Nova S42E16: English vocabulary

an effect or consequence, especially one that happens later and is not wanted

covered or hidden so that you cannot see it clearly

to let gas out of your stomach through your mouth with a noise

a device or part that wipes or cleans a surface, especially a car windshield

unable to act or help effectively; powerless

the process of making something better, more useful, or more interesting

to make a place stronger and better protected against attack

often; many times

an official document or piece of information that proves who you are or shows your qualifications

to put something firmly inside or into something else

to behave badly or in a way that is not acceptable

a short attempt to get involved in a new activity or place

more able or skilled than someone or something else

happening immediately; done in no time

a party where people wear masks and costumes

to shake slightly because you feel fear, horror, or disgust

to secretly listen to other people's private conversation

so strong or clear that it settles a question or ends doubt

to move suddenly and unsteadily, often because you are off balance

the process of calculating something

the quality of being cultured, stylish, and knowledgeable

the practical details of something, especially the technical ones

something that makes a surface, line, or shape even or level

the main or most eye-catching part of something

a pipe or passage that carries water, gas, or wires from one place to another

having a pattern of squares or checks

related to rules or laws made by an authority

to reach a conclusion by thinking carefully about the facts

shaped like a cylinder

illegal or not allowed by law, rules, or custom

a clever or sneaky plan meant to get an advantage

a long, soft feather, or a bunch of feathers used for decoration

a sudden rush of frightened animals or people

careful and sensible, especially about the future or about money

the act of gently rubbing or stroking something

the process of combing and separating wool or other fibers

to rise or grow very quickly in amount, size, or cost

a machine with a moving belt that carries things from one place to another

the study of correct reasoning

absolutely necessary; needed for success or for something to work

giving a feeling that something bad is going to happen

the act of frightening or pressuring someone to make them do something

a drive or trip in a car, especially for pleasure

relating to motion or movement

a loud, harsh, high-pitched sound

to enter a place, organization, or group secretly in order to get information or cause harm

to calculate a number or amount

serious danger, especially danger of death or injury

the act of removing a covering, layer, or clothes

locked with a key

to accept and obey a rule, decision, or law

used to ask what something really means or is, especially in British English

a hidden store of things kept for later use

moving or walking with quick, light steps

without revealing your identity

to guess or form an opinion about something without enough evidence

the act of sealing a hole or gap

unable to speak for a short time, especially because of shock or strong emotion

a magical spirit in stories, often said to live in a lamp or bottle and grant wishes

clear and strong, and hard to ignore

to talk in a casual, lively way

the equipment and setup used to make products in a factory

a process that makes cloth stiffer and stronger by coating it with a special substance

the quality of being honest and genuine

to make it possible for something to happen

a factory where chemicals are produced

the government agencies that collect and analyze secret information for a country

a circuit that is complete so electricity can flow through it

becoming weaker or less active

strange and a little unsettling, especially in a way that seems almost supernatural

the act of demanding money or something else by threatening to reveal damaging information

to suddenly put someone or something into a difficult situation or state

not strict, careful, or controlled enough

a game in which a player or side must reach five points before the other side does

to look at things in a relaxed, casual way, especially in a shop or online

to look through something carefully from start to finish