One of the things I often do as I'm reading a novel or short story is keep track of words whose definitions I do not know or that I find interesting. Either way, these interesting words are ones I feel might be of use in my own writing. That, and it's good to expand one's vocabulary every once in a while.
These interesting words were found in Paul Kemp's Ephemera: Dark Stories from the mind of Paul S. Kemp.
apotheosis: the elevation of a person (as to the status of a god)
caravel: The caravel of the 16th century was a small vessel with broad bows, high, narrow poop, four masts, and lateen sails. Columbus commanded three caravels on his great voyage.
effigy: a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture
iconoclast: someone who tries to destroy traditional ideas or institutions
inchoate: only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
insensate: devoid of feeling and consciousness and animation
parturition: the process of giving birth
proclivities: a natural inclination
repertory: the entire range of skills or aptitudes or devices used in a particular field or occupation
torpor: inactivity resulting from torpidity and lack of vigor or energy
viridian: a durable bluish-green pigment
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