Chapter 77 - The Great Heidelburgh Tun — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 77 - The Great Heidelburgh Tun

quoin (noun)

A wedge-shaped solid with its sharp end formed by the steep inclination of one side; a nautical mathematical term.

unctuous (adjective)

Having a greasy or soapy feel; oily in texture or appearance.

tendinous (adjective)

Resembling or consisting of tendons; tough and fibrous.

tierce (noun)

A large cask or barrel, typically holding about 42 gallons; here used to describe the Heidelburgh Tun.

limpid (adjective)

Clear, transparent, and free from cloudiness or turbidity.

odoriferous (adjective)

Having or giving off a smell, especially a pleasant one; fragrant.

concrete (verb)

To solidify or harden into a mass (used as a verb here, not the building material).

pelisse (noun)

A long coat or cloak lined or trimmed with fur, worn historically by women.

emblematical (adjective)

Serving as a symbol or emblem; representing something symbolically.

heedful (adjective)

Giving careful attention; mindful and cautious.

sanctuary (noun)

A sacred or protected place; here, the spermaceti-filled chamber that must not be breached prematurely.

cranium (noun)

The skull, particularly the part enclosing the brain.

vintages (noun)

The products of a particular harvest or season, especially wines; used figuratively here for the whale's oils.

wastingly (adverb)

In a manner that causes waste or destruction; squanderingly.

hempen (adjective)

Made of hemp fiber; relating to ropes or cordage twisted from hemp.