English Words for "The Physical World" | ACT Vocabulary

abrasion

noun

a

ə

b

r

a

eɪ

s

ʒ

io

ə

n

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the process of wearing down or smoothing a surface through friction, typically caused by rubbing, scraping, or erosion

Example

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The river's swift currents caused abrasion on the rocks, shaping them into smooth pebbles.

The hiker's boots showed signs of abrasion from walking on rough terrain.

exterior

noun

e

ɪ

x

ks

t

e

ɪ

r

io

iɜ

r

the outer surface or outermost layer of an object, building, etc.

inside

immersion

noun

i

ɪ

mm

m

e

ɜ

r

s

ʒ

io

ə

n

the act of fully submerging something into a liquid or substance, typically for the purpose of soaking

particle

noun

p

a

ɑ

r

t

i

ə

c

k

ə

l

e

a tiny, discrete unit of matter or substance that can range from subatomic particles like electrons and protons to larger particles like dust or sand grains

slat

noun

s

l

a

æ

t

a narrow, flat piece of wood, metal, or plastic, typically used as a component in structures like fences, blinds, or furniture

enclosure

noun

e

ɛ

n

c

k

l

o

oʊ

s

ʒ

u

ɜ

r

e

a space or area that is closed off or surrounded by walls, fences, or barriers, often used for containment, protection, or confinement

recess

noun

r

e

i

c

s

e

ɛ

ss

s

a small indented area or alcove set back into a wall or other surface

What is a "recess"?

A recess is a set-back area or indentation in a wall or structure, often used to create space for various purposes. In architecture, recesses can hold features like windows, shelves, or artwork, adding depth and visual interest to a room. They can also provide functional benefits, such as creating nooks for seating or storage. Recesses are commonly found in both interior and exterior designs, contributing to the overall aesthetics and functionality of a space while allowing for creative design elements. Their varied applications make them a versatile feature in architectural design.

alcove

noun

a

æ

l

c

k

o

oʊ

v

e

a recessed part of a wall that is built further back from the rest of it

What is an "alcove"?

An alcove is a small, recessed space or nook within a room, often set off from the main area. It can be created by a wall or structure, and is commonly used for decorative purposes, furniture, or additional storage. Alcoves can be found in various places, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways, providing a cozy or functional space within a larger room. They may also be used to house things like bookshelves, seating, or small works of art.

rim

noun

r

i

ɪ

m

the outer edge or border of a circular object, often serving as a boundary or support

curbside

noun

c

k

u

ɜ

r

b

s

i

aɪ

d

e

the area adjacent to the edge of a street or road where vehicles can park or where services, such as deliveries or pickups, often take place

What is the "curbside"?

The curbside refers to the area or space along the edge of a road, right next to the curb. It is where vehicles often park, load, or unload. The term is commonly used when talking about services or activities that happen near the curb, such as curbside pickup, where goods or passengers are picked up directly from the curb without the need to enter a building or facility. Curbside areas help manage traffic flow and provide space for people and vehicles to interact safely along the street.

dent

noun

d

e

ɛ

n

t

a depression or hollow in a surface, typically caused by impact or pressure

socket

noun

s

o

ɑ

ck

k

e

ə

t

a hollow part or cavity into which something fits, typically used to connect or hold objects in place

trench

noun

t

r

e

ɛ

n

ch

ʧ

a long, narrow excavation or ditch dug into the ground, typically for military purposes, drainage, or archaeological exploration

soot

noun

s

oo

ʊ

t

a black powdery substance produced by burning materials like wood or coal

void

noun

v

oi

ɔɪ

d

an empty or vacant space within a solid object or within a larger area, typically devoid of substance

vacuum

noun

v

a

æ

c

k

uu

ju

m

a space that is utterly empty of all matter

inscription

noun

/ˌɪnsˈkɹɪpʃən/

words, letters, or symbols that are engraved, carved, or written on a surface, often for commemorative, informational, or decorative purposes

to scrape

Verb

s

c

k

r

a

eɪ

p

e

to remove a thin layer or small amount of something from a surface using a sharp or rough edge

to submerge

Verb

s

u

ə

b

m

e

ɜ

r

g

ʤ

e

to plunge or immerse entirely beneath the surface of a liquid, typically water

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to grind

Verb

g

r

i

aɪ

n

d

to crush something into small particles by rubbing or pressing it against a hard surface

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to pulverize

Verb

p

u

ə

l

v

e

ɜ

r

i

aɪ

z

e

to crush or grind something into a fine powder or particles, often through mechanical means or forceful impact

to dampen

Verb

d

a

æ

m

p

e

ə

n

to make something slightly wet or moist

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to drench

Verb

d

r

e

ɛ

n

ch

ʧ

to completely cover something with liquid by pouring it onto it

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to perspire

Verb

p

e

ɜ

r

s

p

i

aɪ

r

e

to produce small drops of liquid on the surface of the skin, often as a result of physical exertion, anxiety, or heat

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to nourish

Verb

n

ou

ɜ

r

i

ɪ

sh

ʃ

to give someone or something food and other things which are needed in order to grow, live, and maintain health

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to taint

Verb

t

ai

eɪ

n

t

to infect or dirty something with a disease or harmful microorganism

disinfect

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to collide

Verb

c

k

o

ə

ll

l

i

aɪ

d

e

to come into sudden and forceful contact with another object or person

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to clog

Verb

c

k

l

o

ɑ

g

to make it so that nothing can move through something

unclog

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to penetrate

Verb

p

e

ɛ

n

e

ə

t

r

a

eɪ

t

e

to move through something, typically overcoming resistance

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to graze

Verb

g

r

a

eɪ

z

e

to cause injury to the surface of one's skin by rubbing it against something rough

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to burst

Verb

b

u

ɜ

r

s

t

to suddenly and violently break open or apart, particularly as a result of internal pressure

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

$to fracture$

to fracture

Verb

f

r

a

æ

c

k

t

ʃ

u

ɜ

r

e

to crack something into multiple parts or pieces

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to rupture

Verb

r

u

ə

p

t

ʧ

u

ɜ

r

e

(of a pipe or similar structure) to burst or break apart suddenly

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to cleave

Verb

c

k

l

ea

i

v

e

to cut something using a sharp tool, often with precision and accuracy

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to dismantle

Verb

d

i

ɪ

s

m

a

æ

n

ə

t

l

e

to take apart or disassemble a structure, machine, or object, breaking it down into its individual parts

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to unscrew

Verb

u

ʌ

n

s

c

k

r

e

u:

w

to release or detach something by rotating it in a counter-clockwise direction, thereby loosening its fastening or connection

to shatter

Verb

sh

ʃ

a

æ

tt

t

e

ɜ

r

to break suddenly into several pieces

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to collapse

Verb

c

k

o

ə

ll

l

a

æ

p

s

e

(of a construction) to fall down suddenly, particularly due to being damaged or weak

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

to demolish

Verb

d

e

ɪ

m

o

ɑ

l

i

ɪ

sh

ʃ

to completely destroy or to knock down a building or another structure

Grammatical Information:

transitive

airborne

Adjective

ai

ɛ

r

b

o

ɔ

r

n

e

related to something that is moving or transported through the air

dingy

Adjective

d

i

ɪ

n

g

ʤ

y

i

looking dark, dirty, or shabby, often because of not being taken care of or cleaned properly

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You learned 41 words from ACT Physical World Vocabulary. To improve learning and review vocabulary, start practicing.

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