business
During the Industrial Revolution, entrepreneurs often formed a joint-stock company to pool money for building railroads and factories.
a trip, usually a lengthy one, from one place to another
The ship makes the journey across the ocean in six days.
the monotheistic religion of the Jewish people, embodied in the Old Testament of the Bible and in the Talmud
In Judaism, the Sabbath day is very important.
of, concerning, or appropriate to judges, courts of law, or the administration of justice
The judicial proceedings took a long time to schedule.
the right or authority to interpret and administer the law
The state government has jurisdiction with respect to laws governing marriage.
in Hinduism and Buddhism, the principle that one's actions determine one's future in this life or in other incarnations
According to Hinduism, bad karma will prevent you from obtaining freedom.
the state or jurisdiction of a khan (the ruler of Mongols in Medieval times)
Mongolian khanates, armies, and tribes fell under his rule, often after vicious battles.
a country that is ruled by a king or queen
The two neighboring kingdoms had been at peace for some time.
the state or fact of being a relative or relatives, especially by birth
Most of the people living in this mountain region are connected by kinship.
the system of social relationships connecting people in a culture who are related and defining and regulating their individual obligations
It is common for kinship systems to vary across cultures.
a round, underground ceremonial room used by some Native American groups, especially in the Southwest
The community gathered in the kiva for ceremonies and meetings.
a particular or specialized form of understanding or skill
One of the best ways to increase your knowledge on a subject is to read about it.
a Japanese term referring to the nation’s government and traditional way of life
the expenditure of physical and mental effort in the performance of work
Clearing the land for farming required vast amounts of labor.
a way of organizing work and workers, often with strict rules
The plantation labor system forced enslaved people to work long hours in harsh conditions.
An organized group of workers who join to protect their rights and improve working conditions.
an economic policy or doctrine that opposes government interference in or regulation of business or commerce beyond what is necessary for a free-enterprise system to regulate itself
Small business owners are happiest when the government maintains its laissez-faire management style and stays out of their affairs.
the official process of dividing farmland and giving it to people who don’t have any
the organized system of written symbols and vocal sounds with which humans communicate thoughts, ideas, or emotions
Through a written language, the culture of the society can be passed on to other generations.
systems of communication, often including shared language, that make possible the exchange and collection of ideas
The language networks of the Inca allowed for the ruling of a long, vast empire through the use of messengers and other forms of communication.
a triangular sail on an angled pole; allowed ships to sail more easily against the wind.
happening at after something else, usually toward the end
The former union leaders laid the groundwork for the latter ones, who were able to complete the long term goals of the organization.
molten rock erupting from a volcano or volcanic fissure
The lava scared nearby animals who immediately ran for cover.
the set of customs, statutes, or rules that govern a society
Laws are important for governing society.
the three rules of classical mechanics invented by Isaac Newton that describe relationships between the motion of an object and the actual forces acting on it
Newton established his three laws of motion in his book "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy."
An international organization formed after World War I to promote peace and prevent conflict
to gain knowledge of through study, experience, or research; to become informed of
Today we learned why the United States entered World War I.
Hitler's policy aimed at expanding German territory for "living space"
a person or group that supports equality, social justice, and the rights of ordinary people over elites; often associated with socialism or communism
anything that is passed down or received from ancestors or from people who have come before
These beloved traditions are part of our cultural legacy.
a code of laws adopted by a state or nation; "a code of laws"
It has been difficult to establish a legal code for advertisements.
In ancient China was a philosophical belief that human beings are more inclined to do wrong than right and thus must obey a strict set of laws and rules to maintain order in society
an ancient Roman army unit consisting of infantrymen combined with a relatively smaller number of cavalrymen
The young Roman boy had hopes of one day being a member of the emperor's legion.
laws made or passed by a government
The government passed new legislation about schools.
the state or fact of being legitimate (valid, justified, or deserved)
The legitimacy of the king is being questioned by his citizens.
valid, justified, or deserved
In order to be considered legitimate, the President of the United States must win the general election by securing at least 270 electoral votes.
to make flat or even
The bulldozer leveled the ground.
Types of actions people and organizations can take to promote climate solutions.
By working in strategic ways at each lever of power, we can amplify the impact of our actions.
relating to democratic forms of government rather than monarchies or aristocracies; (in a political context) relating to or denoting a political and social philosophy that promotes individual rights, civil liberties, democracy, and free enterprise
The new leader wished to establish a liberal form of government in a country that had never known political freedom.
to make or become more liberal (relating to a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard)
The ruling political party liberalized the country's economic policy.
the act of gaining freedom from oppression or control
At the end of the 18th century, enslaved people in Haiti fought for their liberation, creating the first Black-led republic in the Americas
the freedom from foreign rule or excessive governmental control
During the American Revolution, the colonists sought liberty from the oppressive English monarchy.
anything that uses energy from the environment by eating or breathing or photosynthesizing, makes copies of itself, can change characteristics to adapt to its changing environment over many generations and can regulate internal conditions to maintain a stable state
The first forms of life were most likely similar to bacteria.
The distance light travels in one year—about 5.88 trillion miles
the line or point at which something ends
The answer to that question is beyond the limit of my knowledge.
descent from or the descendants of a common or particular ancestor or ancestry
He was able to trace his lineage back to his great-great grandfather.
to remain, or to be slow to leave
A few guests lingered after the party was over.
an expert in linguistics (the study of language)
In order to decipher the meaning of the ancient language, the research team hired a linguist.
any bond or connection
The detective looked for any possible link between the victim and the suspect.
multiple connected and casual societal decreases in population numbers, or in standard of living over a large area
Henderson Island collapsed because Pitcairn Island collapsed, which is an example of a linked collapse.
the ability to read and write
The expansion of literacy in the 19th century helped spread ideas such as women's suffrage and the need to abolish slavery.
able to read and write
She hadn't been able to attend school and had not become literate.
writings such as dramas, poems, novels, essays, and stories, especially those that have lasting artistic value
Shakespeare has made some of the greatest contributions to English literature.
special clothing or symbols worn to show a person’s job, rank, or who they work for
Knights often had their coat of arms on their livery during battle.
domestic animals, such as cows, horses, or sheep, raised or kept on a farm or ranch
Common examples of livestock include pigs and cows.
to find the position or place of
Can you locate the town on the map?
the act of moving or the power to move from one place to another
The steam engine and subsequent creation of railways led to the revolutionary beginning of mechanical locomotion.
steam powered railway engines that are used to pull trains
The locomotive made it possible to move people and goods more rapidly and inexpensively across large areas of land.
reasoning, the process of sound reasoning, or the study of reasoning
It is a principle of logic that if two things are both equal to another thing, they are equal to each other.
producing monetary gain
Online matchmaking can be a lucrative business.
relating to the moon
According to the lunar calendar, there will be full moon on Friday, so watch out for werewolves.
that which provides pleasure but is not essential
The luxury of silk clothes was only held by the very rich.
an expensive good that is seen as nonessential and for those of a higher class
The company exclusively sold luxury items, like yachts and limos, to the very wealthy.
an expensive good that is seen as non-essential and for those of a higher class
The company exclusively sold luxury items, like yachts and limos, to the very wealthy.
a Muslim school, college, or university that is often part of a mosque
Students learned about Muslim culture and important skills at a madrassa.
a public official who exercises a judicial or executive function, such as a mayor or justice of the peace
Collectively the towns magistrates held most of the power because they held all the power of enforcement.
a region of space in which a magnetic force occurs, especially as a result of electrical current or the motions of charged particles such as electrons
Scientists think that sunspots are caused by strong magnetic fields below the surface of the sun.
to cause to appear larger, as through the use of a lens
A telescope magnifies the light of the stars.
the principal land mass of a country, continent, or region, as distinguished from adjectiveacent islands or peninsulas
Traveling to the mainland can be a treacherous journey.
another word for corn, which was a main food crop in the Americas
Maize was a staple food for many Native American cultures.
someone or something that makes or creates things
My grandmother was a wonderful maker of pies.
A health condition that develops when someone is missing key nutrients from their diet that they need to maintain healthy tissues and organ function.
In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where over half the population depends on farming, less productive farms could lead to more malnutrition, poverty, and economic hardship.
treat badly, especially with physical abuse
Severe bruising on his arms and legs suggested that the prisoner had been maltreated.
the group of warm-blooded, hairy vertebrates that grow their young inside the bodies of females and feed their young with milk from mammary glands
Although whales resemble fish, they're mammals.
an authoritative order or directive, as from a sovereign or from a higher court to a lower one
Many of the nobles refused to obey the king's mandate.
The Chinese belief that a ruler had the gods’ approval to rule—but if they ruled badly, they could lose that right and be overthrown
A successful rebellion was often seen as proof that the old ruler had lost the Mandate of Heaven.
a public statement of principles and intentions, usually by an organized political group or person
The principles of our organization are all laid out in our manifesto.
to manage, influence, or use skill to achieve a desired end
The parents manipulated their son into marrying this woman so that they could establish ties with her wealthy family.
members of the imperial bureaucracy of the Mughal Empire in India that governed the empire and commanded its armies in the emperor’s name
Realizing the immense power they had, the mansabdars took advantage of their large armies and overthrew the emperor.
the layer of the Earth that lies between the crust and the core
The mantle is composed of molten rock circulating along convection currents.
to make by machine, usually in great quantities
This factory manufactures machine parts.
The use of labor, machinery, and chemical processes to turn raw materials into products like cement, steel, and plastic.
The manufacturing processes we use to create concrete, steel, glass, and other materials produce almost a third of humanity’s annual carbon emissions.
a document that has been typed or printed, often in reference to an unpublished work
The manuscript is ready to be sent to the publisher, and I think it's going to be a bestseller!
of or concerning seagoing vessels, or intended for use in navigation at sea
Ship captains must obey maritime laws.
Refers to the stock market, where ownership shares of companies are bought and sold
An economic system where prices and production are decided by supply and demand, and businesses are privately owned and run for profit
the soft fatty tissue that fills most bone cavities
Bone marrow transplants can be used to treat certain types of cancer, such as leukemia.
following the theories and doctrines of Karl Marx, especially those concerning economics, dialectical materialism, and conflict between social classes
As a Marxian economist, the professor disagreed with many of his colleagues at the university.
Someone who follows the ideas of Karl Marx that society is shaped by class struggles and who advocates for the replacement of capitalism with a system where resources and wealth are shared
the act or process of becoming or making extinct, or of being ended or putting an end to
Mass extinction may occur abruptly or over a longer period of time.
the manufacturing of large quantities of goods using standardized designs and assembly-lines
Textile factories that used mass production techniques were terrible places to work, but they made cloth cheaper and more widely available.
the indiscriminate killing of a large number of usually defenseless people or animals
The massacre was the turning point for revolution.
substance; matter
The material of the universe is concentrated in areas called galaxies, stars, and planets.
the study of numbers and forms and their properties and relationships, using symbolic representation and systematically defined methods of proof
The study of mathematics is not a new field, but in fact has existed for thousands of years.
pertaining to tracing one's heritage and ancestry through the mother's family
I followed my matrilineal line back four generations, all the way to my great-great grandmother.
the physical material of the universe, including subatomic particles, atoms, and the substances that are built out of them
Matter makes up everything you know and will ever know.
of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the Middle Ages
Many peasants were made serfs during Medieval times in Europe.
To sit quietly and focus the mind for relaxation, self-reflection, or spiritual practice
Really big animals, often prehistoric, like mammoths, giant sloths, and saber-toothed cats; modern, examples include elephants, moose, bears, and giraffes
an experience, person, or thing that one remembers
Their memories came back slowly after the accident.
Business that traded goods and established colonies overseas; they often had government backing and controlled regional trade
the doctrine, developed in the West after the decline of feudalism, that a nation's economy could be strengthened by governmental protection of home industries, by increased foreign exports, and by accumulating gold and silver
England developed many colonies under the economic policy of mercantilism in order to increase its trading territory.
doing military service for pay alone, especially in a foreign army
The army, with little funds, struggled to pay its mercenary soldiers.
a person who buys goods and sells them for a profit; the owner of a retail shop
The merchant sold cookies from his bakery.
an early phase in the development of capitalism in which the primary focus was moving goods from a market where they were cheap to a market where they were more expensive
Merchant capitalism, the predecessor of modern-day capitalism, emerged as a result of increased economic growth and development.
the personnel and ships of a nation used in commerce or trade
Once they docked at the harbor, the merchant mariners met with the local port authority about unloading their goods.
a system in which people attain power, influence, and wealth because of their intellectual abilities rather than because of their class status or family lineage
In order to move up in the meritocracy, all government officials must pass a series of tests.
according to Old Testament prophecies, the anticipated deliverer of the Jews
Although Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah, Jews do not.
a person of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry
The mestizo population grew in Latin America as European settlers married Indigenous people.
chemical reactions inside a living organism that turn food into energy
Your metabolism changes and generally slows down as you grow older.
