com • post n., mixture consisting largely of decaying organic matter and used for fertilizing soil. Mara’s compost pile, rich with eggshells, fruit rinds, and fish skin, is ready to be tilled into her garden soil.

ir • i • des • cent adj., exhibiting a lustrous rainbowlike play of color. When she turned her head, her crystal earring caught the light and became iridescent.

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pro • tes • ta • tion n., objection. Despite his strong protestation, they sang “Happy Birthday” to him in the middle of the restaurant.

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heir • loom n., something of special value passed from one generation to another. A gold locket, photographs, and two handmade dolls were among the heirlooms handed down from her great-grandparents to her.

mem • o • ra • bil • ia n., mementos, souvenirs kept to remind one of past happenings. Although Nathan was only thirteen, he had a closet full of memorabilia, including the blue ribbon from his fourth-grade science project and the seat from his first bicycle.

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morgue n., place where the bodies of people found dead are kept until released for burial. Many scary movies contain scenes that take place in the county morgue.

for • lorn adj., sad because of isolation or desertion. The little girl searched the store for her dad, a forlorn look on her face.