Life of Pi Vocabulary

AUTHORS NOTE
fiasco (n): a total failure, especially a humiliating or ludicrous one
stint (n): a fixed period of time spent on a task or job
bamboozle (v): to trick or deceive somebody through misleading statements or falsehoods; cheat
or perplex somebody
hill station (n): in South Asia, a town in the hills established by the British as a place of respite
from the summer heat for officials and their families
ruddy (adj): with a healthy reddish glow; rosy with health
crux (n): an essential or deciding point or element in something, e.g. in an argument; crucial point
Tolstoy: Leo Tolstoy, Russian writer of novels and short stories
purveyor (n): a supplier, seller, or circulator of something, especially something that is
disapproved of or ridiculed
Kierkegaard: a Danish philosopher, theologian and religious author
Raj (n): in South Asia, the period of British rule up to 1947 of what are now the countries of India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka
evangelist (n): a Christian who tries to persuade other people to become Christian, especially at
public gatherings or in broadcasts
incense (n): a substance, usually fragrant gum or wood, that gives off a pleasant smell when
burned
CHAPTER 1
cosmology (n): the philosophical study of the nature of the universe; the scientific study of the
origin and structure of the universe
Kabbalah (n): a body of mystical Jewish teachings based on an interpretation of the Hebrew
scriptures as containing hidden meanings
sloth (n): a slow-moving mammal that uses its long claws to hang upside down from tree
branches.
in situ (adj./adv.) in its natural or original place
indolence (n): the quality or state of being lethargic and not showing any interest or making any
effort
Magoo-like (adj): refers to a cartoon character who got into humorous situations because of
severe nearsightedness
agnostic (n): somebody who believes that it is impossible to know whether or not God exists
atheist (n): somebody who does not believe in God or deities
memento mori (n): an object, especially a skull, intended as a reminder of the fact that humans
die
anemic (adj): pale and not looking well; lacking vitality, strength, or courage
blanched (v): to become pale suddenly
sambar (n): a large deer that has a reddish brown coat and three-pronged antlers. Native to:
Southeast Asia.
CHAPTER 3
obstetric (adj): relating to childbirth or the branch of medicine that deals with the care of women
during pregnancy and childbirth, and for some six weeks following delivery
ludicrous (adj): utterly ridiculous because of being absurd, incongruous, impractical, or unsuitable

guru (n): in Hinduism and Sikhism, a religious leader or teacher

Gallic (n): relating to France, or its language, people, or culture
moored (v): to secure a boat, ship, or aircraft to one place with cables, chains, ropes, or an
anchor, or be secured in this way
latrine (n): a toilet, especially a communal one on a military base
artesian wells (n): a well drilled through impermeable rocks into strata where water is under
enough pressure to force it to the surface without pumping
tomfoolery (n): silly behavior
CHAPTER 4
profusion (n): a large quantity of something
saunter (v): to walk at an easy unhurried pace
lasciviousness (adj): the act of showing a improper or inappropriate desire for, or interest in, sex
depraved (adj): showing great moral corruption or wickedness
affronting (n): openly offensive or insulting
maharaja (n): an Indian prince of a rank above a rajah, especially the ruler of one of the former
Native States of India
menagerie (n): a collection of wild animals kept in captivity for the curiosity and entertainment of
the public, sometimes as part of a traveling show; a diverse, exotic, or unusal group of people or
things
raiment (n): clothing
manifold (adj): of many different kinds
piously (adv): in a manner that is devoutly religious
happenstance (n): a chance occurrence or event
imperative (n): something that must be done; a priority
discernment (n): good taste and judgment
CHAPTER 5
Sikh (n): a member of a religious group that broke away from Hinduism during the 16th century
and advocated a monotheistic doctrine, incorporating some aspects of Islam
Roman soldier: an allusion to the soldiers who tortured Jesus
Muhammad: the founder of Islam
Hejira: the emigration of Muhammad and his followers to the city of Medina in 622 CE, marking the
first year of the Islamic calendar, 1 AH
Kapil Dev: an Indian cricket player
Medina: the second holiest city in Islam
CHAPTER 6
Tamil Nadu: one of the 28 states of India. It borders Pondicherry to the north.
Kerala: an Indian state located on the southwest coast.
Siege of Leningrad: an allusion to the longest siege in military history, wherein Germany tried,
but failed, to capture Leningrad during WWII.
CHAPTER 7
Mrs. Gandhi: refers to Indira Ghandi, the third Prime Minister (and first female PM) of India. She is
not related to the non-violent protestor and spiritual leader Monhandas (Mahatma) Gandhi.
Partition 1947: refers to the division of British India among religious lines, resulting in Pakistan
and the Union of India.

