aperture
1 use
I thrust a torch through the remaining aperture and let it fall within.
aperture = opening
Definition
Generally aperture means:an opening — especially a small one that controls the amount of light admitted for a camera or microscope
or:
the measured diameter of the opening
or:
the measured diameter of the opening
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
clamor
2 uses
I replied to the yells of him who clamored.
clamored = was yelling
Definition
Generally clamor means:loud noise and/or persistent demands — especially from human voice
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
definitive
2 uses
At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitively settled—
definitively = settled in a manner that is definite and final
Definition
Generally definitive means:best possible, final, or definite (beyond question)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
descend
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
descend the mountain
We passed through a range of low arches, descended, passed on, and ... arrived at a deep crypt,
descended = moved downward
Definition
Generally this sense of descend means:move or slope downward
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
displace
1 use
Within the wall thus exposed by the displacing of the bones, we...
displacing = moving
Definition
Generally displace means:force to move; or to take the place of
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
distill
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
distill the whisky
He turned towards me, and looked into my eyes with two filmy orbs that distilled the rheum of intoxication.
distilled = concentrated
(editor's note: In this context, rheum refers to liquid that drips from the eyes.)
(editor's note: In this context, rheum refers to liquid that drips from the eyes.)
Definition
Generally this sense of distill means:to make a more pure or concentrated liquid by boiling it and condensing its vapors (as is done when making whisky or some petroleum products)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
embedded
1 use
...whose fangs are imbedded in the heel.
imbedded = firmly stuck into
Definition
Generally embedded means:firmly within
in various senses, including:
- firmly stuck into — as a thorn into a finger
- enclosed within — as a fossil within a rock
- implanted as a part — sometimes specifically of a reporter living with a military unit
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
endeavor
1 use
It was in vain that Fortunato, uplifting his dull torch, endeavored to pry into the depths of the recess.
endeavored = tried or attempted
Definition
Generally endeavor means:to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
explicit
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
explicit instructions
I had told them that I should not return until the morning, and had given them explicit orders not to stir from the house.
explicit = clear
Definition
Generally this sense of explicit means:clear and with enough detail so there is no confusion
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
fetter
1 use
A moment more and I had fettered him to the granite.
fettered = chained
Definition
Generally fetter means:to restrain or hinder
or more archaically:
a shackle for the ankles
or more archaically:
a shackle for the ankles
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
gesticulate
1 use
He laughed and threw the bottle upwards with a gesticulation I did not understand.
gesticulation = hand or body movement
(editor's note: The suffix "-tion", converts a verb into a noun that denotes the action or result of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in action, education, and observation.)
(editor's note: The suffix "-tion", converts a verb into a noun that denotes the action or result of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in action, education, and observation.)
Definition
Generally gesticulate means:to make gestures (hand or body movements) while speaking or to express something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
grotesque
1 use
He repeated the movement—a grotesque one.
grotesque = distorted and unnatural
Definition
Generally grotesque means:distorted and unnatural in shape or size — especially in a disturbing way
or:
ugly, gross, or very wrong
or:
ugly, gross, or very wrong
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
niche
3 uses
But now there came from out the niche a low laugh that erected the hairs upon my head.
niche = smaller area within
Definition
Generally niche means:a smaller market within a larger market — such as the market for scissors designed for people who are left-handed
or:
a role for which someone is especially well-suited
or:
a shallow recess, cranny or crevice
or:
a role for which someone is especially well-suited
or:
a shallow recess, cranny or crevice
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
obstinate
1 use
There was then a long and obstinate silence.
obstinate = stubborn
Definition
Generally obstinate means:stubbornly not doing what others want
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
perceive
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
though blind, can perceive light
Within the wall thus exposed by the displacing of the bones, we perceived a still interior recess,
perceived = saw
(editor's note: In this context, interior recess means a "small area on the inside".)
(editor's note: In this context, interior recess means a "small area on the inside".)
Definition
Generally this sense of perceive means:to become aware of — especially by using the senses (to see, hear, smell, feel, or taste)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
recoil
1 use
"You jest," he exclaimed, recoiling a few paces.
recoiling = moving backward suddenly
Definition
Generally recoil means:to move backward suddenly (sometimes figuratively)
especially:
- the backward jerk of a gun or cannon when it is fired
- when a person flinches (suddenly draws back) from someone or something, as with fear, disgust, or pain
- when a person is emotionally repulsed, as by disgust
- when something intended to go in one direction figuratively falls back in the opposite direction; for example, a story told to hurt someone that comes back to hurt the teller
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
render
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
rendered service or a verdict
But I must first render you all the little attentions in my power.
render = give
Definition
Generally this sense of render means:to give or supply something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
resolve
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
How did you resolve the problem?
At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitively settled—but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved, precluded the idea of risk.
resolved = settled
Definition
Generally this sense of resolve means:to solve a problem or settle a disagreement
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
resume
1 use
When at last the clanking subsided, I resumed the trowel, and finished without interruption the fifth, the sixth, and the seventh tier.
resumed = began again
Definition
Generally resume means:begin or take on again
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
subside
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
her anger subsided
When at last the clanking subsided, I resumed the trowel, and finished without interruption the fifth, the sixth, and the seventh tier.
subsided = stopped or became less severe
Definition
Generally this sense of subside means:become less intense, less severe, or less active — perhaps going away entirely
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |