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diorama

noun

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a small-scale three-dimensional model or display depicting a scene, often enclosed within a glass case for viewing

Example

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The museum featured a diorama showcasing a prehistoric dinosaur habitat, complete with miniature plants and realistic terrain.

As part of the science fair project, Sarah constructed a diorama representing the water cycle, featuring clouds, rivers, and mountains.

What is a "diorama"?

A diorama is a three-dimensional miniature model that represents a scene, often used to depict historical events, natural landscapes, or fictional settings. It’s like a snapshot of a larger world, captured in a small space, such as a shoebox or a museum display. Dioramas combine crafted figures, objects, and background images to create a realistic or sometimes imaginative scene. They are commonly used in education to bring lessons to life, in museums to illustrate history, and by hobbyists for artistic expression.

likelihood

noun

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the probability or chance of something occurring

unlikelihood

ruffian

noun

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a violent or lawless person

twinge

noun

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an unexpected and quick feeling of a particular emotion, often a negative one

macrocosm

noun

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the universe or the entirety of a complex system, seen as a larger entity encompassing all its parts

hydra

noun

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a freshwater polyp with a cylindrical body and tentacles

esprit

noun

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a lively, quick-witted, or vivacious quality, often characterized by intelligence, wit, or charm

prefix

noun

/ˈpɹifɪks/

(grammar) a letter or a set of letters that are added to the beginning of a word to alter its meaning and make a new word

What is a "prefix"?

A prefix is a type of affix that is added to the beginning of a base word or root to modify its meaning. Prefixes can change the meaning of the word in various ways, such as indicating negation, repetition, or degree. For example, the prefix "un-" can be added to the word "happy" to form "unhappy", which means not happy. Other examples include "redo", where the prefix "re-" indicates doing something again, and "preview", where "pre-" means before. Prefixes are important in word formation, allowing for the creation of new words and the expansion of vocabulary in many languages.

retinue

noun

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a group of attendants or followers, typically accompanying an important person

legerdemain

noun

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skillful tricks or sleight of hand performed as part of a magic or illusionist's performance

loam

noun

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a fertile soil composed of a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, ideal for plant growth

gambit

noun

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a strategic action or remark that is used to gain an advantage, particularly in the early stages of a situation, game, conversation, etc.

ballast

noun

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anything that provides stability or balance, either literally or metaphorically, ensuring equilibrium or support

vermin

noun

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small animals or insects that are believed to be destructive and are difficult to handle when they appear in a considerable number

What is "vermin"?

Vermin generally refers to a group of small animals that are considered to be pests and are often unwelcome in human habitation or agricultural areas. This group of animals can include rodents such as rats and mice, as well as insects like cockroaches and bedbugs. They are known for causing damage to property, spreading disease, and competing with humans for resources. Vermin can be a serious problem in both urban and rural areas, and many methods have been developed to control their populations, including traps, poisons, and other forms of pest management. Despite the negative connotations associated with the term "vermin," many of these animals are an important part of the ecosystem and serve valuable ecological roles.

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