Chapter 2 Vocab Words

Question 1

In my capacity as Assistant Professor at the Paris Museum of Natural History, I had been attached to this expedition by the French government.

Answer 1

Expedition

noun. Efficient promptness; Speed

Question 2

In my capacity as Assistant Professor at the Paris Museum of Natural History, I had been attached to this expedition by the French government.

Answer 2

Capacity

noun. Ability to hold or contain something

Question 3

In the meantime, then, I was busy classifying my mineralogical, botanical, and zoological treasures when that incident took place with the Scotia.

Answer 3

Botanical

adjective. Connected with the study or cultivation of plants

Question 4

In the meantime, then, I was busy classifying my mineralogical, botanical, and zoological treasures when that incident took place with the Scotia.

Answer 4

Classify

verb. To arrange or order by categories

Question 5

In the meantime, then, I was busy classifying my mineralogical, botanical, and zoological treasures when that incident took place with the Scotia.

Answer 5

Incident

noun. Event or happening, often of minor importance

Question 6

The hypothesis of a drifting islet or an elusive reef, put forward by people not quite in their right minds, was completely eliminated.

Answer 6

Eliminate

verb. To separate and cast aside

Question 7

The hypothesis of a drifting islet or an elusive reef, put forward by people not quite in their right minds, was completely eliminated.

Answer 7

Elusive

adjective. Evasive; Baffling; Hard to grasp

Question 8

The hypothesis of a drifting islet or an elusive reef, put forward by people not quite in their right minds, was completely eliminated.

Answer 8

Hypothesis

noun. Assumption, theory requiring proof

Question 9

The hypothesis of a drifting islet or an elusive reef, put forward by people not quite in their right minds, was completely eliminated.

Answer 9

Islet

noun. A little island

Question 10

Also discredited was the idea of a floating hull or some other enormous wreckage, and again because of this speed of movement.

Answer 10

Enormous

adjective. Gigantic

Question 11

Also discredited was the idea of a floating hull or some other enormous wreckage, and again because of this speed of movement.

Answer 11

Hull

noun. Body of a ship

Question 12

Also discredited was the idea of a floating hull or some other enormous wreckage, and again because of this speed of movement.

Answer 12

Discredit

verb. To harm the reputation of, dishonor or disgrace

Question 13

Also discredited was the idea of a floating hull or some other enormous wreckage, and again because of this speed of movement.

Answer 13

Movement

noun. A distinct structural unit or division having its own key, rhythmic structure, and themes and forming part of an extended musical composition

Question 14

So only two possible solutions to the question were left, creating two very distinct groups of supporters: on one side, those favoring a monster of colossal strength; on the other, those favoring an “underwater boat” of tremendous motor power.

Answer 14

Colossal

adjective. Of a bulk, extent, power, or effect approaching or suggesting the stupendous or incredible

Question 15

So only two possible solutions to the question were left, creating two very distinct groups of supporters: on one side, those favoring a monster of colossal strength; on the other, those favoring an “underwater boat” of tremendous motor power.

Answer 15

Tremendous

adjective. Extremely large in amount, extent, or degree; Enormous

Question 16

Now then, although the latter hypothesis was completely admissible, it couldn’t stand up to inquiries conducted in both the New World and the Old.

Answer 16

Inquiry

noun. Examination into facts or principles; Research

Question 17

Now then, although the latter hypothesis was completely admissible, it couldn’t stand up to inquiries conducted in both the New World and the Old.

Answer 17

Admissible

adjective. Having the right or privilege of entry

Question 18

The Chassepot rifle led to the torpedo, and the torpedo has led to this underwater battering ram, which in turn will lead to the world putting its foot down.

Answer 18

Torpedo

noun. Tube-shaped explosive underwater missile launched against ships by submarines, aircraft or surface ships

Question 19

Keeping a secret under such circumstances would be difficult enough for an individual, and certainly impossible for a nation whose every move is under constant surveillance by rival powers.

