97 words to know before reading The Lost World

1. Shaped or crafted with skill, especially by hammering or beating (as in metal).
2. Deeply stirred or agitated (emotionally).

I have wrought my simple plan If I give one hour of joy To the boy who’s half a man, Or the man who’s half a boy.

1. A short introduction to a book, typically written by someone other than the author.
2. A preliminary section explaining the purpose or context of the work.

Foreword Mr. E. D. Malone desires to state that both the injunction for restraint and the libel action

1. A court order requiring someone to do or stop doing a specific action.
2. A formal command or directive.

Foreword Mr. E. D. Malone desires to state that both the injunction for restraint and the libel action have been withdrawn unreservedly by Professor G. E.

1. A measure or condition that limits or controls something.
2. Self-control or moderation in behavior or expression.

Foreword Mr. E. D. Malone desires to state that both the injunction for restraint and the libel action have been withdrawn unreservedly by Professor G. E. Challenger, who, being

1. A written defamatory statement that harms someone's reputation.
2. The act of publishing such a statement.

Foreword Mr. E. D. Malone desires to state that both the injunction for restraint and the libel action have been withdrawn unreservedly by Professor G. E. Challenger, who, being satisfied that

1. Without hesitation or reservation; completely and openly.
2. In a manner that is not limited or restricted.

state that both the injunction for restraint and the libel action have been withdrawn unreservedly by Professor G. E. Challenger, who, being satisfied that no criticism or comment in this book is

1. An obstacle or hindrance that slows progress.
2. A speech disorder, such as a stutter.

in this book is meant in an offensive spirit, has guaranteed that he will place no impediment to its publication and circulation.

1. Movement of blood through the body via the heart and blood vessels.
2. Distribution or dissemination of something, like information or money.

offensive spirit, has guaranteed that he will place no impediment to its publication and circulation.

1. Light and soft in texture, like fur or feathers.
2. Puffed up or full of air, like certain foods.

All Round Us Mr. Hungerton, her father, really was the most tactless person upon earth—a fluffy, feathery, untidy cockatoo of a man, perfectly good-natured, but absolutely centered upon his own

1. Covered with or resembling feathers.
2. Light, soft, or delicate like a feather.

Us Mr. Hungerton, her father, really was the most tactless person upon earth—a fluffy, feathery, untidy cockatoo of a man, perfectly good-natured, but absolutely centered upon his own silly

1. Not neat or organized; messy in appearance.
2. Lacking order or cleanliness.

Hungerton, her father, really was the most tactless person upon earth—a fluffy, feathery, untidy cockatoo of a man, perfectly good-natured, but absolutely centered upon his own silly self. If

1. A type of parrot with a distinctive crest and curved beak, native to Australia and nearby islands.
2. (Slang) A lookout or watchman, especially in criminal contexts.

her father, really was the most tactless person upon earth—a fluffy, feathery, untidy cockatoo of a man, perfectly good-natured, but absolutely centered upon his own silly self. If anything

1. Lacking in variety; dull or uninteresting.
2. Repetitive and tedious in sound or action.

he was by way of being an authority. For an hour or more that evening I listened to his monotonous chirrup about bad money driving out good, the token value of silver, the depreciation of the

1. A series of short, high-pitched sounds, like a bird's cheerful call.
2. To make such sounds, often in a lively or playful manner.

rudely broken, and the audience was restless and expectant. Waldron sat down, and, after a chirrup from the chairman, Professor Challenger rose and advanced to the edge of the platform. In the

1. The decrease in value of an asset over time due to wear, age, or obsolescence.
2. An accounting method allocating the cost of an asset over its useful life.

his monotonous chirrup about bad money driving out good, the token value of silver, the depreciation of the rupee, and the true standards of exchange. “Suppose,” he cried with feeble violence, “that

1. The official currency of India, Nepal, Pakistan, and other countries.
2. A monetary unit represented by the symbol '₹' in India.

chirrup about bad money driving out good, the token value of silver, the depreciation of the rupee, and the true standards of exchange. “Suppose,” he cried with feeble violence, “that all the

