Reading Fusion-Book 2 Unit 15 (E)

appreciate

rise in value

The famous singer appreciates all her adoring fans.

astounding

amazing

It was astounding that the electrician could identify the problem with the wiring and correct it so quickly.

chorus of voices

group of people with a common viewpoint

Meanwhile, the chorus of voices against the British and American policy in Iraq is growing and growing some more.

commodity

item; product

Money, gold, silver, wheat, corn are all important commodities.

consensus

agreement

The consensus of the community members was that the city should build a new park.

crippling

very damaging

The mad cow scare could have a crippling impact on the U.S. economy.

denominated in

based on a certain currency

The borrowings were denominated in US dollars.

expose

reveal

He exposed my secret plan to the press.

first and foremost

most importantly

Gina, first and foremost, has shown excellent management skills that have saved this company money.

fluctuation

upward or downward change

There are often fluctuations in the oil price due to the war in the Middle East.

greenback

US dollar

The Australian dollar rose against the greenback for the 13th straight week.

mastermind

direct; oversee

Now we should introduce you to the man alleged to have masterminded the scheme.

monetary policy

rules directing a currency's interest rates, supply, etc.

A strong monetary policy is important for a country to be successful.

Nobel laureate

Nobel prize winner

The professor is a Nobel laureate in chemistry.

overhaul

to examine something thoroughly, in order to evaluate its condition and to repair if necessary

The ship's engine had to be completely overhauled.

proposal

suggestion; offer

I have given consideration to current proposals for reform in the laws of adoption.

road block

obstacle

Mining villages are ringed with officers, police roadblocks established, non-police movements restricted.

rough patch

difficult period

There have been many rough patches in the global economy in recent years.

shudder

shake; have a bad feeling about something

He shuddered when he heard Carnehan’s story.

sovereignty

self-government by a nation

His life and his death taught all those that knew him of God's wisdom, grace, sovereignty and power.

speculator

investor looking for a quick rise in value

Further research revealed that he was not a farmer, but a major land speculator, merchant, ormanufacturer.

stabilize

make steady again

Her long reign helped to stabilize England, and England became very powerful.

transition

change; shift

The weather gets colder during the transition from summer to autumn.

underscore

highlight; emphasize

The teacher underscored all the important material

wipe the slate clean

forget what happened and have a fresh start

You've got to wipe the slate clean and start all over again.