97 words to know before reading Dracula

1. Clearly visible or obvious.
2. A list of cargo or passengers on a ship, plane, etc.

How these papers have been placed in sequence will be made manifest in the reading of them. All needless matters have been eliminated, so that the history almost at

1. Memory (noun): The mental capacity to store and recall information.
2. Meme (noun): A cultural idea, behavior, or style that spreads rapidly.

and eggplant stuffed with forcemeat, a very excellent dish, which they call “impletata.” (Mem., get recipe for this also.) I had to hurry breakfast, for the train started a little before

1. A loud, prolonged cry or sound, often made by animals like wolves.
2. A strong, mournful noise caused by wind.

and another, till, borne on the wind which now sighed softly through the Pass, a wild howling began, which seemed to come from all over the country, as far as the imagination could grasp it

1. Visually attractive, especially in a charming or quaint way.
2. Resembling or suitable for a painting or picture.

I shall never forget the last glimpse which I had of the innyard and its crowd of picturesque figures, all crossing themselves, as they stood round the wide archway, with its background of

1. A small village or hamlet, especially in Italy.
2. A historic district or neighborhood in some Italian cities.

to Bistritz, which is a very interesting old place. Being practically on the frontier—for the Borgo Pass leads from it into Bukovina—it has had a very stormy existence, and it certainly shows

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

By the roadside were many crosses, and as we swept by, my companions all crossed themselves. Here and there was a peasant man or woman kneeling before a shrine, who did not even turn round

1. Having rough, sharp points or edges.
2. Uneven or irregular in shape or outline.

from whose tall black windows came no ray of light, and whose broken battlements showed a jagged line against the moonlit sky.

1. A lawyer who provides legal advice and prepares legal documents.
2. In the UK, a solicitor represents clients in lower courts.

agency one for the other, so that local work could be done locally on instruction from any solicitor, so that the client, simply placing himself in the hands of one man, could have his wishes

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

would travel. True, I know the grammar and the words, but yet I know not how to speak them.” “Indeed,” I said, “you speak excellently.” “Not so,” he answered. “Well, I know that, did I move and

1. Relating to a royal court or monarch.
2. Elegant, refined, or polite in a manner associated with nobility.

in the draught of the open door. The old man motioned me in with his right hand with a courtly gesture, saying in excellent English, but with a strange intonation:— “Welcome to my house!

1. No (archaic or formal negative response).
2. A negative vote or voter.

is not England. Our ways are not your ways, and there shall be to you many strange things. Nay, from what you have told me of your experiences already, you know something of what strange

1. The evening meal, typically lighter than dinner.
2. A social gathering where a light evening meal is served.

find all you wish. When you are ready, come into the other room, where you will find your supper prepared.” The light and warmth and the Count’s courteous welcome seemed to have dissipated all

1. Fabric panels hung to cover windows for privacy or decoration.
2. Theatrical drapes that open or close a stage.

by us,” and, with a courtly bow, he quickly left me. I went into my own room and drew the curtains, but there was little to notice; my window opened into the courtyard, all I could see was the

1. To trick or mislead someone deliberately.
2. To cause someone to believe something that is not true.

stranger replied:— “That is why, I suppose, you wished him to go on to Bukovina. You cannot deceive me, my friend; I know too much, and my horses are swift.” As he spoke he smiled, and the

1. A representation of a cross with the figure of Jesus Christ crucified on it.
2. A symbol of Christianity, often used in worship and devotion.

Whether it is the old lady’s fear, or the many ghostly traditions of this place, or the crucifix itself, I do not know, but I am not feeling nearly as easy in my mind as usual. If this book

1. A native or inhabitant of Turkey.
2. A member of the Turkic-speaking ethnic group.

indeed! Woe was it that his own unworthy brother, when he had fallen, sold his people to the Turk and brought the shame of slavery on them! Was it not this Dracula, indeed, who inspired that

1. A book where personal experiences and thoughts are recorded daily.
2. A daily record of events or transactions.

brain were unhinged or as if the shock had come which must end in its undoing, I turn to my diary for repose. The habit of entering accurately must help to soothe me. The Count’s mysterious

