Buortau's Dictionary

Home

About

Contact Info

Dictionary

Resume

Sign My Guestbook

abashed- confused; embarrassed
abated- reduced, to put end to, to stop
abdicate- to give up throne. After a series of revolts in 1911, the Nationalists seized power, forcing the emperor to abdicate.
abhor (vb)- to strongly hate/dislike. I abhor racism, I think it is disgusting.
abject- humiliating; disheartening
abrasion (n)- a scrape on the skin
abruptly (adv)- suddenly
Absolute dating- a type of cultural dating when Archaeologists decide the age, in years, of an object
absorb- the ability of a solid surface to assimilate gas, vapor, or dissolved matter
acceleration- change in velocity
access- means of entering; right to enter
accommodation (n)- a room and food in hotels, ships, trains, and so on
accumulative poison- toxic materials that’re stored in body & not readily absorbed or excreted. Their levels increase with continued exposure & produce symptoms of chronic or acute toxicity depending on substance. Lead lessens development of children being smart or intellegent at very low doses. Before it’s removed from paints as pigment, small children might ingest tiny bits of paint containing lead & become slowly poisoned
accustomed- familiarized by use
ace- playing card
acid- material that donates hydrogen ions in a reaction. Acids taste sour & are usually very corrosive.
acne- pimples; blackheads
acrophobia- fear of high places
Active voice - verb is in active voice when subject is doing the action in sentence.
acupuncture- practice of inserting needles at specific points on the body to cure diseases or to ease pain. They use breathing exercises, massage, or acupuncture.
AD- Paid advertisement
addles- confuse
adept (n)- a highly skilled or well-trained individual; expert
administrator- a manager; one who directs a government or organization. We have a great administrator.
ADVANCE- Story about a coming event.
aesthetic (adj)- of or relating to beauty and what is beautiful
affable- pleasant; courteous
afterlife- according to some beliefs, life which follows after death
agenda setting- the role of the media how they influence what people consider important
aghast- shocked
agony- feel pain, strive painfully
agoraphobia- fear of open spaces
air resistance- opposing force caused by air
akin- alike; similar; related by blood
albeit- although
alliteration- repeated consonant sounds occuring at the beginning of words, like a tongue twister
alma mater- fostering mother, school/college/university in which one has studied at, and usually, one has graduated at.
alopecia (n)- loss of hair, wool, or feathers: baldness. When Dr. Brown told Erwin he knew of an experimental treatment for his "progressive alopecia," Erwin replied, "That's nice, Doc, but what can you do about my balding head!"
Alternative family- family consisting of individuals who live together for economic, political, or religious reasons
Amazon (n)- 1. A member of a nation of women warriors commonly accepted to have lived in Scythia. 2. A tall, aggressive, strongwilled woman. The Greeks tell stories about the Amazon women.
amble- walk slowly and easily
amplifier- increaser; elaborator; expander
anarchy- lawlessness. By the mid-1980s, Lebadon was in a state of anarchy.
androgynous- having characteristics of both sex
anesthetics- substance causing loss of pain, feeling, etc…
ANGLE- A specific point of view applied to a story.
anguish (adj)- extreme pain or distress; filled with pain, mental or physical; extremely upset. The mother had extreme pain and anguish when her son was killed. anguished
anomaly- something abnormal; irregularly
antagonist- character in story who causes complications for protagonist, usually the villain. One who protagonist struggles against
antagonize (vb)- to provoke into hostility/to annoy/to bother. “Quit antagonizing your brother!” screamed my mom.
anthropomorphized- attributed human form or qualities to gods, animals, and things.
AP- Abbreviation of Associated Press, a co-operative, nonprofit news gathering service.
apathy- indifference; no interest
apikorsim- believer or skeptic; one who does not adhere to Jewish religious belief or practice
appalled- put in a state of horror & fear
apparition- unusual or unexpected sight
apprehensive- to understand
apprentice- to bind to learning experience by contract agreement. Someone in training to learn to trade
aquaphobia- fear of water
aqueduct- bridgelike structure built to carry water from distant source
aquifer- water bearer. Earth materials that contain groundwater & through which ground water may flow freely. Some examples of these include sand, porous sandstone & gravel. Aquifers vary widely in their ability to hold water & speed at which water flows through them.
Arachnid (n)- Any of various insects of the class Arachnida, such as spiders, scorpions, mites, ticks, characterized by four pairs of segmented legs and a body that is divided into two regions, the cephalothorax and the abdomen. Would you be afraid if you saw an arachnid?
Archaeology- a systematic recovery and study of tools, graves, buildings, pottery, and other remains of past human life and culture
archipelago- any large body of water with any islands
arduous- difficult; steep
aristocratic (n)- wealthy, privileged people
armament- arms, utensils, military or naval equipment weapons, equipment
articulate (adj)- to speak distinctly or very clearly/to be well spoken. The speaker was very articulate.
artifacts- objects made by humans that is of archaeological or historical interest
Artificial boundaries- Man and Woman’s needs (states, yards, etc...)/disagreements
artisan- a worker who is skilled in making a particular product by hand. An artisan is probably paid a lot.
asphalt (n)- black substance used for pavement
assassinate- to murder someone, especially for political reasons
assess- evaluate
assimilationist- one who adopts practice of prevailing culture
assuage- to lessen intensity of something that pains or distresses
astounding- amazing
astraphobia- fear of lightning
astronomer- a scientist who observes and studies the universe beyond the earth, including the moon, planets, and stars and their motions
Astronomical Unit- the average distance from the Sun to the Earth (A.U).
athesism- denies the existence of God
atrocious- wicked; cruel; very bad
audacity (n) audacious (adj)- the nerve, crazy idea, or boldness of someone
audition (n)- a test of skill or ability, usually of musician or actor; a tryout
aura- subtle quality or atmosphere surrounding a person or thing
auspices- kind support and guidance
austere (adj)- strict/severe. The austere look my mother gave me when I was misbehaving was as cold as ice.
australopithecines- oldest group of Ancestors. For example, Lucy the skeleton belongs to it.
authentically- worthy of trusting or believing to an idea; trustworthy; unimaginable
autonomous region- a political unit with limited self-government
averted- turned away; prevented
avow (v)- to declare openly; admit
ayatollahs- conservative religious leaders in Iran. Ayatollahs thought Iran should be governed in strict obedience to Islamic law.

balderdash (n)- nonsense. “That is absolutely ridiculous, it’s complete balderdash.”
band- a group of people; a small loosely organized group of hunter-gatherers, consisting of twenty to thirty individuals
barbarian- in ancient Rome, person from far from Roman frontier; person considered by another group to be uncivilized
barbed wire- sharp wire
bar mitzvah- ceremony marking initiation of 13-year-old boy into adulthood and Jewish religious community
barracoon- enclosure or barracks formerly used for temporary confinement of slaves or convicts
barrage (n)- gunfire; burst; hail; blast; shower
barter(n)- a system of trading that people exchange goods or services directly, without the use of money
bartered(vb)- traded by exchanging goods without using money
base- substance that accepts hydrogen ions in a reaction. Bases taste bitter & are usually corrosive.
basin (n)- round shallow bowl for holding liquids
bathetic (adj)- 1. extremely commonplace or trite 2. characterized by insincere or overdone pathos: excessively sentimental
bay- part of the ocean or lake extending into the land
baying- a deep, prolonged howl, as of a hound on the scent
beagles- small hounds with smooth hair, short legs, and drooping ears, bred for hunting small game
BEAT- A reporter’s regular route of news sources.
beckon (v)- to summon or call someone, usually by a gesture or nod
befog (vb)- to confuse/to obscure. The brain teaser puzzle befogged me.
begrimed- to make dirty with soil
begrudge- be jealous of somebody; not willing to give something
benefit- something that helps to improve situation; advantage
berft- lacking something needed/wanted
besot- to make dull or stupid
bewilderment- confusion
Biodegradable (adj)- Capable of being decomposed into simpler molecules by natural decay organisms, bacteria & fungi, by biological agents like bacteria. Ideally, biodegradable material reverts to carbon dioxide, ammonia, methane & simple salts. Paper is biodegradable.
blissfully (adv)- showing supreme happiness or joy
bloated- swelled; puffed up
BODY- All paragraphs after the lead paragraph which contain the details and descriptions.
bollweevil- grayish weevil, ~ ¼ inch long, which infests cotton plant & feeds on squares & bolls both as larva & adult
Bonjour- French: Good day
boozed- to drink intoxicating liquor to excess
bore- to head in certain direction
bough- tree branch
Bowery- the run-down area of New York City. I should go hang out on the Bowery.
briers- a thorny plant/twigs
brocade- expensive fabric with a pattern into it
brusque (brusk)- abrupt
BTU- British Thermal Unit- amount of heat required to raise 1Ib of water 1 degree Fahrenheit. It’s equivalent to .252 kilocalories/1055 joules.
buffer- protective zone. Mongolia fringes China’s northern border forming a buffer between Russia and China.
burden- load; responsibility

