The Cay Vocabulary
Chapter 1
refinery p. 9 (n.) a place where raw oil is changed into a useable product They attacked the big Lago Oil Refinery on Aruba.
galleons p. 11 (n.) a large sailing ship Sometimes we pretended we were the Dutch going out on raids against Spanish galleons.
koenoekoe p. 15 (n.) Countryside Fishing or sailing our small boat, or taking long hikes around Krup Bay or Seroe Male, or just going out into the koenoekoe, the countryside together.
Chapter 2
leeward p. 20 (adj.) the direction toward which the wind is blowing I love the koenoekoe with its giant cactus; the divi-divi trees, their odd branches all on the leeward side of the trunk; the beautiful sandy beach at Westpunt.
mutiny p. 21 (n.) open rebellion against authority They were angry with the Chinese crews, and on the third day, my father said that mutiny charges has been placed against them.
Chapter 3
alabaster p. 31 (n.) a mineral that is white-tinted or banded
calypso p. 34 (n.) a type of music that originated in the West Indies characterized by improvised lyrics
papayas p. 36 (n.) large yellow fruits of a tropical American tree
deftly p. 37 (adv.) quickly; skillfully
Chapter 7
cay p. 57 (n.) a small low island
langosta p. 58 (n.) a clawless lobster native to the Caribbean
Chapter 8
fronds p. 64 (n.) large leaves of palm
Chapter 9
reeve p. 71 (v.) to fasten by placing through or around something
Chapter 10
catchment p. 73 (n.) A structure for collecting water
rancid p. 77 (adj.) unpleasant; offensive
sea grape p. 76 (n.) an edible purple berry
Chapter 11
conniving p. 83 (adj.) scheming; plotting
kin p. 85 (adj.) related in family
Chapter 12
malaria p. 88 (n.) fatal disease caused by a parasite mostly carried by a mosquito
Chapter 13
treacherous p. 94 (adj.) dangerous
stobs p. 96 (n.) posts or stumps
Chapter 14
calico p. 101 (adj.) spotted
Chapter 15
flayed p. 111 (v.) strip of outer skin
Chapter 16
bung p. 114 (n.) a stopper for the opening of a barrel
Chapter 17
flailing p. 123 (v.) waving or moving vigorously or erratically
gingerly p. 123 (adv.) cautiously; carefully
Chapter 19
badgering p. 134 (v.) harassing; pestering