大学英语精读单词表第六册

UNIT 1. RESEARCH REPORTS FOR BUSINESS AND
NEW WORDS

presentation
n. the act of presenting; a talk, usu. to a group of people 提出，呈递；介绍，报告

client
n. a person who gets help or advice from a professional, e.g. a lawyer, an accountant, an architect, etc.; a person who buys goods or services 委托人，当事人，顾客

obstacle
n. sth. which prevents action, movement or success

marketing
n. the branch of business concerned with advertising, publicity, etc. 营销

economics
n. the science that deals with money, goods and services and how they are related to each other 经济学

accounting
n. the art, practice or system of keeping, analyzing and interpreting business accounts 会计学

anthropology
n. the scientific study of man, including his physical characteristics, the origin and development of races, and the cultures, customs and beliefs of mankind 人类学

data
n. facts; information

element
n. a basic part of which sth. is made up

intend
vt. have in mind as a goal; plan

precise
a. clearly expressed; exact; accurate

significance
n. importance; meaning

economic
a. connected with trade, industry and the management of money; of economics

consumption
n. the act of consuming or an amount consumed 消费（量）

teenager
n. a young person of between 13 and 19 year old

relevance
n. importance or significance to the matter at hand

relevant
a.

segment
n. a part into which a whole is or can be divided; section

regulation
n. a law or a set of rules by which sth. is regulated

investigate
v. examine carefully in a search for facts, knowledge, or information

investigative
a.

summary
n. a short statement of the main points of a report, etc.

consideration
n. careful thought

assessment
n. the act of calculating or deciding the value or amount; the value or amount at which sth. is calculated

rhetorical
a. in using a style designed to impress or persuade 修辞（学）的

enhance
vt. make greater; improve 增加，提高

thorough
a. complete in all respects

tradition
n. ideas, customs, beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation

description
n. the act of describing sth.; an account in words describing sth.

subject
n. a person or thing that is an object of study or experiment 实验对象，试验品

evaluate
vt. judge the value of

stroke
n. a single complete movement that is repeated often, as in swimming

factor
n. sth. that helps bring about a result 因素

overall
a. including everything; containing all

duplicate
vt. make an exact copy of

tendency
n. an inclination to think or behave in a certain way

hypothesis
n. idea or suggestion put forward as a staring point for reasoning or explanation 假

设

antithetical
a. opposite to and unable to exist together with 对立（面）的

expectation
n. the act of expecting sth. or sth. that is expected

validity
n. truth or soundness; state of legally acceptable 正确（性）；合法（性），有效

valid
a.

construction
n. the act of constructing sth. or sth. that is constructed

federal
a. of the central government of the USA（美国）联邦政府的

guideline
n. (pl.) informal rules or instruction on how sth. should be done

approve
v. have a favorable opinion (of); give permission or consent (to)

skilled
a. having skill; requiring training and skill

personnel
n. all the people who work for a company or organization

applicable
a. that can be applied (to)

formal
a. (of words or style of writing or speaking) suitable for official occasions, serious writing, etc.

emphasis
n. special importance given to sth. 强调

objection
n. disapproval or opposition; a reason for being against sth.

pleasing
a. likable; giving delight or enjoyment

accuracy
n. the condition of being correct and exact.

clarity
n. clearness

draft
n. a rough sketch, plan or outline 草稿，草图， 草案

edit
vt. prepare for publication by checking, correcting and revising 编辑

ensure
vt. make sure or certain; guarantee

aid
n. help; assistance

heading
n. a title at the top of a page, chapter, or letter

methodical
a. arranged or done according to a clear plan or method; orderly and systematic

eliminate
vt. get rid of; remove

wordy
a. using too many words

transitional
a. of change from one condition, activity or topic to another

transition n.

publication
n. (the printing and selling of) books, newspapers and magazines

agency
n. (esp. AmE) department of a government or an international body

readership
n. the particular number or type of people who read a book, newspaper or magazine

visual
a. of, relating to, or used in seeing

format
n. the way or order in which sth. is arranged or presented

graph
n. a mathematical diagram which shows the relationship between two or more sets of numbers or measurement （曲线）图

diagram
n. a simple drawing consisting mainly of lines used, for example, to explain how a machine works 简图，图表

mechanical
a. concerned with small technical detail 技巧上的，细节上的

preferable
a. more desirable or suitable

listing
n. an act or instance of making a list

prose
n. ordinary written language, in contrast to poetry

sacrifice
vt. give up, usu. for obtaining sth. for oneself or for others

specialized
a. suitable or developed for one particular use

specialize
v. adapt for a particular purpose

pretentious
a. claming (in an

unpleasant way) to have importance, artistic value or social rank that one does not really possess 矫饰的，做作的

jargon
n. technical words expert use to discuss their subjects 行话

readable
a. easy and enjoyable to read

orderly
a. arranged in good order, in a well organized and controlled way

framework
n. a structure that shapes or supports sth. 框架


Phrase & Expressions

on the job
while working; at work

break down into
separate into different kinds; divide into types

a variety (of)
a number or collection of different sorts of the same general type

make up
form as a whole; constitute

under consideration
being discussed; begin given thoughtful attention

as such
as being what is indicated or suggested; in itself or in themselves

take on
begin to have; assume

write up
rewrite in a fuller, better organized way; give a full written account of

get down
write, record (usu. quickly or with difficulty)


Proper Names

Wayne Losano
韦恩.洛桑诺





UNIT 2. THE BEGINNING OF A CARREER
New Words

mademoiselle
n. French title equivalent to Miss, abbr. Mlle

shady
a. full of or providing shad; dark

interior
n. the inner part of sth; inside

insane
a. seriously ill in the mind; mad
anyhow
ad. in any case; anyway

brass
n. (sl.) high officials, executives, etc.

net
vt. gain as profit 净赚

slick
n. a popular magazine printed on heavy, glassy paper（用油光纸印制的）通俗杂志

frankly
ad. in an open, honest and straightforward way

frank
a.

