The Battle of the Ants Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from The Battle of the Ants

contending (verb)

Struggling in opposition; fighting or competing against someone or something.

incessantly (adverb)

Without stopping; continuing without pause or interruption.

duellum (noun)

A Latin term meaning a combat between two individuals; a duel.

bellum (noun)

A Latin term meaning war, especially a large-scale conflict involving many combatants.

Myrmidons (noun)

In Greek mythology, the warriors who followed Achilles to Troy; used here to describe fiercely loyal and unquestioning soldiers.

strewn (verb)

Scattered or spread untidily over a surface.

internecine (adjective)

Destructive to both sides in a conflict; mutually ruinous or deadly.

resolutely (adverb)

In a determined and unwavering manner; with firm purpose.

divested (verb)

Stripped or deprived someone of something, especially by force.

pertinacity (noun)

Stubborn or persistent determination; the quality of holding firmly to a purpose or course of action.

manifested (verb)

Showed or displayed clearly; made evident through actions or appearance.

despatched (verb)

Killed or defeated decisively; dealt with quickly and efficiently.

perchance (adverb)

Perhaps; by chance or possibly.

carnage (noun)

The killing of a large number of people; widespread slaughter and destruction.

hireling (noun)

A person who works purely for wages, especially one willing to do distasteful tasks for pay; a mercenary.

assiduously (adverb)

With great care, effort, and persistence; diligently and attentively.

severed (verb)

Cut off or separated completely, especially by cutting.

carbuncles (noun)

Deep red gemstones, especially rounded garnets; here used to describe the dark, gem-like appearance of the ant's eyes.

ferocity (noun)

Savage fierceness or violence; extreme intensity of aggression.

harrowed (verb)

Caused great distress or torment; deeply troubled or disturbed.

circumstantial (adjective)

Containing full and specific details; thoroughly descriptive.

obstinacy (noun)

Stubborn refusal to change one's opinion or course of action despite attempts to persuade; unyielding determination.

pontificate (noun)

The period of office or reign of a pope.