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Contemporary Living
support groups. Groups usually
made up of people with a
common concern who offer
emotional help, information,
and the benefi ts of shared
experience. (6)
synthetic fi bers. Fibers that are
not found in nature, but
manufactured. (22)
syphilis. Sexually transmitted
infection in which sores develop
at the site of infection. (8)
T
taxable income. A person’s net
income minus an amount
representing the number of
exemptions that he or she is
allowed. (24)
team. A group of people who rely
on the efforts of each member
to achieve success or reach a
goal. (5)
telecommuting. The practice of
working at home—rather than
commuting, or traveling, to
work—by using a computer
and the Internet. (18)
telephone hotlines. Telephone
numbers that people can call
for immediate information in
a crisis. (19)
temper tantrum. An emotional
outburst of upset behavior,
common in children ages one
to three. (17)
term life insurance. Type of life
insurance that covers the
life of the policyholder for a
specified term or period of
time. Once the term expires,
the person is no longer
insured. (23)
three Cs of credit. The three main
factors that credit agencies
analyze for each credit
applicant—character, capacity,
and capital. (25)
timeout. Moving a child whose
behavior is disruptive away
from others for a short
period of time, usually a few
minutes, until the child calms
down. A brief explanation of
what rule has been broken
should be given. (17)
tonic neck reflex. Reflex exhibited
by infants. When babies lie
on their backs, they turn their
heads to one side. If they turn
to the right, their right hand
extends outward, and their
left arm extends upward.
If they turn to the left, the
movements are reversed. (16)
trans fats. Fats that are formed
when food manufacturers
take vegetable oils and
add hydrogen to them so
the shelf life of products
can be increased. These
fats are a factor in high
blood-cholesterol levels. (6)