Joshua Klein: The intelligence of crows

Important Vocabulary Words From The Video

cockroaches

Cockroaches are small, dark insects that live in the walls and ceilings of buildings. They are often considered pests, because they can cause a lot of damage.

  • The cockroaches are coming out of the walls and ceilings.
  • The cockroaches are crawling all over the kitchen.
parasitism

Parasitism is the act of using or eating other organisms to survive. Some parasites are able to live off of other organisms without them being able to survive on their own.

  • The parasite lives off of the blood of its host.
  • The parasite lives off of the energy that the host produces.
unprompted

When something unprompted happens, it isn't planned or organized. Unprompted events can be very exciting, and they can often be more memorable.

  • The party was a lot of fun, and the unprompted dancing was the best part.
  • The party was a lot of fun, but the unprompted singing was the best part.
caw

When a bird or other animal caws, it usually means that it is angry, frustrated, or scared. cawing can be a loud, annoying sound, and it can be difficult to understand what the animal is saying.

  • The cawing of the birds was driving me crazy.
  • The cawing of the crows was a warning signal.
flexibly

To beflexibly is to be able to adjust to changes or new situations easily. When you areflexibly prepared, you are able to deal with whatever comes your way.

  • She was flexibly dressed for the weather.
  • The company is flexibly using the space that they have.
spits

To spit is to throw something out of your mouth. When you spit, you usually throw the object very far away.

  • He spat on the ground after he insulted me.
  • She spat on the ground after she saw the dog.
stymie

To stymie is to prevent someone from doing something. If you stymie someone's efforts, you stop them from achieving their goals.

  • He was stymied by the security guard.
  • The company was stymied by the protesters.
pisses

To piss is to urinate. When you piss, you release water and urine.

  • He pissed on the ground.
  • They were forced to piss in the open because there was no other option.
exterminating

To exterminate something is to kill it completely. You might exterminate a population of insects, or you might exterminate a plant.

  • The city is trying to exterminate the population of rats.
  • The plant needs to be exterminated because it is causing a lot of damage.