Vocabulary #7 – Period 5
1. Skiff [skif]
–noun
any of various types of boats small enough for sailing or rowing by one
person.
Origin: 1565–75;
2.
phosphorescence [fos-fuh-res-uh ns]
–noun
1.
the property of being luminous at temperatures below
incandescence, as from slow oxidation in the case of phosphorus
or after exposure to light or other radiation.
2.
a luminous appearance resulting from this.
3.
any luminous radiation emitted from a substance after the
removal of the exciting agent.
Origin: 1790–1800
3. Gaff
[gaf]
–noun
1.
an iron hook with a handle for landing large fish.
–verb (used with object)
5. to hook or land (a fish) with a gaff.
Origin: 1275–1325; ME < MF
4. Thole [thohl]
–noun
a pin, or either of two pins, inserted into a gunwale to provide a
fulcrum for an oar.
Origin: bef. 900; ME
5. furl
[furl]
–verb (used with object)
1.
to gather into a compact roll and bind securely, as a sail against a
spar or a flag against its staff.
Origin: 1550–60; cf. MF
6.
myriad
mir-ee-uh d]Spell
noun
1.a very great or indefinitely great number of persons or things.
2.of an indefinitely great number; innumerable:
the myriad stars of a summer night.
3. having innumerable phases, aspects, variations, etc.:
the myriad mind of Shakespeare.
Origin: 1545-55; < Greek
thwart [thwawrt]
7.
–verb
1.
to oppose successfully; prevent from accomplishing a purpose.
2.
to frustrate or baffle (a plan, purpose, etc.).
Origin:1200–50; ME
fathom
8.
[fath -uh m]
–noun
1.
a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters): used chiefly in
nautical measurements.
–verb
2.
to measure the depth of by means of a sounding line; sound.
3.
to penetrate to the truth of; comprehend; understand: to fathom
someone's motives.
Origin: bef. 900; ME
9.
gaunt
[gawnt]
adjective,
1. extremely thin and bony; haggard and drawn, as from great
hunger, weariness, or torture; emaciated.
2. bleak, desolate, or grim, as places or things: a gaunt, windswept
landscape.
Origin: 1400–50; late Middle English,
10.
benevolent buh-nev-uh-luh nt]
Spell adjective
1. characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings: a
benevolent attitude; her benevolent smile.
2. desiring to help others; charitable: gifts from several benevolent
alumni.
3. intended for benefits rather than profit: a benevolent institution.
Origin: 1425-75; late Middle English < Latin