intersession
n. a period between two academic terms, sometime utilized for brief concentrated courses

beer
n. a bitter alcoholic drink made from grain 啤酒

companion
n. one who is often with another person; friend 同伴

brassy
a. loud and daring in a tasteless manner

jolly
vt. make (sb.) feel good or agreeable, esp. to gain and end

protagonist
n. the chief character in a play or novel

gabby
a. very talkative

ratio
n. the relationship in number, quantity or size between two different things 比率

tag
vt. follow closely

flirt
n. a person who behaves with a member of the opposite sex in a way that attracts interest and attention

gracious
a. very well-mannered and pleasant

cute
a. sharp-witted, clever, charmingly attractive

pal
n. (infml) friend

flip
vi. turn over quickly

index
n. an alphabetical list of the names and subjects in a printed work 索引

polish
vt. improve; perfect 润色

soar
vi. fly high into the air; rise beyond what is common and ordinary

tangible
a. real; clear or definite enough to be easily seen, felt or noticed

testimony
n. proof; evidence

germ
n. the beginning of anything; origin 萌芽，起源

editorship
n. the position of an editor

senior
a. of the final year at high school or college
n. student in the senior class

outlet
n. a way of releasing sth.

perspective
n. view; outlook; way of thinking about things 观点，看法

broaden
v. make or become broader

heck
int. (used mainly as a mild curse) hell

yearn
vi. have a strong desire; long

uproot
vt. tear up by the roots

inferiority
n. the state or condition of being not good or less good in quality or value

inferiority complex
an abnormal feeling not as good as other people, sometimes resulting in avoidance of others or overly aggressive behavior 自卑情结

inferior
a.

coward
n. a person who is afraid to face danger, pain or hardship

pellet
n. a little ball or similarly shaped object; piece

gang
n. a group of friends who frequently meet

starry
a. filled with stars that are visible

sweater
n. a warm knitted piece of clothing, which covers the upper part of one's body and arms 毛线衫，厚运动衫

fond
a. having a great liking or love for sb. or sth.

metaphysical
a. highly abstract; philosophical 高度抽象的，哲理的

disorganized
a. in a confused state; badly planned or managed

preoccupy
vt. fill the thoughts of sb. almost completely, esp. so that not enough attention is given to other things

mechanics
n. the way in which sth. works or is done

mechanics of living
simple routine matters of life

assimilate
vt. take into the body and digest; understand completely and be able to use properly

chaos
n. a state of complete and thorough disorder and confusion


Phrases & Expressions

no doubt
without doubt; certainly

to top it off
(usu. introducing sth. undesirable) in addition to everything else

be stuck in
be unable to escape from (a disadvantageous position)

know one's way around/ about
understand how things happen in the world; be experienced in the way of the world

as for
in regard to; speaking of; concerning

sink in
get a firm place in the mind; become fully understood

get over
believe; learn to live with the shock of (sth. Very surprising or shocking)

set one's sight for
aim for, wish to get or win

cheer up
become hopeful, joyous or glad; stop being sad or discouraged

at present
at this time; now

what with
as a result of (used to introduce the reasons for a particular situation, esp. an undesirable one)

be preoccupied by/with
have the mind fixed on sth., esp. sth. worrying so that no attention is paid to anything else

make the best of
do as well as one can with

come one's way
happen to one


Proper Names

Sylvia Plath
西尔维亚.普拉斯

Belmont
贝尔蒙特

Cape Cod
科德角

Mademoiselle
《小姐》杂志

Minton
明顿

Marley
马莉

the Atlantic
《大西洋》月刊

Henry
亨利

Liz
莉兹

Harvard Law (School)
哈佛大学法学院

Clark
克拉克

T.S. Eliot
T.S. 艾略特





UNIT 3. THE QUEST FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL
New Words

quest
n. search

extraterrestrial
a. (coming from) outside the earth

ponder
v. think about slowly and carefully

muse
v. think deeply, forgetting about the world around one

contemplate
v. look at or think about intently; have in mind as a possibility or plan

exotic
a. not native; fascinating because strange or different 外国的；异国情调的

biology
n. the scientific study of living things; animal and plant life, as of a given area 生物学；一个地区的生物

cosmic
a. of the universe, esp. the heavens as distinguished from the earth 宇宙的

exquisite
a. extremely beautiful or pleasant, esp. in a delicate or refined way

acceptable
a. good enough; satisfactory

extraordinary
a. very remarkable; exceptional

unimaginably
a. in an unimaginable manner; inconceivably

astronomy
n. the scientific study of the stars, planets, and other natural objects in space 天文学

array
n. collection; an impressive display of numerous persons or objects 列阵

detector
n. an instrument for discovering the presence of sth.

dedicated
vt. devoted

dedicate
vt. set apart for a special use or purpose

operationally
ad. in respect to operation

operational
a.

galaxy
n. any of the large groups of stars which make up the universe 星系

the Milky Way Galaxy
银河系

assign
vt. fix; decide on

quantity
n. an amount or number

abundance
n. a great quantity; plenty

planetary
a. of a planet; having sth. to do with planets

likelihood
n. the degree to which sth. can reasonably be expected to happen; probability

probability
n. the condition of being likely to happen

characteristically
ad. in a characteristic manner

characteristic
n. a special feature or quality that makes sb. or sth. different from others
a. showing a special feature or identity

breathtakingly
ad. astonishingly

exhilarating
a. very exciting; causing happiness

diversity
n. difference; variety

diverse
a.

lifestyle
n. a way of living

commerce
n. the buying and selling of goods; trade 商业

candidate
n. a person or thing that is regarded as being suitable for a particular purpose or as being likely to do or be a particular thing

astronaut
n. a person trained to travel in a spacecraft 宇航员

visitation
n. the act of visiting; visit

remote
a. distant in space or time

inexpensive
a. that which does not cost much; reasonable in price

anthropocentric
a. regardi

ng men as the central fact, and his existence and welfare as the ultimate aim, of the universe 以人类为宇宙中心的

electromagnetic
a. of magnetic force produced by an electric current 电磁的

spectrum
n. a set of bands of colored light in the order of their wavelengths into which a beam of light may be separated; a range of any of various kinds of waves 光谱；波谱

ray
n. a beam of light, heat, electricity or some other form of energy

gamma ray (usu. pl.)
a beam of light of short wavelength which goes through solid objects Y射线，光（量）子

peer
n. an equal in rank, quality or worth

backward
a. late in development

observatory
n. a place from which scientists watch stars and other heavenly bodies 天文台

princess
n. the daughter of a king or queen; a prince's wife 公主；王妃

optimistic
a. tending to see the bright side of things

imply
vt. express, show or mean indirectly; suggest

stellar
a. of or concerning stars

muster
vt. gather or collect; summon

respectability
n. the quality of being respectable

Mars
n. 火星

mission
n. an important task, esp. one that involves traveling abroad

burgeon
vi. bud; grow or develop rapidly

lately
ad. not long ago; recently

manifestation
n. sign of the existence or presence of a person, object or quality

manifest vt.

