Island of the Blue Dolphins Key Vocabulary Week

Island of the Blue Dolphins Key Vocabulary (Week 1)

gull: a long-winged, web-footed seabird Chapters 1 -3

cormorant: large black bird Chapters 1 -3

kelp: large seaweeds (algae) Chapters 1 -3

parley: negotiate; hold a meeting with the opposite side to discuss differences Chapters 1 -3

idle: not working, not having much activity Chapters 1 -3

pelts: skins stripped of hair or wool for tanning Chapters 1 -3

otter: animal with dark brown fur and webbed feet with claws Chapters 1 -3

cliff: a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice Chapters 4 -6

cove: a small sheltered inlet or bay Chapters 4 -6

abalone: shellfish that is eaten as food and has a shell that is lined with mother-of-pearl Chapters 4 -6

ponder: to think about; reflect on Chapters 4 -6

leagues: three nautical (in the water) miles Chapters 4 -6

snared: trapped or entangled Chapters 4 -6

beckoned: to attract someone or something Chapters 7 -9

ravine: a long, deep ditch, or valley in the earth, with steep sides Chapters 7 -9

nettles: any of various prickly or stinging plants or animals Chapters 7 -9

mesa: a flat-topped hill with steep sides, common in dry areas Chapters 7 -9

sea elephant: large, oceangoing seals Chapters 7 -9

tusk: elongated, continuously growing front teeth Chapters 7 -9

sinews: a piece of tough fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone Chapters 7 -9

pelican: sea bird characterized by a long beak and large throat pouch Chapters 7 -9