Chapter 23 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 23

beneficent (adjective)

Doing good; resulting in benefit to others.

zoophagous (adjective)

Feeding on animals; life-eating. Used in the novel as a clinical term for Renfield's compulsion to consume living creatures.

alchemist (noun)

A person who practiced alchemy, an early form of chemistry aimed at transforming base metals into gold and discovering an elixir of life.

sinuous (adjective)

Having many curves and turns; lithe and supple in movement.

trenchant (adjective)

Sharp; cutting; incisive. Here used literally to describe a blade capable of cutting cleanly.

malignity (noun)

The quality of being intensely malevolent or harmful; deep-seated ill will.

palpitating (adjective)

Throbbing or trembling; beating rapidly.

pallid (adjective)

Pale, especially in an unhealthy way; lacking color or vitality.

contemptuous (adjective)

Showing contempt; scornfully disdainful.

perfunctory (adjective)

Carried out with minimal effort or care; done as a routine duty without real interest.

manifestly (adverb)

In a way that is clear or obvious to the eye or mind.

capstan (noun)

A vertical revolving cylinder on a ship used for winding in ropes or cables, especially to raise the anchor.

sublime (adjective)

Of outstanding quality or grandeur; elevated beyond ordinary experience. Here describing misery so deep it transcends words.

armaments (noun)

Weapons and military equipment.

repose (noun)

A state of rest, calm, or tranquility.