skeptic
n. person who questions the truth of theories or apparent facts

skeptical
a.

interstellar
n. (placed or moving) between the stars

spacecraft
n. a vehicle used for traveling in outer space 宇宙飞船

ply
v. make regular journeys (between); sail

conveniently
ad. with ease

convenient
a.

colony
n. the area settled by a group of people who leave their country to live in another place 殖民地

premature
a. appearing, happening, or done before the usual, expected or correct time

surmise
vt. guess; suppose

detect
vt. notice or find the presence of

international
a. of or between two or more nations

traffic
n. vehicles, people, ships or aircraft moving along a route

incompletely
ad. not completely; partially

modulation
n. variation of the amplitude, frequency, or phase of the carrier wave in accordance with the sound wave or other signals being sent 调制

pulsar
n. an astronomical source or powerful radio waves emitted in short, intense bursts or pulses at very precise intervals 脉冲星

quasar
n. a heavenly object which emits powerful blue light and radio waves; quasi-stellar objects 类星体

galactic
a. of or having to do with the Milky Way or with other galaxies

ethic
n. system of moral behavior 伦理

noninterference
n. the practice of not taking part in or trying to influence the affairs of other people, countries, etc.

approp

riate
a. correct or suitable for a particular situation or occasion

immortality
n. the state of being immortal; never-ending life or endless fame 不朽，永存；不灭的声望

motivation
n. need; desire 动因；动力

motivate
vt.

gallivant
vi. go around amusing oneself; wander

adolescent
a. growing up from childhood to adulthood; immature
assurance
n. belief in one's own ability; confidence

brim
vi. be full to the brim

amenable
a. that can be tested (by)

verification
n. proof by evidence; confirmation 证明；核实

extensive
a. large in amount, area or range

organism
n. a living being


Phrases & Expressions

if any
possibly none

seek out
find (sb. or sth.) by looking hard

might very well
be (very) likely to

to date
until today; yet

band in hand with
together with

be dedicated to
be devoted to; be intended to be used for

along with
together with

depend on
following directly or logically from; turn on

so as to
in order to

in a position to
able to

brim over with
have an abundance of

cry out for
need badly


Proper Names

Carl Sagan
卡尔.萨根

Greenbank
格林班克

West Virginia
西弗吉尼亚州

Frank Drake
弗兰克.德雷克

Cornell University
康乃尔大学

the Land of Oz
奥兹国

the Soviet Union
苏联

the Amazon
亚马逊河





UNIT 4. THE LIBRARY CARD
New Words

lobby
n. entrance hall 门廊，门厅

porter
n. an employee who sweeps, cleans, does errands, etc. as in a bank, store, or restaurant 勤杂工

mop
vt. wash or wipe up; clean with a mop 擦；用拖把擦洗

commercial
a. having to do with business

hearsay
n. information or new heard from another person 传闻

furious
a. extremely angry; violent

denunciation
n. the act of denouncing; condemnation 谴责，痛斥

scorn
n. strong disrespect; contempt 鄙视，轻蔑

denounce
vt. criticize severely and publicly

castigate
vt. criticize severely

riverfront
n. the part of a city or town on or near a river or harbor area

patronize
vt. be a regular customer, reader, etc. of; give regular business to

insecure
a. anxious and unsure of oneself; not confident

offhand
a. careless or disrespectful in manner; casual

banter
vi. talk in a joking way

contempt
n. a feeling that sth. is of little value or worthless; scorn 轻视，轻蔑

solidarity
n. agreement of interests, aims, or standards

Baptist
n. 浸礼会教徒

comprehend
vt. understand

Kluxer
n. a member of the Ku Klux Klan 三K党成员

sympathizer
n. a person who sympathizes with another persons or is favorably inclined toward a particular belief

anti-
prefix against

; opposed to

refer(to)
vi. mention or speak about

pope
n. head of the Roman Catholic Church（罗马天主教的）教皇

lover
n. one who is in love with sb. or sth.

southerner
n. a person from a southern region

imponderable
a. unable to be weighed or assessed

suspiciously
ad. distrustfully

pose
vt. put forward fro discussion; state

supervise
vt. keep watch over( work or workers) as the person in charge

forge
vt. make or write(sth. false) to deceive

foolproof
a. that can not go wrong

nigger
n. (derogatory) a Negro

errand
n. a short journey made to get sth. or carry a message

doff
vt. take off

respectful
a. having or showing respect

unbookish
a. not inclined to read and study

patron
n. a person who uses a particular shop, hotel, etc, esp. regularly

optical
a. of or relating to light or the sense of light 光学的；视力的

suspicious
a. causing one to suspect; deserving or exciting suspicion

suspicion
n.

duck
vt. try to escape by hiding quickly 闪避

hold
a. showing or needing courage

pointedly
ad. in such a way as to make some meaning, reference or application quite unmistakable

doubtful
a. having, showing or causing doubt

title
n. a name given to a book, painting, play, etc.

thumb
vi. turn pages of (a book, etc.) rapidly with a thumb, reading only portions

frown
vi. draw the brows together in deep thought, anger or disapproval

pork
n. meat from pigs

bean
n. a rounded seed of a plant related to peas 豆

jar
vt. have a harsh, unpleasant effect on; shock

sweeping
a. forceful; comprehensive and wide-ranging

raging
a. violent; furious

rage
vi. be furious with anger; act violently

demon
n. an evil spirit

slash
vt. cut with a sweeping stroke of a sword, knife or whip

extol
vt. praise highly

mock
vt. laugh at; make fun of; ridicule

reality
n. the condition or quality of being real; the state of things as they are

weapon
n. an instrument used to attack another or defend oneself from attack

club
n. a heavy stick with one thick end, use as a weapon

conviction
n. a strong feeling or belief about sth.