1. A unit of weight in ancient Greece and the Middle East, approximately 1.25 pounds.
2. A female given name of various origins.

done up some way with red pepper, which was very good but thirsty. (Mem., get recipe for Mina.) I asked the waiter, and he said it was called “paprika hendl,” and that, as it was a national

1. A flat paper container for a letter or document.
2. The outer covering of a virus or cell.

It is not signed. Well! so it cannot matter to us.” And he calmly held letter and envelope in the flame of the lamp till they were consumed. Then he went on:— “The letter to Hawkins—that

1. A disorganized pile or mass of things.
2. A large amount or quantity.

it was not in the lock, and I could not find it anywhere. The only thing I found was a great heap of gold in one corner—gold of all kinds, Roman, and British, and Austrian, and Hungarian, and

1. Swollen or distended, often due to excess fluid or gas.
2. Excessively large or inflated in size or quantity.

fell over again, and hid the horrid thing from my sight. The last glimpse I had was of the bloated face, bloodstained and fixed with a grin of malice which would have held its own in the

1. A tool with a broad blade and handle, used for digging or moving loose material.
2. To lift or move material with a shovel.

me to rid the world of such a monster. There was no lethal weapon at hand, but I seized a shovel which the workmen had been using to fill the cases, and lifting it high, struck, with the edge

1. Engaging in an activity regularly to improve skills.
2. Performing the duties or procedures of a profession.

wants to say in this way and write it out for him on the typewriter, at which also I am practising very hard. He and I sometimes write letters in shorthand, and he is keeping a stenographic

1. Having curls or a curved shape.
2. (Of hair) Formed in tight waves or spirals.

we go a good deal to picture-galleries and for walks and rides in the park. As to the tall, curly-haired man, I suppose it was the one who was with me at the last Pop. Someone has evidently been

1. A person who is mentally ill or unstable (archaic or offensive).
2. Someone who behaves in a wildly foolish or reckless manner.

Well, my dear, number One came just before lunch. I told you of him, Dr. John Seward, the lunatic-asylum man, with the strong jaw and the good forehead. He was very cool outwardly, but was

1. Informal language with unconventional words or phrases.
2. Specialized vocabulary used by a particular group.

and has exquisite manners—but he found out that it amused me to hear him talk American slang, and whenever I was present, and there was no one to be shocked, he said such funny things. I am

1. Showing shyness, embarrassment, or modesty by turning red in the face.
2. The act of becoming red-faced due to emotional reactions.

I have spoken, I would like to speak more. Oh, Mina, couldn’t you guess? I love him. I am blushing as I write, for although I think he loves me, he has not told me so in words. But oh, Mina, I

1. A traditional English folk dance performed with handkerchiefs or sticks.
2. A type of decorative embroidery or needlework.

is paramount, and only accident or a series of accidents can balance it. Letter, Quincey P. Morris to Hon. Arthur Holmwood. “25 May. “My dear Art— “We’ve told yarns by the campfire in the

1. A place on the coast where ships can dock for shelter or loading/unloading.
2. To give refuge or shelter to someone or something.

mind the nicest spot in Whitby, for it lies right over the town, and has a full view of the harbour and all up the bay to where the headland called Kettleness stretches out into the sea. It

1. A monastery or convent governed by an abbot or abbess.
2. The church or buildings associated with such a religious community.

the valley. To my left the view is cut off by a black line of roof of the old house next the abbey. The sheep and lambs are bleating in the fields away behind me, and there is a clatter of a

1. Near in time or place (adverb or adjective).
2. Close to happening or being (adjective).

at hand now, for I be aud, and a hundred years is too much for any man to expect; and I’m so nigh it that the Aud Man is already whettin’ his scythe. Ye see, I can’t get out o’ the habit of

1. Shallow, grassy depressions in the landscape, often used for drainage or water retention.
2. Low-lying areas of land, typically marshy or prone to flooding.

murdered by pirates off the coast of Andres, April, 1854, æt. 30.” When I came back Mr. Swales went on:— “Who brought him home, I wonder, to hap him here? Murdered off the coast of Andres!

