Unfamilar words encountered during reading

Wen (Canada)
Books including Anil's Ghost, Tuesdays with Morrie, Night by Elie Wiesel, Obasan.
319 words 2 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. surreal
    characterized by fantastic and incongruous imagery
  2. halt
    cause to stop
  3. warden
    the chief official in charge of a prison
  4. annihilation
    destruction by obliterating something
  5. impotently
    in a helpless manner
  6. guerrilla
    a member of an irregular army that fights a stronger force
  7. counterterrorism
    a strategy intended to prevent crimes against civilians
  8. digress
    wander from a direct or straight course
  9. vertiginous
    having or causing a whirling sensation; liable to falling
  10. fjord
    a long narrow inlet of the sea between steep cliffs
  11. foible
    a minor weakness or peculiarity in someone's character
  12. ascetic
    someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
  13. dune
    a ridge of sand created by the wind
  14. swerve
    turn sharply; change direction abruptly
  15. clamber
    climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling
  16. sprightly
    full of spirit and vitality
  17. drawl
    a slow speech pattern with prolonged vowels
  18. subliminal
    below the threshold of conscious perception
  19. novice
    someone new to a field or activity
  20. mildew
    a fungus that produces a superficial white growth
  21. ligament
    a band of fibrous tissue connecting bones or cartilages
  22. tug
    pull hard
  23. dusk
    the time of day immediately following sunset
  24. paranoid
    suffering from delusions of persecution or grandeur
  25. waltz
    music composed in triple time
  26. moan
    an utterance expressing pain or disapproval
  27. rummage
    search haphazardly
  28. scotch
    hinder or prevent, as an effort, plan, or desire
  29. drilling
    the act of drilling
  30. slim
    being of delicate or slender build
  31. trauma
    an emotional wound or shock having long-lasting effects
  32. purse
    contract one's lips into a rounded shape
  33. furrow
    a long shallow trench in the ground
  34. arrack
    any of various strong liquors distilled from the fermented sap of toddy palms or from fermented molasses
  35. anterior
    of or near the head end or toward the front plane of a body
  36. lateral
    situated at or extending to the side
  37. fraught
    filled with or attended with
  38. tug
    pull hard
  39. crate
    a rugged box (usually made of wood); used for shipping
  40. pragmatic
    concerned with practical matters
  41. spare
    more than is needed, desired, or required
  42. lucid
    transparently clear; easily understandable
  43. fervour
    the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up
  44. minimal
    the least possible
  45. rune
    a letter from an ancient Germanic alphabet
  46. meticulous
    marked by precise accordance with details
  47. mentor
    a wise and trusted guide and advisor
  48. forgery
    criminal falsification by making or altering an instrument
  49. mischief
    reckless or malicious behavior causing annoyance in others
  50. coalesce
    fuse or cause to come together
  51. spurn
    reject with contempt
  52. grudge
    a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation
  53. boulder
    a large smooth mass of rock detached from a place of origin
  54. twig
    a small branch or division of a branch
  55. slab
    block consisting of a thick piece of something
  56. strew
    spread by scattering
  57. hum
    sing with closed lips
  58. prominent
    conspicuous in position or importance
  59. lindy
    an energetic American dance that was popular in the 1930s
  60. amphetamine sulphate
    a sulfate derivative of amphetamine that is used as a stimulant for the central nervous system
  61. neurology
    the branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system
  62. strut
    walk in a proud, confident way
  63. gloat
    dwell on with satisfaction
  64. bloat
    swelling of the intestinal tract of animals caused by gas
  65. avert
    turn away or aside
  66. freelance
    a writer or artist who sells services to different employers without a long-term contract with any of them
  67. gooey
    soft and sticky
  68. rec room
    a room equipped for informal entertaining
  69. trademark
    a registered symbol identifying a product's manufacturer
  70. incision
    the cutting of or into body tissues or organs
  71. percolate
    cause to pass through a permeable substance
  72. unbeknownst
    occurring or existing without the knowledge of
  73. optimistic
    hopeful that the best will happen in the future
  74. apprehensive
    in fear or dread of possible evil or harm
  75. plop
    drop something with a plopping sound
