Vocabulary from 'The Things They Carried' by Tim O'Brien: Key Terms and Definitions

elusive

difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze

metabolism

the organic processes that are necessary for life

ration

the food allowance for one day

devout

deeply religious

hedge

any technique designed to reduce or eliminate financial risk

flak

artillery designed to shoot upward at airplanes

makeshift

done or made using whatever is available

frank

characterized by directness in manner or speech

sober

dignified and serious in manner or character

malaria

a disease caused by parasites transmitted by mosquito bite

topography

the configuration of a surface and its features

somber

serious and gloomy in character

profound

showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth

fatigues

military uniform worn by personnel when doing menial labor

insignia

a badge worn to show official position

toil

work hard

volition

the act of making a choice

inertia

the tendency of something to stay in rest or motion

conscience

motivation deriving from ethical or moral principles

ambiguity

unclearness by virtue of having more than one meaning

abiding

unceasing

artillery

large but transportable armament

poise

great coolness and composure under strain

casualty

someone injured or killed in a military engagement

oppressive

weighing heavily on the senses or spirit

wistful

showing pensive sadness

zeal

excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end

tangible

perceptible by the senses, especially the sense of touch

burden

weight to be carried or borne

valor

courage when facing danger

composure

steadiness of mind under stress

buoyant

characterized by liveliness and lightheartedness

unencumbered

free of anything that impedes or is burdensome

negligence

the trait of ignoring responsibilities and lacking concern

comport

behave in a certain manner

discipline

the trait of being well behaved

straggling

spreading out in different directions

laxity

an absence of rigor or strictness

obligation

the state of being bound to do or pay something

curt

brief and to the point