Nova S48E14: English vocabulary

the act or process of becoming less clear or transparent

showing that something is present or true, often in a way that is not obvious

covered or hidden so that you cannot see it clearly

to suggest an explanation for something based on limited evidence

the movement of something swinging back and forth

the act of moving a boat by pushing a pole against the bottom of the water

in a way that settles something clearly and finally

to value something very highly

turned or operated by a crank

able to be seen, noticed, or measured

a decorative border or strip along the edge of something

more able or skilled than someone or something else

a state of very high activity, energy, or speed

to pass dry ingredients through a sieve to remove lumps or coarse bits

to attack a place with bombs or shells

funny or unusual in a slightly odd way

a sudden chance to make a lot of money or get something very valuable

something that makes a surface, line, or shape even or level

the use or arrangement of instruments or equipment for a specific purpose, especially in science or engineering

an opinion or guess based on incomplete information

looking pale, strange, or unreal, like a ghost

a feeling of great surprise or wonder

extremely large

extremely impressive or surprising

very tall or high, especially in a way that is impressive

the idea that things can be different depending on the point of view or situation

able to be changed back or undone

the title used for the emperor of Germany and Austria in the past

difficult to find, catch, understand, or remember

to make something explode

a state of constant change or movement

a liquid used to dissolve another substance

locked with a key

about to reach an important new stage or change

the practice of learning a job by following and watching an experienced worker

relating to the force of gravity

to make someone very interested or curious

moving or walking with quick, light steps

at the same time that something else is happening

to give off a sound, smell, light, or gas

smiling broadly and showing happiness or excitement

a process that makes cloth stiffer and stronger by coating it with a special substance

the life or world believed to exist after death

an organization that collects secret information for a government

a group of spies working together

to make someone so excited or emotional that they lose control

to divide land, money, power, or other things among people, often in a rough or unfair way

free from germs or other living microorganisms

a game in which a player or side must reach five points before the other side does

to attack someone or something, or start arguing with them

to attack someone in a drive-by shooting

to do very well or be very successful

to think of and create a plan, idea, or solution

the sound of something, especially a clock, ticking

the secret gathering of information about another country or organization

concerned with everyday life, money, and practical matters rather than religion or spiritual things

a small waterfall, or a series of small waterfalls

to fill something too full so that it bulges or spills out

an official government place where a country keeps important historical records

a light, colorless gas used in balloons and some scientific equipment

the act of liquid dripping in drops

working properly and ready to use

in a negative way or with a negative opinion

to record that you have started work or a shift

a situation or idea that seems impossible or contradictory but may still be true

the installation of cables or a cable system

to openly refuse to obey or accept something

the event that marked the beginning of the universe

an unfair campaign against a person or group, often based on opinion rather than facts

to think about something in a broader way and not focus only on the obvious details

a chemical element used in bleach, swimming pools, and water treatment

to make someone feel excited and eager

to expect something or think it will happen

to seem reasonable or consistent

a balanced arrangement in which one side or part matches the other

to laugh quietly