Unit 8A

Word

Definition

Example

sink

a bowl that is attached to the wall in a kitchen or bathroom in which you wash dishes or your hands, etc.

I need to clean the kitchen sink

vary

to be different in different situations

Attitudes towards technology seem to vary considerably between generations.

outweigh

be heavier, greater, or more significant than

The benefits of the scheme outweigh the disadvantages.

acupuncture

a system of complementary medicine in which fine needles are inserted in the skin at specific points along what are considered to be lines of energy (meridians), used in the treatment of various physi

She believes that acupuncture can be very helpful in returning this balance.

herbal

relating to herbs, or made from herbs

I prefer herbal tea

osteopathy

the treatment of injuries to bones and muscles using pressure and movement

I use osteopathy, acupuncture and massage for my back problems

dependence

the situation in which you need something or someone all the time, especially in order to continue existing or operating

The company needs to reduce its dependence on just one particular product.

suffer from

to have (a particular disease or medical condition), especially for a long time

Craig suffers from a rare bone disease.

effect on

the result of a particular influence

The radiation leak has had a disastrous effect on the environment.

stubborn

opposed to change or suggestion

He's sick, but he's too stubborn to see a doctor.

deaf

unable to hear, either completely or partly

Lots of old people become deaf.

blind

unable to see

A 'blind spot' is an area which cannot be seen.

thin

someone who is thin has very little fat on their body

Her face was pale and thin.

insomnia

the condition of being unable to sleep, over a period of time

I'm suffering from insomnia. I just can't sleep

sleep like a log

to sleep very well

My husband sleeps like a log.

as good as gold

willing to obey and behave in a socially correct way

She's been as good as gold. She took all her medicine without complaining

thin as a rake

to be very thin

He eats like a horse and yet he's as thin as a rake.

blind as a bat

unable to see well

I'm as blind as a bat without my glasses.

bruise

an injury that doesn't break the skin but results in some discoloration

I fell down and got a bruise on my arm

rash

a lot of red spots on someone’s skin, caused by an illness

Dengue causes severe fevers and can lead to vomiting, nausea and body rash

blister

a painful, raised area of skin with liquid inside, that you get if your skin has been rubbed or burned

I've got a blister on my toe.

side effect

any effect of a drug, chemical, or other medicine that is in addition to its intended effect, especially an effect that is harmful or unpleasant

Does this drug have any side effects?

throat infection

a condition in which bacteria or viruses that cause disease have entered the throat

People with a throat infection have severe pain with swallowing and usually speaking

sprain

to stretch or tear the tissue that limits the movement of a joint in the body

A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way

cold

something that is cold has a low temperature

Are you cold?

flu

a very common infectious disease that lasts a short time and makes you feel hot or cold, weak, and tired

He's in bed with flu.

food poisoning

an illness usually caused by eating food that contains harmful bacteria

I ate some mussels and they gave me food poisoning.

stroke

a medical condition in which your brain becomes damaged and you are unable to move part of your body

He had a stroke last year.

low-carb diet

diet that limits carbohydrates, primarily found in sugary foods, pasta, and bread

Studies have indicated a low-carb diet can pose heart and kidney risks.

vaccinate

to give someone a vaccine, usually by injection, to prevent them from getting a disease

The children were vaccinated against the major childhood diseases.

underestimate

estimate (something) to be smaller or less important than it really is

The government has grossly underestimated the extent of the problem

beneficial

having a good effect

Is the contribution positive and beneficial?