1. A newspaper or official journal, especially one published by a government or organization.
2. To publish or announce something officially in a gazette.

luck, or more tact in handling him. There’s something in your line there, I am sure, and the Gazette should work it.” “I really know nothing about him,” said I. “I only remember his name in

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

and natural until this kind of thing comes in! It is such a pity! Why can’t you control yourself?” “I didn’t invent it,” I pleaded. “It’s nature. It’s love.” “Well, perhaps if both love, it may

1. Actions or things done, especially brave or noble ones.
2. Legal documents that transfer ownership of property.

not the less, on account of her love, honored by all the world as the inspirer of noble deeds.” She looked so beautiful in her enthusiasm that I nearly brought down the whole level of the

1. A legal document that proves ownership of property.
2. An action or accomplishment, often notable or heroic.

But who—who in all this wide world could ever have imagined the incredible shape which that deed was to take, or the strange steps by which I was led to the doing of it? And, after all, this

1. A short, sharp sound made to express disapproval or attract attention.
2. A private lesson or instruction, often one-on-one.

did you want to see me about?” “To ask a favor.” He looked alarmed, and his eyes shunned mine. “Tut, tut! What is it?” “Do you think, sir, that you could possibly send me on some mission for the

1. To thrust or dive quickly into something (e.g., water).
2. To fall or drop suddenly.

mocking eyes, chattered at us as we passed. With a dull, heavy splash an occasional cayman plunged in from the bank. Once a dark, clumsy tapir stared at us from a gap in the bushes, and then

1. Relating to the study of animals (zoology).
2. Concerning animals or animal life.

1893. Resigned after acrimonious correspondence same year. Winner of Crayston Medal for Zoological Research. Foreign Member of’—well, quite a lot of things, about two inches of small

1. The capital city of Austria, known for its cultural heritage and historic landmarks.
2. A type of sausage, also called "Wiener," originating from Vienna.

“You infernal liar!” murmured Tarp Henry. “—by rereading your masterly address at Vienna. That lucid and admirable statement seems to be the last word in the matter. There is one

1. Bad-tempered, argumentative, or uncooperative.
2. Difficult to handle or deal with.

tone one would use to a child. Indeed, they are children both—the one wizened and cantankerous, the other formidable and overbearing, yet each with a brain which has put him in the front rank

1. The number following ten (11).
2. A sports team with eleven players (e.g., soccer).

in a personal conversation. With your consent, I trust to have the honor of calling at eleven o’clock the day after tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. “I remain, sir, with assurances of profound

1. A large sheet of strong, flexible material used as a protective covering.
2. Short for "tarpaulin," often waterproof and used for shelter or to cover objects.

“Yours faithfully, “George Edward Challenger.” This was the letter that I read aloud to Tarp Henry, who had come down early to hear the result of my venture. His only remark was, “There’s

1. A scientist who studies bacteria.
2. A specialist in the field of bacteriology.

It quite broke the old man up.” “Anything more about Challenger?” “Well, I’m a bacteriologist, you know. I live in a nine-hundred-diameter microscope. I can hardly claim to take serious

1. A person who follows or promotes short-lived trends or fads.
2. Someone excessively devoted to the latest fashion or craze.

make ’em—a full-charged battery of force and vitality, but a quarrelsome, ill-conditioned faddist, and unscrupulous at that. He had gone the length of faking some photographs over the South

1. Very great or intense in degree.
2. Having deep insight or knowledge.

pipe, which could by the least effort be opened. Professor Murray made several profound remarks to his white tie and to the water-carafe upon the table, with a humorous, twinkling aside

1. Written or drawn quickly or carelessly, often in an untidy or illegible way.
2. Marked with irregular or hasty lines or letters.

on Wednesday there was a letter with the West Kensington postmark upon it, and my name scrawled across the envelope in a handwriting which looked like a barbed-wire railing. The contents were

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

“You were good enough to give me an appointment, sir,” said I, humbly, producing his envelope. He took my letter from his desk and laid it out before him. “Oh, you are the young person who

