Island of the Blue DolphinsVOCABULARY

BY DONNA HERREMA

ravine

A long deep hollow in the earth’s surface, worn by the action of a stream.

league

Unit Definition (league)The league became a common unit of measurement throughout western Europe, although its length varied greatly from region to region. It was originally intended to represent the distance a person could walk in an hour. In many cases it was equal to 3 miles, (note that the definition of a mile also varied from region to region). At sea, the league was often equal to 3 nautical miles, which is 1/20 degree or 5556 meters (metres). In the USA and Great Britain, the league is defined to be 3 statute miles (~4828.03 meters) on land, or 3 nautical miles at sea.

pelts

The skin of a fur- bearing animal after it has been stripped from the carcass.

kelpBrown seaweed belonging to the brown algae family.

carcassesThe dead body of an animal. The worthless remains of something.

surgedA large mass of moving water; wave, swell.A sudden strong increase of energy.

thrustTo push with sudden force; shove

ponder

vainHaving a high regard for one’s self, looks, possessions; ability

sinewAn animal tendon.

LairA resting place of a wild animal; den