Chocolate FeverChapter 4-6 Vocabulary

By: Jennifer Pendergrast

infirmary- n. a place for the care of the sick or injured

The sailor had to visit the infirmary on the ship when she became ill.

peculiar- adj. unusual or odd

This peculiar animal looks like a combination of several different animals in one. The peculiar zoo probably has many strange animals.

emergency: n. a serious situation that happens unexpectedly and demands immediate attention

The fire truck and ambulance signal an emergency with their loud sirens.

frankly- adv. done in an honest truthful way

I am speaking frankly to you when I say those shoes are ugly!

chief- n. one who is highest in rank or authority

A Native American chief is the highest authority in the tribe.

bounding: v. to leap forward or upward, to spring forward

The kangaroo is bounding through the field.

magnifying glass- n. a lens used to enlarge an image or object

The words in the old cookbook were so small I needed a magnifying glass to see them.

assistant- n. someone that assists or helps

Doctors usually have several assistants to help them take care of others.

pace- v. to move back and forth in steps often with worry

People often pace when they are on the phone.

echo- n. the repetition of a sound that is reflected from a surface

The diagram illustrates how sound bounces from a surface to create an echo.

gasp- v. to breath in sharply, usually from shock

The dog owner let out a gasp when she saw the mess her new puppy made in her living room.

pincushion- n. a small cushion into which pins are stuck when not being used.

The seamstress retrieved a pin from her adorable flower pincushion.

corridor- n. a narrow hallway or passageway

How would you like to ride a bicycle through one of these corridors?

predicament- n. an unpleasant or troublesome situation

Someone help this poor kitty out of her predicament.

pursue- v. to follow in an effort to overtake or capture; to chase

It looks as though this lioness wants to pursue this motor cross zebra.