1. Having sharp points or edges, like a barb.
2. Deliberately hurtful or critical, as in speech.

upon it, and my name scrawled across the envelope in a handwriting which looked like a barbed-wire railing. The contents were as follows:— “Enmore Park, W. “Sir—I have duly received your

1. To publicly support or approve of someone or something.
2. To sign the back of a check or document to make it valid.

statements. Those statements, as I am bound to admit, we are now in a position to endorse. Our ostensible work is therefore done. As to the detail which remains to be worked out upon this

1. A spoken or written comment or observation.
2. To notice or observe something.

“What’s all this? You ought to be ashamed,” said the policeman. It was the most rational remark which I had heard in Enmore Park. “Well,” he insisted, turning to me, “what is it, then?” “This

1. Grand and impressive in appearance.
2. Commanding respect or attention.

a personality as this. It was his size which took one’s breath away—his size and his imposing presence. His head was enormous, the largest I have ever seen upon a human being. I am sure that

1. Threatening or suggesting danger, harm, or evil.
2. Intimidating or creating fear.

a limit. You shall not assault me.” “Shall I not?” He was slowly advancing in a peculiarly menacing way, but he stopped now and put his big hands into the side pockets of a rather boyish short

1. Meaningless or unintelligible speech or writing.
2. Nonsensical or incoherent language.

stunted Hercules whose tremendous vitality had all run to depth, breadth, and brain. “Gibberish!” he cried, leaning forward, with his fingers on the table and his face projecting. “That’s what

1. Relating to hell or the underworld.
2. Extremely annoying or unpleasant.

and Weissmann. I have recently had occasion to refresh my memory by rereading—” “You infernal liar!” murmured Tarp Henry. “—by rereading your masterly address at Vienna. That lucid and

1. To lose or give up as a penalty for wrongdoing or failure.
2. Something surrendered or lost as a penalty.

master. He warned you off, but if you will come, by the Lord you do it at your own risk. Forfeit, my good Mr. Malone, I claim forfeit! You have played a rather dangerous game, and it strikes me

1. A person who is cruel, violent, or insensitive.
2. An animal lacking intelligence or reasoning.

you see that the man is put in for a purpose? He couldn’t really have stood in front of that brute and lived to draw it. He sketched himself in to give a scale of heights. He was, we will say,

1. The state of being worthy of honor or respect.
2. A composed or serious manner.

Professor at a great University with a thousand students all revering you. Where is your dignity, George?” “How about yours, my dear?” “You try me too much. A ruffian—a common brawling

1. The scientific study of animals, including their behavior, physiology, classification, and distribution.

business. This is not a conceivable bone either of a tapir or of any other creature known to zoology. It belongs to a very large, a very strong, and, by all analogy, a very fierce animal which

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

even go the length of open confession. If he is a sportsman he will be tickled.” “Tickled, indeed! He’s much more likely to do the tickling. Chain mail, or an American football suit—that’s what

1. A sample or individual used as an example in study or testing.
2. A typical or representative example of something.

make a kennel for such a brute!” “Apart from exaggeration, he is certainly a well-grown specimen,” said the Professor, complacently. “But,” I cried, “surely the whole experience of the human

1. A loud and noisy disturbance or commotion.
2. A state of public excitement, anger, or protest.

was not unwelcome to them. That greeting was, indeed, a frightful outburst of sound, the uproar of the carnivora cage when the step of the bucket-bearing keeper is heard in the distance. There

1. In the middle of or surrounded by.
2. During a particular time or event.

upon his right. Then he sat down, and Mr. Waldron, the famous popular lecturer, rose amid a general murmur of applause. He was a stern, gaunt man, with a harsh voice, and an aggressive

1. No longer existing or living.
2. Having died out completely.

took amid the wilds of the past seemed invariably to lead him to some assertion as to extinct or prehistoric life which instantly brought the same bulls’ bellow from the Professor. The

1. A confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
2. The act of asserting something, often without proof.

the difference between the Thames and the Amazon, which lay in the fact that any assertion about the former could be tested, while about the latter it could not. He would be obliged if

1. A tool for threshing grain by hand, consisting of a wooden handle with a freely swinging stick attached.
2. To wave or swing wildly, often uncontrollably.

