Vocab List #3: Frankenstein Flashcards
eloquence
n. fluent or persuasive speaking or writing
paroxysm
n. violent expression of emotion
variegated
adj. varying patterns and colors
ardor
n. enthusiasm or passion
pandemonium
n. wild disorder or confusion; uproar (city in Hell founded by Lucifer in Paradise Lost)
dogmatism
n. tendency to make arrogant assertions without the opinions or consideration of others
oleander
n. poisonous evergreen Old World shrub (popular in warm countries)
vacillating
v. to be indecisive, to waver
rankle
v. to cause keen irritation
countenance
n. a facial expression
n. support
v. admit as acceptable or possible
sophism
n. an argument based on a mistaken belief (especially one used to decieve)
mutability
n. changability
proscenium
n. part of theater stage in front of curtain
reverential
adj. characterized by reverence
hegira
n. Muhammad’s leaving from Mecca to Medina in AD 622, encouraged by opposition of merchants in Mecca and marking consolidation of first Muslim community
ignominy
n. public shame or disgrace
dross
n. worthlessness, rubbish
uncouth
adj. uncivilized, lacking manners
repose
n. state of tranquility
v. to be kept in a specific place
v. to place something (confidence, trust, etc.) in
imbued
v. to inspire with a feeling
sublime
adj. of highest magnificence, so great that it inspires awe
evocative
adj. bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind
aria
n. long, accompanied song for solo voice
lacerate
v. to tear or cut flesh
smorgasbord
n. food buffet with variety
