1. “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe
Story Vocabulary

2. Story Vocabulary aperture 9. obstinate catacomb 10. preclude
circumscribed 11. quack
clamor terminate
connoisseur tier
embed trowel
fetter utter
incrustation virtuoso

3. aperture (n) a hole or an opening
The farmer discovered an aperture in his fence that had allowed some cows to escape.

4. catacomb (n) an underground tunnel or area with holed for graves
Poe delighted in setting one of his masterpieces in a catacomb.

5. circumscribed (v) restricted or limited
The triangle circumscribed the circle.

6. clamor (n) loud noise or shouting
The clamor finally subsided when the bell rang and the students focused all of their undivided attention on the teacher! (hint-hint)

7. connoisseur (n)
A person who is able to be a judge in matters of art and taste
My sister knows so much about wine that she might be considered a connoisseur.

8. embed (v) to close firmly in some mass
The fossil has been embedded in the rock for millions of years.

9. fetter (v) To restrict by shackling or chaining
The convict was fettered to prevent his escape.

10. incrustation (n) being covered with a crust; state of being incrusted
The incrustation of self-destructive habits has become the focal point for many self-help groups.

11. obstinate (adj) unyielding regardless of reason or logic; stubborn
He will not accept advice on many things because of his obstinate attitude.

12. preclude (v) to make impossible
A low SAT score may preclude your acceptance to Stanford.

13. quack (n) an unqualified or fake doctor
When I researched the background of the heart surgeon I learned that he was a quack, so I sought a second opinion.

14. terminate (v) to bring to an end
My supervisor had to terminate the employment of many individuals due to budget cuts.

15. tier (n) One of a series of rows or levels
I did not know that a wedding cake could contain ten tiers and still remain standing!

16. trowel (n)
flat bladed hand tool used to work with mortar or to dig holes for plants
I had to buy a new trowel when I saw all of the gardening ideas on Pinterest and wanted to try every single one!

17. utter (v) to express by speaking
The teacher told Billy not to utter another word or she would send him to the office for causing a verbal disruption.

18. virtuoso (n) one skilled in the fine arts as an accomplished musician
Having played with some of the greatest symphonies in the world, he was known as a virtuoso on the violin.