VI I Was the Flail of the Lord Lord John Roxton and I turned down Vigo Street together and through the dingy portals

1. A person one knows slightly but not as a close friend.
2. Knowledge or experience of something.

The greatest demonstration of all, however, was at the entrance of my new acquaintance, Professor Challenger, when he passed down to take his place at the extreme end of the front row

1. Spread out or dispersed over a wide area.
2. Occurring or found at irregular intervals.

a martial Girardet, and a dreamy Turner. But amid these varied ornaments there were scattered the trophies which brought back strongly to my recollection the fact that Lord John Roxton was

1. A large, thick-skinned mammal with one or two horns on its snout.
2. Found in Africa and Asia, known for its size and strength.

game-heads, the best of their sort from every quarter of the world, with the rare white rhinoceros of the Lado Enclave drooping its supercilious lip above them all. In the center of the rich red

1. Hanging or bending downward.
2. Lacking strength or vitality; weak or limp.

down, blew out his chest, passed his hand caressingly down his beard, and looked with drooping eyelids and supercilious eyes at the crowded hall before him. The uproar of his advent had not

1. A peasant or agricultural laborer in Arab countries.
2. A term used historically to describe rural workers in Egypt and the Middle East.

parts, I may tell you, though you won’t find it in any blue-book. There are times, young fellah, when every one of us must make a stand for human right and justice, or you never feel clean

1. A boy or young man (informal).
2. A lively or mischievous young man.

and embarrassing silence. “Well,” said he, at last, “we’ve gone and done it, young fellah my lad.” (This curious phrase he pronounced as if it were all one word—“young-fellah-me-lad.”) “Yes,

1. Relating to sexual or gender identities that are not heterosexual or cisgender.
2. Strange, odd, or unconventional.

and so I have tried to set him down as I first saw him, with his quaint personality and his queer little tricks of speech and of thought. It was only the need of getting in the account of my

1. A large rural estate or plantation in Brazil, often used for agriculture or livestock.
2. In Portuguese, it can also refer to a farm or ranch.

week, the day had come and the hour. I ask you to picture the shaded sitting room of the Fazenda St. Ignatio, two miles inland from the town of Manaus. Outside lay the yellow, brassy glare of

1. The quality of behaving or speaking in a way to avoid offense or maintain privacy.
2. The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation.

to our arrangement, addressed it to you, my dear Mr. McArdle, and I leave it to your discretion to delete, alter, or do what you like with it. From the assurance of Professor Challenger’s

1. A journey or voyage for a specific purpose, such as exploration or research.
2. A group of people undertaking such a journey.

then, two half-breeds, one negro, and three Indians made up the personnel of the little expedition which lay waiting for its instructions at Manaus before starting upon its singular quest. At

1. (adjective) Extremely thin and bony, often from hunger or illness.
2. (adjective) Bleak or desolate in appearance.

Waldron, the famous popular lecturer, rose amid a general murmur of applause. He was a stern, gaunt man, with a harsh voice, and an aggressive manner, but he had the merit of knowing how to

1. Doubtful or questioning the truth or validity of something.
2. Inclined to skepticism; having an attitude of doubt.

that his power of endurance is as great as my own. In temper he is naturally acid and sceptical. From the beginning he has never concealed his belief that Professor Challenger is an absolute

1. To an extreme or unusual degree; very.
2. Beyond normal limits; exceptionally.

it had settled again that I dared to steal onwards upon my journey. The night had been exceedingly still, but as I advanced I became conscious of a low, rumbling sound, a continuous murmur,

1. A narrow, lightweight boat pointed at both ends, propelled by paddles.
2. A small open boat used for recreation or sport on water.

