Chapter 9

Words about Loss

1. Squander V. To spend extravagantly

Do not squander youth; it will pass quickly away.

2. Dissipation N.

A literal scattering or dispersing

The dissipation of students at the end of the class is like water bursting from a broken dam.

3. Disenfranchise V.

To lose the right to vote

The law disenfranchised some 3,000 voters on the basis of a residence qualification.

4. Forfeiture N.A giving up of something in

one’s possession

The forfeiture of one of his estate was a grievous loss to his family.

5. Denude V.To make bare

Although the lush summer foliage had been wonderful, the winter frost came and denuded the flowers which left a severe beauty all its own.

6. Privation N.Being deprived of basic necessities

or comforts

The recruits at Ford Hard Knox lived in comparative privation the first weeks they were in boot camp.

7. Divest V. Getting rid of

I’m trying to divest myself of surplus books, not add more.

8. Renounce V. to give up something

Don’t renounce your right of freedom by participating in illegal activites and being sent to jail.

9. Elegiac Adj.Describes a feeling of sadness at many

types of losses

Revisiting the site of her honeymoon forty years later gave Katrina an elegiac chill; the mountain town was little changed, but the marriage had long been over.

10. Bereave V.To be deprived of a loved one,

usually by death

The year after the family had been bereaved, they decided they needed a vacation to relieve their grief.

Chapter 10What’s Cookin’?Talking Food

1. Culinary Adj.Anything relating to cooking or

the kitchen

Margaret decided to go to culinary school so that she could learn how to make exotic dishes.

2. Gourmet Adj./NAn expert of fine food and drink

A gourmet, James favor’s Asian-fusion cuisine, a blend of French culinary techniques and Japanese ingredients.

3. Epicurean Adj.A discriminating taste in food and wine

Harrison is a man of epicurean tastes. He has an extensive wine cellar and a staff of chefs from all around the world.

4. Gluttony N. Excessive eating or drinking Can be used figuratively to describe

someone who overdoes it on anything

After indulging in gluttony, Jill decided she needed to go on a diet after eating cheesecake and pie all week.

5. Voracious Adj.

Excessively hungry, greedy or insatiably hungry for things other than food

A voracious reader, Jody read as many as two books a day.

6. Savory Adj.

pleasing to our taste or smell

The savory cookie brought back a rush of childhood memories about cooking with my mom.

7. Omnivorous Adj. Eating both animal and vegetable foods,

or devouring anything available

An omnivorous culture addict, Dad attended the theatre, opera or ballet at least five nights a week. When he was home, he read the newest books on the bestseller list.

8. Gastronomy N.

The art or science of good eating

The gastronomy in southern France features small, savory olives, rosemary-flavored breads, and wild game.

9. Palatable Adj. Acceptable to taste or sufficiently

favorable to be eaten, pleasing to the palate

“This beef is not palatable!” cried the temperamental chef. “It is neither tender nor tasty. In fact, it resembles cardboard.”

10. Succulent Adj.Juicy, either literally or figuratively

The lavish dinner was highlighted by a succulent steak presented with vegetables arranged artfully on the side.

Vocab Practice

Make flash cards for each word. Use two sheets of computer paper and divide each sheet into eight sections. Cut along the fold to make 16 cards. On the front write the word and on the back write the definition. Use these flash cards to help you learn the word. Secure them with a rubber band to hand in.