News from April 4–April 10
Each week, we scan the latest headlines to spot words in action. From major news stories to pop culture buzz, this feature highlights language as it’s unfolding. Stories about stranded cruise ship passengers, rising World Cup ticket prices, and rock-climbing fish all contributed to the vocabulary from this week’s news.
adulterate
verb: to make impure by adding inferior materials or elements
From the headlines: An investigation found that a maple syrup producer near Montreal illegally diluted its product to make a higher profit. Journalists from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation learned that the syrup maker, which sells to grocery chains across Quebec, had adulterated the real maple syrup with less expensive cane sugar. The province produces nearly seventy-five percent of the world’s maple syrup, and it is illegal to label the product “pure maple syrup” if it’s been degraded with inferior ingredients.
castaway
noun: a shipwrecked person
From the headlines: A small cruise ship became stuck on a reef near the uninhabited island of Monuriki, where a character played by Tom Hanks was stranded in the film Cast Away. Unlike the fictional castaway, who spent four years alone after being shipwrecked, MV Fiji Princess passengers were quickly rescued and taken to Fiji’s mainland. The ship itself remained marooned while officials worked to contain its leaking diesel fuel.
decree
noun: a formal and authoritative order, especially one that’s law
From the headlines: A group of clowns and their supporters hit the streets of La Paz, Bolivia, protesting a government decree that limits school parties. The mandate states that events with entertainers can only happen on weekends. Clowns, a familiar source of entertainment at Bolivian schools, say the rule cuts into their gigs.
exorbitant
adjective: highly excessive
From the headlines: FIFA raised prices for World Cup tournament matches that will be held in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico this summer, with some seats now costing as much as $11,000. In an earlier sales window, the most expensive finals tickets had been priced at $6,370. Soccer’s governing body has faced criticism for the exorbitant prices and repeated increases. A group representing fans filed a complaint addressing the excessive cost.
ichthyology
noun: the branch of zoology dealing with fish
From the headlines: This month, ichthyology researchers confirmed anecdotal evidence from seventeen years ago claiming that a species of fish called shellear are capable of climbing steep rock walls. Scientists filmed thousands of the tiny fish ascending a fifty-foot rock face behind a waterfall in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the first time the behavior has been documented in African fish.
narcolepsy
noun: Pathology. a condition characterized by frequent and uncontrollable periods of deep sleep
From the headlines: Amid growing pharmaceutical industry interest in treatments for sleep disorders, Eli Lilly plans to buy a company that is currently conducting trials of a drug to treat narcolepsy. If regulators approve the medication, which is aimed at helping patients stay awake during the day, Lilly will pay $7.8 billion for Centessa Pharmaceuticals. About three million people around the world have been diagnosed with the disorder, which causes them to fall asleep abruptly.
proximate
adjective: close or very near
From the headlines: NASA’s Artemis II made its closest approach to the moon on April 6, giving its four crew members unprecedented views. The spacecraft was at its most proximate point to the lunar surface, just 4,067 miles away, before reaching a peak distance of 252,756 miles from Earth. Being that close let the astronauts snap detailed photos of craters and lava flows.
surname
noun: a person’s last name
From the headlines: Japan’s ban on married couples keeping different surnames inspired a dating agency to host events for people with the same last name. The rule says spouses must share a family name on legal documents. The Tokyo matchmaker has paired singles with some of the country’s most common surnames, including Suzuki, Ito, Tanaka, and Sato, to help participants who don’t want to give up their own last name when they get married.
susceptible
adjective: capable of being affected
From the headlines: A new study suggests a protein in sweat, tears, and saliva may explain why up to thirty-five percent of people aren’t susceptible to the flu. Researchers focused on an amino acid chain in the body and found that those with more of this protein in their sweat were less likely to catch the virus, hinting at a natural antiviral defense.
venerable
adjective: impressive or interesting because of age, antique appearance, etc.
From the headlines: After a viral hoax claimed the world’s oldest tortoise had died, officials on St. Helena rushed to confirm Jonathan was alive. Fans of the venerable reptile, who’s at least 193 years old, were relieved to learn he’s still enjoying life at the governor’s residence.
