Chapter 6 Vocab Words Flashcards
By then the darkness was profound, and as good as the Canadian’s eyes were, I still wondered how he could see – and what he had seen.
Profoundadjective. Deep; Not superficial
Submerged some fathoms below the surface of the water, the monster gave off that very intense but inexplicable glow that several captains had mentioned in their reports.
Inexplicableadjective. Such as can not be made plain
The edge of its light swept over the sea in an immense, highly elongated oval, condensing at the center into a blazing core whose unbearable glow diminished by degrees outward.
Immenseadjective. Very great in degree, extent, size, or quantity
The edge of its light swept over the sea in an immense, highly elongated oval, condensing at the center into a blazing core whose unbearable glow diminished by degrees outward.
Diminishverb. To make or become smaller,less, or less important
The edge of its light swept over the sea in an immense, highly elongated oval, condensing at the center into a blazing core whose unbearable glow diminished by degrees outward.
Unbearableadjective. So unpleasant, distasteful, or painful as to be intolerable
The edge of its light swept over the sea in an immense, highly elongated oval, condensing at the center into a blazing core whose unbearable glow diminished by degrees outward.
Elongateverb. To extend the length of
It made a full circle around the frigate – then doing fourteen knots – and wrapped us in sheets of electricity that were like luminous dust.
Luminousadjective. Brightly shining
Then it retreated two or three miles, leaving a phosphorescent trail comparable to those swirls of steam that shoot behind the locomotive of an express train.
Comparableadjective. Similar or equivalent
“And if it has their power to electrocute, it’s surely the most dreadful animal ever conceived by our Creator. That’s why I’ll keep on my guard, sir.”
Conceiveverb. To form an idea, mental image or thought of
For its part, the narwhale mimicked the frigate, simply rode with the waves, and seemed determined not to forsake the field of battle.
Forsakeverb. To give up, renounce
But at 12:53 in the morning, a deafening hiss became audible, resembling the sound made by a waterspout expelled with tremendous intensity.
Audibleadjective. Able to be heard
But at 12:53 in the morning, a deafening hiss became audible, resembling the sound made by a waterspout expelled with tremendous intensity.
Tremendousadjective. Extremely large in amount, extent, or degree; Enormous
“Correct, the prize is rightfully yours. But tell me, isn’t that the noise cetaceans make when they spurt water from their blowholes?”
Rightfuladjective. Just, proper or legal
“The very noise, sir, but this one’s way louder. So there can be no mistake. There’s definitely a whale lurking in our waters. With your permission, sir,” the harpooner added, “tomorrow at daybreak we’ll have words with it.”
Lurkverb. To lie in wait in a place of concealment especially for an evil purpose
Seemingly, the moment this enormous narwhale came up to breathe at the surface of the ocean, air was sucked into its lungs like steam into the huge cylinders of a 2,000-horsepower engine.
Enormousadjective. Gigantic
Its girth was more difficult to judge, but all in all, the animal seemed to be wonderfully proportioned in all three dimensions.
Girthnoun. Distance round something of approximately cylindrical shape
While I was observing this phenomenal creature, two jets of steam and water sprang from its blowholes and rose to an altitude of forty meters, which settled for me its mode of breathing.
Phenomenaladjective. Extraordinary; Remarkable
While I was observing this phenomenal creature, two jets of steam and water sprang from its blowholes and rose to an altitude of forty meters, which settled for me its mode of breathing.
Altitudenoun. Vertical distance or elevation above any point or base-level, as the sea
While I was observing this phenomenal creature, two jets of steam and water sprang from its blowholes and rose to an altitude of forty meters, which settled for me its mode of breathing.
Modenoun. Way or manner in which something is done
So I was still missing variety, species, genus, and family, but no doubt I would complete my classifying with the aid of Heaven and Commander Farragut.
Classifyverb. To arrange or order by categories
So I was still missing variety, species, genus, and family, but no doubt I would complete my classifying with the aid of Heaven and Commander Farragut.
Specienoun. A coin or coins of gold, silver, copper, or other metal
So I was still missing variety, species, genus, and family, but no doubt I would complete my classifying with the aid of Heaven and Commander Farragut.
Genusnoun. Group of animals or plants within a family, often itself subdivided into several species
Unconcerned, the latter let us come within half a cable length; then, not bothering to dive, it got up a little speed, retreated, and was content to keep its distance.
Contentadjective. Feeling or manifesting satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation
The furnaces were urged into greater activity; our propeller did forty-three revolutions per minute, and steam shot from the valves.
Urgeverb. To present, advocate, or demand earnestly or pressingly
