TOEFL® Vocabulary Flashcard

The word "buckle" can be used in various contexts related to fastening or securing something, typically with a buckle device. It is commonly used to refer to the act of fastening safety belts in vehicles. Additionally, "buckle" can describe the bending or collapsing of something under pressure, which is a more figurative use of the term.

• Please buckle your seat belt before the car starts moving.

• He buckled his helmet tightly to ensure it wouldn't come off during the ride.

• After the earthquake, some of the building's supports buckled under the strain. 

Curbside refers to the side of the curb along a street where vehicles may stop or park, often temporarily. It is commonly used in contexts such as curbside pickup, where customers can collect goods without leaving their cars, and in descriptions of urban planning or parking regulations. The term helps to specify the exact location related to the services offered or regulations applied, emphasizing convenience and accessibility.

• Please pull up to the curbside so I can unload these boxes.

• Many cities have curbside recycling programs.

• The restaurant offers curbside pickup for online orders.

The word "fuel" primarily refers to any material that is burned or used to generate heat or power through a chemical or nuclear reaction. Common examples of fuel include gasoline, coal, and natural gas. As a verb, "fuel" means to supply with fuel, or metaphorically, to stimulate or intensify a situation or emotion. 

• Gasoline is a common type of fuel used in cars.

• We need to fuel the generator to keep the lights on.

• The rumors fueled the controversy even more. 

Fueling refers to the act of supplying a machine, vehicle, or system with the necessary fuel it requires to operate. 

• The truck stopped at the gas station for fueling.

• Proper fueling techniques can help reduce emissions from vehicles. 

High test gas, often referred to as premium gasoline, has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline. This higher octane rating helps prevent engine knocking, a problem that can occur when gasoline prematurely combusts in a car's engine, causing pinging or knocking sounds. High test gas is particularly beneficial for high-performance engines designed to operate at higher internal pressures.

92 is commonly labeled as premium in some areas, while 95 is usually referred to as high test gas, especially in places like Australia. The higher the octane, the better the fuel's resistance to knocking, which is great for high-performance engines. Regular gas usually has an octane rating of 87. It's fine for most vehicles, but if your car requires higher performance, you might want to consider mid-grade, which is around 89, or premium, which ranges from 91 to 94.

• My car runs more efficiently with high test gas.

• High test gas is recommended for most high-performance vehicles.

• Using high test gas can prevent engine knocking and improve acceleration. 

Kerbside (British English) generally refers to the part of the pavement or street that is closest to the curb, typically used for parking or stopping vehicles temporarily. It is a common term in transportation and urban planning, indicating where vehicles can align along the edge of streets for various purposes, such as passenger pick-up or drop-off.

• Please wait for me at the kerbside outside the terminal.

• The taxi pulled up at the kerbside to let the passengers out.

• We found a parking spot right at the kerbside. 

Mid-grade gasoline is a type of fuel that serves as a middle option between regular and premium gasoline. It typically has an octane rating that is higher than regular gasoline but lower than premium. This type of gasoline is suitable for vehicles that require more engine protection and performance than what regular gasoline offers, but do not necessarily need premium gasoline. It is a popular choice for drivers who want a balance between cost and performance.

• The manual recommends using mid-grade gasoline for optimal performance of the engine.

• Since switching to mid-grade gasoline, I've noticed a slight improvement in my car's fuel efficiency.

• Many service stations offer regular, mid-grade, and premium gasoline options.

A nozzle is a crucial component in various systems where precise control of liquid or gas flow is necessary. It is typically found in applications such as gardening hoses, high-pressure cleaning systems, and in various industrial processes. The design of the nozzle affects the speed, direction, and shape of the fluid or gas exiting it, which can be critical for the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.

• The hose was fitted with a spray nozzle to distribute water evenly over the garden.

• He adjusted the nozzle to increase the pressure of the steam.

• The rocket's nozzle was carefully designed to maximize thrust. 

Premium gas is a noun, meaning "high-octane gasoline." It is often used for vehicles requiring higher performance fuel. The octane rating for premium gas is typically 91 to 93 in the United States. Premium gas, often with higher octane ratings, is designed for engines that require fuel that can withstand higher pressures before igniting.

• Using premium gas helps high-performance engines run more smoothly.

• Using premium gas in some cars can improve acceleration and efficiency.

• It's recommended to use premium gas for luxury vehicles to maintain engine health. 

"Pull over” is used when a driver needs to stop their vehicle by the side of the road. This can be due to a police request, an emergency, or simply to rest or check the vehicle. It is an important phrase for road safety, ensuring that stops are made safely without obstructing traffic.

• The police officer signaled for the speeding car to pull over.

• Can you pull over at the next rest stop? I need to use the restroom.

• She had to pull over to check why her engine was making a strange noise. 

"Pull up" is a versatile phrasal verb used in various contexts. It can refer to the act of stopping a vehicle, often temporarily, at a certain location. Additionally, it can mean to physically lift something upwards or to improve one's position or condition in a certain context. It is often used in everyday conversation, especially in instructions or requests involving positioning or stopping.

• He signaled to pull up at the side of the road.

• Can you pull up the window blinds?

• Pull up a chair and sit down. 

Regular gas, often referred to as unleaded gasoline, is the most commonly used type of fuel for passenger vehicles. It has a lower octane rating compared to premium gas, which makes it less expensive and a viable option for many drivers. The octane rating of regular gas is typically 87 in the United States.

• I filled up my car with regular gas because it's cheaper.

• The gas station offers regular gas, mid-grade, and premium.

• Make sure to check your vehicle's manual to see if regular gas is suitable. 

"Top off" is a phrasal verb used to describe the action of filling a container until it is very close to or reaches its maximum capacity. It is often used in contexts involving fuel or liquid. For example, at a gas station, you might top off your car's fuel tank before a long journey to ensure you have enough gas. Similarly, in everyday usage, it could mean adding the final amount of a substance, like topping off a drink with ice or a dessert with whipped cream.

The phrase “top off the gas tank” means to fill a vehicle's fuel container with fuel. The other phrases we can use are “get some gas”, “fill up the gas tank”, and 'fill up with/on (gas).

• ​​Before we return the rental car, we need to top off the gas tank.

• I'll stop by the gas station to top off the tank before our trip.

• Could you top off my coffee with a little more cream?

• He topped off the glass with some soda to make the drink less strong.