The science of the properties, extraction, and production of metals.
A colorless greenhouse gas with about 28 times the warming power of CO₂. Occurs in nature through decomposition; also occurs as a result of human activities such as fertilizer production.
As polar ice disappears, it’s releasing huge amounts of the greenhouse gas methane, which has been underground for millennia.
plan or mode of procedure
Primitive methods of farming, lack of knowledge about newer methods of irrigation, and cultivation hold back the growth of agriculture.
a body of methods, principles, and rules used for a specific activity or branch of knowledge
The math teachers are using a new methodology in their classes this year.
a major city; metropolis
The vast metropole is a center for commerce and trade.
any major urban area; city
She wanted to live in New York or LA, anywhere that felt like a bustling metropolis.
a microorganism that can be a bacterium, fungus, amoeba, or other microscopic living organism
The invention of the microscope in the 1670s made the study of microbes possible.
a tiny electronic part that stores and processes information in computers and other devices
to manage especially with excessive control or attention to details
He micromanaged every detail of the budget.
a tiny piece of plastic, less than five millimeters, that can be harmful to life on Earth
Recent studies have shown that microplastics are accumulating in our brains.
too small to be seen with the naked eye
Believe it or not, we have microscopic bugs that live in our eyebrows and eyelashes!
the social class between the very rich and the very poor, including business people, professionals, farmers, and skilled workers
Most Americans view themselves as being a part of the middle class, neither poor nor rich.
great force or physical strength
The dictator ruled by might rather than by the will of the people.
to move from one region to another
Their ancestors had migrated from the east, finally settling in this small western mining town.
the movement of persons from one country or locality to another
A few years ago, some people began to make maps of the migration routes of birds.
an important event or turning point in history or in a person's life
Johnny going to college was a milestone for the Russo family because he was the first member of his family to attend.
act of being aggressive or combative in attitude or actions, especially in defense of a cause
Many people feared violence due to the increased militancy of the anti-government protesters.
a policy that emphasizes military strength and preparedness
The administration has been criticized for the militarism of its foreign policy.
the armed forces
Did your grandfather serve in the military during the war?
a military body of trained civilians, usually active only in emergencies
The militia gathered at the town square within an hour of the news.
an autonomous self-governing religious community, each organized under its own laws and headed by a religious leader, who was responsible to the central government for the fulfillment of millet responsibilities and duties, particularly those of paying taxes and maintaining internal security
The Armenians were a millet.
a deep hole or system of holes made in the Earth, from which mineral substances such as gold, coal, or precious stones are extracted
Workers were trapped in the mine.
The lowest amount of money an employer is legally allowed to pay a worker for their job
a group that differs in race, ethnic background, religion, or political ideas from the majority of people in a society
African Americans and Hispanic Americans are the largest minorities in the United States.
False or inaccurate information.
Misinformation can lead to misunderstanding climate solutions, their effectiveness, and their drawbacks.
a person desiring to convert others to a principle or set of beliefs
Various missionary societies have also established schools.
A labor system used by the Inca Empire; it required citizens to work for the state for a certain period each year
Actions taken to reduce or prevent the emissions of greenhouse gases.
Mitigation solutions include everything from renewable energy to electric cars and public transportation.
any of the gigantic carved stone figures found on Easter Island
There are about 900 moai across Easter Island.
the act of assembling, organizing, or adapting (industries, supplies, facilities, or the like) for immediate use or service in times of war or states of emergency; the act of assembling and preparing (troops or the like) for active military duty or service to a country
The nation ordered troop mobilization to prepare for the upcoming battle.
to assemble and prepare (troops or the like) for active military duty or service to a country
The colonel called for his troops to mobilize for war.
to express scorn or contempt for; ridicule; deride
The candidate mocked his opponent's stand on the environment.
a representation or copy, often smaller than the original and used as a guide to making a thing in full size
My dad and I enjoy building models in our free time.
one who opposes extreme political or social ideas, positions, or actions
The man considered himself to be a moderate in his political views.
of or pertaining to recent or advanced styles, thought, or technology; relating to, or characteristic of current or recent times
After 20 years, the recording artist decided to upgrade to a more modern sound system.
The period—especially in the last 200 years—when human societies changed rapidly, in large part due to the discovery of new energy sources.
the time period tracing back to the Industrial Revolution or the Age of Exploroation to current day and its associated characteristics
Some historians date the beginning of the modern age to the Industrial Revolution when some of the first signs of modernity emerged.
the process or act of updating or redesigning something to make it look new or contemporary
Modernization allows for technological and scientific advancements.
to make modern or contemporary
We modernized our kitchen.
In Indian philosophy and religion, liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara)
The Buddhist monk believes that crimes committed in his past lives are keeping him from attaining moksha.
the smallest distinguishing unit of a compound, formed when atoms of different elements are held together by chemical forces
Carbon dioxide is a molecule composed of carbon and oxygen.
made liquid, especially by extreme heat, as metal or rock
The molten lava oozed down the hill.
The force or speed of movement that keeps something going or increasing
a sole, often hereditary ruler, such as a king, queen, or emperor
The monarch's legitimacy was questioned after it was revealed that he had killed his brother to gain his position of power.
a person who supports rule by a king or queen
Although many colonists supported the American Revolution, some were monarchists and believed that remaining under the rule of Britain was best.
a form of government in which a single person holds authority, usually for life and by inheriting their position
Before the French Revolution, France was a monarchy ruled by King Louis XVI, whose family had ruled since 1589.
buildings inhabited by monks, who have devoted their lives to religious service and prayer
In Germany, the monasteries were often breweries as well, and beer was the the monks' main source of nutrition.
of or pertaining to monasteries or monks
She gave up all of her worldly possessions and joined the monastic order.
coins or paper notes issued by the government and marked with specific values
Alejandro used money to pay for his new t-shirt.
the cultivation or growth of a single crop or organism especially on agricultural or forest land
Known as monoculture, a vast field of one species is risky because all the crops are vulnerable to the same diseases and conditions, setting up disasters like the 1840s Irish Potato Famine.
complete control over a service or commodity within a given market, so that competition is eliminated
At the time, one telephone company had a monopoly over phone services in the entire region.
the belief that there is only one supreme being
Monotheism is a core belief of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.
seasonal winds in South and Southeast Asia that occur twice a year
The wet monsoons happen earlier in the year than the dry monsoons, and they blow in a different direction.
a network of Indian Ocean trade routes that connected people, goods, and ideas
Mapping the monsoon trade winds in the Indian Ocean allowed merchants to participate in the monsoon marketplace.
relating to what is right and wrong in human behavior
She made the moral choice to help her friend even when it was hard.
principles related to what is right or wrong, or a particular doctrine or ethical system
People who chose to be vegetarian are often those who question the morality of eating animals.
subject to death; destined to die
All mortal beings of the world only have so long to live.
the state of being subject to death or the death rate in a population
The mortality rate during the plague was very high.
a Muslim place of worship
The Muslim family made their way to the neighborhood mosque when they heard the call to prayer.
a small natural hill
The treasure is buried underneath the mounds of earth on the west side of the shore.
the technology of printing words and numbers with components that can be moved around
Before the advent of moveable type, the only way to copy a book was to have a scribe write it all out again by hand.
a group of people or organizations acting to achieve a common goal
Ending the Vietnam War was the goal of the peace movement.
Including or respecting many different cultures, traditions, and backgrounds within a society or community
the coexistence of diverse cultures, where culture includes racial, religious, or cultural groups and is manifested in customary behaviours, cultural assumptions and values, patterns of thinking, and communicative styles
Multiculturalsm is prominent throughout the United States, especially in cities such as San Francisco.
of, related to, or composed of several distinct ethnic groups
San Francisco is a multiethnic city.
emotional and psychological harm passed down from one generation to the next after a traumatic event
Multi-generational trauma can affect families long after the original event happened.
of, pertaining to, including, or involving several countries
The multinational corporation had offices in San Francisco, Tokyo, and Dubai.
A long-barreled firearm used in the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries
an adherent of Islam
One of the Five Pillars is that Muslims who are able must visit the holy city of Mecca once in their life.
a wild horse of the western plains of North America, descended from Spanish stock
The mustang assessed the people they approach, ready to run away at the slightest indication of danger.
the act or process of changing, especially genetically
Bacteria have developed mutations to antibiotics, which means many species are now antibiotic-resistant.
to sever or destroy a limb or other essential part of (a person or animal)
The mutilation of the soldier's arm occurred during a retreat from the firing enemy.
open rebellion of subordinates against their established leaders, especially of military personnel against their superior officers
The ship's officers were arrested for mutiny and court-martialed.
a person who believes in or practices the gaining of insight into mysteries by transcending ordinary human reality, especially through revelation or processes of concentrated meditation
The mystic told Joshua to spend time connecting with the world around him, especially the natural world.
The pursuit of direct, personal connection with the divine or ultimate reality
a story or body of stories based on tradition or legend, originating in oral history and incorporating beliefs about the origins of the world, the causes of natural events, and the origins of a society's customs and practices
Myths often involved the adventures of a god or a goddess.
an account, description, or story, or the oral or written work containing such material
Origin stories are narratives about the beginning of the universe and humanity.
a people living in the same geographic region and having a common history, language, and culture
Eventually, the 13 colonies came together and formed a nation of 13 states, each connected by a common identity and ideology.
the name of the revolutionary assembly formed by representatives of the Third Estate (commoners) from June 17 to July 9, 1789
The National Assembly was the first revolutionary government of the French Revolution and was created by French commoners who were angered by the inaction of the government.
the right or power of a nation-state to govern itself, with independence from outside control
National sovereignty was a key component of decolonization during the twentieth century as colonies sought freedom from imperialist countries.
the idea that citizens of a country are part of something bigger than themselves and that they are loyal to a set of national ideals and practices
A wave of nationalism swept the country after its citizens were attacked.
an advocate of nationalism; a follower of a political movement that favors national government and resistance against foreign domination or interference
She was a staunch nationalist who favored any policy that would give the country more power in the international arena
the act of bringing under government ownership or control
The nationalization of several banks in Poland created an uproar among conservatives.
to bring under government ownership or control
The administration intends to nationalize the banks.
the modern autonomous (self-governing) nation, considered as a unit of political organization
Albania is a small nation-state of around 3 million people.
a law or body of laws considered to be inherent in nature, right reason, or religion, and believed to be morally binding on human actions
Equality is considered by many to be a natural law.
the orderly system comprising the physical universe that functions independently from human or super natural laws
Some people believe that no matter what kind of action is taken, nothing can change the natural order of the universe.
A person who studied nature through observation and experimentation before modern science.
basic rights, such as life and liberty, that are considered inherent (essential) rights of all human beings
Although freedom from persecution and discrimination is considered a natural right, many continue to face oppression and injustice on a daily basis.
The process in which organisms better suited to survival usually survive and pass on their genes to offspring
a person who guides the direction of a ship or other craft, determining its course
Before you cross the ocean, make sure there is a good navigator on board.
a member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party which controlled Germany under Hitler from 1933 to 1945; fascist
Under Hitler's leadership, the Nazis took control of the German government and rebuilt the military, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
The National Socialist German Workers' Party was a fascist movement which controlled Germany under Adolf Hitler from 1933 to 1945
The fascist ideology and practices of the Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler, emphasizing extreme nationalism, militarism, and racial purity
an extinct species of human that existed in Europe during the Ice Age, often characterized by a receeding forehead and prominent brow ridge
We often think of Neanderthals as cavemen that lived with the dinosaurs, but in fact, Neanderthals lived at the same time as some early modern humans!
an interstellar cloud of dust, hydrogen, helium and other ionized gases
Most nebula are incredibly large and some can be seen on Earth with the naked eye.
a cloud of interstellar dust or gas or both, that may appear as either a light or dark mass depending on how it absorbs, reflects, or re-emits incident radiation
The famous Crab Nebula was formed by a supernova explosion that was observed from Earth in 1054.
To discuss something in order to reach an agreement, especially in business or politics
the act of negotiating; bargaining or coming to terms with another party or parties
a movement celebrating Black culture and identity, particularly in response to colonialism
the use of economic, political, or other means to retain control over former colonies
Neocolonialism has led to economic dependency of many former colonies on developed countries for trade and goods.
a Chinese philosophy popular during the Song and Ming dynasties that reinterpreted Confucianism by emphasizing rationalism
Neo-Confucianism emphasized traditional gender roles and expectations.
an economic policy promoting free trade, private industry, and less government control
designating the latter part of the Stone Age, from about 10,000 BCE to about 3500 BCE characterized by the use of polished stone tools and the beginnings of farming
Farming and the emergence of agrarian societies were key characteristics of the Neolithic Era.
Achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed.
