Group 3 (Updated 11/12/18)

habitue (n)

1 : a person who may be regularly found in or at a particular place or kind of place café habitués 2 : devotee an Internet habitué

transcendentalism (n)

1 : a philosophy that emphasizes the a priori conditions of knowledge and experience or the unknowable character of ultimate reality or that emphasizes the transcendent as the fundamental reality 2 : a philosophy that asserts the primacy of the spiritual and transcendental over the material and empirical 3 : the quality or state of being transcendental especially : visionary idealism

kingdom (n)

1 : a politically organized community or major territorial unit having a monarchical form of government headed by a king or queen 2 often capitalized a : the eternal kingship of God b : the realm in which God's will is fulfilled 3 a : a realm or region in which something is dominant a cattle kingdom b : an area or sphere in which one holds a preeminent position The office was his own private kingdom. 4 a : one of the three primary divisions into which natural objects are commonly classified — compare animal kingdom, mineral kingdom, plant kingdom b : a major category (such as Plantae or Protista) in biological taxonomy that ranks above the phylum and below the domain 5 archaic : kingship

hormone (n)

1 : a product of living cells that circulates in body fluids (such as blood) or sap and produces a specific often stimulatory effect on the activity of cells usually remote from its point of origin also : a synthetic substance that acts like a hormone 2 : SEX HORMONE

bastion (n)

1 : a projecting part of a fortification a bastion at each of the fort's five corners 2 : a fortified area or position bombing island bastions 3 : STRONGHOLD sense 2 the last bastion of academic standards — Amer. Scientist

smoke screen (n)

1 : a screen of smoke to hinder enemy observation of a military force, area, or activity 2 : something designed to obscure, confuse, or mislead

aegis (n)

1 : a shield or breastplate emblematic of majesty that was associated with Zeus and Athena 2 a : protection under the aegis of the Constitution b : controlling or conditioning (see 2condition 5a) influence passed new laws under the aegis of national security 3 a : auspices, sponsorship under the aegis of the museum b : control or guidance especially by an individual, group, or system under the aegis of the government

slight (n)

1 : an act or an instance of slighting 2 : an instance of being slighted : a humiliating discourtesy

kaleidoscope (n)

1 : an instrument containing loose bits of colored material (such as glass or plastic) between two flat plates and two plane mirrors so placed that changes of position of the bits of material are reflected in an endless variety of patterns 2 : something resembling a kaleidoscope: such as a : a variegated changing pattern or scene a kaleidoscope of colors b : a succession of changing phases or actions a kaleidoscope of changing fashions c : a diverse collection — kaleidoscopic play \kə-ˌlī-də-ˈskä-pik\ adjective — kaleidoscopically play \kə-ˌlī-də-ˈskä-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

nonzero (adj)

1 : being, having, or involving a value other than zero 2 : having phonetic content nonzero affixes

veracity (n)

1 : conformity with truth or fact : ACCURACY 2 : devotion to the truth : TRUTHFULNESS 3 : power of conveying or perceiving truth 4 : something true makes lies sound like veracities

do-or-die (adj)

1 : doggedly determined to reach one's objective : indomitable 2 : presenting as the only alternatives complete success or complete ruin a do-or-die situation

beneficent (adj)

1 : doing or producing good a beneficent policy especially : performing acts of kindness and charity a beneficent leader 2 : BENEFICIAL beneficent bacteria

preclude (v)

1 : exceptionally early in development or occurrence precocious puberty 2 : exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age a precocious child

blistering (adj)

1 : extremely intense or severe blistering heat 2 : very rapid a blistering pace

fabled (adj)

1 : fictitious 2 : told or celebrated in fables 3 : renowned, famous the team's fabled coach

geodesic (n)

1 : geodetic 2 : made of light straight structural elements mostly in tension a geodesic dome

rakish (adj)

1 : having a trim or streamlined appearance suggestive of speed a rakish ship 2 : dashingly or carelessly unconventional : jaunty rakish clothes

verisimilar (adj)

1 : having the appearance of truth : PROBABLE 2 : depicting realism (as in art or literature)

walleyed (adj)

1 : having walleyes or affected with walleye 2 : marked by a wild irrational staring of the eyes

fast and loose (adv)

1 : in a reckless or irresponsible manner played fast and loose with the public purse strings —Paul Stuewe 2 : in a craftily deceitful way manipulated evidence ... and played fast and loose with the truth —C. V. Woodward

historically (adv)

1 : in accordance with or with respect to history an historically accurate account 2 : in the past historically, stagnant cities seldom have recovered —Jane Jacobs

incidentally (adv)

1 : in an incidental manner : not intentionally the arrant nonsense of some of his statements is incidentally hilarious —John Lahr 2 : by way of interjection or digression : by the way fortunate in having a good teacher ... —still living, incidentally —John Fischer

reticent (adj)

1 : inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech : RESERVED 2 : restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance the room has an aspect of reticent dignity — A. N. Whitehead 3 : RELUCTANT

intension (n)

1 : intensity 2 : connotation 3 — intensional adjective — intensionality noun — intensionally

shiftless (adj)

1 : lacking in resourcefulness : INEFFICIENT 2 : lacking in ambition or incentive : LAZY shiftless freeloaders

showy (adj)

1 : making an attractive show : STRIKING a showy orchid 2 : given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display showier; showiest

single-handed (adj)

1 : managed or done by one person or with one on a side 2 : working alone or unassisted by others

gutsy (adj)