revel
vi. take very great pleasure(in)

crude
a. in a natural or raw state; unrefined

surge
vi. rise or swell with great force

hunger
vi. have a strong desire or craving

disbelieve
vt. refuse to believe

novel
n. a long story about fictitious people and events

lug
vt. pull along or carry with effort; drag

golf
n. a game played by hitting a small, hard ball with one of a set of clubs around an outdoor course into a series of holes in as few strokes as possible 高尔夫球

mythical
a. not real; imaginary

myth
n. a story that expresses the belie

fs and values of a people 神话

revive
vt. bring back to life or consciousness

vivid
a. active, lively

naturalism
n. the showing in art, and literature, of the world and people scientifically and exactly as they are 自然主义

mood
n. the way sb. feels at a certain time 心境，情绪

ream
n. 480 or 500 sheets of paper of the same size and quality 令

sufficiently
ad. in a sufficient manner or to a sufficient degree

sufficient
a. as much as is needed; enough

ignorance
n. the condition of being ignorant; lack of knowledge

Jim Crow
discriminating against Negroes; for blacks only


Phrases & Expressions

aside from
except for; in addition to

on earth
of all possible things; ever (use. used for emphasis after words that ask question)

call down
summon; evoke (sth. upon sb.)

out of the question
not worth considering; impossible

fit into
belong to; be appropriate to

refer to
mention; allude to

address oneself to
give one's full attention to; tackle

on errands
making a short trip to do or get sth. for sb.

slip up
make a mistake

be clear of
be a safe distance away from; free from

call up
call on the telephone

under one's breath
in a whisper

right off
at once; immediately

be through
have reached the end of; be finished with; be done with

run across
find or meet by chance

look up
search for, hunt information about in a dictionary

surge up
rise up in a wave

hunger up
rise up in a wave

nothing less than
nothing short of

beyond one's reach
not capable of being had or got to


Proper Names

Richard Wright
理查德.赖特

Memphis
孟菲斯

Commercial Appeal
《商业呼声报》

H.L. Mencken
H.L. 门肯

Don
唐

A Book of Prefaces
《序言集》

Prejudices
《偏见》

Sinclair Lewis
辛克莱.刘易斯

Main Street
《大街》

Gerald
杰拉尔德

George F. Babbitt
乔治.F.巴比特

Dreiser
德莱塞

Jennie Gerhardt
珍尼.格哈特

Sister Carrie
《嘉莉妹妹》





UNIT 5. HOW COULD ANYTHING THAT FEELS SO BAD BE SO
New Words

strategy
n. the art of planning action that lead to gaining a goal or victory

paradox
n. a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that is or may be true; a person or situation exhibiting apparently contradictory characteristics 似非而是，自相矛盾

paradoxical
a. of or having the nature of a paradox

discontented
a. dissatisfied and restlessly unhappy

statistics
n. facts and figures gathered together for information or on a particular subject 统计（资料）

institution
n. an established custom, law or relationship in a society or community 风俗，制度，惯例

popular
a. enjoyed, accepted or liked by many people

desirable
a. worthy of being desired

liability
n. sth. for which one is responsible, esp. by law; sth. that limits one's activities or freedom 责任，义务； 不利条件

liable
a. responsible under the law

asset
n. sth. that is useful or valuable; (pl.) the property of a person, company, etc. 宝贵的东西，资产

anymore
ad. (used in negative sentences) any longer

yarn
n. a long continuous thread, as of wool or cotton, use in making cloth, mats, etc.

electrical
a. concerned with or using electricity

plug
n. a device at the end of an electrical cord that fits into an electrical socket to make an electrical connection 插头

bond
n. sth. that binds or unites 联结物；联系

functional
a. made for or concerned with practical use only 功能的

function
n. normal use; duty or work 功能

affectional
a. relating to or implying affections 感情的

affection
n. gentle, lasting love, like that of a parent for a child; fondness

desertion
n. (an example of ) the act of leaving one's duty, family, etc. 抛弃，遗弃

overcome
vt. fight successfully against; defeat

order
n. kind, sort, type

intimacy
n. a close and affectionate personal relationship; familiarity

intimate
a.

dissatisfaction
n. lack of satisfaction; displeasure

improvement
n. the act of improving or the state of being improved

way
ad. far, considerably

familiarity
n. thorough knowledge

religious
a. of religion

plot
vt. draw (a curve) on a graph to show certain stated facts

incidence
n. the rate at which sth. happens or exists 发生率

participative
a. characterized by participation; participating

layman
n. a person who does not have specialized or professional knowledge of a subject 门外汉，外行

passive
a. not joining in or taking part; not acting

contemporary
a. belonging to the present time; of or belonging to the same time

changer
n. one who makes change

medium (pl. media)
n. a method for giving information; form of art 媒介；艺术手段

mass media
the means of communication that reach large numbers of people in a short time, such as radio, television, newspapers, magazines, etc.

activism
n. the process of campaigning in public or working for an organization in order to bring about political or social change

rebellion
n. the act of rebelling; open defiance of authority

engender
vt. bring about; produce

assess
vt. estimate the value or amount of; evaluate

gradual
a. happening or developing slowly and by degrees; not sudden

increment
n. an increase or addition, esp. one of a series

resist
vt. work or fight against

resistance
n.

mobilize
vt. organize for a purpose 动员

organizational
a. of or having to do wi

th organization

reform
n. an improvement, esp. one made by removing faults or abuses 改革

arrangement
n. a plan made in preparation for sth.