cajoling- persuading by pleasant words or false promises
camaraderie- spirit of friendly good fellowship
canine (n)- dog
cantonment- the place where soldiers were lodged
canyon- a narrow, deep valley with steep sides
capillary- having small walled tube
Cape- a piece of land jutting into the sea or some other large body of water
capture- a situation in which a regulated industry exercises substantial influence on the government agency regulating it
caress- tender touch or embrace
carronade- obsolete light iron cannon, old fashion gun
cartographer- a mapmaker
castigated- disapproved severely
cataract- steep rapids in river; very large, powerful waterfall
catechism classes (n)- formal classes in religious instruction
cavalier (adj)- haughty/“I’m too good” attitude/snobby/stuck up. The millionaire’s son was very cavalier.
cease- capture
centipede- an insect having many legs
centrifugal force (n)- force that tends to move a rotating object away from the center of rotation.
cephalothorax (n)- the original part of the body in certain arachnids and sea shells consisting of united head and chest
chagrinned (adj)- embarrassment of hummiliation; disappointed; ashamed; uneasiness
chandlers- maker or seller of tallow or waxed candles and usually soap
chaos- total or complete disorder (sickness or confusion)
characterization- technique a writer uses to help reader become acquainted with person in story
chasm- difference; separation
chauffeur- paid driver of vehicle
chide- scold; reprove mildly
city-state- a self-governing unit made up of a city and its surrounding and farmland. I think Singapore is a city-state.
Civil Liberties- freedoms found primarily in the Bill of Rights that are protected from government interference
clamor- loud, continuous noise
clarity- clearness
Classic Archaeology- old Archaeology when Archaeologists would find spectacular Artifacts and earn lots of money for them
claustrophobia- fear of confined spaces
cliff- the steep, almost vertical, edge of a hill, mountain, or plain
climate- the average weather conditions in an area over a long period of time, especially temperature, precipitation, and wind
climax- point of greatest emotional impact in story/drama. The action of solving the problem
clique- exclusive group of people
clod- stupid, clumsy person; oaf
cloture- a vote to end a filibuster or debate; requires the votes of 3/5 of membership of Senate.
code- an organized set of laws or rules. We made a code.
Cold War- the period of tense relations between the United States and the Soviet Union from the late 1940s to late 1980s.
colloquial- very pleasing, attractive
comedy- a humorous play with a happy ending
comformity- to do whatever everyone is doing
commingled- mixed together. Often recyclables are commingled. They may contain glass, plastics & metals. These commingled materials must be separated before they may be processed. Commingled plastics present greatest challenge to recovery due to difficulty in identifying them.
commiserated- felt sorry for; condole
compel- drive or urge with force
competitive (adj)- relating to competition among businesses, groups, or individual
compliant- ready or disposed to be ceremoniously courteous
complication- the problem of the story
composting- controlled biological decomposition of organic solid wastes under aerobic, in presence of oxygen, conditions. Organic materials are transformed into soil amendments such as humans & mulch.
conceal- to hide
concede- admit as true
concertos- musical compositions for one or more solo instruments and orchestra
concussion- stunning; damaging or shattering effect from hard blow; esp., jarring injury of brain resulting in disturbance of cerebral function/a strong shaking
condolences- agreement & understanding; sympathy
conductor- something that electric current could pass through
congenial- compatible, agreeable, suited in spirit, etc…
conjured (v)- to entreat solemnly; to affect magically
consolation- comfort; solace; alleviation of grief
conspicuous (adj)- attracting attention or noticeable
Constellation (n)- an arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure or design, especially one of eighty-eight recognized groups named after characters from classical mythology and various common animals and objects. They looked at the stars and tried to see a constellation.
containment- the policy of resisting expansion of the Soviet Union's influence by dipomatic, economic, and military means.
contankerous (adj)- quarrelsome, grumpy, & irratable. That man is very contankerous; I bent his fence and he strangled me.
contemplating- considering; looking steadily at
contemptuously- disdain; scorn; willful disobedience, disrespect
contraband- goods unlawful to import or export
contrary- something opposite
conversion- person who changes or adopts to new religion
conviction (n)- strong persuation/belief
convulse- to shake violently; agitate
coon- (adj)good/(n)raccoon
coonskin- raccoon skin
coquettish (adj) coquettry (n)- flurty/flurtacious. The seventh grade girls are very coquettish with the boys.
corporate (adj)- formed into an association with rights and liabilities endowed by law
corrosive- substance that may dissolve metals, ruin clothing, or burn skin. Strong acids & bases are corrosive.
Cossacks- Polish soldiers who, under the leadership of Chmielnicki, annihilated hundreds of Jewish communities in 1648, killing hundreds of thousands of people
coup- successful stroke
covert- sheltered; hidden
cower (v)- to crouch or shrink down in fear
crammed- tightly packed
cringing (v)- drawing back when afraid; cowering
cross section- special kind of diagram that shows how the inside of a hand made object: looks, what it’s made of, and how it works. It could also be especially helpful for understanding how something works
cross-stitch and French knots on samplers- two kinds of fancy stitches on hand-decorated cloths
crude- messy
crumple- press out of shape; collapse
crux- the most important point
cultivated (adj)- planted or prepared for planting, as opposed to wild
Cultural dating- a method Archaeologists use to find out how old an artifact might be by comparing objects Archaeologists find with the objects they already have
cuneiform- wedge shaped characters made with a reed stylus and used in writing several ancient languages. I can’t write in cuneiform.
cunning- skill/slighness
current- number of electrons flowing through wire
current electricity- electricity with electrons moving through wire, which produces through generator/isolated electricity
cuss- swear
cynical- quality or state of denying others’ goodness and motives
cynophobia- fear of dogs