1. A young domestic cat.
2. A term of endearment for a cute or playful person.

so I said I would see about it, and asked him if he would not rather have a cat than a kitten. His eagerness betrayed him as he answered:— “Oh, yes, I would like a cat! I only asked for a

1. A piece of fabric attached to a boat to catch wind and propel it forward.
2. To travel on water using sails or a sailing vessel.

seemed to snatch at and whirl away into space; here and there a fishing-boat, with a rag of sail, running madly for shelter before the blast; now and again the white wings of a storm-tossed

1. A type of sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically fore-and-aft rigged.
2. A large beer glass, usually holding around 15–20 ounces (Australia, New Zealand).

the piers, leaping from wave to wave as it rushed at headlong speed, swept the strange schooner before the blast, with all sail set, and gained the safety of the harbour. The searchlight

1. Large pieces of fabric attached to a boat to catch wind and propel it forward.
2. The collective term for all sails on a ship.

in their troughs the shallows of the shore were almost visible, and the schooner, with all sails set, was rushing with such speed that, in the words of one old salt, “she must fetch up

1. A structure extending into a body of water for docking boats or ships.
2. A platform supported by pillars, used for walking over water.

than before. The rays of the searchlight were kept fixed on the harbour mouth across the East Pier, where the shock was expected, and men waited breathless. The wind suddenly shifted to the

1. A tiller or wheel for steering a ship or boat.
2. A position of leadership or control.

on his lip, he went below. There was springing up a choppy wind, and I could not leave the helm. I saw him come out on deck again with a tool-chest and a lantern, and go down the forward

1. A piece of fabric worn over the shoulders or head for warmth or fashion.
2. A large rectangular or square cloth draped around the body.

of what might happen; a vague, overmastering fear obscured all details. I took a big, heavy shawl and ran out. The clock was striking one as I was in the Crescent, and there was not a soul in

1. Leaning or lying back in a relaxed position.
2. Adjustable to a backward-leaning position (e.g., a reclining chair).

the cloud had passed, and the moonlight struck so brilliantly that I could see Lucy half reclining with her head lying over the back of the seat. She was quite alone, and there was not a sign of

1. For fear that (conjunction)
2. Used to express concern or caution

burning desire that they would kiss me with those red lips. It is not good to note this down, lest some day it should meet Mina’s eyes and cause her pain; but it is the truth. They whispered

1. Spoke enthusiastically or wildly about something.
2. Attended or participated in a rave (dance party).

opened up the subject again, and after saying that she could never mention what my poor dear raved about, added: ‘I can tell you this much, my dear: that it was not about anything which he has

1. To speak very softly using one's breath without vocal cords.
2. A quiet or secretive conversation.

probably on the tower, I heard the voice of the Count calling in his harsh, metallic whisper. His call seemed to be answered from far and wide by the howling of wolves. Before many minutes

1. Serious and dignified in manner or behavior.
2. Deeply sincere or earnest.

book. Take it and keep it, read it if you will, but never let me know; unless, indeed, some solemn duty should come upon me to go back to the bitter hours, asleep or awake, sane or mad, recorded

1. A message sent by telegraph and then delivered in written or printed form.
2. A popular messaging app known for its speed and security features.

to consult with you alone as soon as I can after you have seen her. Do not fail! “Arthur.” Telegram, Arthur Holmwood to Seward. “1 September. “Am summoned to see my father, who is worse. Am

1. The reflexive form of "we," referring to the speaker and others.
2. Used for emphasis to indicate "we" and no one else.

look under his bushy brows that I knew of old. Then he began to chat of all things except ourselves and diseases and with such an infinite geniality that I could see poor Lucy’s pretense of

1. The transfer of blood or blood products into a person's bloodstream.
2. The process of introducing fluid, such as saline, into the body intravenously.

with swiftness, but with absolute method, Van Helsing performed the operation. As the transfusion went on something like life seemed to come back to poor Lucy’s cheeks, and through Arthur’s

1. A female domestic servant who cleans and maintains a household.
2. A young unmarried woman (archaic or poetic).

but is not. But the conditions of her are in no way anæmic. I have asked her to send me her maid, that I may ask just one or two question, that so I may not chance to miss nothing. I know well

1. A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people.
2. A piece of furniture designed for comfort and relaxation in living spaces.

