Chapter 1 - Loomings — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 1 - Loomings

hypos (noun)

A colloquial abbreviation for hypochondria; a state of depression, anxiety, or melancholy.

spleen (noun)

A mood of ill temper, melancholy, or irritability; once believed to originate in the organ of the same name.

circumambulate (verb)

To walk all the way around something, especially as part of a ritual or deliberate exploration.

insular (adjective)

Relating to or resembling an island; isolated or detached.

spiles (noun)

Wooden pilings or posts driven into the ground, especially along a waterfront or pier.

bulwarks (noun)

The sides of a ship above the upper deck; also, a defensive wall or barrier.

infallibly (adverb)

In a way that is never wrong or never fails; with absolute certainty.

abominate (verb)

To regard with intense loathing or hatred; to detest utterly.

forecastle (noun)

The forward part of a ship below the deck, where the crew is traditionally housed. Often spelled fo'c'sle.

decoction (noun)

A concentrated liquid produced by boiling a substance; figuratively, a strong dose or extract.

perdition (noun)

Eternal damnation; complete ruin or destruction, especially in a spiritual sense.

urbane (adjective)

Suave, courteous, and refined in manner; smoothly polite.

portentous (adjective)

Of or like a portent; ominously significant or prophetic; marvelously impressive.

cajoling (verb)

Persuading someone by flattery, gentle urging, or deception.

sentinels (noun)

Guards or watchmen posted to keep watch and provide warning of danger.

reveries (noun)

States of dreamy, abstracted meditation or fanciful musing.