Spanish Exploration Unit Vocabulary (Grade 8)

Aqueduct

A conduit built to convey water, historically significant for supplying fresh water to areas with limited access.

Barter Economy

An economic system in which goods are exchanged directly for other goods.

Biological Warfare

The use of biological toxins with the intent to exterminate animals, plants, or humans.

Chinampas

An agricultural technique which relies on small, rectangular areas of fertile arable land to grow crops on the shallow lakebed.

Codex

Ancient version of a book instead of a continuous scroll.

Conquistador

Spanish and Portuguese military adventurers.

Compulsory

Something that is required by law.

Encomienda

A legal system used by the Spanish government in its colonies around the world. It was originally created to minimize abuses of forced labor in settlements, but it soon became a form of enslavement.

Immunity

Resistance to disease or law.

Indemnity

Repayment or compensation for loss or injury.

Individualism & Collectivism

Individualism focuses on the rights and freedom of the individual while collectivism focuses on group cohesiveness.

Migrate

To move to another place periodically (seasonal migrations) or to move to another place or country permanently.

Nomadic

Moving from one place to another rather than living in one fixed location.

Monotheism

Belief in the existence of one God.

Mythology

The study and interpretation of sacred tales from various cultures.

Obsidian

Rock used for spear tips.

Ocelot

A species of wild cat native to central and South America.

Omen

Warns you that something bad will happen.

Polytheism

The belief in more than one God.

Repatriation

Returning someone or something to the country of origin, allegiance, or citizenship.

Restorative Justice

Justice that focuses on the harm caused by crime and wrongdoing. It is more empathetic when addressing criminal behavior and explores what can be done to fix that harm.

Retributive Justice

Focuses on the punishment of criminals rather than rehabilitation. It is the traditional system but slowly, some countries are driving away from it.

Siege

A military blockade around a city with intent to attack at a well-planned moment.

Tribute

Something given or contributed voluntarily as due or deserved.