the dark. The lamps were also lit in the study or library, and I found the Count lying on the sofa, reading, of all things in the world, an English Bradshaw’s Guide. When I came in he cleared the

1. The reflexive form of "you," referring to the person being addressed.
2. Used to emphasize the subject "you."

saying, before he closed the door:— “You will need, after your journey, to refresh yourself by making your toilet. I trust you will find all you wish. When you are ready, come into the

1. A circular arrangement of flowers, leaves, or other materials, often used as decoration or for ceremonies.
2. A symbol of honor or victory, such as a laurel wreath.

to keep out an evil spirit.” “Perhaps I am!” he answered quietly as he began to make the wreath which Lucy was to wear round her neck. We then waited whilst Lucy made her toilet for the night,

1. Feeling fear or scared.
2. Afraid or alarmed by something.

a comfort to know it was there all the same. I felt a little strangely, and not a little frightened. I think had there been any alternative I should have taken it, instead of prosecuting that

1. Moving up and down or back and forth with a light, quick motion.
2. (Aviation) The oscillation of an aircraft's wings or control surfaces.

reduce sail in face of her danger. Before the night shut down she was seen with sails idly flapping as she gently rolled on the undulating swell of the sea, “As idle as a painted ship upon a

1. Before in time or place (archaic or formal).
2. Previously mentioned or referred to (legal or formal usage).

a bit of a show-orf to their gals. I don’t so much mind the fust—the ’ittin’ with a pole afore I chucks in their dinner; but I waits till they’ve ’ad their sherry and kawffee, so to speak,

1. A unit of currency in Turkey, equal to 100 kuruş.
2. Informal term for "year" in some dialects or contexts.

said he was a-gallopin’ northward faster than a horse could go; but I don’t believe him, for, yer see, sir, wolves don’t gallop no more nor dogs does, they not bein’ built that way. Wolves is

1. Movable covers for windows to control light or provide privacy.
2. Devices on cameras that open and close to expose film or sensor to light.

the dining-room door, and we passed in, he closing the door carefully behind him. The shutters had been opened, but the blinds were already down, with that obedience to the etiquette of death

1. (adjective) Relating to or characterized by a heavy, snoring, or labored breathing sound.
2. (adjective) Describing noisy or difficult breathing, often due to obstruction.

there came the strange change which I had noticed in the night. Her breathing grew stertorous, the mouth opened, and the pale gums, drawn back, made the teeth look longer and sharper than

1. Female domestic workers who clean and perform household tasks.
2. Young unmarried women, often used in historical contexts.

and have each a glass of wine. The door flew open for an instant and closed again. The maids shrieked, and then went in a body to the dining-room; and I laid what flowers I had on my dear

1. A box or container in which a deceased person is buried or cremated.
2. (Verb) To place or enclose something in a coffin.

sea-captain today was most touching. Every boat in the harbour seemed to be there, and the coffin was carried by captains all the way from Tate Hill Pier up to the churchyard. Lucy came with me,

1. (adjective) Harsh, strict, or severe in manner or appearance.
2. (noun) The rear part of a ship or boat.

them, as they evidently thought there was someone in the ship, we would search from stem to stern. First mate angry; said it was folly, and to yield to such foolish ideas would demoralise the

1. Written using a typewriter.
2. Produced in printed characters resembling those from a typewriter.

By this time my little joke was over, and I was almost ashamed; so I took the typewritten copy from my workbasket and handed it to him. “Forgive me,” I said: “I could not help it; but I

1. An expression of sorrow, regret, or grief (interjection).
2. Unfortunately or sadly (adverb).

of humanity, to share its life, its change, its death, and all that makes it what it is. But alas! as yet I only know your tongue through books. To you, my friend, I look that I know it to

1. To blind or confuse with bright light.
2. To impress deeply with brilliance or skill.

am blessed that today I come to see you, for I have learn all at once so much that again I am dazzle—dazzle more than ever, and I must think. “Yours the most faithful, “Abraham Van Helsing.”

