Silent Spring Glossary

Silent Spring Glossary

assault

make a physical attack

bludgeon

a thick stick with a heavy end, used as a weapon

committee

a group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group

consumption

the using up of a resource

defoliant

a chemical that removes the leaves from trees and plants and is often used in warfare

disseminate

spread or disperse something, esp. information widely

enzyme

a substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction

grim

depressing or worrying to consider

habitat

the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism

herbivore

an animal that feeds on plants

insecticide

a substance used for killing insects

lethal

sufficient to cause death

permeate

spread throughout something

precise

exact, accurate, and careful about details

prosperous

successful in material terms

residue

a small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been taken or used

secretion

a process by which substances are produced and discharged from a cell, gland, or organ for a particular function in the organism or for excretion

serialize

publish or broadcast a story or play in regular installments

spawn

release or deposit eggs

specter

a ghost

susceptible

easily influenced by feelings or emotions

vindicate

clear someone of blame or suspicion

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