component
n. any of the parts that together make a whole machine or system

romance
n. a love affair

esthetic
a. having to do with beauty and the appreciation of beauty in nature an dart（审）美的

victimize
vt. cause (sb.) to suffer unfairly

victim
n. a person or animal sacrificed, injured or destroyed; a person who suffers some hardship or loss 牺牲者；受害者

environment
n. the physical and social conditions in which people live

fulfill
vt. supply or satisfy

frontier
n. an area or field not yet developed

exploration
n. the act of traveling in little known lands or seas for the purpose of discovery

explore
vt. examine (sth.) thoroughly in order to test or find out about it

seemingly
ad. in appearance; apparently

limitless
a. without limit or end


Phrases & Expressions

when it come to
when it concerns

for that matter
with regard to that; about that

the other way round
in the opposite order

in terms of
in regard to; especially about

bring about
cause; produce; lead to

can't help but
can only; be forced to

take (great) pains (with/to do)
try hard (to do)


Proper Names

Richard E. Farson
理查德.E.法森

California
加利福尼亚

Emerson
爱默生

Buckminster Fuller
巴克明斯特.富勒





UNIT 6. THE MONSTER
New Words

monster
n. a person too wicked to be considered human; an animal or plant that is very unlike those usually found in nature

undersized
a. smaller than usual; too small

sickly
a. weak, unhealthy and often ill

agony
n. very great pain or suffering of mind or body

coarse
a. not fine or smooth; rough

delusion
n. a false belief

grandeur
n. greatness, nobility

delusion of grandeur
夸大妄想

dramatist
n. a writer of plays, esp. serious ones; playwright

composer
n. one who writes musical works

compose vt.

conversationalist
n. a person who enjoys and is skilled at conversation

monologue
n. a long speech by one person; a spoken part in a play or film for a single person 独白

maddeningly
ad. annoyingly

tiresome
a. irritating or boring

mania
n. a desire so strong than it seems mad; an unusual or unreasonable fondness 狂热；癖好

hint
n. a statement or action that gives a small or indirect suggestion

trivial
a. of little or no importance

harangue
n. a long, loud speech, esp. one which blames those listening to it

volubility
n. fondness for talking; talkativeness

deafen
vt. make deaf, esp. for a short time; stun with noise

vegetarianism
n. the practice or principle of eating o

nly vegetable foods and refraining from eating meat, fish or other animal products

pamphlet
n. a small book with paper covers which deals usu. with some matter of public interest; booklet 小册子

expense
n. cost in money, time, or effort

opera
n. a musical play

summon
vt. order(sb.) to come

applause
n. loud praise for a performer or performance, esp. by striking the hands together

needless
a. unnecessary

eminent
a. (of people) famous and admired

vocalist
n. singer

vocal
a. of the voice

rave
vi. talk wildly

suicidal
a. wishing to kill oneself, which leads or will lead to death or destruction

suicide
n.

gloom
n. a feeling of unhappiness or despair

gloomy
a.

darkly
ad. with a dark, gloomy, or menacing look or manner

Buddhist
a., n. having to do with Buddhism; a believer in Buddhism 佛教的；佛教徒

monk
n. a member of an all-male religious group who has made solemn promises, esp. not to marry and not to have any possessions, living in a monastery 僧侣

Buddhist monk
僧，和尚

grief
n. a feeling of extreme sadness

grief-stricken
a. filled with great sorrow

grieve
v.

pet
n. an animal kept in the home as a companion

callous
a. without feeling for the suffering of other people; unkind

emperor
n. the ruler of an empire

shudder
vi. shake uncontrollably for a moment, esp. from fear, cold, or strong dislike; tremble

incapable
a. not having the power or ability to do sth. or show a quality

grovel
vi. be shamefully bumble or eager to please; ask or beg with too great humility 卑躬屈膝，奴颜婢膝

loftily
ad. proudly; haughtily

lofty
a. very high; towering; noble

benefactor
n. a person who gives friendly help, often in the form of money

mortally
ad. bitterly, extremely

mortal
a. causing death; certain to die someday

offend
vt. hurt the feeling of; upset

offensive
a.

recipient
n. a person who receives sth.

legal
a. of or using the law

rajah
n. an Indian ruler

prospective
a. expected or intended; likely to be or become

royalty
n. a part of the price of a book, paid to the writer on each copy sold; a payment made to the writer of a play or piece of music when it is performed 版税

pressing
a. urgent

jail
n. prison

unscrupulous
a. not caring about honesty and fairness in getting what one wants; completely without principles

endless
a. having or seeming to have no end; never finishing

infidelity
n. an act of disloyalty; lack of faithfulness, esp. to husband or wife

admirer
n. a person who admires, esp. a man who is attracted to a particular woman

wealthy
a. rich, abundant

selfish
a. concerned about oneself without thinking of others

devotion
n. loyalty

lessen
v. make or become less

autobiography
n. the story of a person's life written by himself/herself

disagreeable
a. bad-tempered and unfriendly; unpleasant

stupendous
a. amazing, marvelous 巨大的，惊人的

musical
a. of or for music

genius
n. a person who has very great natural ability to think and create

unquestionably
ad. beyond dispute or doubt; certainly

rank
v. have or regard as having a certain rank or relative position

musico-dramatic
a. of or concerning both music and the drama

masterpiece
n. an outstanding work 杰作

headache
n. a pain in the head; a difficult or worrying problem

loot
vt. rob, plunder

trilogy
n. a group of three related books, plays, etc. connected by common subject matter, but each complete in itself （小说、戏剧等的）三部曲

faithless
a. not deserving trust; disloyal

compromise
vi. surrender one's principles, etc. dishonorably; reach an agreement by having each side give up certain demands 背弃；妥协

downright
ad. thoroughly; completely

grand
a. dignified, stately

forgive
v. stop being angry (at)

forgiveness
n. the act of forgiving or the willingness to forgive; pardon

scratch
v. dig, scrape, or injure with sth. sharp, such as fingernails, claws or a tool

shriek
vi. make a loud, shrill cry

miracle
n. sth. that is amazing and unusual 奇迹


Phrases & Expressions

in relation to
in connection with; with regard to; about

in one's eyes
in one's opinion

in support of
supporting

at sb.'s expense
with sb. paying the cost

needless to say
of course; as was to be expected

out of sorts
in an angry or unhappy mood; in a bad temper

under obligation (to do)
having the duty (to do)

good for
able to pay or contribute; useful or suitable for

lay one's hands on
find; gain possession of

run up
allow (sth. such as debt) to increase

on record
written down in a record





UNIT 7. ZERITSKYS LAW
New Words

connection
n. the state of being connected; relationship
-stricken
(combining form) overwhelmed or afflicted by disease, misfortune, horror, grief, etc.

