2013.01.03 word (week17-5)

1.symbiosis(n.)
1)  biology : the relationship between two different kinds of living things that live together and depend on each other [count]
 — usually singular ▪ The bacteria exist in a symbiosis with the plant's roots. [noncount] ▪ The bird lives in symbiosis with the hippopotamus.

2) formal : a relationship between two people or groups that work with and depend on each other [count] — usually singular ▪ There is a symbiosis between celebrities and the media. [noncount]

 ▪ Their professional association was one of symbiosis.

 

2.symmetry(n.)

[noncount] : the quality of something that has two sides or halves that are the same or very close in size, shape, and position : the quality of having symmetrical parts
▪ the symmetry of the human body ▪ The building has perfect symmetry.

 

3.anaesthesia(n.)

[noncount] medical : loss of feeling in a person's body or part of the body through the use of drugs
▪ The patient was given an injection to induce anesthesia.

▪ patients who are under general anesthesia [=patients who have been given drugs that make them unconscious and unable to feel pain]

 

4.atrophy(n.)

[noncount] medical : gradual loss of muscle or flesh usually because of disease or lack of use
▪ The doctor is concerned about possible atrophy of the shoulder muscles.

— often used figuratively ▪ emotional/intellectual atrophy [=loss of emotional/intellectual strength]

 

5.chromatic(a.)

music : of or relating to a musical scale that has all semitones
▪ chromatic harmonies/notes ▪ the chromatic scale