vivisectionA scientific procedure practiced by Dr. Moreau on the island, involving surgery on living organisms, typically animals.
Definitions:
The practice of performing operations on live animals for the purpose of experimentation or scientific research (used only by people who are opposed to such work)."The public was appalled at the vivisection experiments taking place in the secret lab."
beastA term used frequently in the book to describe Dr. Moreau's experimental subjects, referring to animals or animal-like creatures.
Definitions:
An animal, especially a large or dangerous four-footed one."Beware the beast that lurks in the woods."
A difficult or unpleasant person or thing."He grumbled as he tackled the beast of a puzzle."
perversityCharacteristic of Dr. Moreau's desire to transform animals into humans, suggesting his motivations are often contrary to what is expected or considered natural.
Definitions:
A deliberate desire to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable way; contrariness."The child's perversity was apparent when he continued to stick his fingers in the sockets despite being told no."
creatureUsed to describe the island inhabitants who are neither fully animal nor human due to Dr. Moreau's experiments.
Definitions:
An animal, person, or imaginary being."The fantasy book was packed with magical creatures."
grotesqueTerm often used in describing the physical appearance and behavior of the island creatures after Dr. Moreau's experiments.
Definitions:
Comically or repulsively ugly or distorted."The grotesque caricature exaggerated the man's features."