1. In a serious and earnest manner.
2. With deep sincerity or gravity.

pathos, “My true friend, and his! Oh, guard him, and give me peace!” “I swear it!” he said solemnly, kneeling beside her and holding up his hand, as one who registers an oath. Then he turned to

1. A small hillock or mound of earth.
2. A tuft or clump of grass or similar vegetation.

follows an idea. I feel like a novice lumbering through a bog in a mist, jumping from one tussock to another in the mere blind effort to move on without knowing where I am going.” “That is good

1. An area of open uncultivated land with poor soil, typically covered with low shrubs.
2. A small flowering shrub, especially of the genus Erica.

of young children straying from home or neglecting to return from their playing on the Heath. In all these cases the children were too young to give any properly intelligible account of

1. A cylinder of wax with a central wick that is lit to produce light.
2. A unit of luminous intensity.

only thing which could pass away. Van Helsing went about his work systematically. Holding his candle so that he could read the coffin plates, and so holding it that the sperm dropped in white

1. To tremble or shake violently, often due to fear, cold, or disgust.
2. A sudden involuntary movement caused by shock or revulsion.

earlier in the evening. The wind had by this time backed to the east, and there was a shudder amongst the watchers on the cliff as they realized the terrible danger in which she now was.

1. A state of deep absorption or intense focus, often with reduced awareness of surroundings.
2. A genre of electronic dance music characterized by hypnotic rhythms and melodies.

you start; you do not know that, friend John, but you shall know it all later—and in trance could he best come to take more blood. In trance she died, and in trance she is Un-Dead, too. So

1. Shines or reflects light softly (verb).
2. Brief flashes or beams of light (noun).

o’clock when we got into the churchyard over the low wall. The night was dark with occasional gleams of moonlight between the rents of the heavy clouds that scudded across the sky. We all kept

1. A portable light source with a protective case, often with a handle.
2. A decorative or architectural structure with openings to emit light.

and laying the child on the pathway, we waited and watched until he saw it as he flashed his lantern to and fro. We heard his exclamation of astonishment, and then we went away silently. By good

1. A feeling of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment.
2. An event or circumstance that causes sadness or grief.

to him. “Come, my child,” he said; “come with me. You are sick and weak, and have had much sorrow and much mental pain, as well as that tax on your strength that we know of. You must not be

1. Relating to or characterized by pleasure, especially sensual pleasure.
2. Having a full, curvaceous, and sexually attractive figure.

way she opened her eyes, which were now dull and hard at once, and said in a soft, voluptuous voice, such as I had never heard from her lips:— “Arthur! Oh, my love, I am so glad you have

1. A mechanical device for writing characters similar to those produced by printers.
2. A person who operates a typewriter.

enough I can take down what he wants to say in this way and write it out for him on the typewriter, at which also I am practising very hard. He and I sometimes write letters in shorthand, and he

1. A device that records and plays back sound using a rotating disc or cylinder.
2. An early term for a record player or gramophone.

with her. I am to relieve them in a quarter of an hour, and I am entering this on Lucy’s phonograph. Until six o’clock they are to try to rest. I fear that tomorrow will end our watching, for the

1. Solid geometric shapes with straight sides and circular ends of equal size.
2. Devices or containers with a cylindrical shape, like engine parts or gas tanks.

you of me; she told me of you too. May I make the only atonement in my power? Take the cylinders and hear them—the first half-dozen of them are personal to me, and they will not horrify you;

1. A fine spray or light fog in the air.
2. A thin layer of liquid on a surface.

The officers in charge of it got it into working order, and in the pauses of the inrushing mist swept with it the surface of the sea. Once or twice its service was most effective, as when a

1. A vehicle history report service providing details like accidents, ownership, and maintenance.
2. A brand known for trusted automotive data and VIN-based reports.

told the watchman to get three or four men immediately and follow me into the grounds of Carfax, in case our friend might be dangerous. I got a ladder myself, and crossing the wall, dropped

1. A major street in London known for shopping and entertainment.
2. A type of stiff collar or neckband worn in the 17th century.

then drove off. The dark man kept his eyes fixed on her, and when the carriage moved up Piccadilly he followed in the same direction, and hailed a hansom. Jonathan kept looking after him, and

1. Spoken very softly using one's breath without vocal cords.
2. Communicated in a quiet, secretive, or confidential manner.