Answer 19

Surveillance

noun. Careful watch kept on somebody suspected of doing wrong

Question 20

Keeping a secret under such circumstances would be difficult enough for an individual, and certainly impossible for a nation whose every move is under constant surveillance by rival powers.

Answer 20

Rival

noun. One of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess

Question 21

So, after inquiries conducted in England, France, Russia, Prussia, Spain, Italy, America, and even Turkey, the hypothesis of an underwater Monitor was ultimately rejected.

Answer 21

Ultimate

adjective. Final; Not susceptible to further analysis; Fundamental

Question 22

And so the monster surfaced again, despite the endless witticisms heaped on it by the popular press, and the human imagination soon got caught up in the most ridiculous ichthyological fantasies.

Answer 22

Witticism

noun. A witty, brilliant, or original saying or sentiment

Question 23

Well received in scholarly circles, this book had established me as a specialist in this pretty obscure field of natural history.

Answer 23

Obscure

adjective. Unclear, partially hidden

Question 24

And in this vein, “the honorable Pierre Aronnax, Professor at the Paris Museum,” was summoned by The New York Herald to formulate his views no matter what.

Answer 24

Summon

verb. To call together; Convene

Question 25

I discussed the question in its every aspect, both political and scientific, and this is an excerpt from the well-padded article I published in the issue of April 30.

Answer 25

Aspect

noun. A position facing a particular direction; Exposure

Question 26

I discussed the question in its every aspect, both political and scientific, and this is an excerpt from the well-padded article I published in the issue of April 30.

Answer 26

Excerpt

noun. To select for quoting; Extract

Question 27

“Therefore,” I wrote, “after examining these different hypotheses one by one, we are forced, every other supposition having been refuted, to accept the existence of an extremely powerful marine animal.

Answer 27

Refute

verb. To prove wrong

Question 28

“Therefore,” I wrote, “after examining these different hypotheses one by one, we are forced, every other supposition having been refuted, to accept the existence of an extremely powerful marine animal.

Answer 28

Supposition

noun. A message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

Question 29

“Therefore,” I wrote, “after examining these different hypotheses one by one, we are forced, every other supposition having been refuted, to accept the existence of an extremely powerful marine animal.

Answer 29

Marine

adjective. Of or pertaining to the sea or matters connected with the sea

Question 30

“If, on the other hand, we do know every living species, we must look for the animal in question among those marine creatures already cataloged, and in this event I would be inclined to accept the existence of a giant narwhale.

Answer 30

Specie

noun. A coin or coins of gold, silver, copper, or other metal

Question 31

“If, on the other hand, we do know every living species, we must look for the animal in question among those marine creatures already cataloged, and in this event I would be inclined to accept the existence of a giant narwhale.

Answer 31

Incline

verb. Lean or slope in the direction of something

Question 32

Increase its dimensions fivefold or even tenfold, then give this cetacean a strength in proportion to its size while enlarging its offensive weapons, and you have the animal we’re looking for.

Answer 32

Offensive

adjective. Upsetting or annoying; Insulting

Question 33

It would have the proportions determined by the officers of the Shannon, the instrument needed to perforate the Scotia, and the power to pierce a steamer’s hull.

Answer 33

Perforate

verb. To make a hole through; to make a line of holes in to facilitate separation

Question 34

Some of these teeth have been found buried in the bodies of baleen whales, which the narwhale attacks with invariable success.

Answer 34

Invariable

adjective. Unchangeable

Question 35

Imagine this weapon to be ten times stronger and the animal ten times more powerful, launch it at a speed of twenty miles per hour, multiply its mass times its velocity, and you get just the collision we need to cause the specified catastrophe.

Answer 35

Catastrophe

noun. A momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter overthrow or ruin

Question 36

Imagine this weapon to be ten times stronger and the animal ten times more powerful, launch it at a speed of twenty miles per hour, multiply its mass times its velocity, and you get just the collision we need to cause the specified catastrophe.

