Chapter 7 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 7

pueblo (noun)

A communal village or dwelling of Native Americans in the southwestern United States, typically built of adobe or stone

viviparous (adjective)

Giving birth to live offspring that have developed inside the body of the parent, as opposed to hatching from eggs

flagellation (noun)

The act of whipping or flogging someone, either as punishment or as a religious discipline

mesa (noun)

An isolated flat-topped hill with steep sides, common in arid landscapes of the American Southwest

squalor (noun)

A state of extreme dirtiness, poverty, and neglect

revulsion (noun)

A strong feeling of disgust or repugnance

invocation (noun)

The act of calling upon a deity, spirit, or higher power for aid, inspiration, or protection, especially in prayer or ceremony

visceral (adjective)

Relating to deep inward feelings rather than intellect; instinctive and gut-level

hermetically (adverb)

In a way that is completely airtight or sealed off from outside influence

incongruous (adjective)

Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings; strikingly out of place

taboo (noun)

A social or religious custom prohibiting or restricting a particular practice or association

syncretic (adjective)

Combining different religious, cultural, or philosophical beliefs or practices

grotesque (adjective)

Comically or repulsively ugly or distorted; incongruously inappropriate

altruistic (adjective)

Showing selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish

juxtaposition (noun)

The act of placing two or more things side by side to compare or contrast them