< V > TOEFL Vocabulary (188)

Standardize (verb) 

to bring into conformity with a standard   

Traditionally diamonds and gemstones were weighed against these seeds until the

system was standardized, and one carat was fixed at 0.2 grams.

Starch (noun) 

a white odorless tasteless granular or powdery complex carbohydrate that is the chief 

storage form of carbohydrates in plants is an important foodstuff, and is used also in 

adhesives and sizes, in laundering, and in pharmacy and medicine

Starch and cellulose are complex carbohydrates is an important foodstuff 

Startlingly (adverb) 

causing momentary fright, surprise, or astonishment 

The aftermath of the battle, with thousands of dead soldiers spread along the landscape,

reflected a startlingly realistic picture of the horrors of war.

Starvation (noun) 

the act of going for an extended period of time without food

Anorexia nervosa is a pattern of self starvation and is most common among well

educated girls who experience a lot of pressure to be thin. 

Statesman (noun) 

a person actively involved in the principles or art of government

In addition to being a great statesman, Thomas Jefferson is also known for his

scientific works and inventions.

Static (adjective) 

showing little change

The political atmosphere of this country is far from being static.

Statistically (adverb) 

of, or relating  to, or employing the principles of statistics

Possible causative agents for brain cancer in firefighters include vinyl chloride,

acrylonitrile and formaldehyde.  Studies show an elevated (but so far not statistically

significant) risk of lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers for most firefighters.

Status (noun) 

the level of credit or respect at which a person or thing is regarded by others    

Someone once remarked "a language is a dialect with an army," meaning that only the

identity of a modern state can give a form of speech that status. 

Steadier (adjective) 

consistently reliable, especially in the face of external pressures

There has been a steadier increase in crime in the inner cities this year than that of

previous years.

Steeple (noun) 

a tall structure usually having a small spire at the top and surmounting a church tower

With at least 2,500 supporters crammed into a brick lined town square, the steeple of a

Unitarian church behind him, the former Vermont governor pledged to speak ''for a new

American century and a new generation of Americans.''