National Reading Vocabulary - Lesson 13

vulture

(noun) Any of several large birds, generally having dark feathers and a bare head and neck. It circles the sky looking for dead and decaying animals. This bird is a scavenger.

protective

(adjective) Guarding or shielding from harm or injury.

comprehension

(noun) The action or capability of understanding something.

dimension

(noun) Property of space, as in height, width, depth.

miniature

(adjective) A very small copy or model; a tiny version.

expansion

(noun) An increase of something in size or volume or quantity or scope.

expectation

(noun) An outcome or event that a person anticipates or looks forward to.

primitive

(adjective) Happening early in the history of humans and the world; or, simple and not complicated.

constitution

(noun) Basic laws that set up the rules of the government for a nation; the written rules of the United States that show how to govern the country.

alternative

(noun, adjective) Another way of doing something; a choice or an option.

infection

(noun) The invasion of the body by a pathogenic organisms and their multiplication which can lead to tissue damage and disease; an illness caused by germs or viruses.

tension

(noun) Stress or strain that occurs when forces act to stretch an object.

mission

(noun) A special duty or function which a person or group is sent out to do; or, a settlement, built by a church, from which people taught religion to others.

function

(noun, adjective) To serve a certain purpose or have a particular job; or, a formal or official social gathering or ceremony.

fracture

(noun, verb) A break in a bone; to break or crack.

tradition

(noun) Values, customs, and beliefs passed from generation to generation.

competitive

(adjective) Wanting to win or to be more successful than other people.

posture

(noun) The position or arrangement of the body and its limbs.

collaborative

(adjective) Working together as a team.

legislature

(noun) The lawmaking part of the government usually having a Senate and a House of Representatives.