The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is the standard test that many colleges and universities require students to take before they are accepted in a graduate degree program. Although any such degree program is in a specific field of study, the schools want to make sure that incoming students have a good background in multiple areas of knowledge. The vocabulary section of the GRE contains words taken from literature, the sciences, art and architecture, linguistics, and philosophy. Many students find that because their previous studies focused on only one or two fields during their first university degree program, they’re unfamiliar with terms and concepts from other areas.

A well-rounded education is important, and not just for the richness of vocabulary that you gain. If you’re working towards a degree in science, make your reading choices in your spare time from the world literature section of the library. Conversely, if you’re pursuing a degree in art history, try reading one of the many books available these days written for the general public on the latest discoveries and research in astronomy or physics.

One word you’ll come across in scientific literature is kinetic. This word means “relating to motion” – specifically, the motion of solid objects. Kinetic energy is the energy that such an object possesses by virtue of its being in motion. Kinetic is also used as an adjective to describe things that have movement, or are composed of moving elements.

Example: The new exhibit at the museum is a display of kinetic sculptures, including large and small mobiles designed by Alexander Calder.

Many scientific concepts are difficult to understand until they’re explained in just the right way. If you are responsible for communicating scientific or technical knowledge, be sure that your explanation is as lucid as possible. Lucid means clear and coherent. The word comes from the Latin root lux, meaning “light.” Have you ever heard the expression “a lightbulb went off in my head” or some similar phrase? The metaphor of sudden light, or illumination, is used for understanding. Lucid can refer to the words being spoken, or to the speaker. Someone who is lucid is coherent, mentally organized, and aware.

Example 1: The laboratory procedure was extremely complicated, but the instructions left by the supervisor were so lucid that the technician had no problems completing the tests successfully.

Example 2: Alan’s stepson tried to contest the will after his father died, but the lawyers swore that Alan was completely lucid when he signed it, and his widow inherited his entire estate.

Keep a clear head when you’re studying these words, and a rich and powerful vocabulary will reward you in the end.