Question

read the sentences from paragraph 3 of \hard facts.\ teeth, however, are not indestructible. all are susceptible to decay. what does susceptible mean as it is used in the sentence? a exposed b immune c numb d resistant

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "susceptible" in the sentence, we analyze the context: "Teeth... are not indestructible. All are susceptible to decay." This implies teeth can be affected by decay. Now, we analyze the options:

• Option A: "exposed" can mean being open or vulnerable to something (like decay), which fits the context as teeth being susceptible to decay means they are exposed to the possibility of decay.
• Option B: "immune" means resistant to a disease or harmful substance, which is the opposite of what the sentence implies (since teeth are not indestructible and can decay).
• Option C: "numb" refers to a lack of sensation, which has no relation to the idea of being affected by decay.
• Option D: "resistant" means not easily affected or harmed, which also contradicts the sentence's meaning (as teeth are susceptible to decay, not resistant to it).

Answer:

A. exposed