2013.09.16 word (week2-1)

1.cross-current(n.)

[count] : a current of water that flows against or across the main current — sometimes used figuratively ▪ the politicmal crosscurrents that interfere with the passing of laws

 

2.intermittent(adj.)

 

starting, stopping, and starting again : not constant or steady
▪ The patient was having intermittent pains in his side. ▪ The forecast is for intermittent rain. ▪ There are reports of intermittent [=sporadic] fighting along the border.

*intermittently(adv.)

▪ It has been raining intermittently for the past several days.

 

3.patronage(n.)

 

[noncount] 1) : money and support that is given to an artist, organization, etc.
▪ The college relied on the patronage of its wealthy graduates to expand its funds. ▪ They thanked her for her patronage of the new hospital.

2) chiefly US, somewhat formal : support that is given to a business, library, etc., by buying its goods or using its services
▪ The city should do more to encourage patronage of local businesses. ▪ The new library is expected to have heavy patronage. [=many people are expected to use the new library]

3) often disapproving : the power to give jobs or provide other help to people as a reward for their support
▪ a system of political patronage

 

4.vernacular(n.)

 

[count] : the language of ordinary speech rather than formal writing
▪ He spoke in the vernacular of an urban teenager. ▪ phrases that occur in the common vernacular

 

5.emulate(v.)

 

to do something or behave in the same way as someone else, especially because you admire them [= imitate]:

▪He hoped to emulate the success of Wilder.

*emulation(n.)