magnet [maegnit] n.
A magnet is a piece of iron or other material which attracts iron toward it.
-» I used a magnet to pick up the nails that were scattered on the floor.
metabolism [mataebal izam] n.
A person’s metabolism is the way chemical processes in their body use energy.
—»If you exercise every day, your metabolism speeds up.
microchip [maikroutjlp] n.
A microchip is a small device inside a computer that holds information.
—* I can put more data on my computer if I buy a more powerful microchip.phase [feiz] n.
A phase is a stage in a process or the gradual development of something.
-> The first phase in the recycling project involves finding volunteers to help out.pinch [pintj] v.
To pinch means to take a piece of skin between one’s fingers and squeeze.
-+ 1 pinched my nose, so I couldn’t smell the odor from the garbage.prevalent [prevalent] adj.
When something is prevalent, it is common.
—► Growing a beard is more prevalent behavior in men than women.quantum [kwdntam] adj.
When something is quantum, it relates to the behavior of atomic particles.
-* The physics student studied quantum mechanics.ratio [reijou] n.
A ratio is a relationship between two things expressed in numbers or amounts.
—» The boy to girl ratio is one to three.Spiral [spaiaral] n.
A spiral is a shape which winds round and round in a larger and larger circle.
—* A strand ofDNA looks like two interlocking spirals.viral [vaiaral] adj.
When something is viral, it is a disease or infection that is caused by a virus.
—* The girl was in bed fora week when she had a viral infection.