Fahrenheit 451 Vocabulary

stolid

(adj) having or expressing little emotion

gorge

(v) to consume greedily

waft

(v) to move or go lightly on or as if on a buoyant medium like water or air

imperceptible

(adj) not perceptible by sense or by the mind

tallow

(n) white nearly tasteless solid rendered fat of cattle used in soap and candles

tamp

(v) to drive in or down by a succession of light or medium blows

proclivity

(n) an inclination or predisposition toward something, especially something objectionable.

stoke

(v) to poke or stir up a fire, supply with fuel

odious

(adj) exciting or deserving repugnance or hatred

rollick

(v) to move or behave in a carefree joyous manner

gilt

(adj) covered in gold or something that resembles gold

ravenous

(adj) very eager or greedy for food, satisfaction, or gratification

stagnant

(adj) not flowing in a current or stream, not advancing or developing

cacophony

(n) harsh or discordant sound, dissonance

feign

(v) pretend, give a false impression

ruddy

(adj) having a healthy reddish color

dictum

(n) an observation or pronouncement intended or regarded as authoritative

titillation

(n) pleasurable excitement or stimulation

tactile

(adj) of or relating to the sense of touch, tangible

cadence

(n) a rhythmic sequence or flow of sounds in language or music

suffuse

(v) to spread over or through in the manner of fluid or light

profusion

(n) great quantity; lavish display or supply

skepticism

(n) an attitude of doubt or a disposition of incredulity (in general or toward a particular object)

insidious

(adj) harmful but enticing; having a gradual but cumulative effect

welter

(n) a chaotic mass or jumble

contemptible

(adj) worthy of being despised; being unworthy of respect or reverence

quaver

(v) to utter sound in tremulous tones

girdle

(n) something that encircles or confines

furl

(v) to wrap or roll close to or around something

filigree

(n) ornamental work especially of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper in delicate and intricate designs

perfunctory

(adj) characterized by routine or superficiality; lacking in interest or enthusiasm

phosphorescence

(n) an enduring luminescence without sensible heat

penance

(n) an act or self-abasement, mortification, or devotion performed to show sorrow or repentance for sin

obscure

(adj) not clearly seen or easily distinguished

luminous

(adj) bathed in or exposed to steady light; emitting or reflecting steady light

juggernaut

(n) a massive inexorable force, campaign, movement or object that crushes whatever is in its path

incite

(v) to move to action; spur on, stir up, urge on

pedant

(n) a teacher who makes a show of knowledge in an unimaginative way

convolutions

(n) a form or shape that is folded in curved or tortuous windings

incessant

(adj) continuing or following without interruption; unceasing