| absolutely |
totally; completely. |
| background |
all of a person's experience, education, and origins. |
| critical |
likely to find fault. |
| imaginary |
existing only in the mind. |
| loot |
valuables taken by force in a war; spoils. |
| mutant |
a life form whose genes are different from those of its parents. A mutant has new traits or characteristics that it can pass on to its offspring. |
| otherwise |
in a different manner or other way. |
| persecute |
to continually treat in a cruel or harsh way because of race, religion, political ideas, or some other difference. |
| pneumonia |
a serious disease in which the lungs become swollen and painful and fill with liquid. Pneumonia is caused by viruses or bacteria. |
| presidency |
the office, length of service, and jobs of a president. |
| prickly |
full of small, sharp points. |
| publisher |
a person or company that prepares and brings out books for sale. |
| represent |
to stand for or be a sign of. |
| sulk |
to express anger or bad humor by being silent or distant. |
| vein |
a small vessel that carries blood toward the heart. |