So tomorrow we disappear into the unknown. This account I am transmitting down the river by canoe, and it may be our last word to those who are interested in our fate. I have, according to our

1. A small flying insect that bites to feed on blood and can transmit diseases like malaria.
2. Any of various similar insects from the family Culicidae.

chorus of many octaves, from the deep drone of the bee to the high, keen pipe of the mosquito. Beyond the veranda was a small cleared garden, bounded with cactus hedges and adorned with

1. Officially registered or signed up for a course, program, or service.
2. Listed or recorded in an official register or record.

be further exposed, as surely as my own, as this narrative proceeds. But already we have enrolled certain retainers who may play no small part in what is to come. The first is a gigantic negro

1. Moved upward or climbed to a higher position.
2. Rose to a higher level of power, status, or importance.

the whole character of the country changed. Our road was persistently upwards, and as we ascended the woods became thinner and lost their tropical luxuriance. The huge trees of the alluvial

1. Narrow, lightweight boats pointed at both ends, propelled by paddles.
2. Traditional watercraft often made from hollowed-out logs or modern materials.

the distant whisper, “We will kill you—we will kill you if we can.” That night we moored our canoes with heavy stones for anchors in the center of the stream, and made every preparation for a

1. Plants collectively, especially those in a particular area or habitat.
2. The process of growing plants.

by a cleft from the main crag. Behind it all, a blue tropical sky. A thin green line of vegetation fringed the summit of the ruddy cliff. “Well?” he asked. “It is no doubt a curious formation,”

1. A fast-growing tropical plant with hollow woody stems.
2. The stems of this plant used for construction, furniture, or crafts.

of rushes, and down the green tunnel, and up the long slope of palm trees, and through the bamboo brake, and across the plain of tree-ferns. At last our destination lay in full sight of us. When

1. A flat, elevated area of land with steep sides.
2. A period of little or no change after a time of growth or progress.

in this narrative. It is like a broad red church spire, the top of it being level with the plateau, but a great chasm gaping between. On the summit of it there grew one high tree. Both pinnacle

1. The highest point of a hill or mountain.
2. A meeting or conference of high-level leaders.

How do you account for that?” “We can only suppose that he must have made his way to the summit and seen it there. We know, therefore, that there is a way up. We know equally that it must be a

1. The act of climbing or moving upward.
2. A path or slope leading upward.

The crags above us were not merely perpendicular, but curved outwards at the top, so that ascent was out of the question. Close to us was the high thin pinnacle of rock which I believe I

1. The highest point or peak of a mountain or structure.
2. The most successful or admired part of a career or achievement.

said he. “We progress, do we not? Now, will you please look at the top of that rocky pinnacle? Do you observe something there?” “An enormous tree.” “But on the tree?” “A large bird,” said I.

1. A deep fissure or gap in the earth's surface.
2. A profound difference or division between people, ideas, etc.

It is like a broad red church spire, the top of it being level with the plateau, but a great chasm gaping between. On the summit of it there grew one high tree. Both pinnacle and cliff were

1. A type of tree known for its distinctive leaves and sweet sap.
2. The wood from maple trees, often used in furniture and flooring.

“How do you know that, sir?” asked Summerlee, sharply. “Because my predecessor, the American Maple White, actually made such an ascent. How otherwise could he have seen the monster which he

1. A person of mixed African and Indigenous American descent.
2. In some regions, refers to someone with mixed African and European ancestry.

truth, and that it would be impossible for him to keep them. “Make them wait till tomorrow, Zambo,” I shouted; “then I can send letter back by them.” “Very good, sarr! I promise they wait till

1. The leaves of a plant or tree.
2. A cluster of leaves, flowers, or branches.

us in. One huge gingko tree, topping all the others, shot its great limbs and maidenhair foliage over the fort which we had constructed. In its shade we continued our discussion, while Lord

1. A small open space within a forest.
2. A clearing in a wooded area, often grassy or sunlit.

was ever in store for us. When, following the course of our brook, we at last reached our glade and saw the thorny barricade of our camp, we thought that our adventures were at an end. But we

1. Relating to or produced by a volcano.
2. Resembling a volcano in activity or explosiveness.

said he, “do you remember that place where those beasts were?” “Very clearly.” “A sort of volcanic pit, was it not?” “Exactly,” said I. “Did you notice the soil?” “Rocks.” “But round the

1. A fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs.
2. A means of protection or defense against financial loss.