The cost difference between a net-zero alternative and a traditional carbon-emitting option is called the green premium.
a system or process that involves a number of persons, groups or organizations
The CEO of the company relies on a network of employees to advertise and sell products to the general public.
the foreign policy of a nation that refuses to take sides in an international dispute
Sweden adopted neutrality in the early 1800s, and its military did not participate in either of the two world wars.
in Buddhism or Hinduism, a state of blissful peace and harmony beyond the sufferings and passions of individual existence; state of oneness with eternal spirit
She prays that her husband will reach nirvana and his soul will be free of suffering.
a chemical element with seven protons in each nucleus that occurs as a colorless, odorless gas and comprises 80 percent of the Earth's atmosphere
Nitrogen makes up important compounds such as nitrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and ammonia.
a privileged class with special rights and titles, usually inherited
In the early modern world, most nobles owned land and made money off the labor of the people who worked on it.
a member of a group or tribe that has no permanent home and moves from place to place, often in search of pasturage for its animals
The group of nomads travels to a new region approximately every four months.
pertaining to, being, or resembling a member of a group or tribe that has no permanent home and moves from place to place
The nomadic tribes moved as the weather changed and prey migrated.
a policy in which countries avoid siding with major powers in order to maintain independence in global politics
people who are not actively fighting in a war, like civilians, doctors, or aid workers
Noncombatants, like nurses and children, often suffer greatly during wars.
a chronic disease that is not passed from person-to-person contact
Diabetes and heart disease are two examples of non-communicable diseases.
any nonprofit organization or body that operates independently of government
The non-governmental organization your cousin works for raises money to lobby for prison reform.
A private organization that serves public interests at local, national, or international levels and includes groups like nonprofits, community-based organizations, and advocacy groups.
NGOs like the Sierra Club, Earthjustice, and the Environmental Defense Fund play a crucial role in amplifying the power of other groups to have an impact.
the policy or practice of refusing to use violent means to pursue political or social aims
One of Gandhi's main principles was nonviolence.
the refusal to use violent means to pursue political or social aims
Their nonviolent protests sometimes felt useless when no one would listen to their pleas.
a distinguished or eminent person
The author was one of the many notables at the party.
harmful, dangerous, or destructive, especially to health
Noxious chemicals spewed from the smokestack for years.
a subtle quality or difference in tone, meaning, color, or shade
He didn't grasp the man's true intentions because he failed to understand the nuances of what he was saying.
Referring to the use of a nuclear reaction (either splitting or joining atoms together) to create large amounts of energy
The treat of nuclear war terrified people across the world during the 1960s.
Energy generated from nuclear reactions, which involve the splitting or fusing of atoms
But despite its bad reputation, nuclear energy is statistically one of the safest ways that humans generate electricity.
a self-contained unit consisting of a father and mother and their children living together in one household
The novel is about a nuclear family whose lives are interrupted when their maternal grandmother moves into the house.
the process of atoms combining in the core of a star, which releases a huge burst of energy
Scientists are working on replicating the nuclear fusion that happens in the core of a star on a smaller scale in order to generate carbon-free power.
a bomb or missile that uses nuclear reactions to produce an explosion of immense power
the extremely dense and positively charged region at the center of an atom that consists of protons and neutrons
In fission, the nucleus splits into smaller parts, releasing a great deal of energy.
Antisemitic laws in Nazi Germany that banned marriages between Jews and non-Jews and stripped Jews of their citizenship
to care for and encourage the growth and development of (a living thing)
She carefully nurtured her tiny plants.
nourishment; food
It's important to get adequate nutrition before a race.
something a person is required or expected to do
The villagers felt a strong obligation to help each other during hard times.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
Physics is studied using observation and experiment.
a building containing equipment for making astronomical or other kinds of scientific observations
The observatory was situated high on the mountain to minimize cloud cover.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
Lenses were steadily improved during the seventeenth century, enabling scientists to see details never before observed.
physicists who use telescopes to look into the sky in search of evidence
The observer moved the telescope to observe the movement of Venus in relation to Earth.
Shiny, black volcanic rock often used in the past to make tools and weapons
The Mayans used sharp tools made from obsidian, a type of volcanic glass.
the process of focusing one's occupational concentration on a specific area of expertise
Occupational specialization is common among doctors as some choose to become experts in cardiology, while others are fluent in the field of neurology.
An animal or person who eats food from both plant and animal sources
an addictive drug derived from one variety of poppy, containing various narcotic substances, and producing calm, stupor, sleep, or relief from pain
Opium is a very addictive drug.
a chance that makes something possible or that may bring about some benefit
Taking a cooking class will give you an opportunity to meet new people.
to treat harshly, brutally, or unfairly
They lived under a government that oppressed its people.
harsh, unfair, burdensome acts or demands by a government or other authority
His reign was characterized by cruelty and oppression.
the scientific study of how light works
Only an expert in optics can fully explain the camera obscura.
A sense of hope and confidence in the future.
Optimism inspires people to innovate and drives people to take risks—investing money and time in the hopes of making a better future.
Feeling or showing confidence and hope for the future.
Of course, it’s hard to stay optimistic when it seems like there’s a new story about a different climate disaster every day.
a bone used in early China especially during the Shang dynasty 1765–1123 BC in divination by writing a question upon it, heating it, and divining the answer from the resultant cracks
Curious as to whether they will ever become famous, the young band decided to use oracle bones to try and see into their future.
spoken, as opposed to written
She was asked to give an oral presentation.
the stories, beliefs, etc., that a group of people share by telling stories and talking to each other
Tales of my great-great-great grandfather's adventures as a sea captain have been passed down through my family by oral tradition.
a spherical object
Her necklace was a delicate chain with one singular orb like pearl.
the (usually elliptical) path described by one celestial body in its revolution about another move in an orbit
The revolving object follows an orbit as it moves.
adherence to the rules and laws of a society; social or civil peace
The candidate talked about the high right of crime in the city, and promised to restore order when she is elected mayor.
a discrete structure within a cell, such as a nucleus, that has a specialized, organlike function
Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
pertaining to or coming from living sources
Oil from the ground is an organic substance, but there is synthetically produced oil as well.
a field of science concerned with carbon compounds, including living things
Organic chemistry deals with everything carbon—related.
a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently
The water sample contains many different kinds of tiny organisms.
to set in order; to establish or make arrangements for
They were determined to organize a union of workers
one who organizes, especially by finding members for a trade union or for an activist group
After the fatal accident in the mill, the organizers had greater success in getting workers to join the union.
the point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived
The origin of humanity can be traced back hundreds of thousands of years.
a narrative that explains how something came to be
Every religion has its own origin story that explains the creation of the universe.
to arise or come into being
Most of the English language originates from Greek or Latin roots.
an empire of the Turks that existed from about 1300 to 1918 and that at times included much of the lan bordering on the Mediterranean
The Ottoman Empire was responsible for the Armenian genocide.
to move jobs or industries to another country where costs are cheeper
In the late 20th century, many global companies began to outsource manufacturing to countries with lower labor costs including China, the Philippines, and Mexico.
to extend beyond an appropriate or workable limit
The manager is suffering from overextension as he has taken on too much work without delegating any of it to his employees.
the state or process of filling a place with more inhabitants than available resources can sustain
The recent increase in births could lead to overpopulation in our schools.
careful supervision
The teacher's oversight of the children's work is appreciated.
a chemical element that has eight protons in each nucleus and that occurs in pure form, as a colorless, odorless gas essential to the respiration of living things, or in important compounds such as water, carbohydrates, and oxide minerals
Plants produce oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis, which we then use in respiration.
a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms that forms a thin layer high in the atmosphere to shield the Earth’s surface from harmful forms of ultraviolet radiation
Without the ozone layer, harmful UV rays would plague the planet.
A protective layer of Earth’s atmosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
While the use of harmful chemicals depleted our ozone layer, it has recovered since then.
refusal to use or acknowledge violence as a means for settling disputes
The gang members had no regard for pacifism—they settled all conflicts with violence.
a person outside of Western religious orthodoxies, such as a non-Christian, non-Jew, or non-Muslim
The Crusades involved military violence against societies of pagans.
a scientist who studies the material remains of the entire human evolutionary line
A paleoarchaeologist recently found several Neanderthal skeletons nearby.
designating the earliest period of the Stone Age, from about 2 million BCE to about 10,000 BCE, characterized by the use of primitive stone tools
During the Paleolithic Age, communication development was key to people's survival as they developed names for plants and instructions for how to find them.
The period of primitive stone tools (from 3.3 million years ago to 12,000 years ago). Also called the Old Stone Age.
a movement promoting unity and cooperation among people of African descent all around the world
a movement that encourages pride in African heritage and unity among African nations and people
a disease that affects many people over a vast area
The disease spread rapidly and there were fears of a pandemic.
all gods of a people, collectively; a temple dedicated to all of a people's gods
The Ancient Greek pantheon includes the Olympians such as Zeus and Athena.
a kind of paper made from the crushed and pressed stems of a tall reed-like water plant of the Nile valley, especially in ancient Egypt
Aristotle wrote his philosophical works on papyrus.
a statement that contradicts or seems to contradict itself, yet often expresses a truth
It may be a paradox, but I believe that sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
Armed groups that operate outside of the government but often act in its interest
a national law-making body composed of representatives
The parliament has authority over the military.
one who is an authority on parliamentary rules and procedures, especially one serving as such in an organization
The man was an expert on the Parliament's rules and procedures, making him a parliamentarian.
a person who is strongly or actively devoted to some cause, idea, group, or person
She was a devoted partisan when it came to immigrant rights.
to divide into parts or sections
The farmer partitioned the field into several smaller plots.
A unit of measurement used to express very small concentrations of a substance within a larger mixture, often used for measuring gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere.
In June 2023, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in Earth’s atmosphere reached 424 parts per million (ppm).
a set of ideas and goals that a political party says it will support and work toward
The party platform included promises to improve schools and lower taxes.
of or relating to the country or country life; rural
She liked to paint pastoral scenes with meadows, streams, and fields with cows grazing.
a person who herds animals
Pastoralists often moved around with their animals in order to find areas to graze.
someone breeds and cares for herds of animals for food and work
a combination of varying pieces or parts
A patchwork of greens and browns make up the rolling plains of farm country.
a government grant to an inventor, giving for a specified period the exclusive right to make, use, or sell an invented device, or process
The inventor has applied for a patent.
a belief or system where authority treats others like children, making decisions for them
Paternalism made the colonizers act like they knew what was best for others.
relating to a social system in which a father rules, and descent and succession are traced through the father
When the queen took the throne, she ended the country's patriarchal system of government.
a social system in which a father rules, and descent and succession are traced through the father
When the queen took the throne, she ended the country's system of patriarchy that had restricted leadership solely to males.
a member of the nobility of the ancient Roman Republic
Patricians were expected to marry people of the same social class.
of, concerning, or tracing descent through the families of fathers
Abhishek lived in a patrilineal society where when his father died, his belongings would pass to Abhishek, not his elder sister.
love for, and devotion and loyalty to, one's nation
The citizens supported the war with a fierce patriotism.
A system of relationships in which a wealthy or powerful person provides financial support or status to someone in return for their service or creative work; often used to support early scientists as well as artists and musicians.
The sculptor would have little hope of carrying out his work without the patronage of the countess.
made someone a patron by buying something from them; behaved as a customer or consumer
I patronize the local farmers who sell fresh fruit and vegetables.
a reoccurring incident or theme that connects unlike things
When studying the first agricultural communities around the world, you may notice a pattern in how agriculture first started.
a time of peace and safe trade across the Mongol Empire in the 1200s and 1300s
The Pax Mongolica made it safer for merchants to travel along the Silk Road.
Roman Peace; a 200-year-long period in Roman history in which there was relative peace
The Pax Romana allowed Rome to regularly trade overseas.
an agreement to stop fighting a war
After 10 years of war the two countries signed a peace treaty, so that both could start to rebuild their crumbling societies.
a country person considered unsophisticated by urban elite, or a person considered to be crude and unlearned
In feudal time, peasants worked the land but had no right to own it.
one who sells goods in the street or from door to door
Peddlers lined the busy street, selling their goods to any passing pedestrian willing to stop.
a sum of money paid regularly by the government or a former employer as a retirement or disability benefit
The retired bankteller received a monthly pension of $2,000.
Per person. A measurement often used to compare metrics between countries or cities while accounting for differing population sizes.