Garden of Gethsemane: Biblical allusion to the garden where the Bible says Jesus and His
disciples prayed the night before Jesus crucifixion
CHAPTER 8
Ramayana: a great epic of the Hindu religion and of classical Sanskrit literature that tells of the
adventures of Rama, an incarnation avatar of the god Vishnu
putrid (adj): rotting and giving off a foul smell
ire (n): strong anger
bane (n): something that continually causes problems or misery
CHAPTER 11
absconding (v): running away secretly, especially in order to avoid arrest or prosecution
CHAPTER 13
ascendency (n): a position of power or domination over others
CHAPTER 14
amenable (adj): responsive to suggestion and likely to cooperate
cantankerous (adj): easily angered and difficult to get along with
CHAPTER 15
simpatico (adj): sharing similar temperaments or interests and, therefore, able to get along well
together; compatible
sanctum (n): a sacred place inside a church, temple, or mosque
fretwork arch (n): ornamental woodwork made by cutting holes in a piece of wood with a fretsaw
to create an intricate pattern of wood and spaces
CHAPTER 16
Limbo (n): in Roman Catholic theology, the place that is believed to be home to the souls of
children who died before baptism, and the souls of the righteous who died before Jesus Christ.
Although they are barred from entry to heaven, they are not condemned to the eternal suffering of
hell
samskara (n): a Hindu purification ceremony that marks a transition in a person's life
kumkum (n): South Asia a red round decorative mark worn on the forehead by Hindu women and
girls, but traditionally not by widows
turmeric (n): a yellow spice made from the dried rhizomes of an Asian plant. Use: cooking, yellow
dye.
nadaswaram (n): a classical instrument in Indian music
arati (n): an offering of respect, welcome, or worship to an exalted person wherein lamps are
offered
bhajan (n): an Indian devotional song
CHAPTER 17
lethargy (n): a state of physical slowness and mental dullness resulting from tiredness, disease, or
drugs
unremittingly (adv): in a manner that is continuing, persisting, or recurring without diminishing
or ceasing

rectory (n): the house that a member of the clergy lives in, provided by the church
vestibule (n): a small room or hall between an outer door and the main part of a building
serene (adj): without worry, stress, or disturbance
cassock (n): a full-length, usually black robe worn by priests, their assistants, and singers in
church choirs
murti (n): a representation of a divinity, made usually of stone, wood, or metal, which serves as a
means through which a divinity may be worshiped
usurper (n): one who uses something without the right to do so
avatar (n): an incarnation of a Hindu deity in human or animal form, especially one of the
incarnations of Vishnu such as Rama and Krishna
tantamount (adj): the same as; equivalent to a particular thing in effect, outcome, or value,
especially something unpleasant
spindly (adj): long or tall, thin, and weak-looking
transcend (v): to go beyond a limit or range, e.g. of thought or belief; to exist above and apart
from the material world
manifest (adj): clear to see or understand
petulant (adj): ill-tempered or sulky in a peevish manner
CHAPTER 18
faades (n): the face of a building, especially the principal or front face showing its most
prominent architectural feature
minaret (n): a tall slender tower attached to a mosque, from which the muezzin calls the faithful
to prayer
muezzin (n): a mosque official who calls Muslims to prayer from a minaret five times a day
incongruous (adj): unsuitable or out of place in a specific setting or context; not in accord or
consistent with something
CHAPTER 20
Sufi (n): a Muslim mystic
mystic (n): the belief that personal communication or union with the divine is achieved through
intuition, faith, ecstasy, or sudden insight rather than through rational thought
paradox (n): a statement, proposition, or situation that seems to be absurd or contradictory, but
in fact is or may be true
CHAPTER 21
exultation (n): the state of being extremely happy or joyful about something
ineluctably (adv): inescapably
CHAPTER 22
pandit (n): a wise or learned Hindu man, especially a Brahman who is an expert in Hindu culture,
law, and philosophy
bemused (adj): confused or puzzled
esplanade (n): a long level area, especially by the sea, for walking or driving along
pastoral (adj): relating to Christian ministers or priests or their duties
secular (adj): not controlled by a religious body or concerned with religious or spiritual matters
darshan (n): a teacher or preacher in a synagogue
puja (n): in Hinduism, daily devotion consisting of a ritual offering of food, drink, and ritual actions
and prayers, most commonly to an image of a deity

