The Explorer Chapter 7

The Raft (p66-76)

Word Definition (Collins COBUILD) Synonymsclammy(p.66)

Something that is clammy is unpleasantly damp or sticky. moisty, sweaty, damp, sticky

dew(p.66)

Dew is small drops of water that form on the ground and other surfaces outdoors during the night.

shifts(p.66)

If a group of factory workers, nurses, or other people work shifts, they work for a set period before being replaced by another group so that there is always a group working. Each of these periods is called a shift.

compulsory(p.67)

If something is compulsory, you must do it or accept it, because it is the law or because someone in a position of authority says you must.

obligatory, required, forced, mandatory, requisite

clench(p.69)

When you clench your fist or your fist clenches, you curl your fingers up tightly, usually because you are very angry.

tighten, clamp, squeeze

supple(p.71)

A supple object or material bends or changes shape easily without cracking or bending.

pliant, flexible, stretchable, bendable

defensive(p.72)

Someone who is defensive is behaving in a way that shows they feel unsure or threatened.

oversensitive, umbrageous, prickly

absorbed(p.72)

If something absorbs you, it interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy.

engross, engage, fascinate, preoccupy, captivate, immerse

hauled(p.72)

If you haul something which is heavy or difficult to move, you move it using a lot of effort.

drag, draw, pull, heave

prickled(p.72)

If your skin prickles, it feels as if a lot of small sharp points are stuck into it, either because of something touching it or because you feel a strong emotion.

tingle, smart, sting, twitch

quivering(p.73)

If something quivers, it shakes with very small movements. shake, tremble, shiver, quake

wailing(p.73)

If someone wails, they make long, loud, high-pitched cries which express sorrow or pain.

cry, weep, lament, howl, shriek, yelp, scream, screech

açaí (p.74)

Açaí is a berry that grows on palm trees in the Brazilian rainforest.

churning(p.74)

If you say that your stomach is churning, you mean that you feel sick. You can also say that something churns your stomach.

excruciating(p.74)

If you describe something as excruciating, you are emphasising that it is extremely painful, either physically or emotionally.

agonising, acute, severe, extreme, piercing, violent

embroidered(p.75)

If something such as clothing is embroidered with a design, the design is stitched into it.

sew, decorate, stitch

The Explorer Chapter 7

The Raft (p66-76)

sturdy(p.76)

Someone or something that is sturdy looks strong and is unlikely to be easily injured or damaged.

robust, hardy, stalwart

reluctantly(p.76)

If you are reluctant to do something, you are unwilling to do it and hesitate before doing it, or do it slowly and without enthusiasm.

unwillingly, hesitantly, begrudgingly, unenthusiastically