damask- firm lustrous fabric, made with flat pattern, in satin weave on plain-woven ground on jacquard looms.
dealignment- a gradual reduction in the dominance of one political party without another party supplanting it
debonair (adj)- mannerly/politely. The prince was very debonair and handsome.
debt bondage- in ancient Rome, condition that poor person became unpaid servant to rich person to whom he owed money. (If someone owed one money, the person owing money would have to be the other’s slave until he could afford debt)
decapitation- when head is completely cut off
decrepit (adj)- broken down with age or worn out. When we drove through the ghost town, most of the buildings were decrepit.
defect- fault; error; cause for blame; character weakness
deference- submission or yielding; regard; respect; honor; obedience
deficient (adj)- lacking of something that is necessary. The old woman was deficient in calcium.
deforestation- cut down & clear away trees in forests
deft- skillful
degradable material- material capable of decomposition through biological, chemical, or physical processes
dejected- disheartened; discouraged; hampered or stopped with predictions of failure, disapproval, etc...
deliberate (v)- to carefully think about/consider. The judges deliberated for an hour about what score to give me.
deliberate (adj)- carefully considered or done
delinquent- rule breaker
delisted- taken off list of hazardous materials. The material can be disposed in less restricted types of landfills or used as base for roads or as ingredient in certain aggregate materials.
dellrious- unusual behavior
delta- a triangular area formed by deposits of soil at the mouth of the river
demarcation (n)- separation; boundary
democracy- a system of government that people rule, either directly or through elected representatives; will of the people by the people; self-government by the many as opposed to few on one.
Dendrochronology- oldest form of Scientific dating or tree ring counting, when Archaeologists compare tree ring patterns from many trees and place together a master pattern that covers a period of many hundreds of years. It is based on the fact that a tree grows a new ring every year.
depot- a railroad station
Depression- a severe and persistent drop in economic activitiy where businesses curtail, unemployment rises, and markete prices fall to severe low levels
de rigueur- prescribed or required by fashion, etiquette, or custom; proper
desalination- the necessary and expensive process of when the countries on the Arabian Peninsula spent billions of dollars to create more of their scarcest resource-water. Industrial plants were constructed to remove the salt from sea water so that it could be used for drinking and irrigation.
descend (vb)- to move from a high distance to a lower distance
desert- a dry area of land where few plants grow
despair- loss of hope
desperately (adv)- acting in a manner that shows extreme need or hopelessness; having no hope
detention (n)- punishment of being held against one’s will, as in having to stay after school
devotion- dedication
devout (adj)- devoted to something. She is a devout Jew, she goes to temple twice a week.
dexterity (n)- grace (beauty)........in physical activity. Michelle Kwan has great dexterity when skating on the ice.
diatribes- violent attack in speech/writing; ironical criticism
dictator- ruler with absolute power
diffusion- a spread of ideas, values, and inventions from one culture to another
dignitary (n)- person of high position or honor.
digress- depart temporarily from the main purpose of a subject. N-digression
dilapidated (adj)- ruined, decayed, run-down, old, crumbly, fallen-in
dilemma- difficult choice
dingy (adj)- somewhat dark and unclean; shabby
dioxin- organic molecules that are highly carcinogenic. Impurities found in petroleum, herbicides, and from products of incomplete combustion.
dire- dreadful; awful
direct democracy- a form of political decision-making in which the public business is decided by all citizens meeting in small assemblies
disabled (n)- people with an illness or physical handicap that limits their activities
disclose (vb)- to tell or reveal. The F.B.I. could not disclose the information.
disdain- scorn
disgrace- body characters
disingenuously- giving false appearance of simple frankness
dispersed- broken up; distributed; scattered
displace (v)- to move or shift from the usual place or position.
dissension (n)- disagreement/conflict. There was a dissension between the president and congress.
Dissipate (vb)- 1. to drive away; disperse. 2. to spend/expend intemporately/wastefully, squander. 3. to use up, especially recklessly, exhaust. As we dissipate our resources, we are not aware of the consequences.
distraught- troubled; agitated
divine- pertaining to God; colloquial
doggedly- marked by stubborn determination
domain- complete and absolute ownership of land
domesticate- tame
domiciles- dwelling place; home
don- to put on clothing
double cropping- growing more than one crop a year on the same land. In some areas, farmers practice double cropping.
doused- to splash or pour water
dove (n)- domesticated pigeon or activist for peace
drab- dull; cheerless
drag the pond- pull a net over the bottom to find the body of a drowning victim
drawl (v)- to speak in slow manner, stretching vowel sounds
dreaded (v)- feared
drip irrigation- a scientific method, which the Israelis have invented, for growing crops in desert soil, which preserves precious water resourses by letting precise amounts of water drip onto plants from pipes.
dubiously (adv)- skeptically; disbelieving; doubtful
due process clause- section of the 14th amendment that prohibits states from depriving anyone of life, liberty, or property "without due process of law"; a guarantee against unfair government action
dynasty- series of rulers from the same family

eavesdrop- listen secretly
ecstacy- over powering joy
edict- command given by important person
editorials- article giving staff statement of opinion
efface (vb)- to erase/to destroy. I must efface the disc with incriminating evidence on it.
elastic clause- Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution, also called necessary and proper clause; gives Congress the authority to make whatever laws are necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated responsibilities
elated- filled with joy; cheered up; made happy
elective (n)- a school subject or course chosen by the student rather than assigned
electric power- measure of rate at which electricity does work or provides energy
elegant- tastefully fine; gracefully refined; superior in quality
elevate- raise
elfish- high check bones and pointed chin, small, animal sharp teeth, and ears like lynx
elicit- draw or bring out
elite- in ancient Rome, upper class
elongated- lengthed; stretched out
elucidate (vb)- to explain further; to make clear; explain very thoroughly; to greatly detail
elude (v)- to escape/get away from/avoid perception, understanding/grasp by being sly, or quick
emancipate- to release from one’s hand, to free
embalm- to prevent decay of dead body by treating it with preservatives
embargo- a severe restriction on trade with other countries. An embargo was imposed on Iraq by the UN.
embellished- made beautiful
ember- glowing fragment from fire especially, one smoldering in ashes
Empathy (n)- identification with and understanding of another’s situation, feelings, and motives
endow (v)- 1. to provide with a permanent fund or source of income. 2. to furnish; as with some gift, faculty or quality; equip
engulf (v)- to swallow up; to overwhelm; to submerge
envy- desire for another’s possessions, looks, popularity; jealous
ephemeral- transitory; short-lived
epic- a long poem in dignified language that tells the story of a hero. I’ve read an epic.
empire- a nation and the other nations it has conquered; a political unit often made up of several nations under one leadership
endure (v)- to withstand; put up with; tolerate
ephor- lots of elected officials who supervised the kings of ancient Sparta
epitaph (n)- inscription on gravestone. The gravestone was so old, you could barely read the epitaph.
epoxy- a substance used to make glue or a tough coating
Equal Protection Clause- provides equal protection of laws to citizens of the United States
Equal Rights Amendment- proposed amendment to the United States Constitution stating that equality of rights shall not be abridged or denied on account of the person's gender/sex
Equal Time Provision- the former requirement that television stations give or sell the same amount of time to all competing candidates for public office
eroded- slowly worn away
errand- trip to convey message or do something
ese (e` sa)- Spanish: slang term used when addressing some, as in “Hey, man.”
esoteric- understood by or meant for only a select few; confidential. Adv-esoterically
espy (vb)- to observe, to notice, to see, or to know
eternal (adj)- without beginning or end; never ending; everlasting
ether- liquid used as anesthetic or solvent
evicted (v)- to be forced to move from rented house or apartment. That night, I got evicted.
exacerate (vb)- to make worse or more severe
Excavation- in archaeology, the systematic digging of an area of ground to recover the archaeological record
excommunication- head of organization that takes away person or person’s membership from organization
exemplar (n)- one that is worthy of imitation; a model.
exile- enforced absense from one’s own country. Dala Lama remain as an exile in India.
exodus- mass emigration
exonerate (vb)- to be freed from blame/berdon. He was exonerated when the not guilty verdict was read.
expiate (vb)- 1. to extinguish the guilt incurred by 2. to make amends for
Extended family- family consisting of the nuclear family plus the family of the children when they grow up and marry
extolled- expressed approval of highly
extricated- freed

fabricate (vb)- to make up a false story, usually exaggerating. (to lie). The witness fabricated a story to help the criminal be set free.
fact- Proven Evidence
fairness doctrine- the former requirement that television stations present contrasting points of view
falaj system- an ancient system of underground and surface canals, which carry water from the mountains to villages miles away
Famine (n)- 1. an extreme, wide-reaching food shortage. 2. an extreme shortage. 3. severe hunger; starvation
fanatic- rigorous believer
fatigue- tired/exhausted
feat- act of courage, skill
federalism- a system in which significant governmental powers are divided between central government and smaller units, such as states
fender- guard over wheel of car
ferosity (n)- extreme fierceness; unkindness
fetid-(water) heavy offensive smelly, contaminated or spoiled, water
feverishly (adv)- in a highly emotional or nervous way
fiend- person who uses immoderate quantities of something
filament- very thin piece of metal wire, inside light bulb, which resists flow of electricity within it
filibuster- a parliamentary device used in the Senate to prevent (delay) a bill from coming to a vote by "talking it to death", made possible by norm of unlimited debate
finagling- getting something by lying or cheating
fir- evergreen tree
flair- clever with understanding or talent
flamboyant (adj)- stands out/showy. The purple and bright pink jacket was very flamboyant.
flammable- easily ignited and burning with great rapidity. Can serve as fuel for fire.
flats- smooth/even land
flint & steel- tools used to start fire. Flint is hard rock that when it’s struck on steel, it’ll produce spark
flogged- to beat up, harshly or intensively
floodplain- flat land near the edges of rivers formed by mud and silt deposited by floods
flourished- to thrive/do really well/to wave around
forbear (v)- to control oneself when provoked; to hold back; resist or avoid.
force- push or pull
foreshadowing- suggestion that conflict is going to follow. Gives us hints to future complications/what’s going to happen next
forte (n)- a strong point/talent. Her forte is cooking.
fossils- the remains or imprints of a plant or animal from a past geological age
Franking Privilege- public subsidization of mail from the members of Congress to their constituents
friction- rubbing of two surfaces
fringed (adj)- something extra to
frivolous- not serious; unimportant
fulfillment- accomplishment; performance; satisfaction
fuming- feeling anger
furtively- secretively, sly
fuzz- making something out of nothing

