Vocabulary & TRIVIA

Ralph S. Mouse

Chapter 1

Motocross-a timed motorcycle race over a closed course consisting of a winding dirt trail with hills, jumps,sharp turns, and often muddy terrain.

Waffle stompers-ankle boots with ridged soles, used especially for hiking.

linoleum-a hard, washable floor covering formed by coating burlap or canvas with linseed oil, powdered cork,and rosin, and adding pigments to create the desired colors and patterns.

spokes-one of the bars, rods, or rungs radiating from the hub of a wheel and supporting the rim.

Jiggered-confounded

Chapter 2

Strenuous-characterized by vigorous exertion, as action,efforts, life, etc.

parka-a hip-length jacket or overshirt with an attached hood, often of wool or of a windproof, water-repellent material lined or trimmed with wool, used by skiers, hunters, the military, etc.

bewildered-completely puzzled or confused; perplexed

Chapter 3

Vapor-a visible exhalation, as fog, mist, steam, smoke, or noxious gas, diffused through or suspended in the air

Ventriloquist-the art or practice of speaking, with little or no lip movement, in such a manner that the voice does not appear to come from the speaker but from another source, as from a wooden dummy.

Ultimatum-a final proposal or statement of conditions.

sulked-to remain silent or hold oneself aloof in a sullen,ill-humored, or offended mood

Chapter 4

Transistor radio-is a small portable radio receiver

Self-pity-pity for oneself, especially a self-indulgent attitude concerning one's own difficulties,hardships, etc.

Lentils-the seed itself.

Partitions-something that separates or divides.

sullen-showing irritation or ill humor by a gloomy silence or reserve.

Chapter 5

Contraption-a mechanical contrivance; gadget; device.

Drat-used to express mild disgust, disappointment, orthe like

Limerick-a kind of humorous verse of five lines, in which the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme with each other, and the third and fourth lines, which are shorter, form a rhymed couplet.

Static cling-the adhering of clothing to other clothing or a person's body, caused by an accumulation of static electricity in the materials, especially those containing synthetic fibers.

Adhere-to stay attached; stick fast; cleave; cling

Haiku-a major form of Japanese verse, written in 17 syllables divided into 3 lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables, often on the subject of nature or one of the seasons.

Tactful-a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.

Chapter 6

Lest-that (used after words expressing fear, danger, etc.)

Muddled-to mix up in a confused or bungling manner;jumble.

Rooters-a person, animal, or thing that roots, as with the snout.

Desolate-solitary; lonely

corridors-a gallery or passage connecting parts of a building; hallway.

Chapter 7

Sloshing-to splash or move through water, mud, or slush.

Plague-any cause of trouble, annoyance, or vexation

Burdened-that which is carried; load

Exterminator-a person or business establishment specializing in the elimination of vermin, insects, etc., from a building, apartment, etc., especially by the controlled application of toxic chemicals.

Chapter 8

Skulking-to lie or keep in hiding

Scrounging-to gather together by foraging; seek out

Jeering-to shout derisively at; taunt.

Contradicted-to assert the contrary or opposite of; deny directly and categorically.

Noncommittal-not committing oneself, or not involving committal, to a particular view, course, or the like

Chapter 9

Snowbanks-a mound of snow, as a snowdrift or snow shoveled from a road or sidewalk.

hastily-speedy; quick; hurried.