In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex

In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex Glossary

Gam

a visit between two ships' crews

Gale

a very strong wind

Squall

a sudden violent gust of wind or a localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow, or sleet

Spermacet

a white waxy substance produced by the sperm whale, formerly used in candles and ointments. It is present in a rounded organ in the head, where it focuses acoustic signals and aids in the control of buoyancy.

Hull

the main body of a ship or other vessel, including the bottom, sides, and deck but not the masts, superstructure, rigging, engines, and other fittings

Stern

the rearmost part of a ship or boat

Helm

a tiller or wheel and any associated equipment for steering a ship or boat

Corpulence

the state of being very fat; obesity

Casting lots

a form of sortition in which an outcome is determined by means that normally would be considered random, such as the rolling of dice, but are sometimes believed to reveal the will of God, or other supernatural entities.

Ambergris

a waxlike substance that originates as a secretion in the intestines of the sperm whale, found floating in tropical seas and used in perfume manufacture

Hypernatremia

a condition involving excessive amounts of sodium in the body that can bring on convulsions

Pollard

1. to cut off the top and branches of (a tree) to encourage new growth at the top

2. an animal, e.g., a sheep or deer, which has lost its horns or cast its antlers

Ghostwriter

a person whose job it is to write material for someone else who is the named author.

Disintegration

the process of losing cohesion or strength

Confabulate

fabricate imaginary experiences as compensation for loss of memory

Mast

a tall upright post, spar, or other structure on a ship or boat, in sailing vessels generally carrying a sail or sails

Leeward

on or toward the side sheltered from the wind or toward which the wind is blowing; downwind

Topgallant

the section of a square-rigged sailing ship's mast immediately above the topmast

Cocksure

presumptuously or arrogantly confident

Provision

supplies of food, drink, or equipment, especially for a journey