Lesson 5
1. alienist- a doctor who specializes in mental disease. Alienation referring to mental derangement or insanity. Comes from the Latin word aliento (“separation”). Thee question, “Have you taken leave of your senses?” shows the relationship to alienist.
2. amanuensis- secretary; one who copies something. IT comes from the Latin menus (”hand”) and ensis (“relating to”). In ancient times a scribe was known as an amanuensis.
3. beadle- minor official. Beadle comes from an Old French word that meant (“messenger”)- a man who preceded a procession. The functionary carrying a mace (symbolic club) at the head of a university procession is a beadle.
4. cosmetologist- and expert in cosmetics. When a woman applies cosmetics she is putting herself in order. The Latin word cosmos means order in the sense of an orderly universe. Since such order was equated with beauty, when a cosmetologist helps to apply makeup, she is maintaining the classical connection between the two.
5. dermatologist- a doctor who specializes in skin problems. From the Greek derma (“skin”). Your epidermis is your outer layer of skin.
6. entomologist- a specialist in the study of insects. In Greek, entomos means “cut up.” Insects' bodies appear to be divided into sections or “cut up.”
7. farrier- blacksmith; iron worker. The Latin word ferranus means “of iron.”
8. graphologist- a handwriting analyst. In Greek, graphos means “to write.” Graphologist are hired as entertainers today analyzing the handwriting of guests at a party and describing their character traits and aptitudes.
9. internist- a doctor who specializes in internal medicine. In Latin, internus means “inward.” Internists are noted as diagnosticians, not surgeons.
10. lapidary- an expert in precious stones. Julie Caesar used the word lapis when he meant stone. Lapidaries cut, polish, and engrave stones.
11. ophthalmologist- a doctor who treats eyes and their diseases. From the Greek ophthalmos (“eye”). Oculist is a synonym for ophthalmologist. An optometrist prescribes eyeglasses; an optician makes or sells eyeglasses.
12. ornithologist- an expert in the branch zoology dealing with birds. It is from the Greek ornis (“bird”).
13. osteopath- one who treats ailments by placing pressure on bones and nerves. From the Greek osteo (“bone”) and pathos (“suffering”).
14. pharyngologist- a doctor who specializes in diseases of the pharynx, the cavity of the alimentary canal leading from the mouth and nasal passages to the larynx and esophagus.
15. physiologist- a biologist who deals with the functions and vital processes of living organisms. It comes from the Greek phsis (“nature”) and logos (“discourse”).
Exercises
I. Which Word Comes to Mind?
In each of the following, read the statement, then circle the word that comes to mind.
1. You need treatment for tennis elbow. (alienist, ophthalmologist, osteopath)
2. Someone may have forged your signature. (graphologist, cosmetologist, lapidary)
3. “Gnats to you!” (entomologist, farrier, pharyngologist)
4. Teenagers frequently suffer from acne (beadle, dermatologist, amanuensis)
5. “Hey, man, you're for the birds!” (ornithologist, internist, physiologist)
6. A psychiatrist testifies at a trial (graphologist, beadle, alienist)
7. You go for a routine physical examination (farrier, internist, amanuensis)
8. a sapphire is being appraised by an expert (lapidary, ornithologist, graphologist)
9. Something got stuck in your throat (pharyngologist, cosmetologist, dermatologist)
10. Test for glaucoma (ornithologist, ophthalmologist, physiologist)
II. True or False?
In the space provided, indicate whether each statement is true or false?
___1. An alienist can give you an opinion about someone's emotional stability.
___2. X-rays are usually employed by a competent amanuensis.
___3. The lapidary knew that the opals would make a great necklace.
___4. If you have blurred vision, you should consult an ophthalmologist.
___5. Longfellow wrote, “The Village Farrier.”
___6. An osteopath sis more similar to a chiropractor than he is to a physiologist.
___7. Estee Lauder, Helena Rubenstein, and Max Factor deal with cosmetologist.
___8. You seek out a dermatologist to analyze your handwriting.
___9. A competent amanuensis is worth a great deal to a busy executive.
___10. An ornithologist, you might say, is for the birds.
III. Fill in the Blank
Insert one of the new words in the proper space in each sentence below.
1.The expensive mascara was recommended by a trained_________________________.
2. An_________________________was hired as a technical advisor for the film The Blob.
3. To relieve my chronic back pain, I consulted an_______________________________.
4. Our talkative parrot was personally trained by a(an)____________________________.
5. Harold's___________________warned him to stay out of the sun to avoid skin cancer.
6. My little brother was taken to a _____________________when he complained of trouble swallowing.
7. We hired a __________________________from Tiffany's to cut the diamond expertly.
8. Detailed testimony from a(an) ____________________________convinced the jury that the defendant had been temporarily insane.
9. A _________________________entertained at my cousin's party, analyzing everyone's handwriting.
10. The tear in Martha's retina was diagnosed by a(an)___________________________.