The Old Man and the Sea

to gain or reach something with effort

polish and make shiny — especially metal

or more generally:  to improve something — especially the impression that something makes

come together as a group

careful to do what is right—especially to perform duties in a thorough manner (as when guided by conscience)

to come up with a way of doing something — typically a creative idea or plan

to scatter or cause to spread

very thin and bony — often from hunger or as though having been worn to the bone

extremely embarrass (decrease dignity, self-respect, or pride — especially in front of others)

not in danger of being affected by something — especially a disease

or:

relating to disease resistance

seemingly endless; or long and unpleasant (often boring or annoying)

capable of being noticed — typically because it is different enough or large enough

a dim glowing light

or more technically:  a fluorescence (dim light)  created by a chemical reaction within a living organism; or a dim light that continues to shine from something after the bombarding radiation (stronger light that fell upon it) has ceased

to go or do before

to split something into two unconnected parts — usually by cutting

or:

to break up or end a relationship; or to separate from something

a group of animals or plants that are similar — typically identified as a group because they can procreate together (reproduce new members of the group)

the behavior of someone who pretends to be a friend and then tricks, cheats, or betrays