Glossary - I Can’t Climb Trees Anymore

Glossary

turnstile(n) : a mechanical gate consisting of revolving horizontal arms fixed to a vertical post, allowing only one person at a time to pass through

hollyhocks(n.pl) : a tall Eurasian plant of the mallow family, with large showy flowers

colonel(n) : a rank of officer in the army

brigadier(n) : a rank of officer in the British army, above Colonel

trapeze(n) : a horizontal bar hanging by two ropes and free to swing, used by acrobats in a circus

bougainvillea(n) : an ornamental shrubby climbing plant that is widely cultivated in tropics

budgerigars(n.pl) : a small Australian bird of the parrot family, often kept in a cage as a pet

muttered(v.pt) : to utter words in a low tone

slithered(v.pt) : slide or slip unsteadily on a loose or slippery surface

pruning(v) : the act of trimming a plant

drenched(v.pt) : thoroughly wet, soaked

chiming(v) : make melodious ringing sounds typically to indicate the time

cranking(v) : start, get going

eddies(n.pl) : circular movement of air or water, whirl, spiral

sprightliness(n) : liveliness, spirit, life

lissome(adj.) : slim, thin, slender, graceful, active

prosperous(adj.) : flourishing, successful

appraising(v) : assess, evaluate, estimate