gait- manner of moving; pattern of stepping
gallant- brave
gambol (vb)- to skip about in play: Frisk, Frolic
gawked- to stare stupidly
gematriya- method of interpreting biblical word based on numerical value of its letters in Hebrew alphabet
generator- machine that produces through wire
genre (n)- a type or kind of something. Fiction is a genre of literature.
Gentile- one not of Jewish faith
Genus- the large group to which the species belong to individual species
Geologists- Scientists who study the earth and have learned that at times in our planet’s history, huge sheets of ice and snow called glaciers covered large areas of the earth
gerbils- any group of small rodents with short forelegs and long hind legs, native to desert regions of: Africa, Asia, & eastern Europe. Gerbils are smaller than rats, used in scientific research, and used as pets.
Gerrymandering- redrawing district lines to give an advantage to a particular political party or candidate
gills- side of face/cheek/jaws
gingerly (adverb)- carefully, or lightly. My mother gingerly stroke the baby’s face.
glacier- a huge mass of ice that slowly moves down a mountain or over land
glamorous- quality or state of fascination
gleefully- joyfully; hilarity
glower (v)- to stare in an angry way; scowl
glum (adj)- sad/gloomy/dreary. The sad girl had a glum look on her face.
gnoman- used to figure out the circumference of the earth
goyim- Hebrew word for non-Jews
graffiti (pl)- inscriptions scrawled on an open surface
graft- 1. (v) to transplant by grafting 2. (n) transplanted body tissue
Grandfather Clause- a device that allowed whites who had failed the literacy test to vote anyway by extending the franchise to anyone whose ancestors had voted prior to 1867
grass roots- the constituents, voters, or rand-and-file of a political party
gratitude- gratefulness; thankfulness; appreciativeness
Great Depression- the period of economic crisis in the United States that lasted from the stock market crash of 1929 to America's entry into World War II.
gregarious (adj)- sociable/staying in groups/social. Julie is very gregarious, she attends all the parties & dances.
grief- deep sadness
grievance- complaint; wrong
grope (v)- to touch or feel about in search of something
grotesque- distorted; awkward; unnatural; bizarre
groundwater- water found underneath earth’s surface, contained in aquifers & in underground lakes & rivers
gruff (adj)- rough and husky. She said in her gruff voice, “Don’t give up.”
gulf- a portion of an ocean or sea partly enclosed by land
gully- a ditch/gutter
gurney- wheeled cot or stretcher

Habeas Corpus- the legal doctrine that a person who is arrersted must have a timely hearing before a judge
hallucination- apparent perception; illusion; false impression or beliefs. Adj- hallucinator
halo- aura of glory
halyard- rope or tackel for hoisting or lowering something (as sails)
hammock- swinging couch or bed usually made of netting or canvas and slung by cords from supports at each end.
hapless- luckless
harbinger- forerunner; predecessor; person or thing that goes before others
Hasid- Member of a Jewish sect who follows the religious and social precepts set down in the 17th century
hatred- to hate somebody
haven (n)- a port; a rufuge; a harbor
hazardous waste- wastes that may be harmful to the health of humans or other living things
headquarters (n)- main office; administrative center
heard confession and given absolution- in some religions, action of priest who listens to people tell their violation of rule & then declares their forgiveness.
heap- pile; lot
heaves- rhythmical rise and fall
heavy metals- metals having high molecular weight such as mercury, cadmium, lead, silver & arsenic. This distinguishes them from lighter metals such as aluminum, calcium & others.
hectic- great excitement; turmoil; disturbing
hellish- of, like, or suitable to hell; infernal; vile; horrible
helot- the state slave in ancient Sparta
hence- therefore
heresy- belief contrary to accept doctrine
heron (n)- a bird walking across water
hieroglyphics- Earliest Ancient Egyptian writing system that pictorial symbols stand for words or sounds
History- a record of what happened in the past; the study of the past, including explanations of the events
hogback ridge- a steep hill
hoisted- lift, raise/to lift into position by/as if by means of tackle.
hood- covering/protection for anything
hoof- horny covering encasing end of foot of some mammals
hue- graduation of color
hunter-gatherer- a person who gets food by hunting wild animals and gathering wild plants, roots, nuts, and berries
hypnophobia- fear of sleep

Ice Age- Paleolithic period, millions of years ago
ideograms- pictures or characters representing a thing or an idea. Written Chinese involves the use of ideograms.
ignorant (adj)- another way of saying “I don’t know”/unknowledgeable. The bum was very ignorant about politics.
imbue (v)- to soak with color
immense (adj)- very large; enormous
immensely (adv)- very much; enormously
immerse (v)- to involve oneself completely. I immersed myself in practicing.
immobility- the ability for something to be incapable of moving; fixed; motionless
impede (vb)- to interfere in the process of something/to delay. He impeded upon our vacation by inviting himself along.
impediment- an obstacle to one’s feet; a hindrance
impel- drive or urge forward
impending- about to happen
imperceptibly- extremely slight, gradual, or subtle
impertinent- rude
imploringly- to look upon for supplication
imposter- one who mislead, cheat, under an assumed character or name of another; pretender
impunity (n)- exemption or freedom from punishment, harm, or loss
incineration- burning of wastes under controlled high temperatures & oxygen levels that results in complete combustion of the wastes; not same as burning leaves in backyard or wood in fireplace.
incredulous- unwilling to admit or accept what is offered as true
incrementally- increasingly; gaining
indefinitely (adv)- for an unlimited length of time
indicator- substance that visibly shows a change in the nature of a chemical system
indulged- gave pleasure to; surrendered; gave up; humored
indulging- being satisfied
Industrial Revolution- period of transition from predominantly agricultural to predominantly industrial societies in Western nations in 19th Century
ineptitude- not fitting in; inappropriateness
inevitable (adj)- sure to happen; unavoidable. Competition against friends is inevitable in music.
inexplicably- incapable of being explained or understood
inextricable- that cannot escape; unsolvable
infatuation- inspired with or possess foolish passion
inference- conclusion made by reasoning from known facts
infrastructure- consists of a country’s basic support facilities, including its roads, schools, airports, seaports, and communication systems
infused- inspired
innocuous- inoffensive; harmless; insipid
innuendos- insinuation; hint; allusion
inquisitor- one who asks for information
inscription (n)- a brief message permanently marked or engraved on a surface
inset- a small map that appears within another map and shows some of the same area in greater detail
insidiously- treacherous; unreliable; untrustworthy; risky
insinuate (vb)- to subtly imply. Are you insinuating that I did not come to school Friday because I had a lot of work due?
insipid (adj)- boring, tasteless, uninteresting, or dull. My lecture teacher is so insipid, I always fall asleep during class.
insolent (adj)- verbally disrespectful or rude. She was insolent to the teacher when she talked back to him.
instantaneous (adj)- occuring or completed within an instant
instinct- a natural/innate impulse, inclination/tendency
insulator- something that electric current cannot pass through
insurmountable- incapable of being overcome or prevailed
integrated waste management- practice of disposing of waste that uses several complimentary components, such as source reduction, recycling & reuse, composting, incineration with production of energy, & landfill
interminable- endless
interrogate (vb)- to be questioned repeatedly. The detective interrogated the witness.
intimate- personal; private; familiar
intricate- complicated or complex
intrigue- arouse curiosity of; plot; scheme
introvert (n)- a shy or reserved person. The shy and quiet girl was considered to be introverted.
intruder- one who thrusts itself in without permission or invitation
intuition- perception without reasoning; insight
Iron Triangle- an enduring alliance of common interest among an interest group, a congressional committee, and a bureaucratic agency

jaundice (n)- A condition that causes a yellowish tone of skin. My baby brother was born with jaundice.
jaunty (adj)- lively or perky. Polka is very jaunty music.
jeering (adj)- mocking; rude, taunting jeer(v)
jettison- to throw goods on ship to sea
Jim Crow- popular term for system of legal racial segregation that existed in the American South until the middle of the 20th century
joule- 1 watt second (.000948 BTUs/.239 calories)
Judicial Review- the power of the Supreme Court to declare actions of other branches and levels of government unconstitutional
jut- extend beyond body

