ven • om • ous adj., poisonous. Dirk’s leg swelled up after he was bitten by the venomous snake.

stol • id adj., having or showing little or no emotion or sensitivity. Kara is a very stolid person.

gorge v., swallow greedily. If you gorge pastries, you will get sick. gorging, adj.

singe v., burn slightly or superficially. The fire did not completely destroy the papers, but it singed them. singed, adj.

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lu • bri • cate v., make smooth or slippery. The mechanic will lubricate the engine so it purrs. lubricated, adj.

com • pressed adj., made more compact. We found the compressed loaf of bread on the chair where Marcello had been sitting.

in • fi • nite adj., beyond measure or comprehension. The number of possibilities is infinite; your options are limitless.

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in • tact adj., whole and uninjured. Zephyr dug up and destroyed the flower garden in front of the house, but the garden on the side was left intact.

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hys • ter • i • cal adj., wild, uncontrolled. Jeremy had trouble controlling himself after his fit of hysterical laughter.

il • lu • mi • na • tion n., lighting up, brightening. Maya giggled happily at the illumination provided by the hundreds of candles and small white lights.

trans • form v., change nature or character of. The new paint will transform the room from a dark dungeon to a cheerful conference center.

bou • le • vard n., broad, well-made street. It was a relief to turn from the narrow, rutted lanes onto the spacious boulevard.

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a • brupt adj., suddenly, unexpected. Tom and Hillary were whispering about Mrs. Olloway, but the conversation came to an abrupt end when she entered the room.

clench v., grip tightly. Zeke’s hands were clenched into fists as he stormed out of the room. clenching, adj.

pe • des • tri • an n., walker, one who moves on foot. The driver failed to yield to the pedestrian in the crosswalk.

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sub • con • scious adj., occurring without full knowledge or perception. Do you believe dreams reveal subconscious desires?

re • fract v., cause a wave of light or sound to bend. The water refracted the light.

im • per • cep • ti • ble adj., barely noticeable. At the news, an almost imperceptible look of worry crossed her face, but it was quickly replaced with a smile. imperceptibly, adv.