  76. manoeuvre
    a military training exercise
  77. strew
    spread by scattering
  78. pebble
    a small smooth rounded rock
  79. stammer
    speak haltingly
  80. halting
    proceeding in a fragmentary, hesitant, or ineffective way
  81. coterie
    an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
  82. feverish
    marked by intense agitation or emotion
  83. sagging
    hanging down (as from exhaustion or weakness)
  84. flop
    fall loosely
  85. wheezing
    relating to breathing with a whistling sound
  86. mull
    reflect deeply on a subject
  87. hazel
    Australian tree grown especially for ornament and its fine-grained wood and bearing edible nuts
  88. remission
    an abatement in intensity or degree
  89. bay
    an indentation of a shoreline smaller than a gulf
  90. rip
    tear or be torn violently
  91. tingle
    cause a stinging or prickling sensation
  92. dwindle
    become smaller or lose substance
  93. remunerate
    make payment to; compensate
  94. thudding
    not clear and resonant
  95. grim
    harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance
  96. gutter
    a channel along a roof that carries away rainwater
  97. fret
    be agitated or irritated
  98. lilt
    a jaunty rhythm in music or speech
  99. befriend
    become friends with
  100. radical
    far beyond the norm
  101. hotbed
    a situation that is ideal for rapid development
  102. deferment
    act of putting off to a future time
  103. levitate
    cause to rise in the air and float
  104. drastically
    in a drastic manner
  105. drastic
    forceful and extreme and rigorous
  106. deplete
    use up, as resources or materials
  107. inconsequential
    lacking worth or importance
  108. railing
    a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports
  109. stagnate
    stand still
  110. aphorism
    a short pithy instructive saying
  111. pithy
    concise and full of meaning
  112. traipse
    walk or tramp about
  113. snuff
    inhale audibly through the nose
  114. rhetoric
    study of the technique for using language effectively
  115. morgue
    a building or room where dead bodies are kept before burial
  116. optic
    of or relating to or resembling the eye
  117. clatter
    a rattling noise
  118. fling
    throw with force or recklessness
  119. ether
    compound with an oxygen atom linking two hydrocarbon groups
  120. tusk
    a long pointed tooth specialized for fighting or digging
  121. sprig
    a small branch or stem, usually with leaves or flowers
  122. lavender
    an aromatic shrub with usually mauve or blue flowers
  123. unearth
    recover through digging
  124. retaliation
    action taken in return for an injury or offense
  125. precarious
    not secure; beset with difficulties
  126. harness
    an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal
  127. cream
    toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
  128. rag
    a small piece of cloth or paper
  129. curfew
    an order that after a certain time activities are prohibited
  130. frantic
    marked by uncontrolled excitement or emotion
  131. dissent
    a difference of opinion
  132. loom
    a textile machine for weaving yarn into a textile
  133. sedentary
    requiring sitting or little activity
  134. squat
    sit on one's heels
  135. rattle
    make a series of short, loud sounds
  136. skirt
    pass around or about; move along the border
  137. taunt
    harass with persistent criticism or carping
  138. sane
    mentally healthy; free from mental disorder
  139. waver
    pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
  140. endangered
    in imminent threat of extinction
  141. ledge
    a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
  142. intricate
    having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
  143. antiphonal
    containing or using responses; alternating
  144. drizzle
    very light rain
  145. mist
    a thin fog with condensation near the ground
  146. falter
    move hesitatingly, as if about to give way
  147. obscene
    offensive to the mind
  148. pivot
    turn on an axis
  149. kettle
    a metal pot with a lid for stewing or boiling
  150. oriental
    denoting or characteristic of countries of Asia
  151. flare
    a burst of light used to communicate or illuminate
  152. clench
    squeeze together tightly
  153. porous
    full of holes
  154. shawl
    a garment used to cover the shoulders or head
  155. smudge
    make a smear on or soil by smearing
  156. intricacy
    the quality of having elaborately complex detail
  157. purr
    a low vibrating sound typical of a contented cat
  158. periphery
    the outside boundary or surface of something
  159. arrack
