< V > TOEFL Vocabulary (98)

Disruptive (adjective) 

troubling to the mind or emotions

Driven by dizzying mutations in medical costs, program directors and staff ponder the

disruptive dynamism of these new healthcare reforms.

Disseminate (verb) 

to pass something out; to spread out 

Many plants depend upon the wind to disseminate their pollen.

Dissertation (noun) 

a formal, lengthy exposition on a topic

Graduation requirements include an empirical research project, a general preliminary

examination, and a dissertation project.

Dissipate (verb)  

to disappear by or as if by dispersal of particles

Helping to dissipate heat, the large neck of the giraffe serves as a cooling tower.

Dissociate (verb) 

to break the ties of connection between; to separate from

A child may dissociate, and create an alternative personality to handle severe sexual or

physical abuse. 

Distinctly (adverb) 

so as to be easily perceived and understood

Language is a form of speech distinctly different from others, adding for good measure

not, or only partially, intelligible to others without special study.

Distinguishable (adjective) 

making noticeable or different from something else

Brown diamond shaped markings are found along the middle of the rattlesnake’s back.

These distinguishable markings stand out against their lighter body color. 

Distort (verb) 

to twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition; to cause to be perceived 

unnaturally 

The agency is trying to find a way to modify the machines with an electronic fig leaf

programming that fuzzes out sensitive body parts or distorts the body so it is

unrecognizable.

Divergent (adjective) 

departing from the normal; not like another in nature, quality, amount, or form

While healthcare strategies abound from diverse viewpoints and divergent professional

groups, no one strategy has all the answers to reform the medical healthcare enterprise.

Diversity (noun) 

the quality of being made of many different elements, forms, kinds, or individuals

Colleges seek an equal diversity in its applicants by looking at background, experience,

and previous scholastic achievement.