Brave New World Vocabulary

A collection of vocabulary terms and their definitions encountered in the reading of Brave New World.

asunder

Apart; divided into pieces.

decant

Gradually pour (liquid) from one container into another, especially without disturbing the sediment; or to be born.

viviparous

(Of an animal) bringing forth live young that have developed inside the body of the parent.

asafoetida

A fetid resinous gum obtained from the roots of a herbaceous plant, used in herbal medicine and South Asian cooking.

boskage

Massed trees or shrubs.

discarnate

(Of a person or being) not having a physical body.

truculent

Quick to argue or oppose; aggressively defiant.

solecism

A grammatical mistake in speech or writing.

incarnadine

A bright crimson or pinkish-red color.

recapitulate

Summarize and state again the main points.

ignominy

Public shame or disgrace.

base

Lacking or indicating the lack of higher qualities of mind or spirit.

sepulchral

Relating to a tomb or interment; gloomy; dismal.

discomfit

Make (someone) feel uneasy or embarrassed.

magnanimous

Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person.

mollify

Appease the anger or anxiety of (someone); reduce the severity of (something); soften.

ardour

Enthusiasm or passion.

carapace

The hard upper shell of a turtle, crustacean, or arachnid; something regarded as a protective or defensive covering.

hermitage

The dwelling of a hermit, especially when small and remote.

coquettish

Behaving in such a way as to suggest a playful sexual attraction; flirtatious.