Kaballah- books of Jewish mysticism
kenetic energy- energy of motion
kibosh (n)- the end or stop of something. My mom kiboshed the argument between my sister and I.
kitchen midden- a rubbish heap, including artifacts and bones, left in a settlement by people of the past
Knesset- Israel’s democratically elected parliament where Representatives range from ultra-Orthodox Jews to the nonreligious.

lackadaisical (adj)- spiritless
laden- burdened or loaded; filled abundantly
lament (vb)- to mourn/weep or dwell out loud/to be sad over. The widow lamented over her husband’s death.
lanky- ungracefully thin and tall
lavish (adj)- marked by excess or abundance/excessive amount/extraordinary
lavish (vb)- to give abundance
leachate- solution produced by passing a liquid through a solid, often containing chemicals that have dissolved from the solid to the liquid. For example, as water passes through sediments containing iron (III) ions, it will often change color due to the dissolved iron (III) ions. As rainwater passes through landfills & associated sediments, various chemical substances may dissolve in the water & penetrate the aquifer & contaminate groundwater. Decomposing organic materials produce acid solutions in landfills. These acid solutions help dissolve heavy metals making them mobile & potentially able to contaminate groundwater. Acid rain that passes into landfills are also capable of causing this process.
Le bateau est sur l’eau (le ba to` e sur lo)- French: The boat is on the water
leery- suspicious
legend- a story handed down from earlier times; also on maps, an explanation of the symbols
levee- reception held by person of distinction on rising from bed, embankment to prevent flooding.
Liberate (v)- to set free, as from persecution, childbed, or foreign control
liberation (n)- the state of freedom reached after a struggle
light industry- refers to production of small consumer goods such as: clothing appliances, and bicycle
light year- distance light travels in one year
lineman- a person who sets up and maintains telephone or electric power lines
linger (v)- to continue to stay; delay leaving
Literacy Test- a device used by Southern states to prevent African Americans from voting before the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which banned its use; it usually involved interpretation of a section of a state's constitution
lounging- to act/move idly/lazily
lousing- to make mess of
lucid (adj)- clear, intelligible; shining or bright; sane
lucrative- profitable, producing wealth
ludicrous- laughable
lull- a temporary quietness/stillness

macabre- of death; frightening, horrible, disgusting
madras- a light cotton fabric
manacle- handcuff
manager- one who handles business affairs
mandate- 1. land to be governed on behalf of the League of Nations until it was ready for its independence. 2. order or command placed in one’s hand. 3. formal order from national government that states carry out certain policies
manes (n)- long neck hair of some animals, as the horse
maneuver- a training exercise; practice movements (as by hand)
manicure- a treatment for the hands and nails
manifold- have to many parts, forms
manipulate (v)- 1. to influence with the intent to deceive. The lawyer tried to manipulate the jury into an innocent decision. 2. to move something or work with something that you want to do. 3. to skillfully operate by hand.
mantel- place to put things
manu- the Latin root, meaning “Hand”
manual- handbook
manufacture- to make by hand or by machine
manure (n)- animal waste used to fertilize soil; poop
manuscript- a hand-written or typed composition
maritime- on or near sea
market- demand for goods; opportunity to buy or sell
martial law- law that’s administered during periods of strict military control
martyr- person who chooses to die, rather than forfeit religious beliefs
mass- how much matter is in an object
mastectomy- excision or amputation of breast
mater- the Latin and Greek root, meaning “Mother”
maternity- motherhood
matriarch (n)- 1. the female leader of a family or tribe 2. an old and respected woman
matricide- murder of a mother by her child
matrimony- marrying a woman to make her a mother
matrix- the place where mothering occurs; womb
matron (n)- 1. a married woman, especially a mature one with children, or one who has an established social position 2. a woman who has charge of the domestic affairs of a hospital, prison, or other institution 3. a woman serving as a guard, warden, or attendant for women or girls, as in female prison
meek- patient and mild
megaliths- a very large stone used in various prehistoric buildings or monuments
melodrama- sentimental, extravagantly theatrical drama
memento- souvenirs to remember
metabolism (n)- the processes by which a living being uses food to obtain energy, build tissue, and dispose of waste.
metaphor- comparison that’s implied rather than stated. Doesn’t use “like” or “as” in comparison
methane- natural gas, simplest hydrocarbon (CH4). 1 of major products of anaerobic, without oxygen, decomposition landfills produce large amounts of methane that can be mined & used to generate energy. Methane is also produced in secondary treatment of sewage
Metics- foreigners
meticulous (adj)- extremely careful in attending to details/very neat & organized
mewling- whimper, cry weakly, whining
migration movement- a movement when people migrate, they leave their homeland to live permanently in another place
militia- citizen army. Each faction had its own militia.
millennium- one-thousand years
mingle- mix together; combine; join with others
misnaged- opponents of Hasidic movement who criticize belief in tzaddik
mist- small particles of water approaching likeness of rain
mock superiority- pretending to be better than others
modicum (n)- very small amount. I used a modicum of butter in the recipe to make it low in fat.
molar- tooth for grinding
monania- restricted to one idea
monarch- one ruler, (king, queen, or emperor)
monarchy- a system of government that a monarch is sole and absolute ruler.
monastery- sheltered place for people living under religious promises & to be alone, away from world
mono- the root, meaning “One”
monochromatic- consisting of one color
monocle- an eyeglass for one eye
monogamy- having one spouse
monogram- single letter or combination of letters to stand for a name
monolith- one single, large stone or monument
monologue- lengthy speech given by one person
monophobia- fear of being alone
monopoly- control of sales by one person or company
monosyllabic- using words of one syllable
monotheism- believing in one god
monotone- having one sound or tone
monsoon- wind system affecting climate of India & South Asia; reverses direction seasonally, producing west season & dry season
monumental- massive
moped- motorized bicycle. My moped had blown up.
mortification (n)- annoyance, chagrin, dissatisfaction, embarrassment, humiliation, shame
motif- dominant idea
mounting- increasing
MRF- Materials Recovery Facility, pronounced “Murfs”. An intermediate processing center where collected, mixed recyclable solid waste materials are separated into industrial feedstocks for use in manufacture of new products. An MRF can process glass, metals, plastics & mixed grades of paper. In early 1988, 10 MRFs were in operation or under construction in USA. An additional 35 are under consideration or in late planning stages. Automated MRFs are capable of sorting 140 tons of mixed materials per day.
muffler (n)- device for deadening sound
mummy- dead body embalmed in manner of Ancient Egyptians
mundane (adj)- worldly; routine; normal; everyday; ordinary
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)- solid waste discarded by homeowners & businesses not coming under guidelines of hazardous waste laws. These wastes are unregulated & may contain hazardous materials. MSW also includes litter; it excludes industrial process wastes, agriculture wastes, mining wastes & sewage sludges.
Myth- a story told by people to explain the past

naïve- without common wisdom; inexperienced; simple. N- naivete
National debt- total outstanding debt of the federal government; the sum total of all annual budget deficits and surpluses
Natural boundaries- geographic (rivers, mountains)
Nebular- a big cloud
Necessary and Proper Clause- Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, also known as the elastic clause; gives Congress authority to make whatever laws are necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated responsibilities
Necrophobia- fear of death
negated- deny; nullify
Neolithic period- New Stone Age
neutralization- a balance of acid & base so that hydrogen & hydroxyl ions are present in equal amounts. The products of neutralization are water & a salt.
New Archaeology- Archaeology used in the 1900s when we look back at the artifacts and learn about the past
New Deal- the programs of the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt to recover from the Great Depression
NIMBY- Not In My Back Yard (syndrome)
nomad- someone who wonders around; one of a group of people who move with their flocks and herds as the seasons change to find water and pasture. A cowboy is a contemporary nomad.
nonchalant- coolly unconcerned; indifferent
nonrenewable resources- materials that can’t be easily/quickly replaced by natural systems, such as petroleum, coal, natural gas & many minerals
nostalgia- painful longing for one’s home, country, city; homesickness
novelty (n)- something new, original, or unusual
nuances- subtle difference/honor
Nuclear family- family consisting of a father, a mother, and their children
numbly- to have no feeling
nut- person’s head (slang)
nyctophobia- fear of darkness

