Unit 4. Petroleum Alternatives

Word

Definition

Example

constraint

a restriction

Constraints on spending have forced the company to rethink its plans

contamination

addition of a germ or hazardous substance

Contamination is unwanted radioactive material that is deposited on the surface of or inside structures, areas, objects or people.

deplete

to decrease the supply of a resource or material

Natural recourses of developing countries are depleted due to the neglection of the government.

dispose of

to get rid of

Dispose of cigarettes and matches safely

elementally

in terms of elements; basically

The film is an elementally emotional work, flooded everywhere by a deep, regretful sort of fatalism

emission

a substance discharged into the air

All these emissions damage not only the Earth but also people's health.

extinction

complete disappearance

Elephants are facing extinction

reservoir

a place where a liquid is stored

The lake was turned into a water reservoir

shrink

to become reduced in size

By 1986, the Japanese auto industry lead over Ford had shrunk from 100% to about 20%, as Ford made quality its number one priority

stable

firm and dependable

An ambitious horse will never return to its old stable