English Words Note. 13

an·ti·body

noun \ˈan-ti-ˌbä-dē\

Definition of ANTIBODY

: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains —called also immunoglobulin

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English Words Note. 10

jeal·ou·sy

noun \ˈje-lə-sē\

plural jeal·ou·sies

Definition of JEALOUSY

1

: a jealous disposition, attitude, or feeling

2

: zealous vigilance

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Examples of JEALOUSY

1. petty jealousies among political rivals
2. a marriage ruined by infidelity and jealousy
3. He was driven crazy with jealousy.
4. He was unable to control his jealousies.

First Known Use of JEALOUSY

13th century

Related to JEALOUSY

Synonyms: covetousness, enviousness, green-eyed monster, invidiousness, envy, resentment

 

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English Words Note. 8

be·half

noun \bi-ˈhaf, -ˈhäf, bē-\

Definition of BEHALF

: interest, benefit; also : support, defense <argued in his behalf>

— on behalf of or in behalf of

: in the interest of; also : as a representative of

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Usage Discussion of BEHALF

A body of opinion favors in with the “interest, benefit” sense of behalf and on with the “support, defense” sense. This distinction has been observed by some writers but overall has never had a sound basis in actual usage. In current British use, on behalf (of) has replaced in behalf (of); both are still used in American English, but the distinction is frequently not observed.

Origin of BEHALF

Middle English, from by + half half, side

First Known Use: 14th century

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English Words Note. 7

pet·it

adj \ˈpe-tē\

Definition of PETIT

: petty 1 —used chiefly in legal compounds

Origin of PETIT

Middle English, small, minor, from Anglo-French, small

First Known Use: 14th century

English Words Note. 7

trea·son

noun \ˈtrē-z^ən\

Definition of TREASON

1

: the betrayal of a trust : treachery

2

: the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the sovereign or the sovereign's family

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Examples of TREASON

1. He is guilty of treason.
2. <reading a friend's diary without permission would have to be regarded as the ultimate act of personal treason>

Origin of TREASON

Middle English tresoun, from Anglo-French traisun, from Latin tradition-, traditio act of handing over, from tradere to hand over, betray — more at traitor

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to TREASON

Synonyms: backstabbing, business, disloyalty, double cross, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, infidelity, perfidy, sellout, treachery, betrayal, two-timing, unfaithfulness

Antonyms: allegiance, devotion, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, staunchness, steadfastness

English Words Note. 6

¹fa·tigue

noun \fə-ˈtēg\

Definition of FATIGUE

1

a : labor b : manual or menial work performed by military personnel c plural : the uniform or work clothing worn on fatigue and in the field

2

a : weariness or exhaustion from labor, exertion, or stress b : the temporary loss of power to respond that is induced in a sensory receptor or motor end organ by continued stimulation

3

: the tendency of a material to break under repeated stress <metal fatigue>

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Examples of FATIGUE

1. We were overcome by fatigue after the long journey.
2. The drug's side effects include headache and fatigue.
3. soldiers wearing combat boots and fatigues
4. The cracks in the engine were caused by metal fatigue.

Origin of FATIGUE

French, from Middle French, from fatiguer to fatigue, from Latin fatigare; akin to Latin affatim sufficiently

First Known Use: 1669

Related to FATIGUE

Synonyms: burnout, collapse, exhaustion, frazzle, lassitude, prostration, tiredness, weariness

Antonyms: refreshment, rejuvenation, rejuvenescence, revitalization

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