oasis- a spot in a fertile land in a desert, fed by water from wells or underground springs
obelisk- tall, four-sided stone pillar that becomes narrower to point such as pyramids
obligarchy- system of government that few people rule
obligingly (adv)- doing a favor for; kindly; gently; tenderly; considerately
oblivious (adj)- unaware of. Aaron was oblivious to the whole situation, he had no idea what was going on.
oblong- longer in one direction
obscenely- indecently; disgustingly; lewdly
obscured- to make dark or not clear, dim
obsequious(adj)- marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness
observation- to use the five senses to obtain direct information or facts
obsessed (adj) obsess (v)- greatly immersed/preoccupied with something
obstinate (adj)- stubborn. My sister is very obstinate, she always has things her way.
obstreperous (adj)- disruptive/troublesome behavior/unruly/hard to control
omen- thing, or event that is believed to foretell good or evil (sign from god)/a sign, thing, or event believed to point toward future happening.
ominously (adv)- in a threatening or evil way
oncology- study of tumors
onomatopoeia- words that not only describe an action, but give the sound that the action makes. Naming of a thing or action by the sound it suggests.
onslaught (n)- A fierce attack. Many Indians died during the onslaught.
Open-seat election- election in which there is no incumbent officeholder
Ophidiophobia- fear of snakes
opinion- personal preference
opt- to make a choice
optimism- tendency to take most cheerful view
oracle- what Greeks called shrines where message was explained
oral Tradition- the legends, myths, and beliefs that a culture passes from generation to generation by word of mouth
ordeal- severe trial; painful test
ornery- little angry
orphaned (adj)- parentless
oxidation- combination of element or compound with oxygen. Rusting is a form of the oxidation of iron.
oxidizer- substance capable of furnishing oxygen in a chemical reaction. It may also be a material such as phosphorous that may provide heat to induce another substance to combine with oxygen
oxymoron (adj)- phrase, two, words that cancel each other out or contradict each other. Jumbo shrimp is an oxymoron.

PAC- political action committee; a committee formed by business, labor, or other special-interest groups to raise money and make contributions to the campaigns of political candidates whom they support.
pagan- to early Christians, person who is not Christian or Jew
Palomino- house of color which varies from pale cream to gold
palpable- perceptible; obvious
pandemonium- wild disorder and confusion; chaos
pangs- stomachache
papyrus- long, thin reed; paperlike writing material made by Egyptians from the reed’s pith too
par- normal or excellent
paradoxically- inclined or of nature of contradictory statements, may be true or false
paragon (n)- model of perfection. My teachers are paragons of society.
parallel circuit- circuit with: different parts of electric circuit on separate branches, and several paths for electrons to take
paramount- superior
parlous (adj)- risky/dangerous. Bungee jumping from the top of the Sear’s Tower is a very parlous activity.
parsimonious (adj) parsimony (n)- extreme frugality/cheap
parson- people who explains bibles at the church/minister
Parts Per Million (ppm)- the number of parts of a unit per million parts of total. For example, sea water is 3.5% salt. 1% means 1 part per hundred, therefore, sea water is 3.5 parts per hundred, or 35,000 ppm salt in solution. That is, in every million parts of sea water there are 35,000 parts of salt. 1mg/liter=1ppm
passion- compelling emotion or devotion; lust; rage
pater- the Latin and Greek root, meaning “Father”
paternal (adj)- 1. of, or relating to, or like a father. 2. of or on a father’s side of a family
patriarch- male head of a family
patrician- 1. member of small class, like rich families, in ancient Rome 2. person of high birth, as descending from founding fathers
patriot (n)- a person who loves, supports, and defends his or her country
patron- a supporter, like one’s father
patronize (v)- 1. to act as a patron to 2. to be a regular customer of. I patronize the store around the corner.
patronym- a name taken from one’s father
pattern- a model worthy of copying, like a father
patterns organized by using cause & effect- used to tell how events are related
patterns organized by using compare/contrast- used to tell how similar and different things are
patterns organized by using steps- used to tell how to do something
PCB- polychlorinated biphenyl. Nonflammable liquids formerly used in heat exchangers, hydraulic & lubricating fluids, & various inks, adhesives & paints. PCBs are no longer used due to their environmental instability & chronic toxicity
peculiarity- something that is peculiar/weird
ped- the Latin root, meaning “Foot”
pedal- a foot lever
pedestal- the support at the foot of a vase or statue
pedestrian- a foot traveler
pedicure- care for the feet and toenails
pedometer- an instrument for measuring the distance one covers on foot
peevishly- stubbornly
penicillin- anti-biotic grown from molds
peninsula- an area of land almost completely surrounded by water except for an isthmus connecting it with the mainland
perceive- to become aware of
perception- insight; intuitive recognition or judgment
perilous- hazardous, dangerous, risky
periodic movement- a movement to a new place and stay there for a period of time
perplexed- bewildered; confused especially with surprise
persecute- to punish; to treat harshly or cruelly
persnickety (adj)- fussy, picky, about small details. My grandma is very persnickety when it comes to cleaning her house.
personae- persons, characters, plot, climax, or anything to be told about in a story
personification- form of metaphor in which a lifeless object, an animal, or an idea is made to act like or take on the characteristics, of human being
persperation- sweat
petty- small-minded; trivial
petulant (adj)- showing irritation; impatient; bad humor
pictograph- a picture that stands for a word or idea; picture writing. I’ve made a pictograph.
pH- way of describing acidic/basic strength of solution. The pH value of solution=number on scale from 0 to 14. A pH value of 1-2 indicates strong acid. A pH value of 12-14 indicates strong base. A pH value of 7 indicates neutral solution
Pharaoh- ruler in ancient Egypt
Phase- homogeneous state of matter, either solid, gas/liquid
Phenomenon (n)- 1. occurrence, situation/fact that’s evident by senses. 2. unusual, significant/unaccountable fact or occurrence; wonder
phonograph- record player
pilfering- stealing in small quantities
pinto (adj)- spotted; especially a horse
pity- to feel sorry for somebody who is suffering
placated- calmed; quieted; assuaged; satisfied; made peace
plagued- harassed
plain- a broad area of flat, level, open land
plateau- a broad, elevated area of pretty flat land, higher than the surrounding land.
plebian- in ancient Rome, member of large class, like ordinary citizens
plod- to walk heavily; trudge
plot- events that make up story. The significant pattern of action in a short story, novel, or play
plothera (n)- excessive quanity or amount. I have a plethera of light bulbs in my garage.
ploy- maneuver
pod- the Latin root, meaning “Foot”
podiatrist- one who treats disorders of the feet
poised- hung fluttering or suspended in the air
poleaxed- attacked with long-handled spiked tool
political equality- the principle that says that each person carries equal weight in conduct of public business (elections)
political efficacy- the sense that one person can affect what the government does
political liberty- the principle that citizens in a democracy are protected from government interference in exercise of range of basic freedoms, such as freedoms of speech, associationi, and conscience.
poll tax- a tax to be paid as a condition of voting; used in the South to keep African Americans away from the polls (voting)
polytheism- a belief in more than one god. I think polytheism people are serious people.
ponder (v)- to think deeply; carfully consider
popular sovereignty- the basic principle of democracy that the people ultimately rule
potent- powerful; effective
potential energy- position
precipitation- water or ice that falls to the earth, such as snow, rain, or sleet
precocious (adj)- ahead in developments/advanced/wise beyond your years. (smart at young age)
predicament- trying, puzzling, or embarrassing situation
Prehistory- the history of humans before the development of writing
preliminary (n)- a match or competition before the main contest. (plural-preliminaries)
premed- premedical student or course of study
premonition- previous, notice/warning
preposterous- ridiculous
prepubescence- the period immediately preceding puberty; pre-puberty
pressganged- forced
pretentious- 1. making usual unjustified or excessive claims 2. making demands on one’s skill, ability, or means
pride- to do something that will make you feel better, self-esteem
Priests- leaders in religion & government who ruled early city-states, that were important to Sumarians
primacy- first in rank
primary sources- information about events recorded at the time of the event
prime- in good shape
prodigy (adj)- of a child with extraordinary or genius
profusion- lavish display, abundance, a lot of
projection- a system for mapping the spherical earth on a flat surface
proliferation (n)- growth or production of cells by multiplication of parts
propensity (n)- tendency; inclination
prophecy (n)- a prediction; foretelling of future events. It was an eerie prophecy of terrible things to come.
protagonist- usually the hero or heroine. The main character in the story. One who struggles for
province- territory governed as units within country or empire
provisional- temporary. On their arrival, Chiang Kai-shek set up a provisional government.
provisions- a supply of something prepared before hand
provocative- stimulating; provoking
prowess- skill; courage
prying- to detach with difficulty
public appeal- what everyone wants to see
Public Opinion- political attitudes expressed by ordinary citizens
pun- humorous play on words
purgatory- place or state of temporary suffering
pyrophobia- fear of fire

