Lord of Light — Vocabulary
Roger Zelazny
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	48	top 2000
monka male member of a religious order typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience The Tibetan monk wore an orange robe.more Show sample from book This monk located a priest and passed the information to him.†47 more a male member of a religious order typically living under vows of poverty, chast…
	18	top 2000
descendmove downward We saw the rocket descend.more Show sample from book Sam raised his lance and a jagged line of light ran up into the heavens, provoking a dozen more to descend upon the field.18 more come down Show general definition for descend (as in: descend the mountain) move or slope downward
	1	top 2000
descend#2descend → descended:came suddenly Despair descended upon us.more Show sample from book A horde of demons had tried to descend upon the City at that moment, but the power of the weird held them back.18 more come or arrive Show general definition for descend (as in: thieves descended upon us) to come or arrive -- especially suddenly or from above or as an attack
	32	top 2000
pavilionfreestanding structure without walls We're meeting for a picnic under the pavilion at the park.more Show sample from book Brahma entered the pavilion and crossed to the screen of crystal, about which a bronze Naga twisted, tail in teeth.†31 more a large structure separate from a main structure or temporary Show general definition a large building or section of a building that stands apart in function or design -- often used for gatherings, exhibitions, or specialized purposes
	23	top 2000
probeinvestigation There was a congressional probe into the scandal.more Show sample from book About a dozen years ago the Council authorized the use of psych-probes on those who were up for renewal.22 more probe → probes:investigations Show general definition to investigate closely; or a tool or device used to explore, examine, or gather information
	22
monasterymonastery → monasteries:residences of religious communities Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries was the largest legally enforced transfer of property in English history since the Norman Conquest.more Show sample from book He tended the pray-machine, and the giant metal lotus he had set atop the monastery roof turned and turned in its sockets.†21 more the residence of a religious community Show general definition the residence of a religious community
	19	top 2000
attributeattribute → attributes:characteristics The spreadsheet has a column to describe the breed of dog and then ten additional columns to indicate attributes of the breeds. For example, the second column has the average full-grown weight.more Show sample from book Under his breath, he called upon the more notable of the current fertility deities, invoking them in terms of their most prominent Attributes.†18 more attribute → attributes:characteristics (of something or someone) Show general definition for attribute (as in: It is an attribute of...) a characteristic or feature (of something or someone)
	17
incarnatein the form of a human body She described him as the devil incarnate.more Show sample from book We could not permit them to continue their attempts to possess the machines of incarnation and the bodies of men.†16 more incarnate → incarnation:embodiment Show general definition embody (made real in a material sense) -- especially in the form of a human body, but sometimes figuratively
	14	top 2000
serpentsnake There was a picture of a serpent eating its tail.more Show sample from book There came then a flashing of lights along the lengths of the Nagas, the two holy serpents who twisted about the transparent face of the machine.†13 more serpent → serpents:snakes Show general definition a snake
	13
regentregent → regental:members of a governing board The California Board of Regents voted to increase student fees at all University of California schools.more Show sample from book Why do the Regents of the world approach?†12 more regent → regents:a member of a governing board Show general definition a member of a governing board -- especially at a state university or: someone who rules a country temporarily while the king or queen is too young, too sick, or away
	12
parryparry → parried:blocked or deflected an attack The fencer quickly parried her opponent’s strike and countered with her own.more Show sample from book Twice, he parried the staff.†11 more parry → parried:avoided Show general definition to block or deflect an attack; or to avoid answering something by responding cleverly or indirectly
	11
deitydeity → deities:gods and goddesses Literature is filled with references to Greek and Roman deities.more Show sample from book Under his breath, he called upon the more notable of the current fertility deities, invoking them in terms of their most prominent Attributes.†10 more deity → deities:gods or goddesses Show general definition god or goddess
	7	top 1000
doctrineprinciple She argues that the action is protected under the separation-of-powers doctrine that is fundamental to the US Constitution.more Show sample from book You know that he stole the fabric of his doctrine, path and attainment, the whole robe, from prehistorical forbidden sources.†6 more a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some … Show general definition a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some group
	6	top 500
aestheticaesthetic → aesthetically:related to beauty or good taste It was not aesthetically pleasing.more Show context notes Aesthetically is the British spelling. Americans spell it esthetically. Show sample from book The problem, therefore, is not one of good or evil, but one of esthetics.†5 more aesthetic → esthetics:related to beauty or good taste; or the study of what is beautiful or tasteful Show general definition related to beauty or good taste -- often referring to one's appreciation of beauty or one's sense of what is beautiful or: beautiful or tasteful
	12
pyrepyre → pyres:piles of wood or other burnable materials While cremation is not uncommon in the western world, open air funeral pyres are typically illegal.more Show sample from book Eight pyres blazed against the predawn sky.†11 more Show general definition a pile of wood or other burnable material -- especially to burn a dead body as in a funeral rite
	5
assailassail → assailed:attacked Critics assailed the author’s latest work, questioning its originality and depth.more Show sample from book And another party assails the gates of the city!†4 more assail → assails:to attack or cause trouble Show general definition to attack or cause trouble
	4	top 2000
detractdiminish (reduce the value of something) I think she's made a good case. I can neither add to it nor detract from it.†more Show sample from book And you have detracted from the glory of a goddess, whose supremacy here has always been undisputed.†3 more detract → detracted:diminished (reduced the value of something) Show general definition to diminish (reduce the value of something)
	2	top 500
venerablerespected They looked to the venerable old woman for advice.more Show sample from book It is only fitting, therefore, that we fallen ones take umbrage within the pale of another venerable tradition.†1 more respected (worthy of respect) -- typically because of age or position Show general definition respected (worthy of respect) -- typically because of age or position
	3	top 2000
blasphemydisrespect of something considered sacred The government of the Muslim nation monitors major websites for blasphemy.more Show sample from book I have drunk with many of you, and know you to be as blasphemous as the rest of mankind.†2 more blasphemy → blasphemous:disrespectful of something considered sacred Show general definition something said or done that is disrespectful of something considered sacred -- especially God or religion
	3
parablea short story told to teach a moral lesson Many people have heard the parable of The Prodigal Son.more Show sample from book Dust off some of your old parables.†2 more parable → parables:short stories told to teach moral lessons Show general definition a short story told to teach a moral lesson -- especially those told by Jesus in the New Testament