Chapter XVI: The Pond in Winter — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter XVI: The Pond in Winter

cynosure

A person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration.

fathom

To measure the depth of water; also, to understand something deeply.

cadaverous

Resembling a corpse; very pale, thin, or bony.

perennial

Lasting for an indefinitely long time; enduring or continually recurring.

vitiated

Spoiled, impaired, or made ineffective.

promontory

A high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water.

estivate

To spend the summer in a state of dormancy or torpor (opposite of hibernate).

periplus

A circumnavigation or voyage around a coastline, especially in ancient times.

cosmogonal

Relating to cosmogony, the origin or creation of the universe.

Hyperborean

Of or relating to the extreme north; in Greek mythology, inhabitants of a land beyond the north wind.

divining-rod

A forked stick or rod believed to indicate the presence of underground water or minerals when held over the ground.

fear-naughts

Heavy, coarse woolen cloth or a garment made from it, designed for protection against severe weather.

Tartarus

In Greek mythology, the deep abyss beneath the underworld used as a dungeon of torment and suffering.

shoal

A shallow area of water; also used as an adjective meaning shallow.

Valhalla

In Norse mythology, the great hall where warriors slain in battle feast with Odin; any place of honor or glory.

subsidence

The gradual sinking or settling of an area of land or a structure.