ice-encased
a. placed or enclosed in or as if in an ice case

hysterical
a. in a state of hysteria; emotionally disturbed 歇斯底里的

lick
vt. pass the tongue over 舔

subsequently
ad. afterward, late

hind
a. back, rear

follow-up
a. of sth. done to continue or reinforce an initial action

dispatch
n. a report sent to a newspaper, etc. by a correspondent

disappearance
n. the act or an example of disappearing

rescue
vt. save from danger

nap
n. a short sleep, usu. at a time other than one's regular sleeping hours

defrost
v. make or become free of ice or frost;

thaw

unfair
a. not fair or right; unjust

luckless
a. having or bringing bad luck; unfortunate

archvillain
n. a principal villain; an extremely wicked person

indisputably
ad. beyond doubt; certainly

exorbitant
a. going beyond reasonable limits

storage
n. the act of storing or the condition of being stored

facility
n. (usu. pl.) sth. provided for people to use. 设备，设施

row
n. a noisy quarrel or dispute

substantial
a. large in amount

refund
n. the return of money paid; a repayment 退款；归还

publicity
n. information given out to get public attention 宣传，广告

enterprise
n. an undertaking, esp. one that is difficult or involving risk; a business firm

whimper
n. a weak complaint 牢骚，怨声

fee
n. a charge for a service or a right

ironclad
a. inflexible, rigid

mainstay
a. a main support

loot
n. goods (esp. private property) taken from an enemy in war, or stolen by thieves

admirable
a. worth admiring; arousing wonder and approval

chamber
n. an enclosed space or a private room; a room set aside for a special purpose

hue and cry
the pursuit of a suspected criminal with loud cries in order to raise the alarm; loud public outcry 追捕犯人时的叫喊声；（表示反对的）叫嚷

crime
n. an action or activity that is against the law or a failure to do what the law requires

haul
n. the amount of sth. gained, esp. stolen goods

anonymity
n. the condition of being anonymous 匿名

enforcement
n. the act or process of enforcing; putting into force 实施，执行

enforce vt.

agent
n. representative of a government agency

fugitive
n. a person running away from justice, danger, etc. 逃亡者

illegal
a. against the law

diligently
ad. in a diligent manner; carefully; industriously

bizarre
a. strictly odd or queer in appearance or style; fantastic

unparalleled
a. too great to be equaled 举世无双的

liquidate
vt. terminate the operation of (a commercial firm, etc.) by assessment of liabilities and appropriation of assets for their settlement 清算

yacht
n. a small ship used for pleasure trips

arduous
a. requiring great physical or mental effort; difficult to accomplish

goodly
a. considerable

pensioner
n. a person who receives a regular payment, not wages, from a government, company, or patron

pension
n. a regular payment to a person of a specified sum of money which is not wages

proportion
n. the size or amount of one thing when compared to the size or amount of another; (pl.) size or extent 比率，比例；大小

inexhaustible
a. existing in such large amounts that it can never be finished or used up

insupportable
a. unbearable

marital
a. of or relating to marriage

confession
n. admission (of one's weakness, fault, sin, etc.) 坦白；忏悔

incarcerate
vt. confine or imprison 幽闭；监禁

unamiable
a. ill-natured, ungracious

spouse
n. a wife or husband

scheme
n. a plan for doing sth.

visit
vt. inflict (punishment) for (wrongdoing); avenge 降罪于，惩罚

lifework
n. the work to which one's life is devoted; most important work of one's life

fanatically
ad. excessively

meticulous
n. extremely careful; with great attention to detail

double-check
n. the act of checking again; verifying

shrewd
a. clever in judgment, esp. of what is to one's own advantage

dissatisfy
vt. fail to satisfy; displease

greed
n. a selfish desire to get more and more of sth. 贪婪

greedy
a.

expand
v. make or become larger

grievance
n. a complaint or cause for complaint, esp. when one feels one has been unfairly treated

immature
a. not mature; not full-grown

frivolous
a. not serious or sensible in content, attitude or behaviour 不严肃的，轻浮的

foresee
vt. see or realize in advance

slip
n. a usu. slight mistake

elapse
vi. (of time) pass by

awesome
a. inspiring fear or dread

sweetheart
n. a person whom one loves

accusation
n. a statement that one has done sth. wrong

accuse
vt.

rumor
n. news or information which is passed from person to person but has not been proven to be true

freezer
n. a large fridge in which supplies of food can be stored at a very low temperature; deep freeze

mandatory
a. required by law; compulsory 依法的；强制性的

choke
vt. block or clog up (a passage, street, etc.)

transport
n. the act of carrying (goods or people) from place to place

Congress
n. the elected law-making body, e.g. of the US 立法机构，如美国国会

warehouse
n. a house or building where merchandise is stored

dehydrate
vt. cause to lose water 使脱水


Phrases & Expressions

in brief
in short; to sum up

as far as
to the distance, point or degree that

for one
as the first of several possible examples

dry off
make or become dry

stop dead in one's tracks
stop very quickly or with great force

be bound up with
be closely connected with or related to

first and last
always and chiefly

put away
put in the right place or out of sight

die down
come slowly to an end; grow slowly less or weaker

on the track of
looking for, trying to find

earn/make a living
support oneself

at that
in addition; also

be caught in
be involved in

to the point where
to the extent that

play around
spend time playing, fooling or joking instead of being serious or working

settle down
marry; begin to live a stable life

take with a grain of salt
accept or believe only

in part

go through
be approved or accepted


Proper Names

Zeritsky
齐里斯基

Ann Griffith
安.格里菲斯

Los Angeles
洛杉机

Fred C. Graham
弗雷德.C.格雷厄姆

John A. Monahan
约翰.A. 莫纳汉





UNIT 8. THE ROLE OF SCIENCE FICTION
New Words

genre
n. a particular type of art, writing, music, etc., which has certain characteristics that all examples of this type share（文艺作品的）体裁，样式；类型

controversial
a. causing much argument or disagreement

forecast
vt. say what will happen ahead of time; predict

planetwide
a. extending all over the planet

humankind
n. human being in general; mankind

probable
a. likely to happen or be true

inevitable
a. which can not be avoided; certain to happen

mode
n. a way of behaving, living, operating, etc.