idolaters (n): a worshiper of something as a god, e.g. a statue or carved image

piety (n): a strong respectful belief in a deity or deities and strict observance of religious principles
in everyday life
Bapu Gandhi: Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi led India to independence of Britain. His methods
taught using non-violent civil disobedience as a means of protest. Bapu means father Bapu
Gandhi is the nickname given to him as the Father of the Nation of India. (Mahatma means Great
Soul.)
CHAPTER 30
tress (n): a lock of long hair, especially a woman's hair
conjugal (adj): relating to marriage or to husbands and wives
CHAPTER 31
Salaam alaykum Arabic greeting meaning Peace be upon you or Peace be with you
Wa alaykum as-salaam Response meaning And upon you be peace
Allahu akbar Allah is the Greatest

CHAPTER 35
wallah (n): somebody in charge of something or associated with a particular service or occupation
CHAPTER 37
tarpaulin (n): a heavy waterproof material, especially treated canvas, used as a covering and to
protect things from moisture
CHAPTER 38
dyspeptic (adj): having acid indigestion; easily angered
list (v): to lean to one side, or make a ship lean to one side
port (n): the left-hand side of a boat or airplane when facing the front
bow (n): the front section of a boat or ship
stern (n): the rear part of a ship or boat
starboard (n): the right-hand side of a boat or airplane when facing the front
CHAPTER 39
davits (n): a small crane at the side of a ship's deck, especially one of a pair of curved metal posts
with tackle attached for suspending and lowering a lifeboat
grommets (n): a protective eyelet in a material that prevents damage either to the material or to
a rope passed through it
CHAPTER 41
fodder (n): animal food
geotectonics (n): relating to the large-scale structure of the Earth's crust
CHAPTER 43
cataleptic (adj): state resembling a trance
stupor (n): dazed state; an acute lack of mental alertness brought on, e.g. by shock or lack of

sleep
ostentation (n): conspicuous or vulgar display of wealth and success, especially designed to
impress people
virulent (adj): extremely poisonous, infectious, or damaging to organisms
carrion (n): the rotting flesh of a dead animal
catholicity (n): wideness of range of tastes or interests; the quality of including or applying to
everyone or everything
CHAPTER 45
disheveled (adj): with messed-up hair or clothes
remonstrations (n): a strong, forceful argument
empathy (n): the ability to identify with and understand somebody else's feelings or difficulties
callous (adj): showing no concern that other people are or might be hurt or upset
frugivorous (adj): describes an animal that eats mainly fruit
durian (n): a foul-smelling but deliciously flavored fruit
haughty (adj): behaving in a superior, condescending, or arrogant way
CHAPTER 46
viscera (n): the internal organs of the body, especially those of the abdomen such as the
intestines

CHAPTER 47
fistula (n): an opening or passage between two organs or between an organ and the skin, caused
by disease, injury, or congenital malformation
empirical (adj): based on or characterized by observation and experiment instead of theory
capital (adj): involving or incurring punishment by death
CHAPTER 48
marauder (n): one who roves around carrying out violent attacks or looking for plunder, or raid a
place in search of plunder
CHAPTER 49
conundrum (n): something that is puzzling or confusing
CHAPTER 50
keel (n): the main structural element of a ship, stretching along the center line of its bottom from
the bow to the stern. It sometimes extends farther downward into the water to provide extra
stability.
hull (n): the body of a ship, excluding other parts such as the masts and engines
CHAPTER 51
supplication (n): a humble and sincere appeal to somebody who has the power to grant a request
Diwali (n): a Hindu festival associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, during which
lamps are lit
CHAPTER 52

