rigid(RI jid) adj. 1. not flexible; unbending; stiff; 2. severe; exacting; strict- Steel beams are rigid,which is why they are used in construction.
- Orthodox religions tend to be rigidin their interpretation of the right way
to live and worship. - The rules for raising children should be consistent but not really rigid.
[-ly adv., -ity n.] [Syn. unbending]
rivet(RI vit) n. 1. a metal bolt with a head on one end (which is heated and put
through holes and then flattened on its straight end by hammering), used to fasten
metal girders or plates together; 2. something similar used to reinforce seams on
work clothes —vt.1. to fasten with rivets; 2. to hold or fix (one’s attention, eyes,
and so on) - Rivetsare used to fasten steel beams together and to fasten an airplane’s
skin to its frame. - Rivetsare often used on blue jeans and coveralls.
- When parts are rivetedtogether, they can’t be loosened the way they can
when screws are used. - Roxane’s eyes were rivetedby the sight of the jumbo jet coming in for a
landing.
[-ed, -ing]
rudder(RUHD er) n. 1. a flat board fixed to the back of a boat or ship and used
to steer; 2. a movable attachment to the vertical stabilizer of an aircraft; 3. a guide
or control
•A rudderseems to be a very effective way to steer a boat; it has been on
every watercraft except small, rowed boats since ancient times.- An airplane’s rudderis almost always the rearmost part of the craft.
- The White House often tries to act as a rudderfor public opinion.
ruminate(ROO min ayt) vt. 1. to chew cud, like a cow or other ruminant; 2. to
think over; consider; meditate - Cattle, antelope, deer, buffalo, and giraffes all ruminate.
- Jerri ruminatedover the job offer made to her by a competing company.
- Ian ruminatedover which of the three universities’ offers of admission he
was going to accept.
[-d, ruminating] [Syn. meditate]
ruthless(ROOTH lis) adj. having no pity; pitiless; cruel - Atilla the Hun was ruthlesstoward his opponents.
- Neil used to go out with a girl named Ruth, but since she ruthlesslyleft
him, he’s been Ruthless. - Organized crime is looking for ruthlesspersons to work as enforcers.
[-ly adv., -ness n.] [Syn. cruel]
328 Essential Vocabulary