There was a low, sibilant rise and fall—the breathing of the creature. Only our feeble hedge separated us from this horror of the night. Each of us had seized his rifle, and Lord John had

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

was little smaller than that which had carried us across the Atlantic. Eventually we found ourselves through the narrows of Obidos and reached the town of Manaus. Here we were rescued from the

1. Feeding on other animals as a primary food source.
2. Relating to organisms that consume meat.

with it. A much more important problem is the question as to the existence of the carnivorous monster which has left its traces in this glade. We know roughly that this plateau is not larger

1. Close companions or friends, especially in a shared struggle or activity.
2. Fellow members of a socialist or communist party.

of our existence. It was at such a moment that I learned the stuff of which my three comrades were composed. They were grave, it is true, and thoughtful, but of an invincible serenity. For

1. A small stream or creek.
2. To tolerate or endure something (usually negative).

in single file along the bank of the stream, we soon found that it narrowed down to a mere brook, and finally that it lost itself in a great green morass of sponge-like mosses, into which we

1. People who accompany or spend time with others.
2. Animals or objects that provide company or support.

behind the cloud of his briarroot pipe. So much, for the moment, for my two white companions, whose characters and limitations will be further exposed, as surely as my own, as this narrative

1. Small containers holding ink for printers.
2. Cases holding bullets or gunpowder for firearms.

a beautiful brown-and-silver rifle. “Well rubbered at the stock, sharply sighted, five cartridges to the clip. You can trust your life to that.” He handed it to me and closed the door of his oak

1. A large primate without a tail, such as a gorilla or chimpanzee.
2. To imitate or copy someone's behavior or mannerisms.

foot had slipped. What was it?” I was so shocked at the sudden and strange appearance of this ape-man that I hesitated whether I should not climb down again and tell my experience to my

1. Savage or violent people.
2. Unrefined or crude individuals.

It is true that these monstrous creatures which we had seen were lumbering, inoffensive brutes which were unlikely to hurt anyone, but in this world of wonders what other survivals might there

1. Large primates, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans.
2. (Informal) To imitate or mimic someone's behavior.

Our learned friends were just stirrin’. Hadn’t even begun to argue yet. Suddenly it rained apes. They came down as thick as apples out of a tree. They had been assemblin’ in the dark, I

1. Walking sticks used for support while walking.
2. Stems of plants like bamboo or sugar cane.

needles through a pat of butter. No wonder we found that poor Yankee’s skeleton with the canes growin’ between his ribs. It was horrible—but it was doocedly interestin’ too. We were all

1. Insufficient in amount or extent.
2. Lacking in size or fullness; meager.

tell you the thing in its due order. We all awoke exhausted after the terrific emotions and scanty food of yesterday. Summerlee was still so weak that it was an effort for him to stand; but the

1. A dark, fine-grained volcanic rock formed from cooled lava.
2. Common in oceanic crust and volcanic regions.

was now held by the whole tribe squatting in a circle, whilst we sat near on a slab of basalt and watched their proceedings. Two or three warriors spoke, and finally our young friend made a

1. A type of sandal with a Y-shaped strap between the toes.
2. A narrow strip of material used as underwear (G-string).

depending from it. This collar was placed over the dome of the balloon, and the hanging thongs were gathered together below, so that the pressure of any weight would be diffused over a

1. A person who governs a kingdom in the absence of the monarch.
2. A member of a governing board, especially in educational institutions.

phalanx, blocking the streets from side to side, the crowd set forth, taking the route of Regent Street, Pall Mall, St. James’s Street, and Piccadilly. The whole central traffic of London was

1. Worthy of attention; striking or unusual.
2. Exceptionally good or impressive.

our leader will make good his statement, and that we are really on the eve of some most remarkable experiences.

1. An extinct flying reptile from the Mesozoic era, part of the pterosaur group.
2. Often mistakenly used to refer to any prehistoric flying creature, though specifically a genus.

Creatures survive which would otherwise disappear. You will observe that both the pterodactyl and the stegosaurus are Jurassic, and therefore of a great age in the order of life. They have