8th Grade Word List in Literature

bulbous

a. curving outward
a. shaped like a bulb

ferrule

n. a metal cap or band placed on a wooden pole to prevent splitting

pique

v. a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride

indifference

n. the trait of lacking enthusiasm for or interest in things generally

convex

a. curving or bulging outward

erroneous

a. containing or characterized by error

fallacy

n. a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning

pledge

n. a binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something

mastiff

n. an old breed of powerful deep-chested smooth-coated dog used chiefly as a watchdog and guard dog

incredulous

a. not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving

spaniel

n. any of several breeds of small to medium-sized gun dogs with a long silky coat and long frilled ears

jut

v. extend out or project in space

sloven

a. habitually untidy or careless;

dingy

a. thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot

fray

v. cause friction
v. wear away by rubbing

benevolence

n. disposition to do good

dabbler

n. an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge

dolichocephalic

a. having a relatively long skull

supra-orbital

a. situated above the orbit of the eye

parietal

a. of, relating to, attached to, or denoting the wall of the body or of a body cavity or hollow structure

fissure

n. a long narrow depression in a surface

fulsome

a. unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech

covet

v. wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person)

dexterity

n. skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands

agile

a. mentally quick
a. moving quickly and lightly

antenna

n. either of a pair of long, thin sensory appendages on the heads of insects

asperity

n. harshness of manner

inadvertently

ad. without knowledge or intention

ado

n. trouble or difficulty