Chapter 9 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 9

paroxysm (noun)

A sudden, violent outburst of emotion or activity; a fit or attack.

zoophagous (adjective)

Feeding on animals; animal-eating.

reticence (noun)

The quality of being reserved or reluctant to speak freely; restraint in communication.

indomitable (adjective)

Impossible to subdue or defeat; unconquerable.

suffused (adjective)

Spread over or through, especially with color, light, or emotion.

boudoir (noun)

A woman's private sitting room or dressing room.

demurred (verb)

Raised objections or showed reluctance; hesitated before agreeing.

lurid (adjective)

Glowing with an unnatural, harsh light; vivid in a disturbing way.

recuperative (adjective)

Relating to or aiding recovery of health or strength.

sauvely (adverb)

In a smooth, suave, and charming manner. (Stoker's spelling of "suavely.")

melancholy (noun)

A deep, persistent sadness or gloom; a pensive, sorrowful state.

cringing (adjective)

Showing servile deference; shrinking back in a submissive or fearful way.

strait waistcoat (noun)

An archaic term for a straitjacket, a garment used to restrain violent patients.

anemic (adjective)

Suffering from anemia, a condition of deficient red blood cells causing pallor and weakness.

lethargic (adjective)

Characterized by abnormal drowsiness or a lack of energy and enthusiasm.

metaphysician (noun)

A person who studies or is an expert in metaphysics, the branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of reality.