quadruped- a four-footed animal
queasy- causing nausea; causing uneasiness
quirks- abnormal trait or manner
quiver (v)- to tremble or shake
quotidian (adj)- 1. occuring everyday 2. a belonging to each day: Everyday, Commonplace, Ordinary
QWERTY (n)- a standard typewriter keyboard

rabbi- religious leader and head of a congregation
radiates- to proceed toward center
Radiocarbon dating- a method for determining the age of once living things, based on the fact that their radioactive carbon content decays at a regular rate. It is the most significant Scientific dating, which can only be used to date the remains of once living things. Radiocarbon dating was once living itself
rain forest- lush green regions, brimming with plant and animal life, that receive more than one-hundred forty inches of rain a year
ramshackle (adj)- dilapidated
Random Sampling- the selection of survey respondants by chance, with equal probability, to ensure their representativeness of the whole population
Rapidity (n)- Moving, acting, or occuring with great speed; swift
raucous- noisy and roudy
raving- to talk with extreme and enthusiasm
raza-style- Spanish: in the familiar manner that local Hispanics greet each other
reactive- substances capable of causing explosion/providing heat or oxygen (oxidizers) that might cause fire/can emit toxic fumes when mixed with other substances
realignment- the process by which one party supplants another as the dominant party in a political system
realm- filled with activity or influence; sphere
reapportionment- the reallocation of House seats among the states, done after each national census, to ensure that seats are held by the states in proportion to the size of their populations.
reasoned judgement (perhaps, possibly, etc...)- based on facts but unproven
recede- retreat; withdraw; diminish
receptive (adj)- receiving something openly. The students were very receptive to the idea of not having any homework.
recession- a period of decline in overall economic activitiy
rectify (vb)- to resolve/make better. I rectified the disagreement between my two friends and now they are friends again.
recumbent- lying down especially in position of comfort, relaxed
recycling- reuse within system. The collection & treatment of waste product for use as raw material in manufacture of same (closed-loop recycling) product or another product (open-loop recycling)
redistricting- the redrawing of congressional district lines within a state to ensure roughly equal populations within each district
reeling pickled- behave in violent, disorderly manner
reformatory- school to improve behavior
regard- consider; carefully think about
region- an area with similar features that set it apart from surrounding areas
Relative dating- a type of cultural dating when Archaeologists find out whether an object is older or newer than other objects
relegated- assigned to position
relinquish- to give up
relished (adj)- keenly pleased with
reluctantly- not want to do
render- give; perform; give back
renovated- made as if new
repertory- group of musical works that a musician is expected to know how to play. The concerto has a list of standard repertory pieces.
repose(n)- peace; composure; rest
Representative Democracy- Indirect democracy, in which the people rule through elected representatives
reprimand- to scold or correct usually with kindly intent
republic- nation in which political power lies with citizens, who elect leaders and representatives; head of state in republic, which is not monarch
repulsive- disgusting
resemblance- look alike
Reservation Clause- the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, reserving powers to the states and people
resignedly- give up
resilient (adj)- flexible and springy
resolution- the resolving of the problem that comes after the climax & usually ends the story, also called the Denouement.
respirators- device worn over mouth and nose to protect respiratory tract
retch- strain to vomit
retorted- replied sharply
retrospect- looking back on things past
revelation- disclosure; the act of making know or revealing
reverberate- rebound; recoil; reecho; reflect
reverence (n)- honor and respect mixed with love and awe.
revive (v)- to regain conciousness; wake up
revolution- when Earth travels around the sun, which takes one year
rhetoric- art of effective writing and public speaking
riffle- a raft
rigorous- harsh; difficult
risk assessment- consideration of an event/action with regard to type & amount of risk involved
ritual- Ceremony or rite; prescribed from for religious or serious ceromony
rivets- metal bolts used to fasten beams. During construction an astonishing three million rivets had been hammer into her frame.
rocker- rocking chair
roguishly- dishonest/worthlessly
rotation- when Earth spins once, which takes one day
ruefully- sympathy
runt- person of small stature

sagely- wisely
saline- salty
saludo de vato- Spanish: greeting between Hispanic buddies
salvation- act of saving; deliverance from sin; redemption
Sample Survey- interview study asking questions of a set of people who are chosen
sanitary landfill- method of disposing of solid wastes on land that places clay &/synthetic barrier at its base & sides to prevent harmful leachates from penetrating aquifers. Heavy equipment compacts wastes into layers/cells & these are covered each day with 6” layer of soil. Sanitary landfills have leachate collection systems, methane gas controls & environmental monitoring systems
sanctuary- a place of worship like church, temple, or mosque
sanguine- confident; hopeful
Sanitation- a bunch of people who cleans up a street
Sarcophagus- a stone coffin; any coffin
Sargon- true king
saunter- to walk leisurely
savanna- a region containing scattered trees and vegetation
savor (v)- to take great pleasure in
scale- proportion that exists between information on graph & amount, or measure, it represents; also in maps, relationship between actual size of an area & its size as shown on map
scans- examinations; passing eyes over quickly; examination with electronic or radiological device
Scarce- opposite of surplus
scheme (v)- to plot/plan in secretive way
Scientific Dating- method Archaeologists use to find out how old artifact might be when Ancient objects can be dated more accurately by analyzing them in laboratory
scorn- disapproval of someone being higher in quality or better
scourge (n)- punishment. I did not enjoy my daily scourge of chores.
scowl (vb)- to look angry by drawing the eyebrows together and frowning
scribe- professional writer on record keeper; person whose job is to copy documents & manuscripts. I am a scribe.
scrutinize- observe carefully; inspect in detail
scuff- to be roughened by wear
sea level- the level of the surface of the ocean
searing- withering; scorching
secondary sources- information about events recorded after those events by people who have studied primary sources
Sect- group of people who form distinct within larger group
secular- run without religious influence. In the 1970s and 1980s, parties believed that Turkey’s government should be secular.
sedated- calmed; dignified
seduced- lead astray; entice; induce to have sexual intercourse
segregation- separation of races in public places
self-determination- the right to decide own political future. They had been led by the British to believe that all Arabs would be granted the right of self-determination.
Senate- in ancient Rome, supreme council is the state of Republic and later of empire
senile (adj)- showing the mental confusion sometimes found in old people
sensed- impression/feeling through observation
sequitur- the conclusion of an inference; consequence
series circuit- circuit with: parts of electric circuit connected one after another, and only one path for electrons to take
sermon- speech
setting- the time and place of the story
shah- ruler. In 1925, an army officer, Reza Khan, seized power and declared himself Iran’s shah.
shanghaiing- to put by force into undestrable position
shellack- cover with lac used for making vanish
shimmer- glisten
shofar- Ram's horn blown at various religious services
shrouds- 1 of ropes usually in pairs from a ship’s mastheads to give lateral support to the masts.
shrub (n)- low, woody plant
sidling- moving sideways especially cautiously or stealthily
siege- persistent attack
simile- a stated comparison between 2 things that really are very different, but share some common element, introduced by “like” or “as”
simplicity- state of being simple
since so-called integration- from time in 1960s, when segregation was outlawed.
sinister (adj)- evil. The Grim Reaper looks very sinister.
slab- a thick slice of anything
slacken (v)- to lessen; let up
slaughter- the brutal/violent killing of a person
sleet- precipitation of frozen rain drops
slew- a large number
sluggish- lazy
snobbish- to talk like you are best and talk down on others
solace- comfort; alleviation of grief
solitary (adj)- lonely, single
solitude (n)- the act of being lonely or single
sonnet- poem of 14 lines
Sorghum mill- a building which stores a cereal grass
source of information- written sources like: letters, speeches, songs, poems, diaries, business records, or campain slogans, could be the marks w/anything w/writing on it. Written sources only go back to ~3000 BC.
sourly- unpleasant
soused- drunk
spacious (adj)- large or ample extent; roomy; extensive; vast
sparrow- small, plainly colored bird related to finch
spastically- of, or characterized by spasm
Specialists- people who have different jobs
spectacle- unusual sight or view; object of curiosity
speed- (D/T) distance divided by time
spell- referring to period of time
spellbound (adj)- as if in a trance; fascinated. The entire class was sitting spellbound.
spheres of influence- areas in which countries had some political & economic control, but didn’t directly govern
splay- to spread out
splendor- brilliance; showy display
springtime asthmatics- people who wheeze and have difficulty breathing in the spring season
spruced- shaped up
spur- to urge or hurry
sputter- 1. to throw off particles explosively 2. speak excitedly
squall- sudden violent wind often with wind or snow
squash court- walled court for playing squash, racquet game in which rubber ball is hit off walls
stashed- hid or concealed for future us
Statuesque (adj)- Suggestive of statue, as in proportion, grace/dignity, grand. The statuesque palace guard stood silently by the gate.
steward- a worker on a ship who attends to the needs of passengers
stitch- a sharp, sudden pain
stokers- people who protected the boilers that powered steamships
stoned- drunk
strait- a narrow strip of water connecting two large bodies of water
straitigraphy- the study of the remains that are found in various layers of soil and rock
strident (adj)- loud & harsh. My cat made a strident sound when my dad accidentally stepped on his tail.
stunned- to shock with noise
stupendous (adj)- huge; tremendous
stupor- extreme sluggish inactivity
subconsciously (adv)- without being fully aware
subside- sink to a lower level; settle; abate
sullenly- dismal, gloomy
Sumarians- Mesopotamians
Superconductor- when resistance of certain metals becomes essentially zero
superiority (n)- higher in quality; excellent; better, etc...
Superpower- a nation armed with nuclear weapons and able to project force anywhere on the globe from anywhere on the globe
suppress- to put an end to
Supremacy Clause- the provision in Article VI of the constitution that states that the Constitution and laws and treaties of the United States are the supreme law of land, taking precedence over state laws and constitutions
surge (v)- to suddenly push forward in a violent way
surly- bad temper/rude
Surplus- 1. (n) exports 2. (adj) extra
surreal (adj)- of the intense, irrational reality of a dream; ridiculous, absurd, fantastic, outrageous, scary, ugly
suture- fiber to sew the human body; seam
swagger- arrogant walk; bravado; verve
swamp- an area of land that is partially covered by water
swathe- band used in binding, wrapping, or swaddling with or as if with bandage
swelter- to suffer from oppressive heat
sympathetic- of, or having agree and understanding

