K Flashcards
kaleidoscope
tube in which patterns made by the reflection in mirrors of colored pieces of glass, etc., produce interesting symmetrical effects
People found a new source of entertainment while peering through the kaleidoscope; they found the ever-changing patterns fascinating.
ken
range of knowledge
I cannot answer your question since this matter is beyond my ken.
killjoy
grouch; spoilsport
At breakfast we had all been enjoying our bacon and eggs until that killjoy John started talking about how bad animal fats and cholesterol were for our health.
kindle
start a fire; inspire
Her teacher’s praise kindled a spark a hope inside her.
kindred
related; similar in nature or character
Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn were two kindred spirits.
kismet
fate
kismet is the Arabic word for “fate.”
kleptomaniac
person who has a compulsive desire to steal
They discovered that the wealthy customer was a kleptomaniac when they caught her stealing some cheap trinkets.
knavery
rascality
We cannot condone such knavery in public officials.
knead
mix; work dough
Her hands grew strong from kneading bread.
knell
tolling of a bell, especially to indicate a funeral, disaster, etc.; sound of the funeral bell
“The curfew tolls the knell of parting day.”
knit
contract into wrinkles
Whenever David worries, his brow knits in a frown.
knoll
little, round hill
Robert Louis Stevenson’s grave is on a knoll in Samoa; to reach the grave site, you must climb uphill and walk a short distance along a marked path.
knotty
intricate; difficult; tangled
What to Watson had been a knotty problem to Sherlock Holmes was simplicity itself.
kudos
honor; glory; praise
The singer complacently received kudos on his performance from his entourage.
