Adjective.

Definition: of or relating to art or beauty.

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aesthetic

I came across this word while reading ” The Brooklyn Bridge” by Philip Lopate. Passage 20, page 265, paragraph #3

I now understand that Lopate was relating the Brooklyn Bridge to Art and beauty.

verb.

Definition: to uncover (something) by digging away and removing the earth that covers it.

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excavating

I came across this word while reading “The Tunnel Rats of Atlantic Ave” by Yonette Joseph. Page 2, paragraph #12

I now understand that the people were exploring the underground tunnel.

Adjective

Definition: possessing a quality that arouses or stimulates desire or interest; also :  mockingly or teasingly out of reach.

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tantalizing

I came across this word while reading “The tunnel Rats of Atlantic Ave.” Page 2, paragraph #8

I now understand that the person the author is speaking about was drawn to the subject he was researching.

noun.

Definition: a person who is in charge of the things in a museum, zoo, etc.

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curator

I came across this word while reading ” The Tunnel Rats of Atlantic Avenue” by Yonette Joseph. Page 2, paragraph #10

I now understand that the person Joseph was speaking about is in charge of the history of the tours he runs.

transitive verb

Definition: to instill with boldness or courage.

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embolden?show=0&t=1387313801

I encountered this word while reading “The Tunnel Rats of Atlantic Avenue.” Page 1, paragraph #10

I now understand that the author felt courage at the moment.

noun.

Definitions: a person who has the power to settle an argument between people

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arbiter

I came across this word while reading “Texting Shorthand Annoys Purists and May Have Lasting Impact” by Seth Mydans. Page 1, paragraph #7

I now understand that the British Council has the power to settle arguments on the international use of English.

Noun:a picture of something showing it as a dark shape on a light background; especially : such a picture showing a person’s face from the side

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silhouette

The dark was coming on hard now, and off to the west, I could see the mountains rising in silhouette, all the mysterious and unknowns.

I understand that the author is saying he could see the mountains reflection off the river.

noun.

Definition: a person who has achieved eminence in a specific field.

Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/luminaries

I came across this word while i was reading “Texting shorthand Annoys Purists and May Have Lasting Impact” by Seth Mydans. Page 1, paragraph #3

After looking up this word i now understand that Mydans was speaking about someone who has achieved a lot .

Noun.

Definition: The process or work of writing, editing, or compiling a dictionary.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lexicographical

I encountered this word while reading “Texting Shorthand Annoys Purists and May Have Lasting Impact” by Seth Mydans. Page 1, paragraph #3

I now understand that the person he was speaking about was trying to change the spelling of the english language.

noun