Chapter 42 - The Whiteness of The Whale — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 42 - The Whiteness of The Whale

ineffable (adjective)

Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.

magniloquent (adjective)

Using high-flown or bombastic language; grandiloquent.

preeminence (noun)

The fact of surpassing all others; superiority or supreme rank.

benignity (noun)

Kindness or tolerance toward others; gentle good nature.

abhorrent (adjective)

Inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant.

solecism (noun)

A grammatical mistake or an instance of incorrect usage; here used figuratively to mean an inconsistency or contradiction in terms.

resplendent (adjective)

Impressive and attractive in appearance; dazzling; brilliant.

circumambient (adjective)

Surrounding on all sides; encompassing.

proleptic (adjective)

Relating to the representation of something as existing before it actually does; anticipatory.

palpable (adjective)

Able to be touched or felt; easily perceived; obvious.

trepidation (noun)

A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen; trembling anxiety.

legerdemain (noun)

Sleight of hand; skillful deception or trickery.

annihilation (noun)

Complete destruction or obliteration; reduction to nothing.

phrensies (noun)

Archaic plural of frenzy; states of wild excitement, agitation, or madness.

charnel-house (noun)

A vault or building where human skeletal remains are stored; a place associated with death.