PART ONE: CHAPTER ELEVEN - Experiments — Vocabulary
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from PART ONE: CHAPTER ELEVEN - Experiments
- samphire (noun)
- A European plant that grows on rocks near the sea; Amy uses it mistakenly for "vampire."
- complacently (adverb)
- In a self-satisfied, uncritical manner; showing smug contentment.
- saleratus (noun)
- Potassium bicarbonate or baking soda, used as a leavening agent in baking.
- furbish (verb)
- To polish, renovate, or brighten up; to restore to good condition.
- ennui (noun)
- A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
- chagrin (noun)
- A feeling of distress or humiliation caused by failure or disappointment.
- culinary (adjective)
- Of or relating to cooking or the kitchen.
- hospitable (adjective)
- Friendly and welcoming to guests or strangers; generous in entertaining.
- blancmange (noun)
- A sweet, molded dessert made with milk, sugar, and a thickening agent such as cornstarch or gelatin.
- viands (noun)
- Items of food; provisions or delicacies.
- larder (noun)
- A room or large cupboard for storing food, especially before the age of refrigeration.
- dispirited (adjective)
- Having lost enthusiasm, hope, or confidence; dejected.
- precipitately (adverb)
- In a hasty, sudden, and reckless manner; with great speed and urgency.
- matronly (adjective)
- Resembling or characteristic of a mature, dignified woman; relating to a married woman of settled age.
- assuaged (verb)
- Made less intense or severe; relieved or eased.
- forbear (verb)
- To hold back from; to exercise patience and restraint; to tolerate.