Per capita emissions are much lower in populous countries, such as India, China, and Nigeria.
having a highly dangerous or risky quality
Even the most advanced skier would avoid that perilous slope.
a specific, limited interval or span of time
He's been missing for a period of six days.
recurring or reappearing at regular intervals of time
The doctor recommended regular checkups.
the generally accepted system for organizing the known chemical elements in a table by atomic number
The periodic table has revolutionized how we understand and categorize elements.
in chemistry, the similarity of properties among elements that occupy similar positions in the periodic table
The periodicity of the elements' properties led to the creation of Mendeleev's periodic table.
an approach to history in which time is divided into distinct and identifiable periods
Examples of historical periodizations include the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras.
relating to or describing the outer boundaries or edges of an area or surface, or the region directly inside or outside
Flies have amazing peripheral vision.
the outer edge of an area; the less important part of a group or activity
Many women feel they are being kept on the periphery of the armed forces.
to subject (especially those belonging to a different political, religious, or racial group) to persistent harassment, punishment, or ill treatment
The Nazis wanted to persecute Jews, Roma, Poles, and political opponents, as well as people with disabilities, by sending them to concentration camps.
a purposeful course of harassing, punishing, or exterminating others, especially because of their race or their religious, moral, or political beliefs
The country's leaders relentlessly persecuted those who fought against the regime.
the concept of property in one's own person, expressed as the moral or natural right of a person to have bodily integrity and be the exclusive controller of one's own body and life
The right of personal sovereignty is often debated in the courts.
An individual’s or group’s point of view on or attitude toward something.
Kelley's perspective on the new soccer team was biased because she used to play on the old one.
a chemical substance used to kill pests, especially insects that harm crops
The crops are repeatedly treated with pesticide.
a deadly disease or epidemic that spreads quickly
The Black Death was a pestilence that killed millions of people in Europe.
a rock carving, especially a prehistoric one
The Ancestral Pueblo created thousands of petroglyphs in the landscape of New Mexico.
a king of ancient Egypt, or (cap.) the title of any one of these kings
One of the most famous Egyptian pharaohs was Tutankhamen, also known as King Tut.
a perceptible occurrence or fact
The popularity of the Beatles was a phenomenon in the 1960s.
any of the leading philosophical, political, and social writers of the eighteenth-century French Enlightenment
The philosophes of eighteenth-century France shaped the course of the developing world and continue to influence society today.
one who studies the nature and principles of knowledge, truth, existence, and moral and aesthetic values
The philosopher pondered the reason for existence while walking through the woods.
the study of the nature and principles of knowledge, truth, existence, and moral and aesthetic values; any system of ideas and theories based on such study
The philosophy of Confucius emphasized virtues such as loyalty and trustworthiness.
the conversion of light energy to chemical energy, which is stored in sugars or other organic compounds, and is performed by plants, algae, and a few other organisms
Photosynthesis supplies most of the energy necessary for life within the biosphere and is the source of most atmospheric oxygen, which is released as a by-product of photosynthesis.
a licensed medical doctor, especially one who is not a surgeon
Meanwhile he had been appointed physician advising on the establishment of a silk factory.
the branch of science that deals with matter and energy, their properties, and their interactions
The physical sciences include the fields of chemistry and physics, as well as parts of biology and geology.
a person who undertakes a usually long trip for a religious purpose, such as to visit a holy place
On their trip to Mecca, the pilgirms stopped at several towns for the night.
a long trip undertaken for religious purposes, such as to visit a holy place
The family of Muslims set off on their pilgrimage to Mecca.
a tall, often cylindrical shaft used to support a structure or to serve as a decoration or monument
The earthquake caused cracks in the pillars holding up the temple, and many people questioned its structural integrity.
a long, usually capacious pipe for moving water, oil, gas, or, usually from the point of production to a point of use or marketing
The pipeline brought fresh water from lakes in northern California to the drier south.
a highly contagious and usually fatal disease in which victims suffer high fever, chills, and severe exhaustion
Plague is commonly transmitted to humans through bites from fleas on infected rats and manifests in bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic forms.
any celestial body (other than comets or satellites) that revolves around a star
The planet Mars was named after the Roman god of war.
a large estate used for cultivating commercial crops such as rubber, tea, cotton, or coffee
This area of the island supports a number of coffee plantations.
a capitalist economic system dependent on enslaved labor
The plantation system in America forced enslaved people to endure harsh conditions.
the idea that the Earth's crust (together with the upper mantle) is broken up into separate plates that are in constant motion, explaining continental drift as well as the distribution of Earthquakes, volcanoes, etc
Plate tectonics has been a central unifying theory in modern geology since the 1960s.
a means or opportunity to communicate ideas or information to a group of people
The event provides a platform for Latino artists, writers, and creators in the comic book industry.
in ancient Roman society, a member of the class of commoners
Although patricians had a higher social standing, plebeians were able to own land and some were able to accumulate wealth and power.
a state or situation, especially an unhappy or unlucky one
He had little sympathy for the plight of the poor.
a system where many different groups, ideas, or beliefs exist together in a society
A society with pluralism might have many languages, religions, or cultures side by side.
professional merchants in the Aztec Empire who traded goods over long distances
Because the pohteca traveled so widely, they often brought back news and information from faraway places
a violent attack against a group of people, especially against Jewish communities in history
The pogrom forced many families to flee their homes in fear.
A law, rule, process, practice, or action of a government or other organization, often used as a basis for decision-making.
The government implemented a policy requiring all new buildings to use energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
an upheaval in which the government is replaced, or the form of government altered
Unhappy with the absolutist government, the people constructed a political revolution and overthrew their leader.
the right or power of a political unit or people (usually a nation-state) to govern itself, with independence from outside control
Political sovereignty was a key component of decolonization during the twentieth century as colonies sought freedom from imperialist countries.
contaminating material that makes an area dirty, unpleasant, or unhealthy
Pollution in the lake is killing the fish.
of or pertaining to Polynesia or its people, cultures, and languages
Polynesian settlers found new homes across the Pacific.
the belief in more than one god
Christianity is not a polytheistic religion because it only accepts the existence of one god.
the idea that the citizens of a nation need to enter into a contract with the government in order for it to be legitimate
The idea of popular sovereignty was present throughout the American Revolution.
the group or number of inhabitants, human or otherwise, of a particular category in a place
To feed the growing population of the world, food production must increase.
a measurement of the number of people occupying a specific unit area
Hong Kong is known for having a high population density, as there are currently more than 16,000 people per square mile.
a place where ships load and unload, and its adjacent town or city; a point at which people and goods can pass through customs and enter a country
The ship stopped at the port to unload products.
capable of being carried or transported
She was able to take her portable camera everywhere with her during her trip.
A set of religious or philosophical ideas that can be followed anywhere, not tied to one place or culture
to present or propose
I wonder if I could pose a suggestion that may help solve this problem.
capable of coming into existence
Displayed merchandise is intended to attract attention, arouse interest, create desire, and motivate the potential customer to enter the store and make a purchase.
the condition of being poor or lacking the necessary means of support
Despite their work in the linen mill, the family lived in poverty.
the ability to exert authority or control
Congress has the power to create and pass laws.
possessing or capable of exerting power or force
As hers was the deciding vote, she was in a powerful position.
a series of activities and accompanying thinking tools and feedback forms
one who preaches, especially a minister or clergyman
According to the preacher, it is important to be kind to others and help the less fortunate.
the act of coming before in time, rank or importance
When judging cases, judicial courts often look back at old rulings for precedence.
an act that serves or may serve as an example for future actions of a similar nature
Her high grades set a precedent for the class.
related to the time or history of a region prior to colonization, usually dated around the late fifteenth century
In precolonial times, trade flourished between native groups.
of, pertaining to, or existing in a time prior to written history
Paleontology is the study of prehistoric life on Earth using the fossil record.
the time before written history
A lot of human history consists of prehistory, the time before written language was developed and widely used.
the applying of constant force upon a surface
Put pressure on a cut to stop the bleeding.
to emerge as dominant (often fol. by "over")
Fortunately, common sense seems to have prevailed over irrationality.
immediate, first-hand accounts of a topic, from people who had a direct connection with it
Examples of primary sources include speeches, diaries, letters, and newspaper reports.
a member of the order of mammals appearing between 60 million and 70 million years ago, characterized by a relatively large brain, hands with multiple movable fingers and nails instead of claws, and eyes positioned on the front of the skull to enable stereoscopic vision
Humans are categorized under the taxonomic order of primate.
the area ruled by a prince
The flourishing principality was well situated along rivers and major trading roads.
the process, craft, or business of making printed texts
The printing process has changed drastically over the last several centuries.
A machine that revolutionized the spread of ideas through mass-produced books.
the condition of not having one's personal life exposed to public knowledge
As cameras are increasingly part of our daily lives, many worry about individual privacy.
to change from governmental control or ownership to private
The railways in that country are now being privatized.
a right, immunity, benefit, or advantage belonging or granted exclusively to a person, group, social class, rank, or
Admission to a prestigious university is sometimes based on privilege, rather than academic merit.
a systematic sequence of actions used to produce something or achieve an end
Her process of writing a novel begins with getting an idea and sketching it out.
to bring into being
Most ancient Greeks were farmers who had to produce their own food.
the act or process of creating or manufacturing
The factory has exceeded its goals for production this quarter.
the joint process of manufacturing a good and getting it to those that purchased it
Our new CEO has put in place policies that increase the efficiency of our production and distribution.
capable of producing, or engaged in constructive activity
Soil with little nutrients is no longer productive.
a financial gain
Colonialism made a lot of profit for many European capitalists.
bringing profits (an amount of money yielded from an investment or business that exceeds the amount already invested or paid out as expenses)
We had a profitable business until the competition became too stiff.
located at, reaching to, or coming from a great depth
He felt profound grief after the death of his wife.
a sequence, as of items in a series
He described the entire progression of unfortunate events.
a unicellular organism having cells lacking membrane-bound nuclei
Bacteria are the prime example of prokaryotes but blue-green algae, actinomycetes, and mycoplasma are also included.
the working class, especially those that lack wealth and must sell their usually unskilled labor in order to survive
The revolutionaries declared that factories and other means of production should be handed over to the proletariat.
the act or process of spreading quickly
The leaders signed a treaty to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
evidence that proves the truth or existence of something
There is no proof that he killed his wife.
information or statements of opinion that are deliberately circulated among the public in order to persuade the population to accept a particular point of view, especially one in favor of or opposed to a particular movement, cause, or doctrine
The government spread propaganda to convince people of the threat from foreign enemies.
a basic or essential attribute shared by all members of a class
Strength is one useful property of steel.
a prediction or admonition, especially when uttered by one considered to be a divine agent or prophet
The prophecy states that the new king will be born on the 21st of October.
a teacher, leader, or spokesperson of a movement or cause, especially a religious one, who is believed to be the recipient of some special inspiration or revelation
The Hebrew prophet Ezekiel foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple.
one who proposes or favors an idea, doctrine, or course of action
He was an early proponent of giving women the vote.
A suggested course of action put forward for consideration.
A group of students persisted until the commissioners recommended their zoning proposal to allow for wind turbines.
the state of succeeding or flourishing, especially financially
The prosperity of the nation was a result of their booming economy.
a smaller, weaker, or less-developed country or territory under the protection and partial control of a larger or stronger one
The protectorate did not sustain its own military, but it had a foreign army to protect their borders.
a gesture or formal action by a person or especially a group as a public display of objection or dissent
A citizens group mounted a protest against establishing a nuclear power plant in the area.
a person who makes a public display of objection to the action, decision, or policy of an institution or individual, especially as a part of a group
Protesters against the war marched down the main street.
a stable particle with positive charge equal to the negative charge of an electron
Elements are often defined by the number of protons in their nucleus.
a rotating circumstellar disk of dense gas and dust surrounding a young newly formed star
The protoplanetary disk may also be considered an accretion disk for the star itself because gases or other material may be falling from the inner edge of the disk onto the surface of the star.
the administrative divisions of a country or empire
The western province supplies most of the country's food.
that which is provided
They will soon receive another provision from the Red Cross.
actions or statements intended to anger or incite a reaction, often in an aggressive context
very close or near in location or time
The park is proximate to the house.
the condition, quality, or fact of being near or close
The corner store offers little variety, but its proximity makes it convenient.
a theory or methodology that claims an unjustified scientific basis or application, such as astrology
Several theories of pseudoscience grew out of Darwin's theory of natural selection as people applied evolutionary principles to modern humans.
mental, emotional, and behavioral characteristics pertaining to a specified person, group, or activity
His trainer helped him understand the psychology of boxing.
the act of publishing printed material
Book publication was postponed until December.
to prepare and distribute (printed material) for sale or circulation to the public
Dr. Mayer has published more than 100 articles in various scientific journals, and he is coauthor of the famous handbook of behavior genetics.
