Jaws

Jaws Glossary

Autopsy

A postmortem examination, typically to discover the cause of death or the extent of disease.

Bounty

A sum paid for killing or capturing a person or animal.

Chum

Chopped fish, fish fluids, and other material thrown overboard as angling bait.

Cleat

A T-shaped piece of metal or wood, especially on a boat or ship, to which ropes are attached.

Deceive

To lie or seek to mislead.

Dorsal

Of, on, or relating to the upper side or back of an animal, plant, or organ.

Drift

To be carried slowly, usually by a current of air or water.

Foreground

The part of a view that is nearest to the observer, especially in a picture or photograph.

Harpoon

A barbed, spearlike missile attached to a long rope and thrown by hand or fired from a gun, used for catching whales and other large sea creatures.

Impulse

A sudden, strong urge or desire to act.

Instinct

A natural or intuitive way of acting or thinking.

Machination

A plot or scheme.

Potent

Having great power, influence, or effect.

Proportion

A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.

Pulpit

A raised platform in the bow of a fishing boat or whaler.

Regulation

A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.

Relentless

The quality of continuing without stopping.

Retribution

Vengeance; punishment for wrongdoing.

Sever

Divide by cutting or slicing, especially suddenly and forcibly.

Squalus

The Latin word for shark; a root for numerous words related to sharks such as "squaline," and scientific names for sharks, such as the order Squaliformes.