tabby (n)- house cat
taffrail- rail around rear end of ship
tallit- Hebrew prayer shawl worn by adult males
Talmud- In Hebrew, the word for "teachings"; applied to collection of academic discussion and judicial administration of Jewish law written by generations of scholars over hundreds of years
tantalizing- teasing or tormenting by promising, showing something desirable
tantamount- equivalent
tassels (n)- a bunch of loosely hanging threads or cords
taunt (n)- a bitting remark; insult
technology- the tools, machines, and methods used to make products, save time, or in some way, improve people’s lives
technophobia- fear of technology
tefillin- two small black boxes fastened to leather straps, containing parts of Torah and worn during morning prayer
temporary movement- a cylic, a movement that happens over and over again
tenor- basic meaning or content; gist
tension- tightly/opposite of relax
tenuous- slight; weak
Teresienstadt- name of German concentration camp
thematic map- a map that gives information on a particular theme or subject
theocrat- someone who claims to rule by religious or divine authority
thermocouple- device which produces electrical energy from heat energy
thirds- chords composed of three notes, each two degrees apart on the musical scale
thoroughfare- unblocked road or street
throbbing- beat/pounding with abnormal force
timid- determination, self-confidence, shy
tinged- given faint trace of quality
tomboy- a girl with a boyish behavior
topography- the physical features of a region, such as mountains, plains, and rivers
Torah- written law given to Moses at Mount Sinai, including Talmud and related commentaries
tourniquet- device to stop bleeding
tracheotomy- surgical operation involving cutting through the tube that carries air to and from the lungs; especially the skin
tragedy- a serious drama with a hero that was brought to defeat by character flaw
transcendence- quality or state of being beyond comprehension
transcription- a musical arrangement made so a musical piece can be played on a particular instrument.
transfixed (adj)- unable to move because of awe or fear. transfix v.
trauma- wound; injury; emotional shock
traverse- pass over, across, through; oppose
tremor- involuntary shaking; vibration
Tres bien. Parlez-vous francais? (tre byan par`le vu fran` se)- French: Very good. Do you speak French?
tribulation (n)- trying experience/difficult times. Her family had many tribulations during the depression.
tributary- a stream or river that flows into a larger river
tribute- an action, gift, or payment that honors a deserving individual, to show respect or admiration
Trident (n)- 1. a long, 3-pronged fork or weapon, especially a 3-pronged spear used for fishing. 2. The 3-pronged spear carried by Neptune or Poseidon. In Greek mythology, Poseidon had a magical trident.
tripod- a three-footed stand
triskaidekaphobia- fear of the number thirteen
triumphant- quality of state of winning victory
trundle bed- a low bed on wheels that is stored under a larger bed when not needed
Tudors (n)- of or relating to the English royal house that ruled from 1485-1603
tuff- cool/sharp
tuft- little pieces
tumultuously (adv)- in a wild and disorderly way
tutelage (n)- 1. an act of guarding or protecting 2. the state of being under a guardian or tutor 3. instruction especially of an individual
tyranny- the abuse of power by a ruler or government
tyrant- ruler with total power, unlimited by constitutional or other officials; especially, one in ancient Greece
tzaddik- According to Hasidism, a pious leader who is intermediary between God and man; the "soul of the world"

unassailable- unable to set upon, or attack
underdog- 1. predicted loser in struggle or contest 2. victim of depression
unequivocally (adv)- containing no trace of doubt; clear & straight-forward in meaning or purpose; dull & plain; clear
unfathomable- difficult to understand
unfettered- unrestrained
ungrateful- unthankful; unappreciative
unicorn- mythical creature with one horn
uniform- having one form
union- act of combining separate items into one
unique- one of a kind
unison- sung with one voice
unitary system- a system in which a central government has complete power over its constituent units or states
universe- all created things turned into one thing
usurped- seized unlawfully

vaguely- not clearly grasped
valiantly- bravely; courageously
validate (vb)- to confirm like the importance of; to make valid
valley- low land between hills or mountains
vanity- excessive pride; conceit; compact; dressing table
vanquished- to overcome in battle
vast (adj)- very large in size, degree, amount, volume, or quantity. The Grand Canyon has a vast amount of space.
vaudeville- stage entertainment with a number of acts
vector- organism that transmits a disease
veered- shift/turn; change direction
velocity- speed with direction
vengeance- punishment inflicted in retaliation for injury/offense
veranda (n)- a long open porch, usually with a roof
verbatim (adj)- word for word. She repeated everything her mother said verbatim.
vial- small bottle usually glass
vicarious (adj)- living through someone younger than you
vicious (adj.)- mean
victorious- quality or state of winning or conquering
vignettes- short word picture; sketch; decorative design
vinyl- type of plastic
virtuosity (n)- appreciation for or interest in fine objects of art.
visage- face; aspect
viscera- soft interior organs, as lungs, etc…
vivid- intense; lively
vow- solemn promise; pledge

waft- float gently through air
warlords- leaders with their own armies
watchdog- the role of the media in scrutinizing the actions of government officials
wavered- hesitated; stumbled; uncertain
weight- gravitational pull on the object
weit- raised mark on skin
welfare state- a society in which a set of government programs that protects the minimum standard of living of families and individuals against the loss of income
whimper- whine
white primaries- primary elections open only to whites
whoop- to utter a loud cry or shout in expressing enthusiasm, excitement, etc...
wield- to exercise power, influence, etc…; use skillfully
wired- to tie with wire
wireless operator- a person who works a telegraph conductor
wistfully- full of unfulfilled longing/desire
wit- intelligence; common sense; one who can make amusing remarks, etc…; humor
work- moving a force through a distance
wrought (adj)- fashioned; formed; decorated; shaped by tools; excited

yearn- desire; long for
yellow journalism- sensational newspaper stories with large headlines and, in some cases, color cartoons
Yiddish- A language spoken by Jews since the Middle Ages w/components: Hebrew, German, and Slavic

Zion- homeland, hebrew name for Israel
Zionism- movement to secure return of Jewish people to Palestine