Words in the News

This Week's Word In The News 

ROOSTER TAIL

DEFINITION:
A high-arching spray (as of water, dust, or snow) thrown up behind a fast-moving motorboat, motor vehicle, or skier.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
A second red flag was waved during the fifth race of the day when Rollin Transport got into a rooster tail on the turn of the first lap, resulting in the boat going onto its side before flipping.
The Key West Citizen, 11/10/2025

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Words in the News Quiz
5 Middle School Words

Click on the correct answer in the quiz below.
Then see if you can find the word in your newspaper -- the print edition, the website or the digital edition and copy the sentence for context. NOTE: High School words are much harder to find!


1. Participle

A form of a verb that in some languages, such as English, can function independently as an adjective.

A teacher and guide in spiritual and philosophical matters.

A rebirth or revival.

An embankment built to prevent flooding


2. Immune

A rebirth or revival.

An embankment built to prevent flooding

A metric unit of length equal to 1,000 meters (0.62 mile).

Not subject to an obligation imposed on others; exempt.


3. Heritage

Grossly offensive to decency or morality.

To move in waves or with a smooth, wavelike motion.

Something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition.

One that speaks for, represents, or advocates


4. Symbiosis

One who habitually takes advantage of the generosity of others without making any useful return.

Any of several rod-shaped bacteria, of the genus Salmonella, that cause food poisoning and other diseases.

A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.

Sharing the same opinions or views; being in complete harmony or accord.


5. Quota

The distance that light travels in a vacuum in one year.

Of or relating to the range of invisible radiation wavelengths from about 4 nanometers, on the border of the x-ray region, to about 380 nanometers, just beyond the violet in the visible spectrum.

A proportional part or share.

A prohibition by a government on certain or all trade with a foreign nation


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Common Core State Standard
LS.CCS.4/5/6 Grades 3-12: Students are asked to determine the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words through multiple choice vocabulary quizzes. Quizzes are designed to help students demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in words, acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words, and gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression. Students are then asked to find the words within the newspaper and copy the sentence for context to its overall meaning or function in a sentence.