gaff (n): a pole with a large hook on the end that is used to hold and land a large fish
CHAPTER 53
lucidity (n): rational, and mentally clear, especially only for a period between episodes of delirium
or psychosis
with bated breath (expression): in anxious or excited anticipation
rufous (adj): a color that may be described as reddish- brown or brownish- red, as of rust or
oxidized iron.
ponderous (adj): lumbering and laborious in movement
precarious (adj): dangerously unstable, unsteady, uncertain, or insecure
CHAPTER 57
edification (n): instruction or enlightenment, especially when it is morally or spiritually uplifting
daunted (adj): anxious, intimidated, or discouraged
CHAPTER 58
cryptic (adj): deliberately mysterious and seeming to have a hidden meaning
injunction (n): a command or order, especially from somebody in a position of authority
CHAPTER 59
disconsolate (adj): miserable or disappointed and unable to be cheered up
galleon (n): a large three-masted sailing ship used especially by the Spanish between the 15th
and 18th centuries
mien (n): somebody's facial expression or general appearance, bearing, or posture, taken as an
indication of his or her mood or character
CHAPTER 61
sentient (adj): conscious; capable of feeling and perception; capable of responding emotionally
rather than intellectually
Cain: Biblical allusion to the son of Adam and Eve who killed his brother Abel when God chose
Abels offering and then lied to God about it
sanguinary (adj): bloodthirsty or eager to kill
consecrated (v): to dedicate somebody or something to a particular purpose
CHAPTER 65
sextant (n): a navigational instrument incorporating a telescope and an angular scale that is used
to work out latitude and longitude
CHAPTER 66
Hanuman: in Hinduism, a leader of monkeys who assists Rama
carapace (n): a thick hard case or shell made of bone or chitin that covers part of the body,
especially the back, of an animal such as a crab or turtle
jubilant (adj): feeling or expressing great delight over a success, achievement, or victory
CHAPTER 72
ordnance (n): military weapons, including supplies for their use and equipment for their
maintenance

CHAPTER 74
Communion host (n): the bread or wafer consecrated and eaten during the Christian ceremony of
Communion
prasad (n): South Asia food or other items given in offering to a Hindu deity. The food is later
shared among those making the offerings.
CHAPTER 77
fastidiously (adv): with concern that even the smallest details should be just right
CHAPTER 78
jubilation (n): uninhibited rejoicing in the celebration of a victory or success
apathy (n): lack of interest in anything, or the absence of any wish to do anything
CHAPTER 79
curmudgeon (n): somebody considered to be bad-tempered, disagreeable, or stubborn
Goliath: Biblical allusion to the Philistine giant who fights and loses to David, the future king of
Israel
CHAPTER 80
gregarious (adj): very friendly and sociable
CHAPTER 83
hillock (n): a small hill or mound
CHAPTER 84
archipelago (n): a group or chain of islands

CHAPTER 88
putrefaction (n): the state of being decayed with a foul smell, or the act of making something
decay with a foul smell
CHAPTER 89
subjugation (n): the act or process of bringing somebody, especially a people or nation, under the
control of another, e.g. by military conquest
prostrate (v): lying prone or stretched out with the face downward, e.g. in worship or submission;
drained of physical strength or incapacitated by overexertion or powerful emotion
CHAPTER 90
figment (n): something produced by or only existing in somebody's imagination
CHAPTER 92
porosity (n): the porous (with pores) nature of something, or the extent to which something is
porous
precipitously (adv): done or acting in a manner that is too quick and without enough thought

commensal (adj): describes a relationship between organisms of two different species in which
one derives food or other benefits from the association while the other remains unharmed and
unaffected
cordate (adj): describes a leaf that is heart-shaped
indelibly (adv): physically impossible to rub out, wash out, or alter
lee (n): the side of a ship away from the source of the wind, or shelter from the wind
symbiotic (adj): a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship between two people or groups
conjecture (n): guesswork; the formation of judgments or opinions on the basis of incomplete or
inconclusive information
Leviathan (n): Biblical allusion to a large beast or sea monster
arboreal (adj): describes a species that lives in trees
CHAPTER 95
surreptitiously (adv): done in a concealed or underhand way to escape notice, especially
disapproval
CHAPTER 99
feral (adj): similar to or typical of a wild animal, or living wild
scimitars (n): an Arab or Turkish sword with a curved blade that broadens out as it nears the point
reprieve (n): to provide somebody with temporary relief from something harmful, especially
danger or pain
CHAPTER 100
licit (adj): allowed by law

The creator of this document used the English and North American Encarta Dictionary as well as Wikipedia for most of the information contained herein.