Julio Cortazar: Short Stories

Julio Cortazar: Short Stories Glossary

compromise

(noun) an agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.

(verb)

1. settle a dispute by mutual concession

2. (with object) weaken (a reputation or principle) by accepting standards that are lower than is desirable

waylay

(verb) stop or interrupt (someone) and detain them in conversation or trouble them in some other way

silhouette

(noun) the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background, especially in dim light.

(verb) cast or show (someone or something) as a dark shape and outline against a lighter background

abrupt

(adjective) (of a style of speech or writing) not flowing smoothly; disjointed.

insidious

(adjective) proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects

immobile

(adjective) not moving; motionless

suffocate

(verb) feel or cause to feel trapped and oppressed

mahogany

(noun) hard reddish-brown timber from a tropical tree, used for high-quality furniture.

ragged

(adjective) old and torn

aperture

(noun) (chiefly technical) an opening, hole, or gap

imperceptible

(adjective) impossible to perceive

sensibility

(noun) the ability to appreciate and respond to complex emotional or aesthetic influences; sensitivity

undulate

(verb) move with a smooth, wavelike motion

Aztec

(noun) a member of the American Indian people dominant in Mexico before the Spanish conquest of the 16th century.

skein

(noun) a length of thread or yarn, loosely coiled and knotted.

nocturnal

(adjective) done, occurring, or active at night

rebuff

(verb) reject (someone or something) in an abrupt or ungracious manner

glamour

(noun) the attractive or exciting quality that makes certain people or things seem appealing or special

abominable

(adjective) causing moral revulsion

phaeton

(noun) (historical) a light, open, four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, or, (US) a vintage touring car.

acquiesce

(verb) accept something reluctantly but without protest

gossamer

(noun)

1. a fine, filmy substance consisting of cobwebs spun by small spiders, which is seen especially in autumn.

2. used to refer to something very light, thin, and insubstantial or delicate

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