8 • Lesson 19 Word List

(n) 1. A wall-like structure used as a defense.
A wall of sandbags acted as a bulwark against the rising floodwaters.

2. A person or thing that protects or defends.
The Bill of Rights of our Constitution is a bulwark of our individual liberties.

(v) To reach or bring to the highest point.
The Fourth of July celebrations culminated in a spectacular fireworks display.

culmination (n) The result of a sustained effort; the high point or climax.
Winning the Nobel Prize was the culmination of the scientist's long and distinguished career.

(v) To swallow up by covering completely; to overwhelm.
During the hurricane, a huge wave engulfed the boat and almost swept the crew overboard.

(adj) Able to be done; possible or likely.
Building a new library is feasible if the town allots sufficient funds for it.

(n) A much larger supply than is needed.
A glut of office space in downtown buildings resulted in a sharp drop in rents.

(v) 1. To supply a much larger amount than is needed.
The weather was so ideal that California's growers glutted the market with strawberries.

2. To eat or consume to excess.
Sitting under the heavily laden branches, we glutted ourselves on ripe peaches.

(n) 1. Widespread destruction or devastation.
This morning we warily surveyed the havoc caused by yesterday's storm.

2. Great confusion.
When the rabbits escaped from their cages, they created havoc in Mrs. Tsai's classroom.

(adj) Impossible to attack successfully.
The citadel was impregnable because of its hilltop location and strong defenses.

(adj) Not easily made tired; tireless.
Rescuers were indefatigable in their all-night efforts to reach the trapped miners.

(n) A fierce attack.
The Union onslaught at Gettysburg stopped General Robert E. Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania.

(n) 1. Any fact or event that can be observed or described.
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is a phenomenon visible in the night sky in the far north.

2. An unusual fact, event, or person.
Publishing her first novel when she was eighty-five made her a publishing phenomenon.

phenomenal (adj) Extraordinary; very unusual.
You must have a phenomenal memory to remember all those names after hearing them just once!

(adj) Like a picture; pleasing or charming to look at.
My favorite painting was of a picturesque old cottage with roses climbing its walls.

(adj) Happening or existing at the same time.
When the thunder and lightning are almost simultaneous, the storm is very close to you.

(v) To require as part of an agreement or contract.
My agreement with my coach stipulates that I need to keep a certain grade point average in order to stay on the team.

(adj) Open or subject to; easily influenced or affected by.
Because I have hay fever, I am very susceptible to ragweed pollen.

(v) 1. To pull away from with a twist.
Tamika wrested the ball from the player on the opposing team.

2. To take by force or as if by force.
The parents wrested control of the school board away from the previous members.