Something that attracts people to a new place, such as better job opportunities, safety, or a higher quality of life
Three wars fought between Rome and the North African city-state of Carthage between 264-146 BCE
A leader who appears to be in charge but is actually controlled by another power
Something that drives people to leave their home, such as war, poverty, or natural disasters
A judge in Islamic law, responsible for interpreting and applying Sharia
the smallest possible amount of something such as matter or energy
Quantum physics is the study of matter and energy at the subatomic level or of matter and energy smaller than atoms.
any of several elementary particles believed to be components of protons, neutrons, and related particles
Protons and neutrons are made up of quarks.
to subdue or suppress forcefully and decisively
The police quashed the demonstration.
a system of knotted cords used by the Inca for recording information
pertaining to relations between races of people, especially those living in the same country, city, or neighborhood
Racial discrimination persists in this country and across the globe.
a situation in which people of all races are treated fairly and in the same way
Surveys show that 80 percent of black people believe they'll never see racial equality in their lifetime.
a system of stratification that focuses on the belief that some racial groups are either superior or inferior to other racial groups
Racial hierarchies are prevalent throughout the modern-world and have a large influence on the social and economic opportunities available to minority groups.
the false belief that one race is naturally better or worse than another
Racial inferiority was wrongly used to justify slavery and unfair treatment.
the separation of people based on race, leading to inequality of treatment and services
the discredited idea that there are distinct races of humans, and some are naturally better or more capable than others
Ideas of racial superiority were used to justify violence against enslaved and colonized people.
the theory or opinion that a certain race or races of people, usually one's own, are superior to others because of certain inborn characteristics and any policy or practice based on said belief
West Indian psychiatrist Frantz Fanon emphasized the different forms of racism that exist, as those facing colonialism in Africa face different issues than those in the United States.
a technology that uses radio waves to detect the location, speed, and direction of objects.
the emission of particles or waves of energy, as by radioactive material or by electrical circuits or devices
Many people are concerned about toxic radiation from nuclear waste.
a person who advocates fundamental or extreme social and political changes
Some of the radicals were arrested and put it jail for their violent protests.
made more extreme, especially in political beliefs or actions
emitting energy or subatomic particles as a result of the decay of unstable isotopes
Radiation from a microwave is not enough to be concerning.
a process used to determine the time of formation of certain materials such as rocks or carbon, in which trace radioactive impurities were selectively incorporated when they were formed
Radiometric dating uses the predictable rate of decomposition of certain materials for us to "see" into the past.
a road of parallel steel rails upon which railway cars travel
Suzie took the railroad to get to her grandmother's house which was one town over.
extremely greedy or ravenous
They blamed rapacious lawyers for the high cost of malpractice insurance.
the speed or pace at which something is accomplished
You must work at a faster rate to get it done on time.
to limit the use or supply of
The US government rationed tires during the war due to a shortage of rubber.
sensible or reasoned
Deciding to stay in during the ice storm was a rational choice.
the act of making an excuse or explanation for behavior or actions
He used rationalization to explain why he hadn’t finished his homework.
material or a product in its natural or original state, before processing or assembling
Natural resources are the raw materials from the Earth that people use to meet needs and wants.
characterized by reaction or response to a stimulus; tending to react
She was so gravely ill that she was no longer reactive to those around her.
in international politics, a set of related theories that emphasizes the role of the state, national interest, and military power in world politics
Political realism believes that politics, like society in general, is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature.
an uprising or armed resistance against established authority or a government
The rebellion against the colonizers was filled with warfare and bloodshed.
a period of reduced or declining economic activity
The country experienced a recession after the war.
the idea that Christians must 'reconquer' lands believed to be formerly Christian territory from the hands of Muslim rulers
The idea of Reconquista led to the violent and destructive Christian Crusades across Europe.
The process of persuading individuals to join an organization or cause, like the military during wartime
to distribute again, often in different ways or amounts
The new government will try to redistribute the wealth.
a financial and loan practice of excluding people, often by race, from certain neighborhoods and denying public services to certain neighborhoods
the phenomenon in which light waves from distant galaxies are “stretched out,” which for visible light means a shift toward the red side of the spectrum
Redshift provides scientists with strong evidence that the universe is expanding because the expansion of space explains the stretching of the light waves.
any of various tall marsh grasses or their straight, jointed, hollow stalks
The reed swayed in the wind, creating a majestic picture of the landscape.
the improvement of wrong or bad conditions
People with a wide variety of occupations demanded labor reforms.
a person who works to bring about reform or improvement
Reformers of the long nineteenth century advocated for ending unfair child labor.
A person who has been forced to leave their home because of war, persecution, or disasters.
Wars in the Balkans in the 1990s created hundreds of thousands of refugees who fled to other parts of Europe.
to demonstrate the falseness or error of
She refuted his argument with some well-documented evidence.
a system of rule, government, or administration
The people suffered under the dictator's oppressive regime.
a troop of infantry consisting of at least two battalions
His regiment was stationed outside the border when the war broke out.
A large area of land that has something in common, like climate, culture, or geography
The Great Lakes region is includes parts of states.
of or pertaining to a particular geographic area
The children learn the country's official dialect in school but use their regional dialect at home.
to move backward
The child was making good academic progress, but he began regressing after moving to a different school.
to control or direct by means of a rule or method
The government regulates gambling.
a principle, rule, or law designed to regulate behavior and conduct
Fire department regulations require public buildings to be equipped with sprinklers.
the doctrine or religious belief that human souls survive physical death and return in new bodies
Followers of some religions believe in reincarnation.
additions of personnel or or material to a military force
We need to prevent enemy reinforcements from reaching the front line.
in comparison to something else
The problem has relatively little importance.
one who supports or advocates the theory of relativism, the philosophical theory that all bases of judgment are relative to time, place, or situation
He rarely judges others for their actions because as a relativist he knows each person has different experiences and is in a different situation.
the quality of being dependable
Reliability is an important quality for a babysitter.
a set of beliefs concerned with explaining the origins and purposes of the universe, usually involving belief in a supernatural creator and offering guidance in ethics and morals
Belief in religion helped people endure suffering.
pertaining to matters of faith, conscience, and spiritual values
He doesn't have strong religious beliefs, yet he very much enjoys theological discussions.
an acceptance of religious diversity
The country adopted policies that favored religious pluralism in hopes of minimizing violence and conflict among the many different religious groups.
the period of European history which marks the end of the Medieval period and the beginning of the modern period. It is characterized by a revival of interest in classical Greek and Roman culture
The works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci were inspired by the Renaissance.
describing a source of energy that cannot be exhausted through human use, such as sunlight, wind, geothermal heat, or water flow
We will have to move to renewable energy sources if we want to slow global warming.
Energy derived from natural sources that are continuously replenished.
Solutions that produce electricity through renewable energy, such as wind and solar, can make a big difference.
the act or process of organizing again
After our soccer club lost every game last season, our coach did some reorganization to prepare for next year.
payment required of a defeated nation by the victors, for damages, alleged atrocities, or other injury
Germany was forced to make reparations after World War I.
a statement or account of something, usually detailed
The report on India included some interesting statistics.
a system in which people elect their lawmakers (representatives), who are then held accountable to them for their activity within government
In a representative government, delegates convene to voice the wants and concerns of their constituents.
to put a stop to; subdue; to restrain or prevent the expression of (fellings, utterances, or the like)
The citizens felt repressed by their country's leaders.
the process by which living organisms produce young or copy themselves
Reproduction is a crtical biological process that allows our species to continue for generations.
a form of government in which delegates represent the interests of varied constituencies
After the king was dethroned, the country became a republic led by a democratically selected leader.
one who favors a republican form of government
Many early republicans believed in a representative government.
The process of investigating, designing, and creating new products, technologies, or improvements to existing systems
For many companies, zero-carbon cement is still in the research and development phase, with the processes and designs still being developed.
the movement of a large group of people from one area to another
The resettlement of Native American tribes in the United States often led to many deaths from disease, exhaustion, or even violence.
of or relating to a residence, a house or a place where one lives
The old warehouse was renovated for residential purposes; many families and children now live there.
The ability to withstand, adapt to, and recover from challenges or disruptions.
A community facing sea-level rise could relocate critical infrastructure—like energy generation plants or transportation networks—to higher ground to increase resilience.
the act of refusing to comply with something, or the act of acting to prevent or counter something
Resistance to colonialism took many different forms, from violence to quiet noncooperation.
A formal statement by a legislative body adopted as their opinion or intent.
The students successfully advocated for their school board to adopt a clean energy resolution, setting a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030.
to evoke a positive or powerful personal response
The child's reading problem resonated with the teacher, as she had experienced the same kind of difficulty as a child.
a source of aid, support, or other reinforcement
The library is a good resource for information.
the act or process of reacting
The government's response to the problem came too late for many.
the return of a king or government to power
The restoration brought the king back to the throne.
to change the structure or organization of
After James filed for bankruptcy, he was forced to restructure his business and make his financial decisions more transparent to investors.
the act of striking back or taking revenge
The little boy picked on his sister in retaliation for her behavior earlier.
the act of bringing things or people back together after being separated
A king may work toward the reunification of his lands after a civil war.
money that a business or government receives over a period of time from selling goods or services or collecting taxes
a rebellion against an established authority, especially the state
The army put an end to the revolt.
a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving
The achievements of the scientific revolution and the technological advances that preceded it were very important.
creating or leading to profound change
The notion of an assembly line was a revolutionary idea.
brought about a major, lasting change to a system, institution, or method
The invention of the automobile revolutionized how people travel.
to move in circular fashion around a fixed point
The Earth revolves around the Sun, our solar system's star.
A region of Germany that was demilitarized after World War I, occupied by German troops in 1936 in violation of the Treaty of Versailles
a long, narrow, raised section, area, or edge, such as the top of a sloping roof or the crest of a hill
The ridge was so steep and narrow we worried we would fall to either side.
that which is due to a person naturally or legally
It is her right to have an attorney present for the interview.
very thorough and accurate; hard-working
Thanks to your rigorous research efforts, your essay won first prize.
full of or involving risk; potentially dangerous
Arthur lost not only his savings but also his house in a risky venture that failed.
an established and prescribed procedure for a ceremony, especially a religious one
Sipping rice wine is part of the traditional marriage ritual in Japan.
the act, relation, or condition of a rival or rivals
The rivalry between the two gangs resulted in a number of deaths last year.
the single-stranded molecule, present in all living cells, that is essential for converting proteins in living organisms
RNA helps to deliver genetic information from DNA to the cells of a living organism.
describes the same ethnic group who were sometimes referred to by the racist pejorative “gypsies”
A powerful court of the Catholic Church that was created to investigate and punish heresy (ideas that contradict church doctrine).
the set of values, culture, and way of life that defined being Roman
Many conquered people adopted romanitas to gain acceptance and rights within the Roman Empire.
a European artistic and intellectual movement of the early nineteenth century, characterized by an emphasis on individual freedom from social conventions or political restraints, on human imagination, and on nature, usually in an idealized form
She used earlier poetic movements, namely Romanticism and modernism, as models for her poetry.
system of writing developed by the people of Easter Island
Rongorongo has yet to be deciphered by scholars, leaving the meaning behind the system of glyphs a mystery.
the part of a plant that usu. grows underground, absorbs water and nutrients, and attaches the plant to the soil
She pulled the weeds along with their roots.
a way, such as a road, by which persons travel or by which goods are shipped or delivered
A few years ago, some people began to map the migration routes of birds.
the product or condition of such destruction or decay
The ruins of the ancient tomb are highly studied.
one who rules or governs
The ruler declared that all in their kingdom would help with the festival.
related to the countryside rather than towns or cities
Before the Industrial Revolution, most Europeans lived in rural areas and worked small farms.
to damage something with the intent (often political) of causing harm to processes or structures
The rebels sought to sabotage the railways to stop the arrival of colonial troops.
destroying and looting a city in war; often involves mass killings and violence against civilians
having a connection to religion, god, or a spiritual system of belief
The temple contains many sacred objects that are used in prayer.
Writings that are considered holy and important in a religion
being saved from sin or its consequences in a religious sense
Many people believed attending church would lead to salvation.
in Hinduism, the endless cycle of every soul's birth, death, and rebirth
The Hindu woman hopes to obtain enough good karma to escape the cycle of samsara and achieve liberation.
a member of the elite military class of feudal Japan
The samurai valued honor above all.
the systems used to keep places clean and healthy, such as waste removal and clean water
Improved sanitation reduced the spread of disease in the city.
A nation that is heavily influenced or controlled by a nearby, more powerful country
the province or dependency controlled by a satrap (governor)
This year the governor will impose heavy taxes on the satrapies of the empire.
someone who rescues or saves people from danger or destruction
After the firefighter saved the kids from the flaming house, their parents called him their savior.
degrees of magnification, or perspective, used to measure time, space, and size
Cosmology is the study of the universe on its largest scales, including its origin.
moving between events, people, details, questions, and narratives from different perspectives of time and space to develop useful pictures of our global past
By scale-switching, the teacher was able to explain both the specifics of the American Revolution as well as its place in world history.
A dishonest scheme meant to trick people, usually for power or money
difficult to find; uncommon
Opportunities like this are scarce nowadays.
a system of farming that operates using less labor, machinery, and chemicals, and instead relies on more traditional methods to farm relatively large pieces of land (yields less crops than intensive farming)
Farmer Paul has always relied on the method of scattered farming to grow his corn, but he has recently realized that this system is not profitable.
a ceremonial staff, often held by royalty, that symbolizes power
The painting of the king depicted him wearing a crown and holding a jeweled scepter.
the separation of a group into two groups, caused by a disagreement about its aims and beliefs, especially in the Christian church
a learned person, esp. one who is engaged in research or study
Professor Samuels is a distinguished scholar of medeival European history.
of or relating to the practice of science
Man's scientific achievement since that war has been so great that the modern age has been called the "scientific revolution."
