Vocabulary for Winter Unit

gazelle   /g&-'zel/

• any of numerous small to medium graceful and swift African and Asian antelopes 
   

Page 2  -  Is he a sign, like the rabbit and the gazelle?

tundra    /'t&n-dr& also 'tun-/

• a level or rolling treeless plain that is characteristic of arctic and subarctic regions, consists of black mucky soil with a permanently frozen subsoil, and has a dominant vegetation of mosses, lichens, herbs, and dwarf shrubs.

Page 12  -  The Arctic tundra is a treeless plain.

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whirl   /'hw&r(-&)l, 'w&r(-&)l/

• to move in a circle or similar curve especially with force or speed.

Page 23  -  The huskies dashed off in a whirl of snow.

split     /'split/

• to affect as if by breaking up or tearing apart : shatter <a roar that split the air>.

Page 32  -  Suddenly howls split the air.

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scampered  - scamper      /'skam-p&r/

• to run nimbly and usually playfully about.

Page 33  -  The cubs jumped up and shook themselves like wet puppies. Then they scampered toward Annie, who rushed to greet them.

Page 35  -  They pushed Jack and Annie over and scampered away.

whimpered  - whimper      /'hwim-p&r, 'wim-/

• to make a low whining, mournful, or broken sound.
   

Page 41  -  The cubs whimpered louder.

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atoms  - atom      /'a-t&m/

• the smallest particle of an element that can exist either alone or in combination.

molecules  - molecule   /'mä-li-"kyü(&)l/

• the smallest particle of a substance that retains all the properties of the substance and is composed of one or more atoms

Page 50  -  The swirl of light is caused by electrically charged particles from the sun striking atoms and molecules in the earth's atmosphere.

parka     /'pär-k&/

• a hooded fur pullover garment for arctic wear.

Page 55 The hunter took the masks and put them inside his parka.

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battered  - batter     /'ba-t&r/

• To hit heavily and repeatedly with violent blows.

Page 62  Icy winds battered the tree house.

society   /s&-'sI-&-tE/

• a voluntary association of individuals for common ends; especially : an organized group working together or periodically meeting because of common interests, beliefs, or profession

Page 67  -  "These are your Master Librarian cards," said Morgan. "You are the newest members of the ancient Society of Master Librarians."

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hexagon - six-sided shape

All snowflakes are hexagons.

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unexpected - coming without warning; unforeseen, unanticipated, unpredicted, surprising, sudden

Then, as unexpected as the warm spring breeze, Taffy walked proudly into the yard.

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lumber - walk heavily, trod, hobble, plod

A great bear lumbered by.

snuffle - breathe in, inhale

Next a hedgehog came snuffling along.

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glee - jubilant delight; joy, glee, delight, excitement, happiness

This one was rocking with glee, his long nose buried in Tuffi's warm fur.

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