Chapter 79 - The Prairie — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 79 - The Prairie

physiognomist (noun)

A practitioner of physiognomy, the pseudo-science of judging character and temperament from facial features.

phrenologist (noun)

A practitioner of phrenology, the pseudo-science of reading mental faculties and character from the shape and bumps of the skull.

Leviathan (noun)

A massive sea creature from biblical tradition; used throughout Moby-Dick as a synonym for the whale.

anomalous (adjective)

Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected; irregular or abnormal.

appendage (noun)

A thing attached or added to something larger or more important; a projecting body part.

countenance (noun)

A person's or creature's face or facial expression.

impertinent (adjective)

Not showing proper respect (primary meaning); also, not pertinent or relevant to the situation.

sublime (adjective)

Of outstanding spiritual, intellectual, or moral grandeur; awe-inspiring and beyond ordinary experience.

firmament (noun)

The vault of the sky; an expanse or dome-like surface. Used here to describe the whale's vast forehead.

domineer (verb)

To assert authority or control in an overbearing, arrogant manner; to tower over imposingly.

pyramidical (adjective)

Resembling or relating to a pyramid; here suggesting monumental, ancient, and inscrutable grandeur.

deified (verb)

Worshipped or regarded as a god; elevated to divine status.

protrusion (noun)

The act of extending or jutting out beyond a surface; something that protrudes.

Chaldee (noun)

The ancient Aramaic language of Chaldea (southern Babylonia); used metaphorically for any language too ancient and mysterious to decipher.

pestilent (adjective)

Annoying, troublesome; also, deadly or harmful (from its connection to pestilence or plague).