no shadow on the floor. They came close to me, and looked at me for some time, and then whispered together. Two were dark, and had high aquiline noses, like the Count, and great dark, piercing

1. Shook or trembled with slight rapid movements.
2. A case for holding arrows.

and a hideous, bloodcurdling screech came from the opened red lips. The body shook and quivered and twisted in wild contortions; the sharp white teeth champed together till the lips were cut,

1. The two external openings of the nose that allow air to enter and exit the respiratory system.
2. The paired cavities in the nose that filter, warm, and humidify inhaled air.

described seemed to leap into it. His eyes flamed red with devilish passion; the great nostrils of the white aquiline nose opened wide and quivered at the edge; and the white sharp teeth,

1. The part of the face above the eyebrows and below the hairline.
2. The front or forward part of something.

with high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils; with lofty domed forehead, and hair growing scantily round the temples but profusely elsewhere. His eyebrows were very

1. A sudden strong urge or desire to act.
2. A brief force or push causing motion.

it here? And is it wounded?” I asked. “We shall see,” said the Professor, and with one impulse we took our way out of the churchyard, he carrying the sleeping child. When we had got some

1. To make or become quiet or silent.
2. A silence or calm, especially after noise.

See, I place them myself in your room. I make myself the wreath that you are to wear. But hush! no telling to others that make so inquisitive questions. We must obey, and silence is a part of

1. A term in Hinduism referring to the four main social classes (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras).
2. A city in Bulgaria, known as a major port on the Black Sea.

of the Russian consul, who kindly translated for me, time being short. Log of the Demeter. Varna to Whitby. Written 18 July, things so strange happening, that I shall keep accurate note

1. The flower of a plant.
2. A state or time of beauty, freshness, or vigor.

more red than ever, and in more tongues tell him that he doesn’t want no Frenchmen—with bloom upon them and also with blood—in his ship—with blood on her also. And so, after asking where

1. A person who knows and is able to use several languages fluently.
2. A book or text written in multiple languages.

when he think fit; but he will be surprise if he go quite so soon. The captain swear again, polyglot, and the thin man make him bow, and thank him, and say that he will so far intrude on his

1. The wife of a czar (Russian emperor).
2. A female ruler of Russia (rare usage).

else to think of—well with blood again; for it soon became apparent to all that the Czarina Catherine would not sail as was expected. A thin mist began to creep up from the river, and it

1. Relating to or producing hypnosis.
2. A substance that induces sleep or sedation.

that which she wished to be known later. Now my fear is this. If it be that she can, by our hypnotic trance, tell what the Count see and hear, is it not more true that he who have hypnotise her

1. To induce a trance-like state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility.
2. To captivate or mesmerize someone completely.

what am I do for you? For at this hour you do not want me for nothings.” “I want you to hypnotise me!” she said. “Do it before the dawn, for I feel that then I can speak, and speak freely. Be

1. Bright and intense in color or light.
2. Producing clear and detailed mental images.

a journey to Transylvania, and went over the old ground which was, and is, to us so full of vivid and terrible memories. It was almost impossible to believe that the things which we had seen with

1. Statements that correspond to facts or reality.
2. Sincerity or honesty in expression.

that there are good women still left to make life happy—good women, whose lives and whose truths may make good lesson for the children that are to be. I am glad, glad, that I may here be of some

1. Marked or stained with spots or smears.
2. Obscured or made unclear, as if by a blot.

will be done!” Down came another blinding rush of driving snow, and the whole landscape was blotted out. It soon passed, however, and once more his glasses were fixed on the plain. Then came a

1. A state of complete emptiness or destruction.
2. Extreme sadness or loneliness.

that had been was blotted out. The castle stood as before, reared high above a waste of desolation. When we got home we were talking of the old time—which we could all look back on without

1. A feeling of hopelessness or deep sadness.
2. The complete loss or absence of hope.

I unhooked the chains and drew back the massive bolts. But the door would not move. Despair seized me. I pulled, and pulled, at the door, and shook it till, massive as it was, it rattled in

1. Brave, heroic, or chivalrous (adjective).
2. A man who is attentive and polite to women (noun).

curse has passed away!” And, to our bitter grief, with a smile and in silence, he died, a gallant gentleman.