what does contract mean

HESI A2

HESI A2 Vocabulary Practice Test

1. What does 'Contract' mean?

A. To expand
B. To draw together
C. To elongate
D. To dissolve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To draw together.' Contract means to reduce in size or draw together. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they suggest actions opposite to what contracting means. A: 'To expand,' C: 'To elongate,' and D: 'To dissolve' all indicate actions that involve increasing in size or breaking apart, which are the opposite of what contracting means.

2. What is the meaning of plastic?

A. Mechanical
B. Durable
C. Authentic
D. Flexible

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Flexible. Plastic is a material that can be easily molded or shaped, known for its flexibility. It can bend and stretch without breaking, making it versatile and durable. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because plastic is not primarily associated with being mechanical, authentic, or durable, but rather with its ability to be shaped and its flexibility.

3. Select the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence. He made a posthumous donation to the clinic.

A. Generous
B. Immense
C. Postmortem
D. Time-honored

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The word 'posthumous' in this sentence means occurring or coming into effect after the person's death. It is related to the word 'postmortem,' which also refers to events or actions happening after death. Given the context of the sentence, the most suitable meaning is 'postmortem.' Choice A, 'generous,' does not accurately reflect the meaning of 'posthumous' in the sentence. Choice B, 'immense,' is unrelated to the concept of something happening after a person's death. Choice D, 'time-honored,' is also not synonymous with 'posthumous' and does not fit the context of the sentence.

4. Select the word that means 'a violent seizure.'

A. revelation
B. nutrient
C. contraption
D. paroxysm

Correct answer: D

Rationale: 'Paroxysm' is the correct answer as it refers to a sudden, violent seizure or outburst. The other choices are incorrect because 'revelation' means a surprising and previously unknown fact, 'nutrient' refers to a substance that provides nourishment, and 'contraption' means a machine or device that is strange or unnecessarily complicated.

5. Which word describes a screen or filter?

A. Permeable
B. Incendiary
C. Exuding
D. Resilient

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'permeable' refers to a material or surface that allows liquids, gases, or substances to pass through it, while screening or filtering out impurities. This makes it an appropriate descriptor for a screen or filter, which function by allowing certain elements to pass through while retaining others. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: 'Incendiary' means causing fires, 'Exuding' means giving off or releasing, and 'Resilient' means able to withstand or recover from difficult conditions.