    any of various strong liquors distilled from the fermented sap of toddy palms or from fermented molasses
  160. strut
    walk in a proud, confident way
  161. retrospect
    contemplation of things past
  162. contemplation
    a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
  163. maul
    injure badly
  164. pieta
    a representation of the Virgin Mary mourning over the dead body of Jesus
  165. monsoon
    a seasonal wind in southern Asia
  166. burrow
    a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter
  167. quilted
    made of two layers of fabric with padding in between
  168. hiss
    make a sharp, elongated "s" sound
  169. hissing
    a fricative sound
  170. fricative
    a continuant consonant produced by breath moving against a narrowing of the vocal tract
  171. ledge
    a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
  172. spectacle
    something or someone seen, especially a notable sight
  173. seam
    joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces
  174. lidded
    having or covered with a lid or lids
  175. trestle
    a supporting tower used to support a bridge
  176. spectre
    a ghostly appearing figure
  177. retaliation
    action taken in return for an injury or offense
  178. scarred
    blemished by injury or rough wear
  179. pummel
    strike, usually with the fist
  180. recoil
    spring back; spring away from an impact
  181. jerk
    a sudden abrupt pull
  182. shredded
    prepared by cutting
  183. scuttle
    move about or proceed hurriedly
  184. quaint
    attractively old-fashioned
  185. encroach
    advance beyond the usual limit
  186. stoop
    bend one's back forward from the waist on down
  187. waft
    a long flag; often tapering
  188. mothball
    a small sphere of camphor or naphthalene used to keep moths away from stored clothing
  189. whiff
    a short light gust of air
  190. antique
    made in or typical of earlier times and valued for its age
  191. pollen
    fine spores produced by flowers to fertilize other flowers
  192. hover
    hang in the air; fly or be suspended above
  193. skitter
    move about or proceed hurriedly
  194. scalp
    the skin that covers the top of the head
  195. suffuse
    cause to spread or flush or flood through, over, or across
  196. rattle
    make a series of short, loud sounds
  197. shudder
    tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement
  198. whine
    a complaint uttered in a plaintive way
  199. kettle
    a metal pot with a lid for stewing or boiling
  200. wispy
    thin and weak
  201. decipher
    convert something hidden or secretive into ordinary language
  202. murky
    cloudy, dirty, and difficult to see through
  203. nudge
    push against gently
  204. blizzard
    a weather event with widespread snowfall and strong winds
  205. prawn
    shrimp-like crustacean often used as food
  206. shudder
    tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement
  207. prop
    a support placed beneath or against something to hold it up
  208. seep
    pass gradually or leak or as if through small openings
  209. descent
    a movement downward
  210. constellation
    a configuration of stars as seen from the earth
  211. matte
    not reflecting light; not glossy
  212. riff
    a jazz ostinato
  213. calve
    birth
  214. corral
    collect or gather
  215. stash
    save up as for future use
  216. limp
    walk unevenly due to pain, injury, or weakness
  217. collarbone
    bone linking the scapula and sternum
  218. coo
    the sound made by a pigeon
  219. panoramic
    as from an altitude or distance
  220. mangrove
    a tree that grows in salty, tropical water near the coast
  221. lapping
    covering with a design in which one element covers a part of another (as with tiles or shingles)
  222. hauling
    the activity of transporting goods by truck
  223. sob
    weep convulsively
  224. convulsive
    affected by involuntary jerky muscular contractions
  225. jab
    poke or thrust abruptly
  226. hogg
    a sheep up to the age of one year; one yet to be sheared
  227. hog
    domestic swine
  228. stucco
    a plaster now made mostly from Portland cement and sand and lime; applied while soft to cover exterior walls or surfaces
  229. ruby
    a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
  230. enthuse
    utter with enthusiasm
  231. tether
    restraint consisting of a rope or chain
  232. bulgy
    curving outward
  233. sequin
    a small disk of shiny material used to decorate clothing
  234. wad
    a small mass of soft material
  235. rosary
    a series of prayers counted using a string of beads
  236. bead
    a small ball with a hole through the middle
  237. bristle
    react in an offended or angry manner
  238. rut
    a groove or furrow
  239. foray
