nouns
atlas
a book of maps
I bought an atlas this month. It contained many maps of different countries.
calf
a baby cow
We need to take care of calves because we will eat them when they grow up.
blast (v.)
(v.) To push or move with great force
A strong gust of air blasted the door open.
A hurricane blasted through the window and blew papers onto the floor.
calm (v.)
(v.) to relax or stop being nervous
Calm down! Everything will be OK.
Calm yourself. Breathe. You’re too nervous about the performance.
calm (n.)
(adj.)
peaceful, not moving, not nervous, relaxed, not showing strong emotion
She was calm before going on the stage to play her concerto.
The ocean was calm with very small waves.
crowd (n.)
(n.) a large number of people gathered together
There was a big crowd for the rock concert.
blast (n.)
(n.) an explosion or strong force of air that often breaks things apart and makes
a loud noise.
The dynamite blast demolished the building.
(n.) To have a really good time. I had a blast.
crowd (v.)
(v.) (of a number of people) fill (a space) almost completely, leaving little or no room for movement. or move too close to (someone)
Everyone crowded together.
Don’t crowd her. Give her room to breathe.
a dozen
a dozen means twelve
Please buy a dozen eggs at the store.
dash (n.)
(n.) a small amount of something
Add just a dash of salt to the soup.
career
a profession or job followed for a longer time, such as doctor, lawyer, manager
Mark wants a career making robots. Sandra wants a writing career.
core
center: the main part
There’s one fruit in China with a core that can be eaten.
Electronics is the core of our business.
dash (v.)
(v.) to run or move very quickly
He dashed to the door, but the man had already left.
She dashed into the office to grab her computer.
dawn (n. & v.)
(n.) the time between complete darkness of night and sunrise
We can see a beautiful dawn on the mountains.
(v.) appear
The day dawned clear and bright.
move into one’s awareness (dawn on so.)
It dawned on him that the man was not a good person.
steady (adj.)
(adj.) direct and sure in movement
He had a steady hand which was especially important for a surgeon.
firm in position
Hold the pole steady, please.
keeping balanced
Even though the boat rocked, she stayed stead on her feet.
with little variation or change
There was a steady breeze.
not easily disturbed or upset
His gaze was steady and calm.
luxury
a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort
something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary
an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease
adjective: luxurious
What a luxury! I get to sleep as long as I want today.
He lived simply, with few luxuries—no yachts, no high-priced cars, or second homes.
The one luxury I must have is some chocolate from time to time.
nibble (n.)
(n.) a small bite
He just took a nibble of the cookie.
nibble (v.)
to bite gently; to eat or chew in small bites
to take away, bit by bit
The rabbit nibbled at the carrot as it’s nose moved up and down.
Expenses are nibbling at my savings. (Used more in writing than conversation.)
pale (v.)
(v.) To lose color especially in one’s face, usually due to fright
He paled when he saw the monster.
curious
(adj.) having a desire to investigate and learn; full of questions
She was curious about what could be in the small package.
strange, novel, or unexpected
It was a curious tree—not like any other tree he had ever seen.
banner
a long sign often posted on a building to announce an event
BAKE SALE TODAY
A long banner was on the wall of the shopping mall.
dome
a half-globe with the rounded side up, often the roof of a building
The dome was gold and reflected the sun.
demolish
The hurricane demolished the house.
gaze (v.)
(v.) look steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought
He gazed at the moon as it rose in the night sky.
pale (adj.)
(adj.) a color that is not bright or saturated. pastel.
The moon was a pale yellow that night—almost white.