Answer 36

Velocity

noun. Speed

Question 37

“So, until information becomes more abundant, I plump for a sea unicorn of colossal dimensions, no longer armed with a mere lance but with an actual spur, like ironclad frigates or those warships called ‘rams,’ whose mass and motor power it would possess simultaneously.

Answer 37

Lance

noun. Weapon used for catching fish, etc with a long wooden shaft and a pointed steel head

Question 38

“So, until information becomes more abundant, I plump for a sea unicorn of colossal dimensions, no longer armed with a mere lance but with an actual spur, like ironclad frigates or those warships called ‘rams,’ whose mass and motor power it would possess simultaneously.

Answer 38

Abundant

adjective. Plentiful

Question 39

“So, until information becomes more abundant, I plump for a sea unicorn of colossal dimensions, no longer armed with a mere lance but with an actual spur, like ironclad frigates or those warships called ‘rams,’ whose mass and motor power it would possess simultaneously.

Answer 39

Spur

verb. To incite to action or accelerated growth or development; Stimulate

Question 40

“So, until information becomes more abundant, I plump for a sea unicorn of colossal dimensions, no longer armed with a mere lance but with an actual spur, like ironclad frigates or those warships called ‘rams,’ whose mass and motor power it would possess simultaneously.

Answer 40

Simultaneous

adjective. Occurring, done, or existing at the same time

Question 41

“So, until information becomes more abundant, I plump for a sea unicorn of colossal dimensions, no longer armed with a mere lance but with an actual spur, like ironclad frigates or those warships called ‘rams,’ whose mass and motor power it would possess simultaneously.

Answer 41

Plump

adjective. Well-rounded and full in form; chubby

Question 42

“So, until information becomes more abundant, I plump for a sea unicorn of colossal dimensions, no longer armed with a mere lance but with an actual spur, like ironclad frigates or those warships called ‘rams,’ whose mass and motor power it would possess simultaneously.

Answer 42

Possess

verb. To own

Question 43

“So, until information becomes more abundant, I plump for a sea unicorn of colossal dimensions, no longer armed with a mere lance but with an actual spur, like ironclad frigates or those warships called ‘rams,’ whose mass and motor power it would possess simultaneously.

Answer 43

Ironclad

adjective. So firm or secure as to be unbreakable: as binding

Question 44

Now then, the sea is precisely their best medium, the only setting suitable for the breeding and growing of such giants – next to which such land animals as elephants or rhinoceroses are mere dwarves.

Answer 44

Breed

verb. Produce young

Question 45

Now then, the sea is precisely their best medium, the only setting suitable for the breeding and growing of such giants – next to which such land animals as elephants or rhinoceroses are mere dwarves.

Answer 45

Precise

adjective. Stated clearly andaccurately

Question 46

The liquid masses support the largest known species of mammals and perhaps conceal mollusks of incomparable size or crustaceans too frightful to contemplate, such as 100-meter lobsters or crabs weighing 200 metric tons!

Answer 46

Metric

adjective. Relating to measurement

Question 47

The liquid masses support the largest known species of mammals and perhaps conceal mollusks of incomparable size or crustaceans too frightful to contemplate, such as 100-meter lobsters or crabs weighing 200 metric tons!

Answer 47

Incomparable

adjective. Matchless

Question 48

The liquid masses support the largest known species of mammals and perhaps conceal mollusks of incomparable size or crustaceans too frightful to contemplate, such as 100-meter lobsters or crabs weighing 200 metric tons!

Answer 48

Contemplate

verb. To view or consider with continued attention; Meditate on consider

Question 49

The liquid masses support the largest known species of mammals and perhaps conceal mollusks of incomparable size or crustaceans too frightful to contemplate, such as 100-meter lobsters or crabs weighing 200 metric tons!

Answer 49

Frightful

adjective. Apt to induce terror or alarm

Question 50

The liquid masses support the largest known species of mammals and perhaps conceal mollusks of incomparable size or crustaceans too frightful to contemplate, such as 100-meter lobsters or crabs weighing 200 metric tons!