    a sudden short attack
  240. ringlet
    a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles
  241. assort
    arrange or order by classes or categories
  242. rumpled
    in disarray; extremely disorderly
  243. immortalize
    make famous forever
  244. hyena
    a doglike African and southern Asian carnivore
  245. naira
    the basic unit of money in Nigeria
  246. squirm
    move in a twisting or contorted motion
  247. wont
    an established custom
  248. snort
    a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt
  249. autopsy
    an examination and dissection of a dead body
  250. insomnia
    an inability to sleep
  251. chinook
    large Pacific salmon valued as food
  252. frown
    a facial expression of dislike or displeasure
  253. monetary
    relating to or involving money
  254. unfurl
    unroll, unfold, or spread out
  255. furl
    form into a cylinder by rolling
  256. emanate
    give out, as breath or an odor
  257. alleyway
    a narrow street with walls on both sides
  258. muffler
    a tubular acoustic device inserted in the exhaust system that is designed to reduce noise
  259. stalk
    the act of following prey stealthily
  260. prospect
    the possibility of future success
  261. knead
    use the hands to mix and work something into a uniform mass
  262. plod
    walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud
  263. awl
    a pointed tool for marking surfaces or for punching holes
  264. solder
    join or fuse with an alloy
  265. seam
    joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces
  266. hone
    sharpen with a whetstone
  267. deft
    skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands
  268. carburetor
    the part of a combustion engine that mixes air with gasoline
  269. penmanship
    beautiful handwriting
  270. morose
    showing a brooding ill humor
  271. unmolested
    not interfered with, disturbed, or harmed
  272. influx
    the process of flowing in
  273. muggy
    hot or warm and humid
  274. waft
    a long flag; often tapering
  275. nibble
    bite off very small pieces
  276. sheer
    so thin as to transmit light
  277. trawler
    a fishing boat that drags a net to catch fish
  278. snick
    cut slightly, with a razor
  279. gullible
    naive and easily deceived or tricked
  280. prosecute
    conduct legal proceedings against a defendant
  281. meddle
    intrude in other people's affairs or business
  282. akin
    related by blood
  283. swatter
    an implement with a flat part and a long handle
  284. sputter
    spit up in an explosive manner
  285. syndicate
    an association of companies for some definite purpose
  286. raid
    a sudden short attack
  287. nab
    take into custody
  288. lull
    make calm or still
  289. whack
    the act of hitting vigorously
  290. hoover
    clean with a vacuum cleaner
  291. gallop
    a fast gait of a horse
  292. gait
    an animal's manner of moving
  293. commemorate
    call to remembrance
  294. pageantry
    a rich and spectacular ceremony
  295. durbar
    the room in the palace of a native prince of India in which audiences and receptions occur
  296. turban
    a headdress made of a long scarf wrapped around the head
  297. quilted
    made of two layers of fabric with padding in between
  298. quilt
    bedding made of layers stuffed and stitched together
  299. falcon
    a diurnal bird of prey
  300. accolade
    a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
  301. languid
    lacking spirit or liveliness
  302. snorting
    an act of forcible exhalation
  303. mettle
    the courage to carry on
  304. emir
    an independent ruler or chieftain
  305. lance
    a long pointed rod used as a weapon
  306. indigo
    deciduous subshrub of southeastern Asia having pinnate leaves and clusters of red or purple flowers; a source of indigo dye
  307. swath
    a path or strip (also figurative)
  308. omen
    a sign of a thing about to happen
  309. threadbare
    thin and tattered with age
  310. clan
    group of people related by blood or marriage
  311. buckle
    fastener that fastens together two ends of a belt or strap
  312. forge
    make a copy of with the intent to deceive
  313. surname
    the name used to identify the members of a family
  314. penury
    a state of extreme poverty or destitution
  315. waif
    a homeless child especially one forsaken or orphaned
  316. peril
    a state of danger involving risk
  317. fraught
    filled with or attended with
  318. deportee
    a person who is sent away from home or country by authority
  319. insinuate
    suggest in an indirect or covert way; give to understand
Created on Tue Mar 26 17:46:34 EDT 2013 (updated Mon May 13 13:22:31 EDT 2013)

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