Fahrenheit 451 Vocabulary

stolid

having or expressing little emotion

gorge

to consume greedily

waft

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

imperceptible

not perceptible by sense or by the mind

tallow

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

tamp

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

proclivity

an inclination or predisposition toward something, especially something objectionable.

stoke

to poke or stir up a fire, supply with fuel

odious

exciting or deserving repugnance or hatred

rollick

to move or behave in a carefree joyous manner

gilt

covered in gold or something that resembles gold

ravenous

very eager or greedy for food, satisfaction, or gratification

stagnant

not flowing in a current or stream, not advancing or developing

cacophony

harsh or discordant sound, dissonance

feign

pretend, give a false impression

ruddy

having a healthy reddish color

dictum

an observation or pronouncement intended or regarded as authoritative

titillation

pleasurable excitement or stimulation

tactile

of or relating to the sense of touch, tangible

cadence

a rhythmic sequence or flow of sounds in language or music

suffuse

to spread over or through in the manner of fluid or light

profusion

great quantity; lavish display or supply

skepticism

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

insidious

harmful but enticing; having a gradual but cumulative effect

welter

a chaotic mass or jumble

contemptible

worthy of being despised; being unworthy of respect or reverence

quaver

to utter sound in tremulous tones

girdle

something that encircles or confines

furl

to wrap or roll close to or around something

filigree

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

perfunctory

characterized by routine or superficiality; lacking in interest or enthusiasm

phosphorescence

an enduring luminescence without sensible heat

penance

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

obscure

not clearly seen or easily distinguished

luminous

bathed in or exposed to steady light; emitting or reflecting steady light

juggernaut

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

incite

to move to action; spur on, stir up, urge on

pedant

a teacher who makes a show of knowledge in an unimaginative way

convolutions

a form or shape that is folded in curved or tortuous windings

incessant

continuing or following without interruption; unceasing