A process of proposing questions and validating scientific claims through observation and experimentation.
A period of dramatic changes in scientific thinking during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in Europe.
a passage from the Bible; any sacred or authoritative text
While reading some scripture, Kelly came across a passage that fascinated her.
a roll of parchment or papyrus, especially one with writing on it
The scroll told the story of an epic adventure.
having the quality of a seafarer, which is somone who is an expert at traveling by sea
Thanks to my sister's seafaring skills, she safely got the whole family to Hawaii on a 30-foot sailboat!
The average increase in the water level of the Earth's oceans as a result of climate change.
Sea-level rise is a huge problem for humanity because coastal regions are often densely populated.
to quit an organization, a political or religious unit or alliance
The Southern states seceded from the Union.
The second of four laws that states that as energy is transferred or transformed, more and more of it is wasted and that isolated systems have a natural tendency to degenerate into a more disordered state
The second law of thermodynamics explains why an ice cube melts in hot water: When a hot object comes in contact with a cold object, heat flows from the hotter one to the colder one, never spontaneously from colder to hotter.
A group of people with their own particular set of beliefs and practices, especially within or separated from a larger religious group
A distinct area of the economy.
Trade schools and vocational programs, especially in the energy and construction sectors, can help workers move into climate-related careers.
having no religious aspects
The choir sings both sacred and secular music.
freedom from danger
The security of the president depends on the skill of his bodyguards.
living in a fixed location; not migratory
Longhouses were built by mostly sedentary tribes because they take a long time to build.
the act of living or staying in once place for an extended period of time
Some Neolithic communities that lived in lush areas fell into the trap of sedentism, staying in one place where they exhausted their resources.
to separate or place apart from others or from the majority of a group, people, or the like
Blacks were segregated from whites under racist laws.
separating groups of people along racial or other identifying lines
Churches in the Gold Coast colony were segregated, with Africans not allowed in British churches.
an act of segregating, or the condition of being segregated, especially as a policy imposing social separation according to racial or ethnic groups
Racial segregation was prevalent in the United States society for many years.
the freedom to make decisions for oneself without external pressure or influence
With autonomy came self-determination for this small nation that had long been dominated by foreign powers.
the making of a self, usually through growth and development
In all organisms on our planet today, the most important players in self-generation are proteins.
the continued process of self-protection and avoiding environmental hazards, predators, and disease by an organism
An organism's genome continuously works to instruct self-generation and self-maintenance.
a place where buyers and sellers determine how goods are bought and sold
The black market is often a self-regulated market.
A community that sometimes has no permanent home and moves from place to place
Refers to a family of languages that include Arabic, Aramaic, and Hebrew
a council with the highest legislative functions
The Roman senate functioned as the emperor's council as well as was responsible for creating legislature.
disconnected or detached
More than 2,000 years ago, a Greek historian would have wondered why Africa and Asia were considered separate continents.
in India, a native soldier who served in the British army
If you were a young man in India needing an honest job that paid well, joining the Company army as a sepoy would have been appealing.
The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in a stable form.
Carbon sequestration helps reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide by capturing it and safely storing it.
agricultural laborers who cannot not leave their land and are heavily taxed by a lord or king
The serfs banned together to revolt against their overbearing lord.
bondage or slavery
Many people in the conquered lands were forced into servitude.
an area newly occupied by colonists or settlers
Eager to escape the mayor's harsh rule, a group of citizens decided to esablish a new settlement across the river bank.
the fact of a particular person or other organism being either female or male as determined by reproductive function
They were anxious to know the sex of the new baby.
formerly in Iran, king
Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution overthrew the shah.
among certain native Asian and North American peoples, a priest or healer believed to have exclusive contact with the supernatural
Desperate to help her mother, Camilla decided to travel across the country in search of a shaman who is said to be able to cure all illnesses.
a religion native to northern Asia based on a belief in supernatural spirits that can be contacted by shamans
Many people emphasize the healing side of shamanism, but this is only a part of a shaman's work.
to give a certain form or shape to
We shaped the clay into a pot.
Islamic law based on the teachings of the Quran
Unlike other codes of law, sharia regulates public behavior, private behavior, and private beliefs.
A Muslim of the Shia branch of Islam—the second largest branch after Sunni Islam
the minority sect in Islam, which does not accept the Sunnah as authoritative and considers Muhammad's son-in-law Ali to be the legitimate successor to Muhammad
Imam Ali, the prophet's son-in-law, is regarded by Shia Muslims as the heir to Muhammad's spiritual authority.
one of the chief military commanders of Japan from the eighth to the twelfth century, who governed in the name of the emperor; a military dictator and ruler
Minamoto no Yoritomo was the first shogun.
a form of government specific to Japan in which the ruler is an absolute dictator
The shogunate has absolute authority meaning that all people are required to obey the shogun's commands.
a military maneuver in which a fortification, such as a city or fort, is surrounded, subjected to attack, and cut off from supplies or reinforcements in order to bring about complete surrender
Many were killed in the siege of the fort.
having consequence or importance
It was a small but significant victory, as it gave the troops the confidence they needed to battle on.
a fine, soft, shiny fiber produced by certain insects, especially by the silkworm in spinning a cocoon
The merchant is selling an authentic Chinese silk robe.
the trade routes connecting Europe to the Middle East, India, and China
The Silk Road was not only a number of trade routes for the buying and selling of goods, but also for the exchange of religion and ideas.
coins or bullion made of silver, used as a commodity or medium of exchange
Silver was once a popular form of currency, so it was also a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
something that imitates or resembles, or the fact of resemblance itself
At a museum in Indonesia, visitors can experience an electronic simulation of the 2004 tsunami.
when non-Chinese people or cultures adopt Chinese language, customs, or ways of life
Some nomadic groups went through Sinicization after settling in China and adopting Chinese culture.
to modify by Chinese influence
He is best known for his attempt to sinicize the Taiwanese people.
the inner framework of bones and cartilage in vertebrate animals, which supports and protects the softer body parts, or the hard external shell of invertebrates and some vertebrates
An archaeologist looking at a piece of bone must be able to identify whether it is from an animal or a human and which part of the skeleton it is from.
the bony framework of the head and face in vertebrates
Archaeologists found a mammalian skull under the debris.
to quickly increase in amount or number, usually in reference to data
At the beginning of the pandemic, hand sanitizer sales skyrocketed.
a person who is owned by and forced to work for another with no pay or personal rights
The slaves work in the cotton fields from sunup to sundown.
large agricultural estate where enslaved people were forced to work for the profit of others
Even during the Industrial Revolution, British factories relied on raw cotton from slave plantations in the American South and the Caribbean
the system of buying and selling human beings as slaves
The transatlantic slave trade led to the forced relocation of millions of Africans into new forms of slavery.
the ownership of one or more persons by another or others
The Civil War ended slavery in the United States.
to melt or fuse (ores) as a means of separating and obtaining the metal content
At the factory, they smelt the ore to extract precious metals.
efforts to bring about social, political, or economic change
when people have different status based on their wealth, occupation, education, and similar factors
Reformers in Russia looked to soften or erase the distinction between such social classes as the serfs and the nobility.
an implicit, unstated agreement among members of a society or state to cooperate for the collective social benefit, often in the form of sacrificing individual freedoms for state protection
Social contracts are important in the sustained legitimacy of governments.
a late-nineteenth-century pseudoscientific theory in which Darwinism is applied to the understanding of human society, as in the belief of the genetic superiority of some individuals or groups over others
She believed some people are born better than others, and was intrigued by the theory of Social Darwinism.
a system that ranks people into levels of power, wealth, or importance
During the Middle Ages, kings and nobles stood high in the social hierarchy, while peasants had very few rights.
the doctrine that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities
The nonprofit group that helps low-income women of color graduate college is fighting for social justice by closing the wage gap.
the ability of people to move up in wealth or status
Social mobility in early modern Europe was generally easier in cities than in rural areas.
the totality of structured human interrelationships in a society
Police officers will be walking around the rally to help keep the peace and maintain social order.
the differentiation and categorization of people into social hierarchies
Social stratification often makes it difficult for people of lower classes to find success because they do not have access to the same resources.
the distinctive, stable arrangement of institutions whereby human beings in a society interact and live together
Without social structure, communities would be unable to thrive or function.
a political or economic theory in which community members own all property, resources, and the means of production, and control the distribution of goods
Individuals who think community members should own and control property, production, and distribution subscribe to socialism.
one who advocates or practices socialism
Socialists are generally in favor of universal health care.
a big decrease in population numbers, or in standard of living over a large area for a long time
Societal collapse is not inevitable, the success of a society is determined by its response to problems.
a community or group of people who live in the same country or area and are linked with each other by such things as laws and customs
Every society considers some behaviors acceptable and others unacceptable.
related to a person’s or group’s income, education, and job opportunities
the social standing or class of an individual or group often measured as a combination of education, income and occupation
Socioeconomic class often determines future educational, economic, and social opportunities.
a scholar who studies the development, structure, and functioning of human society
an ancient people located in central Asia who often traded along the Silk Road and were described as skilled merchants
The Sogdian trading network was vast.
the Sun and the objects that orbit it; the area in space in which the Sun’s gravitational pull is the dominant force
Newton's great contribution to the science of mechanics was the discovery that the same laws of nature are valid throughout our solar system.
a feeling or condition of unity based on common goals, interests, and sympathies among a group's members
All of the victims of gun violence stood in solidarity against the NRA.
A technique for determining the distance and shape of things underwater by sending out sound and measuring the echo
having a high level of complexity
A year abroad and two years at the university had made him much more sophisticated than when I had known him in high school.
a person or thing that provides information
A woman who had been a maid in the household was one of my sources for the story.
the act of understanding who wrote a document, where they wrote it, and why they wrote it, for the purposes of analysis or interpretation
Sourcing is crucial when writing a research essay because you want to understand the goals, purpose, and perspectives of your sources, not simply just what they've written.
having the power of self-government, as a state or country
South Africa is a sovereign nation.
the power of self-government, with independence from outside control; autonomy
The nation's military fought valiantly to maintain their country's sovereignty, but ultimately they were no match for their rivals to the north.
the magnitude or extent of a geographical area being studied
For the first research paper, the teacher let the students define their own spatial scale, since it depended on which empire they wrote about.
a person who pursues a single interest or area of study
The medical specialist helped treat wounds.
to devote one's attentions to a specific pursuit or field of study
She decided to specialize in large animal veterinary care.
in biology, the most fundamental classification of living things, comprising individuals that can breed with one another but not with those of other species
The human species is the most advanced of all living organisms on Earth.
a threat or possibility that haunts or instills fear
The specter of poverty kept people working at jobs they hated.
the study of light emitted from or absorbed by an object
We can learn a lot about stars and the universe through spectroscopy.
a country or region that another country has informal power over but no formal authority
China spread its sphere of influence to include many Southeast Asian countries.
of or pertaining to the soul or matters of the spirit
He had never questioned his spiritual beliefs until he witnessed death for the first time.
a language produced by articulate sounds
Without spoken language, it is unlikely we would have developed written language.
to start to grow, as a shoot or bud
The bud began to sprout in the spring sunshine.
any of several types of military unit, usually of intermediate size and comprising vehicles as well as personnel
The country will send a military squadron to the area to promote peace and stability.
fixed, firm, or steady in position; not shaky or easily moved or overturned
On the periodic table, all chemical elements in the column or group farthest to the right are stable and nonreactive.
without activity, originality, or development
The stagnant water was covered in algae due to the lack of flow.
the level of necessities and comforts of daily life that is available to and affordable by a nation, group, or individual
Poverty is a lack of wealth or resources, often characterized by an uncomfortable or unhealthy standard of living.
to cause to conform to a standard
The tests are standardized in order to make sure the same concepts are being tested in all the schools.
to cause to conform to a standard
The tests are standardized in order to make sure the same concepts are being tested in all schools.
Models or expected rules of measure established by an authority such as a government.
Many countries have adopted strict emissions standards to reduce air pollution and combat climate change.
a main food crop that is grown in large amounts and is important for survival
Corn was a staple crop for many Native American groups.
any of a vast number of celestial bodies other than the moon visible from Earth as points of light in the night sky
My neighbor has a telescope on his roof that he uses to look at the stars on clear, dark nights.
a city, or several cities, plus the surrounding villages and farms, political, social, and economic hierarchies
The leaders of many foreign states will attend the meeting.
a society or group that is not governed by a single central authority or state
Many early African communities were stateless and organized life through family or clan systems.
a carved or cast figure of a person or animal, especially one that is life-size or larger.
