SF Vocab

agate

a fine-grained, variegated chalcedony (quartz) having its colors arranged in stripes, blended in clouds, or showing moss-like forms

akimbo

set in a bent position

anthropologically

the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space and in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture

anthropomorphic

described or thought of as having a human form or human attributes

bigot

one who regards or treats the members of a group (such as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance

billet

to assign lodging to (someone, such as a soldier) by or as if by a billet

cavernous

having caverns or cavities

commandeer

to take arbitrary or forcible possession of

conspiratorial

of, relating to, or suggestive of a conspiracy

doohickey

an often small article whose common name is unknown or forgotten

emanation

to come out from a source

exasperation

strong feelings of irritation or annoyance

furrowed

to make furrows, grooves, wrinkles, or lines in

glade

an open space surrounded by woods

homage

something that shows respect or attests to the worth or influence of another

inanity

the quality of being vapid, pointless, or fatuous (foolish)

incantation

a written or recited formula of words designed to produce a particular effect

inordinate

exceeding reasonable limits

jalopy

an old, decrepit, or unpretentious automobile

lagging

to fall behind

latrine

a toilet

lilting

characterized by a rhythmical swing or cadence

linoleum

a hard, washable floor covering

mildew

a superficial usually whitish growth produced especially on organic matter or living plants by fungi

moronic

something that is foolish or stupid

neurotic

of, relating to, constituting, or affected with neurosis

nostalgia

a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations

perturbed

feeling anxiety or concern; unsettled

putrefaction

the process of decay or rotting in a body or other organic matter

repertoire

a stock of plays, dances, or pieces that a company or a performer knows or is prepared to perform

scalloped

having a margin with rounded edges or scallops

semolina

the hard grains left after the milling of flour, used in puddings and in pasta

skein

a length of thread or yarn, loosely coiled and knotted

skiff

a shallow, flat-bottomed open boat with a sharp bow and square stern

solace

comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness

sparse

thinly dispersed or scattered

spindly

(of a person or limb) long or tall and thin

traipse

to go on foot

transmutable

capable of being changed in substance as if by alchemy

upholstery

soft, padded textile covering that is fixed to furniture such as armchairs or sofas

veldt

open, uncultivated grassland in southern Africa

vermin

wild animals that are believed to be harmful to crops, farm animals, or game, or that carry disease

vestigial

forming a very small remnant of something that was once much larger or more noticeable

vexation

the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried

voluptuously

in a way that is soft, curved, and sexually attractive