Adjective

Definition: existing in every part of something; spreading to all parts of something

This word was also found in the first paragraph of “Texting Shorthand Annoys Purists and May Have Lasting Impact.”

I didn’t know what the author of this article meant by “global pervasiveness.” I looked it up and I found out that he was talking about how texting is used all around the world.

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pervasiveness?show=0&t=1387176702

Noun

Definition: a new word or expression or a new meaning of a word

I found this word in the first paragraph of the reading “Texting Shorthand Annoys Purists and May Have Lasting Impact.”

The word was defined in the context, but I still wasn’t sure so I looked it up anyway.

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neologism

Noun

Definition: a divine imparting of knowledge or power; inspiration

This word was found on the 3rd page of “A Literary Visitor Strolls in From the Airport.”

I didn’t know that the author was referring to inspiration when he used this word.

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afflatus

Noun

Definition: an angry and usually long speech or piece of writing that strongly criticizes someone or something

This word is found in the first sentence of the reading “A Literary Visitor Strolls in From the Airport.”

When the author of this reading mentioned a diatribe, I had no idea what that was, so I looked it up and found out that he was referring to a piece of writing.

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diatribe

Verb

Definition: to change (a place, such as an old neighborhood) by improving it and making it more appealing to people who have money

This is another word that I found in the reading “Who Knows Brooklyn?”

In the reading, I didn’t know what Merlis said by he doesn’t “do neighborhoods that aren’t, like, all gentrified…” I didn’t know what he meant until now.

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentrify