amorphous(uh MAWR fuhs) adj.1. lacking definite form; shapeless; 2. of no
specific type; anomolous; 3. indefinite; vague
- Sulfur is a yellow, nonmetallic element that is found in crystal and amor-
phousforms. - To one unfamiliar with the game of rugby, the game appears to be gov-
erned by amorphous rules. - When Gino tried to pin Hailee down to a specific time, all he could get
from her was an amorphousresponse.
[amorphously adv.]
amphibian (am FIB ee en) n. 1. any one of a class of cold-blooded vertebrates
without scales (including frogs, newts, salamanders, and toads) that starts life with
gills, living in the water, and later develops lungs; 2. any plant or animal that is at
home both on land and in water; 3. any aircraft or vehicle that can operate on land
and in water - It is not unusual to find amphibiansin and around a pond.
- The early Pan American Airways Clippers were amphibiansthat loaded
and unloaded their passengers on land but took off from and landed on
water.
[amphibious adj.]
amplify*(AMP li fy) vt.1. to make bigger and stronger; increase or extend
(power, authority, etc.); 2. to strengthen by adding details, examples, etc.;
- (electronics) to strengthen an audio signal or electrical current
- Caesar Augustus amplifiedthe reach of the Roman Empire.
- The robbery victim amplifiedhis story by providing the license plate num-
ber of the felon’s car and a thorough description of his height, build, and
clothing. - The sound of the lead singer’s voice is almost inaudible, but the sound
engineer will amplifyit to make it stand out.
[amplified, amplifying, amplification, amplifier n.]
amusement(uh MYOOZ mnt) n.1. the condition of being entertained; 2. a
thing or activity that amuses or entertains; entertainment - Randy’s amusementwas Claire’s main occupation.
- Marcia played solitaire for her own amusement.
- The antics of the dancing bears was a source of great amusementfor the
audience.
amusing (uh MYOOZ eeng) adj.1. entertaining; diverting; 2. causing laughter
or merriment - The comedian’s stand-up routine was very amusing.
- An amusingincident takes one’s mind off his or her woes.
- Jose’s amusingfacial contortions made everyone laugh.
[Syn. funny]
20 Essential Vocabulary