steep – v. to put (something) in a liquid for a period of time

drought – n. a long period of usually low rainfall totals, leading to a shortage of water

precipitation pattern -- n. the regular and repeated way in which rain falls

consumption – n. the using up of something; the purchase and use of something

uncle – n. the brother of someone's mother or father

pitiful - adj. deserving or causing feelings of pity or sympathy