Class 11 (Compulsory)
An Astrologer’s Day a short story by R.K. Narayan
1. Cowrie shells: small, glossy shells often used as
currency or in divination; sea shells
2. Obscure: unclear, vague, difficult to understand
3. Mystic: mysterious, spiritual, supernatural
4. Palmyra: a type of palm tree found in tropical regions;
also refers to the leaf used for writing
5. Resplendent: dazzling, radiant, magnificent
6. Ash: powdery residue left after burning; often used in
religious or sacred contexts
7. Vermilion: bright red, scarlet
8. Prophetic: predictive, foretelling, visionary
9. Whiskers: facial hair, especially on the cheeks and chin;
beard
10. Streamed: flowed, moved continuously
11. Turban: headwrap, a cloth wrapped around the head
12. Dahlia: a type of flower with bright colors and large
blooms
13. Stalks: stems, supporting structures of plants
14. Tamarind: a tropical tree with pod-like fruit, often
used in cooking
15. Flanked: bordered, lined on the sides
16. Surging: moving powerfully or suddenly, swelling
17. Auctioneer: person who conducts auctions, bids items for
sale
18. Vociferousness: loudness, noisiness, clamor
19. Delicacy: a special or rare food item; something fine or
luxurious
20. Flocked: gathered, crowded, moved in a group
21. Dallied: lingered, delayed, spent time idly
22. Flare: bright light, a sudden burst of flame or light
23. Hissing gaslights: gas lamps emitting a sharp,
continuous sound
24. Bewildering: confusing, perplexing, puzzling
25. Crisscross: crossing patterns, intersecting lines
26. Shrewd: clever, sharp, astute
27. Guesswork: estimation, conjecture, speculation
28. Tangles: complications, knots, confusion
29. Impetuous: impulsive, hasty, rash
30. Endeared: made lovable, attracted affection
31. Paraphernalia: equipment, tools, accessories
32. Blotted out: obscured, erased, blocked
33. Careworn: tired, anxious, showing signs of worry
34. Whereupon: after which, at which point
35. Piqued: irritated, provoked, aroused curiosity
36. Anna: an old Indian currency unit (1/16th of a rupee)
37. Flung: threw, tossed
38. Bluffing: deceiving, pretending, faking
39. Jutka-drivers: drivers of horse-drawn carriages (often
in South Asia)
40. Swore: cursed, used offensive language
41. Cheroot: a type of cigar, usually short and thick
42. Puffing out: exhaling smoke, breathing out
43. Ruthlessly: mercilessly, cruelly, without pity
44. Thrust: pushed, forced
45. Disgorge: release, expel, give out
46. Muttered: spoke in a low, unclear voice, grumbled
47. Haggling: bargaining, negotiating, arguing over price
48. Peep: glance, look briefly
49. Clenching: gripping tightly, squeezing
50. Gratified: satisfied, pleased, fulfilled
51. Jaggery: unrefined sugar, often made from palm sap
52. Pyol: a raised platform or porch outside a house
53. Gasped: took a sharp breath, inhaled suddenly in shock
54. Yawning: opening the mouth wide, usually due to
tiredness