In China, archaeologists uncovered more than 7000 life sized statues of warriors made out of terracotta.
unwaveringly firm or loyal
He is not religious at all, but his parents are staunch believers.
water vapor, especially that formed by boiling
The first trains were powered by steam.
an engine in which pressurized steam supplies mechanical energy, usually by moving a piston in a closed cylinder
Many historians consider the steam engine a critical invention in the early ages of the Industrial Revolution.
a broad, somewhat arid grass plain, especially the great plains in southeast Russia and southwest Asia
Pastoralists wandered the steppes to let their animals graze.
a standardized and usually oversimplified and inaccurate conception held in common by many people
The team captain was failing in school, and he was sadly convinced that he fit the stereotype of the dumb jock.
the act of rendering unable to reproduce, as by removing or damaging the reproductive organs
The involuntary sterilization of people of color was a cruel and oppressive act.
To remove harmful bacteria or microorganisms to keep things clean
something that temporarily arouses or speeds up a physical or mental activity or process
Coffee is commonly used stimulant.
a market where stocks and bonds are bought and sold
Many historians point to the crash of the US stock market in 1929 as the beginning of the Great Depression.
a large collection of goods or weapons, often kept for future use
an account of an event or sequence of events, either true or invented
In his memoir, the 90-year-old man tells the story of how he survived the Holocaust.
a plan, method, or series of actions designed to achieve a specific goal or effect
Their business strategy included selling their products at a slightly cheaper price than their competitors.
When workers refuse to do their jobs as a form of protest to demand better pay, conditions, or rights
the relationship between and among the parts of a relatively complex process or entity
On our first day at the job, we learned about the structure of the organization.
a fight; combat; strife
In reality, the struggle for independence lasted centuries.
Buddhist commemorative monument usually housing sacred relics associated with the Buddha or other saintly persons
Stupas are important in the Buddhist faith as they were constructed in places important to the life of the Buddha.
to call; designate
He has styled himself a philosopher.
a large, partly separate land mass forming part of a continent
When discussing regions of the world, we have to talk about both continent-wide issues as well as those that affect individual subcontinents.
When one tectonic plate is forced under another, becoming part of the Earth’s mantle
an area of convergence (collision) between two tectonic plates where the heavier plate sinks beneath the lighter one, which rises up
At subduction zones, the lighter plate forms either volcanic mountains or volcanic islands as it rises.
a person who owes allegiance to a monarch or to a state
The queen addressed her subjects from the palace that morning.
to win mastery (control) over, as by military conquest
The Mongols subjugated the lands of Central Asia and Eastern Europe to create the largest land empire in history.
subjugation
The Mongols subjugated the lands of Central Asia and Eastern Europe.
inclined or obliged to submit
He was a harsh man, and his children had learned to be submissive.
secondary; subordinate
Nuns are expected to be subservient to the priest.
to decrease or abate, such as noise or emotion
Her anger subsided once the situation was explained.
Money provided by the government to help make a product or service more affordable.
The government introduced a subsidy for electric vehicles to make them more affordable and to encourage the transition to clean transportation.
the provision, source, or means of sustenance; that which supports life or continued operation
In the northeast colonies of America, most farming was for subsistence.
a new smaller country formed after a larger country has been divided up
Russia, Georgia, and Ukraine are three of the successor states to the Soviet Union.
the act or state of one that suffers
Her friend's kind words eased her suffering.
the right to vote in a political election
Some states imposed obstacles to restrict the suffrage of African Americans.
a member of an ascetic, contemplative Muslim sect that was founded in Persia in the eighth century
Sufis seek to enhance the personal spiritual experience and connect with Allah on an individual level.
a strong, corrosive acid commonly used in science labs and industry for various purposes
Wear gloves and be very careful when handling that container of sulfuric acid.
the ruler of an Islamic country
It is by the sultan's decree that all men between the ages of 18 and 35 will serve in the army.
the area or dominion ruled by a sultan (the ruler of an Islamic country)
The sultanate ended in 1923.
the main sect of Islam, believing in the Sunnah as an authoritative supplement to the Quran, and accepting the first four caliphs as Muhammad's rightful successors
The distinction between Sunni and Shiite persists to this day.
a star that explodes and becomes extremely luminous in the process
They noted the exact place in the sky where this supernova appeared.
a country with great international power and influence, especially one that dominates the affairs of other countries
Global superpowers during the Cold War included the United States and the USSR.
to stop the activities or progress of, especially by force
The government suppressed the rebellion.
the act of stopping the activities or progress of, especially by force
The suppression of free speech was an unsuccessful effort as people continued to speak out, even as they feared their lives.
a person who believes that a particular group is superior and should therefore dominate society
The belief that one group, race, or nation is better or more important than others
to go past or beyond in degree or quantity; be greater or larger than
The factory has surpassed its production goals for this quarter.
the quantity that is more than what is needed or required; extra amount (especially in agriculture)
The farmers had a surplus of winter wheat.
to provide with the basic necessities of life
They don't earn enough money from these jobs to sustain themselves and their families.
Able to meet people’s needs without using up all the resources or dramatically changing the environment.
in Buddhism, a sermon or dialogue of Buddha
The Buddhist monks start every day by reading from the sutras.
related to the region that includes east Africa and parts of Zaire as well as the language spoken there and the people who live there
The Swahili trade network supplied goods to most of Afro-Eurasia.
something that represents something else, especially a material sign or object that stands for a complex or abstract concept
The rose is a symbol of love.
of, relating to, or represented by a symbol
Drinking rice wine has a symbolic meaning in a Japanese wedding ceremony.
a form of communication that uses symbols to stand in for a greater meaning
Symbolic language makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of accumulated information from generation to generation.
someone who supports or agrees with a particular group or cause
an abnormal phenomenon caused by and indicating a disease or disorder
Fever is a symptom of many types of infections.
when different cultures or religions blend together to create something new
The Swahili language is an example of syncretism, combining African languages with Arabic.
group of interacting or interrelated elements that make up a whole
An example of a human system is the interaction of people when they form communities.
involving or based on a method or plan; not random or chaotic
Presentation of concepts in the textbook is systematic.
An approach to problem-solving that looks at all the connections of a system’s parts, rather than focusing only on individual parts.
a government tax on imports or exports, or a rate or schedule of such taxes; duty
The government imposed tariffs to encourage its people to buy domestic goods.
a sum of money levied by government on income, property, or sales and used for its services and administration
The English monarchy imposed many taxes on the American colonists for items such as sugar and stamps.
a beverage made by steeping dried tea leaves or herbs in hot water, served hot or cold
He has coffee in the morning, but I prefer tea.
the various inventions and means of solving problems that result from research for use of industrial arts and applied science to achieve practical objectives
That country has vast natural resources but lacks the technology to use them.
an instrument used for viewing distant objects, including planets, stars, and galaxies
Without a telescope, we would not be able to distinguish Mars from other planets in the sky.
the degree of hotness or coldness of an object
If your temperature is over 100 degrees, then you probably have a virus or infection.
A way of measuring the increase or decrease in temperature in relation to a baseline average.
The trend is even more apparent when we overlay global temperature anomaly alongside sea-level rise.
the magnitude or extent of time being studied
When talking about the history of China, we must consider the temporal scale we want to study, since its recorded history goes far back.
a crowded apartment building, often poorly maintained
Immigrants often lived in a crowded tenement in the city.
a raised, leveled-off section of ground, esp. one in a series of such sections
In China, the creation of terraces on hills and mountains is a common farming practice.
glazed or unglazed fired clay used especially for statuettes and vases and architectural purposes (as for roofing, facing, and relief ornamentation)
In China, archaeologists uncovered more than 7,000 life-size statues of warriors made out of terracotta.
to change the form of a planet or other space object so that it resembles Earth
People have proposed terraforming Mars to make it suitable for humans to live there.
an area or region of land
Settlers were lured to the territory in the west by tales of finding gold.
The use of violence and fear to achieve political or social goals
After the act of terrorism, governments around the world worked together to improve security and protect civilians
to subject to a trial in order to measure quality or presence
The geologists tested the rock samples for evidence of certain microorganisms.
a woven or knitted fabric; a fiber or yarn that can be woven or knitted
The empire's main trade interest was ornate textiles.
the war of 1775-83 in which the American colonies won their independence from Great Britain
The Battle of Trenton was a major turning point in the American Revolution as it boosted the morale of the Continental Army after a series of defeats.
an eighteenth century philosophical movement that emphasized the use of reason
The Enlightenment marked a period of significant social growth and development, resulting in advancements in philosophy, politics, literature, technology, and science.
the revolution in France that began in 1789 with the people's overthrow of the monarchy, continued with the establishment of a republic, and ended in 1799 with Napoleon's rise to power
The French Revolution led to the abolishment of the French monarchy and the creation of a new democracy.
a system of tribunals or courts set up by religious authorities to combat Protestant ideas
The Inquisition was an important moment in Christian history as it set the course for Protestanism and Catholicism in the future.
historical changes in thought and belief as well as social and institutional organization that unfolded in Europe between 1550 and 1700
During the Scientific Revolution, Antoine van Leeuwenhoek discovered bacteria.
a monarch or other royal ruler
As chief officer of the royal army, the Sovereign has numerous military responsibilites and must balance them with his political ones.
of, based on, or relating to the study of religion, especially the relations between God and the universe as expressed in religious doctrine, revelation, and scripture
He doesn't have strong religious beliefs, yet he very much enjoys theological discussions.
the study of religion, especially the relations between God and the universe as expressed in religious doctrine, revelation, and scripture
His interest in religious questions led him to focus on theology at the university.
a physicist who uses math to make predictions based on observations and experiments
A young theorist developed a new theory for the progression of the Big Bang.
a proposed explanation of something, usually based on abstract reasoning
Newton was only able to confirm his theory with astronomical observations.
moments in the history of the universe when specific ingredients under the right "Goldilocks Conditions" come together to create something new and more complex
This threshold marked the beginning of complex life in the form of multicellular organisms.
moments in the history of the universe when specific ingredients under the right "Goldilocks Conditions" come together to create something new and more complex
This threshold moment marks the beginning of complex life in the form of multicellular organisms.
moments in the history of the universe when specific ingredients under the right "Goldilocks Conditions" come together to create something new and more complex
The Cambrian Explosion was a threshold of increasing complexity when multicellular life grew exponentially.
to hinder, oppose, or frustrate
Road blocks thwarted their plan to escape.
a method of farming in which steps are built into the slopes of hills and mountains, thus allowing farmers to be able to plant and harvest crops
Tiered agriculture is a popular way to grow rice in Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
to prepare (land) for growing crops, especially by plowing
She tilled the field in the early morning.
a graphic presentation of a chronology of events and their dates, listed from left to right along a horizontal line or in a vertical column
The timeline covered the entire Han dynasty.
one who earns a living by traveling from place to place and repairing metal household wares
The family's utensils had gone out of shape so they had a tinkerer come to repair them.
willing to tolerate the beliefs, characteristics, or acts of others
The new ruler was more tolerant of different faiths than his predecessor.
A policy where rulers allowed people to keep their own beliefs and customs under imperial rule
special places where people are buried, often built to honor important individuals
an instrument, such as a hammer, drill, or other hand-held device, used for doing work
She gathered the tools she needed to fix the plumbing.
relating to the shape, height or depth, and location of the surface features of a place, area, or region
Highway maps typically show little of the topographical layout of an area.
global war in which all warring nations’ mobilize for the war effort including soldier and civilian populations, who are both participants and targets; usually defined as meeting four criteria: mobilization, blurring of lines between citizen and civilian, total control of society, and rejection of a compromise peace
World War I was an example of total war.
designating a system of government in which power and authority are highly centralized and intrusive into the lives of private citizens, and in which neither opposing parties nor individual differences in opinion are allowed
A totalitarian government was established under the dictator.
A system of government in which a single leader or party has complete control over all aspects of life
the act of buying and selling commodities, or all such acts collectively
The new treaty will strongly affect trade between the two countries.
when a country imports more goods and services than it exports, leading to an imbalance in trade
a series of roads, waterways, railroads, and air routes that allow groups to trade goods with one another; a loose organization of societies that exchange goods with each other
In both ancient and modern times, trade networks have allowed for cultural exchange between societies.
any route regularly followed by traders in ships, caravans, etc.
The trade route connects Asia to the Americas and allows for goods to be imported and exported betwen the two continents.
