values (values). Standards by which a society defines what is desirable and undesirable.

vernal equinox (VER·nal E·qui·nox). The spring equinox, about March 21, the time when the sun crosses the plane of the earth’s equator making night and day the same or of equal length all over the earth.

vessel (VES·sel). A hollow container or utensil designed to hold liquids.