I have 2 questions
abate \ə-ˈbāt\ v. 1. to reduce or lessen in intensity or value; 2. to put an end to; 3. to deduct or omit; 4. to remove or cut away, as in a carving. –abater n., abatable adj. 1300–1350; Middle French

Which definition in the entry best states the meaning of the word abate in this sentence?

The meteorologist predicted that the storm will abate shortly after midnight and be completely over a few hours later.

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robust \rō-ˈbəst, ˈrō-(ˌ)bəst\ adj. 1. strong and healthy; hardy; 2. strongly built; 3. requiring bodily strength or endurance; 4. effective in all or most situations. –robustly adv., robustness n. 1540–1550;

Which definition in the entry best clarifies the precise meaning of the word robust in this sentence?

The personal trainer developed a new exercise routine that proved to be too robust for her clients.

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The “big dig” the “big dig” (the central artery/tunnel project) has been complex and challenging. located in boston, massachusetts, this tunnel is eight lanes wide and three-and-a-half miles long. what is most amazing about this tunnel is that it is constructed under a major highway and skyscrapers located in boston’s financial district. construction crews used “clamshell excavators” during this dig. these machines carved narrow trenches, and then a special substance was pumped into the trench to keep the dirt from caving in. finally, steel beams were lowered into the trench and concrete was pumped in. one problem that engineers faced while constructing the tunnel is the fact that the soil beneath boston is extremely loose and soggy. engineers solved this dilemma by freezing the soil and pumping very cold water into pipes beneath the city. to strengthen the soil even further, a special type of glue was injected into the ground to with the consolidation of the soil. 23 which phrase best defines the word excavator as used in the passage? a. a device used to measure underground temperatures b. a device used to level uneven surfaces c. a device used to move heavy objects d. a device used to dig holes