Vampire history

Anonymous
20 words 4 learners

Learn words with Flashcards and other activities

Definition First
Print Flashcards

Other learning activities

Answer a few questions about each word. Use this to prep for your next quiz! Compete with other teams in real time to see who answers the most questions correctly! Test your spelling acumen. Read the definition, listen to the word and try spelling it!

Teaching tools

Create and assign quizzes to your students to test their vocabulary. Assign learning activities including Practice, Vocabulary Jams and Spelling Bees to your students, and monitor their progress in real-time.

Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. porphyria
    a genetic abnormality of metabolism causing abdominal pains and mental confusion
    One of the most plausible explanations for vampire myths is the disease porphyria, which occurred frequently in Transylvania.
  2. vampire
    a corpse rising at night to drink the blood of the living
    Vampires and vampire legend play significant roles in the cultures of many areas around the world.
  3. Romanian
    of or relating to or characteristic of the country of Romania or its people or languages
    The most well-known versions of vampire myth are those of the Slavic and Romanian cultures, which, due to their proximity, are surprisingly similar.
  4. hypersensitivity
    extreme sensitivity
    Another explanation for this legend is the disease rabies, as it leads to hypersensitivity, unusual sleep patterns, and intense sexuality.
  5. rabies
    an acute viral disease transmitted by animal bites
    Another explanation for this legend is the disease rabies, as it leads to hypersensitivity, unusual sleep patterns, and intense sexuality.
  6. Slavic
    of or relating to Slavic languages
    The most well-known versions of vampire myth are those of the Slavic and Romanian cultures, which, due to their proximity, are surprisingly similar.
  7. Sumer
    an area in the southern region of Babylonia in present-day Iraq; site of the Sumerian civilization of city-states that flowered during the third millennium BC
    The Akhkharu were blood-sucking demons, written about back in the time of Sumer.
  8. myth
    a traditional story serving to explain a world view
    One of the most plausible explanations for vampire myths is the disease porphyria, which occurred frequently in Transylvania.
  9. blood cell
    either of two types of cells (erythrocytes and leukocytes) and sometimes including platelets
    Porphyria is a blood-related condition where a vital function of blood cells is lost.
  10. anemia
    a deficiency of red blood cells
    This condition also explains the practice of drinking blood, as these people would likely drink animal blood as a cure for the anemia associated with porphyria.
  11. legend
    a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
    Vampires and vampire legend play significant roles in the cultures of many areas around the world.
  12. amplify
    increase the volume of
    The effects of porphyria are greatly amplified upon exposure to the sun, making sun light a likely threat victims would try to avoid at all costs.
  13. folklore
    the unwritten stories and proverbs and songs of a culture
    From the earliest of times, vampire like beings have been prominent in folklore from several different cultures.
  14. compulsion
    using force to cause something to occur
    Rabies is also associated with the compulsion to bite others, and a bloody foaming at the mouth.
  15. insanity
    relatively permanent disorder of the mind
    It is also believed that certain strains of porphyria are associated with neurological conditions, which would result in insanity.
  16. disease
    an impairment of health
    One of the most plausible explanations for vampire myths is the disease porphyria, which occurred frequently in Transylvania.
  17. demon
    an evil supernatural being
    The Akhkharu were blood-sucking demons, written about back in the time of Sumer.
  18. goddess
    a female deity
    Even ancient Egyptian lore had a story where the goddess Sakhmet was consumed with bloodlust.
  19. rapid
    characterized by speed
    This results in rapid tissue damage, giving the victim a ghastly pallor and enlarged teeth due to gum damage.
  20. understanding
    the condition of someone who knows and comprehends
    The first step in understanding vampire lore is to understand some of the biological reasons that may have led to such beliefs.
Created on Mon Dec 13 10:31:34 EST 2010

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.