Answer 50

Crustacean

noun. An animal with a hard outer shell and several pairs of legs, which usually lives in water, such as a crab or lobster

Question 51

The liquid masses support the largest known species of mammals and perhaps conceal mollusks of incomparable size or crustaceans too frightful to contemplate, such as 100-meter lobsters or crabs weighing 200 metric tons!

Answer 51

Conceal

verb. Hide, keep secret

Question 52

With its untold depths, couldn’t the sea keep alive such huge specimens of life from another age, this sea that never changes while the land masses undergo almost continuous alteration?

Answer 52

Untold

adjective. Too great or numerous to count; Incalculable; Vast

Question 53

With its untold depths, couldn’t the sea keep alive such huge specimens of life from another age, this sea that never changes while the land masses undergo almost continuous alteration?

Answer 53

Alteration

noun. A change or modification

Question 54

With its untold depths, couldn’t the sea keep alive such huge specimens of life from another age, this sea that never changes while the land masses undergo almost continuous alteration?

Answer 54

Specimen

noun. Example, representative sample

Question 55

With its untold depths, couldn’t the sea keep alive such huge specimens of life from another age, this sea that never changes while the land masses undergo almost continuous alteration?

Answer 55

Continuous

adjective. Connected, extended, or prolonged without separation or interruption of sequence

Question 56

Couldn’t the heart of the ocean hide the last-remaining varieties of these titanic species, for whom years are centuries and centuries millennia?.

Answer 56

Titanic

adjective. Gigantic; Immense

Question 57

I repeat: opinion had crystallized as to the nature of this phenomenon, and the public accepted without argument the existence of a prodigious creature that had nothing in common with the fabled sea serpent.

Answer 57

Prodigious

adjective. Enormous, wonderful

Question 58

I repeat: opinion had crystallized as to the nature of this phenomenon, and the public accepted without argument the existence of a prodigious creature that had nothing in common with the fabled sea serpent.

Answer 58

Crystallize

verb. To bring together or give fixed shape to

Question 59

I repeat: opinion had crystallized as to the nature of this phenomenon, and the public accepted without argument the existence of a prodigious creature that had nothing in common with the fabled sea serpent.

Answer 59

Phenomenon

noun. Any unusual occurrence

Question 60

Yet if some saw it purely as a scientific problem to be solved, more practical people, especially in America and England, were determined to purge the ocean of this daunting monster, to insure the safety of transoceanic travel.

Answer 60

Daunt

verb. To overcome with fear; Intimidate; To lessen the courage of; Dishearten

Question 61

Yet if some saw it purely as a scientific problem to be solved, more practical people, especially in America and England, were determined to purge the ocean of this daunting monster, to insure the safety of transoceanic travel.

Answer 61

Practical

adjective. Involving experience or actual use rather than theory

Question 62

Yet if some saw it purely as a scientific problem to be solved, more practical people, especially in America and England, were determined to purge the ocean of this daunting monster, to insure the safety of transoceanic travel.

Answer 62

Purge

verb. Make somebody clean or pure by removing

Question 63

The Shipping & Mercantile Gazette, the Lloyd’s List, France’s Packetboat and Maritime & Colonial Review, all the rags devoted to insurance companies – who threatened to raise their premium rates – were unanimous on this point.

Answer 63

Devote

verb. To give over or direct to a cause, enterprise, or activity

Question 64

The Shipping & Mercantile Gazette, the Lloyd’s List, France’s Packetboat and Maritime & Colonial Review, all the rags devoted to insurance companies – who threatened to raise their premium rates – were unanimous on this point.

Answer 64

Unanimous

adjective. Sharing the same views or sentiments

Question 65

The naval arsenals were unlocked for Commander Farragut, who pressed energetically forward with the arming of his frigate.

Answer 65

Naval

adjective. Pertaining to ships

Question 66

And impatience grew until, on June 2, word came that the Tampico, a steamer on the San Francisco line sailing from California to Shanghai, had sighted the animal again, three weeks before in the northerly seas of the Pacific.

Answer 66

Impatience

noun. Unwillingness to brook delays or wait the natural course of things