Nova S45E4: English vocabulary

a device used to set off an explosive charge

the front edge of a step or stair

showing strong determination and persistence

in a direct, firm, or exact way

to go from place to place asking people for opinions, votes, or support

showing that you think someone or something is not worth serious attention

a small group of ships or boats sailing together

to confuse or puzzle someone

the act or process of becoming less clear or transparent

the act of being rescued or set free

a place where a boat is kept tied up

the quality of being very fierce, violent, or intense

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

impossible to pass through or cross

the act of cutting food into small cubes

to become too hot, or to make something too hot

having the outer husk or shell removed

to form a circle around something

in a way that is based on facts and not personal feelings or opinions

more able or skilled than someone or something else

used for military forces sent to operate in another country or area

a stroke made in billiards by striking the cue ball with the cue held nearly vertically, so that it glances off another ball and changes direction

a slight idea or suspicion about something

shaped like an ellipse

to shake slightly because you feel fear, horror, or disgust

perfect or without faults

to stay hidden and wait for a chance to act

running away suddenly and quickly

to supervise students during an exam

the sound of many short, sharp pops or snaps

showing no mercy or kindness

the work of measuring land and recording its features, often for a map or building plan

the ability to think of clever, original solutions

a person who sells things in the street or from a cart

removed from the shell or husk

to run faster than someone or something, or to escape by running

a metal pin used to join pieces of metal together

winning or succeeding after a struggle

to officially cancel a law, order, or agreement

a large group of ships, planes, or other vehicles moving together

the act of keeping horses in stables

the practical details of something, especially the technical ones

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

the act of making an explosive device explode

small bits or pieces left after something has been scraped away

make a dangerous or tense situation less serious or less likely to cause trouble

moving gently against something with a soft, light sound

to make a substance or effect harmless or inactive

the force that makes some materials attract or repel each other

extremely small; too small to see without a microscope

the act of gently rubbing or stroking something

great intelligence, skill, or talent

to block or defend against an attack, especially with a quick counter-move

the act of avoiding someone or something

the study of correct reasoning

designed to move through air with less resistance

courage and determination to keep going in a difficult situation

a loud, harsh, high-pitched sound

something that is different from what is normal or expected

to repair a hole in knitted cloth by sewing yarn through it

a branch of mathematics that uses derivatives and integrals to study change and motion

to make something explode

the pointed top of a mountain or building

to become worse in quality, condition, or value

to turn something into the opposite position, order, or arrangement

the act of moving along without using power

the main body of an aircraft

moving with quick, light jumps

melted by heat and in a liquid state

a seabird with long wings and webbed feet, often seen near the coast

locked with a key

used to describe an animal that has been trained to be calm and easy to handle

great danger of being killed or badly hurt

temporary and improvised, used because the proper thing is not available

to a very great degree; extremely

to be in a very uncertain or risky situation