< V > TOEFL Vocabulary (138)

Latchkey (adjective) 

relating to a young child of working parents who must spend part of the day unsupervised 

as at home

Nearly 10.6 million children were being raised by full time stay at home moms last year,

up 13 percent in a little less than a decade. Experts credit the economic boom, the cultural

influence of America's growing Hispanic population and the entry into parenthood of a

generation of latchkey kids.

  

Lateral (adjective) 

of, at, toward, or from the side or sides 

If done properly, the taping of the lateral ligament will immobilize the knee structure to

prevent further injury.

Latitude (noun) 

freedom of action or choice

Even though some jobs have defined salary ranges, hiring managers generally have

some latitude to negotiate within that predetermined range based on a number of

different factors. 

Latter (adjective) 

after the first

In two further Italian journeys, he wrote two more operas for Milan, Ascanio in Alba

(1771) and Lucio Silla (1772). In 1772, Archbishop von Schrattenbach died, to be succeeded

by Hieronymus von Colloredo. The latter, at first sympathetic to the Mozart, later

became irritated by Wolfgang's prolonged absences and stubborn ways.

Launch (verb) 

to go about the initial step of doing something

Although several successful mining ventures were launched, much of the hype was

bogus. 

Laureate (noun)

the recipient of honor or recognition for achievement in an art or science

The Inamori Foundation announced the laureates of its 19th Annual Kyoto Prizes,

international awards presented to people who have contributed significantly to

mankind's betterment in the categories of Advanced Technology, Basic Science, and Arts

and Philosophy. 

Laurel (noun) 

honor or distinction

After his triumphant victory, the military commander recovered his laurels.

Lava (noun) 

matter flowing from a volcano that solidifies as it cools   

Hawaii’s volcanoes are typically characterized by the relatively quiet outflow of very

fluid lava and by sometimes spectacular lava fountains. 

Leakage (noun) 

action through which matter passes accidentally in or out of something 

Leakage from swimming pools can be a sign of an unstable slope.

Lean (adjective) 

having little flesh or fat on the body

Body Composition is the comparable amounts of fat and lean body tissue found in the

body.