of doubtful authenticity; being of questionable authenticity
The story about the explorer seems apocryphal based on historical records.
Vocabulary like apocryphal appears on the Digital SAT in Words-in-Context questions, where you choose the word that fits a passage's meaning and tone. You can also drill this word with vocabulary flashcards.
letdown; a disappointing decline after a previous rise
cure; a remedy that stops or controls the effects of a poison
hatred; a feeling of intense dislike
out-of-date; obsolete or old-fashioned
decontaminator; thoroughly clean and free of or destructive to disease-causing organisms
opposition; exact opposite
indifference; an absence of emotion or enthusiasm
poise; great coolness and composure under strain