spaceship
n. a vehicle used for traveling in outerspace; spacecraft

flexibility
n. flexible quality

flexible
a. easily adapted to fit various conditions

tabular
a. arranged in the form of a table

gimmick
n. an ingenious or novel mechanical device 别致的玩意儿；新奇的发明

robot
n. a machine that can move and do some of the work of a human being and is usu. controlled by a computer 机器人

sorrow
n. sadness, grief

prehistoric
a. of a time before events were written down

formula
n. a fixed way of doing sth.; method 公式，程式

decisive
a. showing or marked by determination and firmness

exterior
a. on the outside; outer
n. an outer part, surface or appearance

clash
n. a strong disagreement; conflict

lurk
vi. wait in hiding. esp. for an evil purpose; exist unseen

joint
a. done or shared by two or more people

headline
n. a line usu. printed in large type at the top of a newspaper article

hectic
a. very busy; rushed

badger
vt. bother by requesting sth. repeatedly

tragedy
n. a serious play that ends unhappily; a terrible event; disaster

historian
n. an expert in history; a person who writes about history

craft
n. a trade or art needing skill, esp. with one's hands 工艺

covertly
ad. secretly

poetry
n. (the art of writing) poems

endeavor
n. an earnest effort or attempt

sober
a. not drunk; serious, solemn

plodding
a. proceeding in a slow or dull way

phalanx
n. a closely massed body of persons, animals, or things; a number of persons united for a common purpose 方阵，密集的人群（兽群、东西）；为一个共同目标而团结起来的一群人

soulless
a. having or showing no attractive or tender human qualities

electromagnetism
n. magnetism produced by an electric current; the branch of physics that deals with electricity and magnetism 电磁（学）

slice
n. a thin flat pi

ece cut from sth; portion

electronics
n. the study of electrons and their behavior and of electronic equipment such as computers

stolid
a. not easily excited; showing no emotion; seeming dull

awe
n. a feeling of wonder and fear mixed together with deep respect

underarm
a. (euph.) of or for the armpit （为）腋下的

deodorant
n. a man-made chemical substance that destroys or hides unpleasant smells, esp. those of the human body

deride
vt. laugh at or make fun of as of no value

fuzzy
a. not clear in shape or sound; confused

fuzzy-brained
a.

egghead
n. (derog.) a clever, highly-educated person, esp. one who is impractical

minority
n. a group of people of a different race, religion or nationality from the rest of society

tuck
vt. put or store in a safe or secret place

site
n. a place where sth. of special interest existed or happened

Pacific
a. 太平洋的

atoll
n. ring-shaped island made of coral partly or completely enclosing an area of sea water环礁，环状珊瑚礁

humanist
n. a student of human nature or affairs; follower of humanism 人文主义者，人本主义者；人道主义者

humanistic
of humanism or humanists

glorification
n. the act of glorifying or the state of being glorified

chaotic
a. in a state of complete disorder and confusion

celebrate
vt. mark (an event) with public or private rejoicings; praise in writing, speech, etc.

tidal
a. of or having a tide

tide
n. the regular rise and fall of the sea caused by the pull of the moon and sun 潮汐

unperturbed
a. undisturbed; calm

mythology
n. a collection of myths; the study of myths 神话集；神话学

myth
n. an ancient story that expresses the beliefs and values of a people 神话故事

manfully
ad. bravely, courageously

geological
a. of or having to do with geology

geology
n. the study of the origin, structure and history of the earth 地质学

politician
n. a person who runs for or holds a position in government

preach
v. speak publicly on a religious or moral subject

gospel
n. a set of instructions or teachings; any of the four accounts of Christ's life in the Bible 《新约》四部福音之一

archaic
a. belonging to the past; no longer used

fruitful
a. producing good results; successful

interpreter
n. a person who interprets 翻译

interpret
vi. put (a language) into the words of another language usu. by speech; make clear or explain the meaning of

interpretation
n.

evangelize
vt. preach the Gospel (to)对……宣讲福音

farthermost
a. most distant; farthest

knowledgeable
a. knowing a lot


Phrases & Expression

come out
be published

bit by bit
gradually; little by little

lean on
choose, esp. for support; d

epend on

feel for
sympathize with

in one's hands
under one's control; be taken care of

one the grounds that
for the reason that

think out
consider, examine carefully

back up
support, esp. in an argument

tuck away
store in a safe place

take thought
perform the actions connected with thinking; think


Proper Names

Ben Bova
本.博瓦

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
麻省理工学院

Abraham
亚伯拉罕

Paris
帕里斯

Troy
特洛伊

Hamlet
哈姆雷特

Claudius
克劳狄斯

Faust
浮士德

New Scientist
《新科学家》周刊

Robert Graves
罗伯特.格雷夫斯

James Clerk Maxwell
詹姆斯.克拉克.马克斯韦尔





UNIT 9. LOOK FOR THE RUSTY LINING
New Words

rusty
a. covered with rust, rusted 生锈的

lining
n. the inner surface of sth. 衬里

inheritable
a. that can be inherited

inherit
vt. receive (property, a title, etc.) left by someone who has died

worrier
n. a person who worries

glum
a. sad, gloomy

gene
n. a tiny unit of a plant or animal cell that determines a characteristic that will be passed onto the offspring of the parent 基因

