vaccine (VAK seen) n. a preparation placed into the body to prevent or lessen
the effects of a specific infection; disease preventitive; innoculation
- Before Jonas Salk discovered his vaccine,polio was the greatest fear of
mothers of young children. - Medical researchers are now seeking a vaccinefor cancer.
valid(VAL id) adj. 1. having legal status; binding under the law; 2. legitimate;
in force; effective; 3. capable of withstanding criticism or examination - To drive, one must have a validdriver’s license.
- Alternate side of the street parking is validin New York City except on
legal holidays. - No matter how many times something is tried and works, it cannot be
proven to be a natural law, yet one case of failure is enough to prove it not
valid.
valorous(VAL er uhs) adj. having or showing courage; bravery; being strong - Soldiers and sailors are decorated for exhibiting valorousbehavior.
- The code of chivalry implied an expectation of valorousbehavior on the
part of medieval knights.
vanquish(VAN kwish) vt. 1. to beat; to defeat in battle; 2. to force into submission - In times of war, it is the object of armed forces to vanquishthe foe.
- In chess, it is customary for the vanquishedplayer to concede by upending
his or her king.
[-ed, -ing] [Syn. conquer]
varied(VA reed) adj. 1. of different kinds; diverse; 2. of different colors; varie-
gated; 3. altered; changed - America is unique because of the variedcultures of its inhabitants.
- Clothing designs are variedin shape, size, and shade.
- Having put on 20 pounds since he bought his suit, Bob thought it advis-
able to have its size variedby a tailor.
[-ly adv.]
variety (vuh RY it ee) adj. 1. the state of being diverse; having many choices;
- a different form or condition from the usual; 3. many different things taken
together (like a variety show)
•A varietyof fresh fruits and vegetables are in season during the summer
months.- Breakfast can be made more interesting by eating a varietyof cereals rather
than eating the same one every day.
•A varietyshow offers an assortment of entertainment.
varnish* (VAHR nish) n. 1. a resinous preparation used to give wood a glossy
protective finish; 2. the hard, glossy surface produced; 3. a glossy or polished
manner —vt. 1. to cover with varnish; 2. to make superficially attractive; 3. to pol-
ish up; embellish - Varnishmay be diluted with turpentine.
- Using coasters on varnishhelps to prevent its getting discolored by mois-
ture on glass bottoms.
234 Essential Vocabulary