A labor organization formed by workers in a specific industry to protect their rights and advocate for fair wages and conditions
the beliefs, customs, and mores of a culture or group handed down from one generation to the next, or any one of these
Tradition calls for a bride to wear white on her wedding day.
of or pertaining to customs and ways of doing things within a particular culture that are passed down from one generation to the next with little change
The kimono is a traditional form of dress in Japan.
adherence to traditional beliefs, values, an customs, especially religious ones
The family practiced traditionalism in regards to their religion.
crossing the Atlantic Ocean, concerning territory or people on both sides of the Atlantic
The transatlantic slave trade forced 12 million people from their homes in Africa into forced labor in the Americas.
a process of cultural transformation marked by the influx of new culture elements and the loss or alteration of existing ones
Colonialism is a perfect example of transculturation as the arrival of the Europeans in the Americas marked the beginning of European influence on South American and Native American culture and tradition.
to change the form, appearance, or structure of
Over time, intense heat and pressure will eventually transform carbon into diamond.
a significant change in the form, structure, character, or nature of something or someone
The restaurant's transformation from a small business into a multimillion, transnational corporation was the result of the owner's hard work and determination.
a process of changing from one position, stage, or situation to another
The nation's citizens hoped for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
to communicate or broadcast news or other information
This channel transmits the news continuously.
the social phenomenon grown out of the heightened interconnectivity between people and the lessening economic and social significance of boundaries among nation states
One important type of transnationalism that has happened for centuries is diaspora, where people with a shared culture leave their homeland to live in different places.
crossing or spanning an ocean
Before the invention of the steam engine, transoceanic voyages often took months.
being or happening across the Sahara between sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa
Trans-Saharan trade routes were crucial in the extensive networks of Eurasia before the 1600s.
to journey from place to place
I've traveled a lot in North America, but I've never traveled to other continents.
a formal agreement between two or more countries
The two nations signed a treaty to settle their dispute.
a slow or arduous trip
Some inexperienced mountaineers were unable to manage the trek up to the base camp.
a deep, narrow excavation or furrow
The deep sea trench ran along the center of the ocean.
a type of combat where opposing troops fight from trenches facing each other
The horrors of trench warfare scarred an entire generation.
a trade system between Europe, Africa, and the Americas where goods, enslaved people, and raw materials were exchanged
The triangular trade brought enslaved Africans to the Americas and sent sugar and tobacco to Europe.
of, concerning, or characteristic of a tribe or tribes
Tribal rituals practiced on the continent varied by region.
a racial, political, or social group comprising numerous families or areas, and having a common language, culture, and, often, ancestry
The neighboring tribes worked together to deal with the threat to the valley.
payment given by a subordinate person or power to a dominant one, or an obligation to do so
The smaller kingdom paid tribute to the powerful empire to avoid being attacked.
an event that may directly or indirectly cause another event to occur
Addiction to drugs and alcohol was the triggering event that lead to John's life of crime.
the part of mathematics concerned with the relationship between the angles and sides of triangles
one of three people who share power to rule together
Julius Caesar was a triumvir in Rome, ruling with Pompey and Crassus.
confidence (in the strength or ability of a person or thing)
They have trust that the nation's economy will improve.
the title of male Russian rulers before 1917
The Russian leader used to be referred to as the tsar.
a moment when a decisive change occurs
The discovery that stars move was an important turning point in the study of our solar system.
the oppressive or abusive exercise of power, of the government or authority that uses power in this way; unnecessary harshness; cruelty
The citizens were subjected to the emperor's tyranny.
a ruler who governs absolutely and with arbitrary or unjust cruelty and oppression
This tyrant was responsible for the deaths of millions of innocent people.
a final statement of demands, especially when issued with a threat of action if rejected, as in a diplomatic discussion
The empire issued an ultimatum to their enemy with the threat of war.
a place or region beneath the surface of a planet
Even children were sent to work in the underground mines in those days.
to weaken the foundations of
The dike is being undermined by water.
the condition of not having a job
The unemployment rate reflects the number of people without a job versus those that are able to work.
Treaties forced on China by foreign powers that benefited foreigner businesses at China's expense
unbalanced, unfair, or one-sided
The uneven distribution of coal and oil around the world has had immense impacts on wealthy distribution and colonialism in the last several centuries.
the process of making into a single unit or entity
The unification of the divided states led to a great era of peace.
the quality of being brought together into a single unit or entity
The unified kingdom finally was able to focus on commerce and long-distance trading.
unvarying; consistent
She ran at a uniform pace for most of the race.
the idea that the Earth was shaped by slow-moving forces still in operation today
Uniformitarianism explains the long processes of ridge, mountain, valley, and volcano formation.
to bring together into a single unit or entity
The enemy attack on the country had the effect of unifying the population.
an organization of laborers; trade union
The teachers' union negotiated higher salaries for all teachers in the school district.
something that applies to everyone, everywhere, without exception
Smiling is a universal way people show happiness, no matter what country or culture they come from.
A government program where every citizen gets a set amount of money regularly so they can meet basic needs like food and shelter.
Newton's theory that the gravitational attraction between two bodies decreases rapidly as the distance between them increases
The law of universal gravitation was important because it extended local laws of gravity to larger laws about the entire universe.
all matter and space in existence, including the Earth and the heavens
The Milky Way is just one of many galaxies scattered throughout the universe.
having no precedent; never before observed or experienced
An unprecedented number of soldiers deserted during the last war.
not capable of being prolonged or continued; not sustainable
The current food system is unsustainable.
not usual or ordinary
It's unusual for them to be up so early on a Saturday.
a sudden, violent change
The government experienced an upheaval after the citizens' call for change.
an act of resistance or rebellion against authority
The uprising was quickly stopped by the army.
of or pertaining to a city or a town, usually an area with many people, buildings, and businesses
New York City is one of the most populous urban areas in the United States.
the growth of cities, often due to migration from rural areas
Urbanization increased rapidly in Japan during that country's industrialization.
to have been made urban, as an area or locale
The urbanized region flourished due to increased trade in the area and people flocking to the new city for jobs.
capable of or fit for being used
The charity's policy is that all donated clothing must still be usable.
Protecting people from disease using a medicine that trains the body's immune system.
Polio was almost eradicated in the 20th century using vaccines that protected millions of children from sickness and paralysis.
a substance that is usually made up of an inactivated microorganism and used to boost a person’s immunity and prevent certain diseases
Louis Pasteur developed vaccines for cholera and anthrax in the late nineteenth century.
a quantity that may change within the context of a mathematical problem or expirment, typically represented by a letter
In a chart that analyzes the average rainfall in Idaho each year, average rainful is our variable.
a star that varies in brightness because of fluctuations within themselves
Henrietta Leavitt discovered 2,400 new variable stars, half of those known in her lifetime.
one who is subordinate or dependent, such as a servant or subject
The vassal would be assigned to the royal military for five years unless he could pay off his debts before the beginning of spring.
of, pertaining to, or derived from the Veda or Vedas (any of four sacred books of Hinduism, consisting of ancient chants, sacred formulas, and hymns)
The Vedic belief system is the basis for many Buddhist philosophies, including moksha.
plants or plant life generally, as in a particular area
The vegetation by the river hid the elk from view.
to determine whether something is accurate and true
Please show me your driver's license so I can verify your identity.
the language spoken by the native or common people in a region or country, especially as opposed to a literary or official language
The Renaissance saw the beginnings of the use of the vernacular in literary writings.
a structure designed to travel on water
In the harbor, we saw a large frigate and several other sailing vessels.
the territory or jurisdiction of a viceroy (the appointed governor of a colony, country, or province, who serves as the representative of the sovereign)
The northern Europeans were tempted by reports of the fabulous gold of an American El Dorado, and of the rich silver resources of the Spanish viceroyalties of New Spain and Peru.
the act of identifying oneself as a victim, someone harmed physically or emotionally by a person or group of people, or by circumstance
While many affected by the hurricane felt alone in their victimhood, others sought support groups and pushed political action.
to compete with another for victory or superiority
The two players are vying for the top ranking.
members of a nationalist movement to end Vietnam’s colonial relationship with France and install a communist, independent government
attitude, perception, or opinion
In his view, all people are corrupt or corruptible.
a small town or community, usually in a rural area
Ricardo visited the nearest village to get some chocolate for his sister's birthday.
the intentional or uncontrollable causing of pain, injury, or harm
As incidents of violence increase, people live in fear.
created by computer technology and appearing to exist but not existing in the physical world
a specific example of moral excellence
Kindness, humility, and patience are important virtues.
Being good, honest, and doing the right thing according to a society’s rules and customs.
any of a large group of submicroscopic agents that reproduce only in living cells and are disease-producing in humans, animals, and plants
Once the desired gene or set of genes is obtained, genetic engineers link it to the DNA of a plasmid or virus.
the ability to perceive through sight
Wearing glasses can improve your vision.
to remain in a place temporarily as a guest
While my aunt visits, I'm sleeping in the living room.
a high state official in a Muslim government, especially in the old Turkish Empire
The vizier seized power during the chaos, utilizing his favor among the people.
of or pertaining to a career or occupation
The vocational school teaches architecture.
rapidly changeable, especially tending to become violent
Stay tuned to this channel for updates on this volatile situation.
a vent in the Earth's crust through which molten rock, ash, gases, and the like are expelled
Lava erupted from the volcano.
arising from or made of free will or choice
After costing the company millions of dollars, Edward decided to resign his position voluntarily.
to present oneself for work or service; to offer (one's time or labor) freely or for no pay
I think I'll volunteer at the soup kitchen this year.
an extensive journey by air, land, or sea, or through outer space
Millions of immigrants made the long voyage over the sea.
a person who earns wages, especially one whose wages support a family
Industrialization led to the creation of a new economic class, one of wage earners.
when workers are paid money by business owners for their labor, rather than owning it themselves
Even children became wage laborers in the mines and factories of the early industrial world.
The amount of money that workers are paid for each normal hour, week etc. that they work, not including any extra payments
a state or period of open, armed fighting between nations, states, or other groups of people
The war lasted decades, leaving many tired of the chaos and uncertainty.
a violation of international law during war, such as targeting civilians
a building, or part of one, in which commercial products or private goods are stored
He opened the warehouse to find hundreds of identical cases of canned food.
the act or process of waging a war
The early sixteenth century was a period of constant warfare among the various feudal domains in Japan.
people using traditional Polynesian navigation techniques to cross the ocean without modern instruments.
a large quantity of money or property or the state of having such
The family had great wealth and could afford to live in luxury.
The way money and resources are shared among people in a society
Short-term atmospheric conditions.
Extreme weather will get worse in many places.
The process of sealing and insulating building envelopes to regulate building temperature during extreme weather and reduce a building’s energy needs.
Through the process of weatherization, old buildings can often be renovated to be more insulated and let less heat in and out.
to make by passing threads or strips over and under each other
As he wove the silk, he thought of the hours of labor put into this simple fabric.
Ways to measure things like size, length, and weight; used in trade, building, and daily life to make sure everyone uses the same system.
public or private aid to needy people
Many changes have been made to the nation's system of welfare since its inception.
a system where businesses provide benefits like healthcare or pensions to workers to keep them loyal and avoid unions
Some companies practiced welfare capitalism by giving workers health insurance.
system by which fresh water is delivered to a community using interconnected wells (deep holes dug in the ground for obtaining water)
With the development of the new well system, Laura no longer has to walk a long distance to get fresh water.
coming from or characteristic of the western half of the world, especially Europe and the Americas, as opposed to the eastern half
Western medicine focuses on specific diseases and on drugs to fight these diseases.
A place where poor people were forced to work in exchange for shelter and food if they could not support themselves
an international organization that regulates trade rules between countries
a war involving many nations in all different parts of the world
The world wars of the twentieth century involved many different nations.
a large region of human interaction, linked geographically, culturally, economically, and sometimes politically
The barriers between world zones have practically disappeared with colonization, mass trade, and globalization.
spread or extending all over the world
When looking at local news, I like to consider the worldwide context in which they occur.
to render religious devotion, honor, and love to
The ancient Greeks worshiped their gods in temples such as these.
composed or expressed in writing
The teacher wants a written report, not an oral one.
the electromagnetic radiation released from some chemical materials under certain conditions
X-rays produce images of internal structures.
the idea that all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites, including female-male, aggressive-passive, cold-hot, dark-light, and wet-dry
In Chinese origin stories, the world began as a huge egg containing chaos, a mixture of yin and yang.
a person who is excessively and often intolerantly zealous (excessively passionate), especially about a cause or religious faith
Some zealots were willing to give their lives or even harm others in the fight for their cause.
a common type of Mesopotamian pyramid that was built in stepped levels and was used for religious purposes
an international Jewish movement formerly for reestablishing in Palestine a Jewish national homeland, and now for supporting and developing it
Zionism has led to the establishment of a Jewish state as well as intense conflicts with Palestinians.
the religion of the Persians prior to their conversion to Islam, which is based on the belief in a supreme deity, Ahura Mazda, and which emphasizes the struggle between good and evil
Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest continuously practiced religions and is known to have been the religion of the Persian before they converted to Islam.
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Seven historical thinking skills social studies teachers build every day
Map of World War 2 in the Pacific
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What we learned from making AI-generated videos for teachers
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Big History: Helping Students Understand Dinosaurs, AI, and the World
The Great Fire of London: Fire, Fear, and a False Confession
relating to human society including how people form groups and interact with one another
Social characteristics of ancient empires included people having different jobs and being organized into hierarchies based on wealth or power.