Nova S44E26: English vocabulary

to change into a fossil over a very long time

to attract and hold someone's attention or interest strongly

to turn or rotate on a central point

one of the branched bony growths on a deer, elk, or moose

relating to acrobats or difficult body movements and stunts

an animal that eats plants

to move a train or rail vehicle from one track to another

extremely bad, unpleasant, or shocking

to value something very highly

too interested in other people's private matters

a large wild animal like a reindeer that lives in northern North America

a confused fight or struggle involving several people

more able or skilled than someone or something else

the lower jaw or lower jawbone

the activity of catching crabs

causing a lot of pain or suffering

full of longing or sadness for someone or something

something that discourages people from doing something

a person who fishes with a rod and line

to hang down loosely or swing gently

the part of a Muslim household where women lived separately from men

a person who cheats or acts dishonestly to get an advantage

to decorate something so it looks more attractive

to compete directly against someone, especially in a performance or contest

a bird that hunts and eats other animals

a sharp claw on a bird of prey

a group of young animals born or hatched at the same time

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

to ask questions about someone’s private life in a way that is annoying or rude

a room or building where weapons are kept

move or make something move quickly around and around

willing to listen to and consider new ideas, suggestions, or criticism

a predatory insect with a long body and front legs that catch other insects

to twist or become twisted into a messy mass

the process of removing bones from meat or fish

damaged by a sharp object that has made a hole in it

either of the two lines of latitude around 23.5° north and south of the equator

a large plant-eating animal with one or two horns on its nose

kissing and touching someone in a sexual way

a long, pointed tooth that sticks out of the mouth of some animals, such as elephants or walruses

to give something, especially time, money, or resources, to a particular purpose

the practice of selling unpaid bills to get money before they are paid

the natural pattern or shade of an animal, bird, or plant

a deep track made by wheels in soft ground

having horns

to hold and use a weapon, tool, or other object skillfully

a long, flexible arm on an animal such as an octopus or squid

great skill or ability in doing something

the study of correct reasoning

animal waste used as fertilizer

a unit used to measure energy, especially the energy in food

a fight or struggle, especially one involving many people

able to move quickly and easily

a person's usual way of reacting and behaving

a person who plays the violin, especially in traditional music

weapons and military equipment

a person or group you are competing or fighting against

an animal that has a backbone or spinal column

moving with quick, light jumps

to keep someone or something within limits or in one place

a sudden moment of understanding or realization

locked with a key

a symbol or idea of life, growth, and the connection between all living things

to make something move in a different direction

to be more important, valuable, or serious than something else

used to ask what something really means or is, especially in British English

to fail badly or be a complete flop

a small lizard that can change color to match its surroundings

the act of pulling something tight

the act of following someone closely in order to watch them or spy on them

the act of adding salt to food or water

to walk in a proud, showy way

a small hole made by something sharp, especially in a tire

large and heavy, or taking up a lot of space

extremely large, strong, or powerful

to end well or be resolved successfully