reflower
vi. flower again; (fig.) be at one's or its best once more

all-purpose
a. that can be used for any purpose

suck
vt. draw into the mouth by using the lips, cheeks and tongue; absorb 吸

vogue
n. the popular fashion or custom at a certain time

fad
n. (infml) an intense but short-lived fashion

celestial
a. of the sky or heaven

UFO
unidentified flying object 不明飞行物，飞碟

ominously
ad. of bad omen; unfavorably, threateningly

worrisome
a. which troubles one or makes one anxious

polar
a. of or near the North or South pole

submerge
v. (to cause) to go under the surface of water

tasty
a. having a pleasant taste; full of flavor

inexorably
ad. in a relentless way; unyieldingly 毫不宽容地

riddle
vt. make many holes in

wreck
n. a destroyed or much injured ship; (fig.) a person who has lost his health or money

quaint
a. strange or odd in an interesting, pleasing, or amusing way

transient
a. lasting for only short time; quickly passing

manageable
a. easy or possible to control or deal with

rust
v. make or become rusty

terror
n. (a person or thing that causes) great or intense fear

surrender
v. give up or give in to the power of (esp. of an enemy) as a sign of defeat

optimist
n. one who is hopeful about the future

inspiration
n. a felling of enthusiasm and encouragement one get from sb. or sth. that give new ideas and the desire to create 灵感

inspire
vt.

eastern
a. of or belonging to the east part of the world or a country

posture
n. a way of

behaving or thinking on a particular occasion; attitude

trump
vt. take (a trick or card of another suit) with a trump; (fig.) be better than; surpass

antique
n. a piece of furniture, jewelry, etc, that was made a very long time ago and is therefore valuable

inundation
n. the act or fact of overflowing; flood 泛滥；洪水

overdue
a. left unpaid too long

warning
n. a notice of coming danger given beforehand

canal
n. a waterway dug across land for ships to go through

pedestrian
n. a person who goes on foot; walker
a. (fig.) without imagination; dull, slow, commonplace

immemorial
a. originating in the distant past, ancient

cryogenically
ad. by using very low temperatures

toe
n. one of the end parts of the foot 脚趾，足尖

relocate
v. move to or establish in a new place

self-cancelling
a. cancelling itself out

cancel
vt. neutralize or balance in force or influence; offset

enlarge
v. make or become larger

rink
n. a sheet of ice for skating 溜冰场

dud
n. a shell or bomb that fails to explode; (sl.) a failure

digest
vt. change food into simple substance that can be absorbed by the body

spit
vt. eject or discharge (sth.) from the mouth 吐出

flash
n. a short new announcement concerning a new event

chinch bug
n. a black-and-white tropical American insect that does much damage to wheat, corn, grass and other plants in dry weather 麦虱

menopause
n. the period during which a woman's menstrual cycle ends, normally occurring at an age of 45 to 50 绝经期

endorse
vt. give public approval of; support greatly


Phrases & Expressions

suck up
draw liquids etc. up a tube by making a vacuum at its upper end

but then
but on the other hand; but at the same time

at hand
coming soon; almost here; nearby

turn back
cause to go back

look up to
admire; regard with respect

get through
be successful in; manage to do, complete, etc.

drop dead
die suddenly

make room for
provide space for

run out of
finish; exhaust

ease off
do with less severity or intensity; become less severe

burn out
use up its fuel

play a part
do a share; have an effect on


Proper Names

Ralph Schoenstein
拉尔夫.舍恩斯坦

Vogue
《时尚》半月刊

Atlantic, the
大西洋

Saskatchewan
萨斯喀彻温

Brazil
巴西

Central America
中美洲

Panama
巴拿马

Boston
波士顿

Mel Ott
梅尔.奥特

Eleanor Roosevelt
埃莉诺.罗斯福

Gunnar Myrdal
冈纳尔.迈达尔

Bloomingdale
布卢明代尔百货公司

Connecticut
康涅狄克州

National Football League
全国橄榄球联赛





UNIT 10. DEBATING THE UNKNOWABLE

New Words

debate
vt. argue about (sth.) with sb., discuss
n. a discussi

on about a subject on which people have different views

unknowable
a. beyond comprehension, esp. beyond human comprehension

puzzlement
n. bewilderment, perplexity

turbulence
n. agitation; great disturbance 骚动，纷乱

turbulent
a.

subside
vi. sink to a lower or more normal level; become less

package
vt. wrap or seal in a container, wrappings, etc. to attract purchasers

glimpse
n. a quick view or look

incomprehension
n. lack of comprehension; inability to understand

reconfirm
vt. confirm anew

skepticism
n. a doubting state or habit of mind; doubt

assertion
n. a positive statement; firm declaration

assert
vt. state positively; declare firmly

instability
n. lack of firmness; being unstable

admission
n. (an) act of accepting the truth (of sth.)

entomology
n. the branch of zoology that deals with insects 昆虫学

incite
vt. cause or encourage sb. to a strong feeling or action; provoke

termite
n. an insect that looks somewhat like white ants and eats the wood of buildings and furniture 白蚁

fecal
a. having to do with feces (waste matter discharged from the intestines)粪便的，排泄物的

column
n. a long, thin, upright structure; pillar; post

arch
n. a curved structure capable of bearing the weight of the material above it 拱

termitarium
n. nest of termites

flawless
a. without a flaw; perfect

flaw
n. a fault or weakness that makes sth. imperfect 瑕疵

air-conditioning
n. the system that uses machines to control the temperature of the air in a room or building

humidity
n. moisture, esp. of the air 湿气；湿度

ecosystem
n. an ecological system which relates all the plants, animals and people in an area to their surroundings, considered as a whole 生态系（统）

fashion
n. the popular way of dressing or behaving at a certain time


superorganism
n. a group of organisms (as of social insects) that function as a social unit

reductionist
a. having to do with a procedure or theory that reduces complex data or phenomena to simple terms

reduction
n.

insect
n. a small animal with six les, a body divided into three main parts, and often wings 昆虫

exhibit
vt. show demonstrate

mystery
n. sth. that is not known or understood

unsolved
a. not solved or explained

introduction
n. a written or spoken explanation at the beginning of a book or speech

ambiguity
n. the possibility of two or more meanings; vagueness 模棱两可；意义不明确

ambiguous
a. having more than one possible meaning, permitting more than one possible interpretation or explanation

premedical
a. preparing for the study of medicine

outset
n. the beginning

engross
vt. take up all of; absorb

engrossing
a. (not of a pe