gladiator(GLA dee AYT oer) n. 1. any person involved in a public conflict or
fight; 2. a swordsman of ancient Rome who fought for the entertainment of the
public (not necessarily voluntarily)
- Boxers are often referred to as gloved gladiatorsof the ring.
- The more traditional image of a gladiatoris of a man in shorts and leather
armor, carrying a shield in one hand and a broad sword in the other.
gouge(GOWJ) vt. 1. to scoop out; dig out; 2. to overcharge; cheat out of money
—n.a curved chisel used in woodworking - Many native people have gougedout logs to make dugout canoes—primitive
water transports. - When that restaurant charged $20 for the $7 bottle of wine, they were
price gouging, and I wouldn’t patronize that place again if I were you.
[-d, gouging]
gregarious(gri GAR ee uhs) adj. 1. living in herds or flocks; 2. enjoying the
company of others; sociable - Sheep are gregariousanimals and never travel alone if they can help it.
- Some dogs are more gregariousthan others.
- If you’re the type of person who enjoys partying, the odds are favorable
that you’re gregarious.
gristle(GRIS il) n. cartilage, especially cartilage found in prepared meat - Karen hates biting into a piece of chicken and finding gristle.
- It’s not always easy to remove the gristlefrom a roast before cooking it.
- If you really can’t stand gristle,stick to fish.
gust(GUHST) n. 1. a sudden burst of wind; 2. a sudden burst of rain, smoke,
fire, and so on; 3. an explosion of laughter or rage
•A gustof wind blew Jake’s hat off.- Emily’s face was scorched by the sudden gustof heat from the burning boat
at the amusement park.
•A gustof laughter issued forth from the comedian’s audience.
[Syn. wind]
hackneyed(HAK need) adj. made trite (meaningless) by overuse - Hackneyedphrases are ones that have been so overused that they have
become meaningless, like “a stitch in time saves nine.” - “Right as rain” and “snug as a bug in a rug” are hackneyedexpressions.
[Syn. trite]
hamper(HAEM poer) vt. to hinder or impede —n.a covered basket used for
laundry, picnics, or whatever - Having to slog through knee-deep water certainly hampersyour getting to
work on time. - The detour hamperedBlossom from making her scheduled doctor’s appoint-
ment on time. - June packed a picnic lunch in a wicker hamper.
[-ed, -ing]
290 Essential Vocabulary