1 : marked by courage, pluck, or determination a gutsy little fighter a gutsy decision 2a : expressing or characterized by basic physical senses or passions gutsy macho talk gutsy country blues b : rough or plain in style : not bland or sophisticated a gutsy soup

remiss (adj)

1 : negligent in the performance of work or duty : CARELESS 2 : showing neglect or inattention : LAX

postpartum (adj)

1 : occurring in or being the period following childbirth postpartum depression 2 : being in or used in the postpartum period postpartum mothers

existential (adj)

1 : of, relating to, or affirming existence existential propositions 2a : grounded in existence or the experience of existence : EMPIRICAL b : having being in time and space 3 [ translation of Danish eksistentiel & German existential ] : EXISTENTIALIST

experimental (adj)

1 : of, relating to, or based on experience or experiment 2a : serving the ends of or used as a means of experimentation an experimental school b : relating to or having the characteristics of experiment : TENTATIVE still in the experimental stage

pedantic (adj)

1 : of, relating to, or being a pedant a pedantic teacher 2 : narrowly, stodgily, and often ostentatiously learned a pedantic insistence that we follow the rules exactly 3 : unimaginative, dull — pedantically

postmodern (adj)

1 : of, relating to, or being an era after a modern one postmodern times a postmodern metropolis 2a : of, relating to, or being any of various movements in reaction to modernism that are typically characterized by a return to traditional materials and forms (as in architecture) or by ironic self-reference and absurdity (as in literature) b : of, relating to, or being a theory that involves a radical reappraisal of modern assumptions about culture, identity, history, or language postmodern feminism

residual (adj)

1 : of, relating to, or constituting a residue 2 : leaving a residue that remains effective for some time a residual pesticide

pop-up (adj)

1 : of, relating to, or having a component or device that pops up a pop-up book 2 : appearing suddenly on a computer screen a pop-up window 3 of a business : set up quickly for short-term operation in a temporary location pop-up stores/shops pop-up retail The front lawn of nearly every home becomes either a parking lot or a pop-up market, perfect for hungry, thirsty fans held captive by the conga lines of traffic. — Juliet Macur

beyond (prep)

1 : on or to the farther side of : at a greater distance than beyond the horizon 2a : out of the reach or sphere (see SPHERE entry 1 sense 4b) of a task beyond his strength b : in a degree or amount surpassing beautiful beyond measure c : out of the comprehension of his reasoning is beyond me 3 : in addition to : BESIDES doing work beyond his regular duties

pied piper (n)

1 : one that offers strong but delusive enticement 2 : a leader who makes irresponsible promises 3 : a charismatic person who attracts followers

suitor (n)

1 : one that petitions or entreats 2 : a party to a suit at law 3 : one who courts a woman or seeks to marry her 4 : one who seeks to take over a business

orator (n)

1 : one who delivers an oration The orator delivered the funeral oration at the cathedral. 2 : one distinguished for skill and power as a public speaker is a masterly orator, able to reduce a throng of thousands to a hushed silence —Raymond Bonner

gourmand (n)

1 : one who is excessively fond of eating and drinking 2 : one who is heartily interested in good food and drink — gourmandism play \ˈgu̇r-ˌmän-ˌdi-zəm, -mən-\ noun — gourmandize

high-speed (adj)

1 : operated or adapted for operation at high speed 2 : relating to the production of short-exposure photographs of rapidly moving objects or events of short duration

gaudiness (n)

1 : ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented gaudy costumes 2 : marked by extravagance or sometimes tasteless showiness : outlandish gaudy lies gaudy claims; also : exceptional a gaudy batting average

high noon (n)

1 : precisely noon 2 : the most advanced, flourishing, or creative stage or period the high noon of her career 3 : the time of a decisive confrontation or contest

vaulting (adj)

1 : reaching or stretching for the heights vaulting ambition a vaulting imagination 2 [ from gerund of 3vault ] : designed for use in vaulting or in gymnastic exercises a vaulting block

repulsive (adj)

1 : serving or able to repulse repulsive force 2 : tending to repel or reject : COLD, FORBIDDING 3 : arousing aversion or disgust repulsive crimes

grungy (adj)

1 : shabby or dirty in character or condition 2 : characteristic of grunge music or fashion

wake-up call (n)

1 : something (such as a telephone call from a hotel employee to a guest) that serves to wake a sleeper 2 : something that serves to alert a person to a problem, danger, or need a wake-up call to parents

singularity (n)

1 : something that is singular: such as a : a separate unit b : unusual or distinctive manner or behavior : PECULIARITY 2 : the quality or state of being singular 3 : a point at which the derivative of a given function of a complex variable does not exist but every neighborhood of which contains points for which the derivative does exist 4 : a point or region of infinite mass density at which space and time are infinitely distorted by gravitational forces and which is held to be the final state of matter falling into a black hole

soliloquy (n)

1 : the act of talking to oneself 2 : a poem, discourse, or utterance of a character in a drama that has the form of a monologue or gives the illusion of being a series of unspoken reflections

consolation (n)

1 : the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled : COMFORT She found great consolation in all the cards and letters she received. 2 : something that consoles specifically : a contest held for those who have lost early in a tournament

vanguard (n)

1 : the forefront of an action or movement 2 : the troops moving at the head of an army

slack (v)

1 : to be or become slack 2 : to shirk or evade work or duty transitive verb 1a : to be slack or negligent in performing or doing b : LESSEN, MODERATE 2 : to release tension on : LOOSEN 3a : to cause to abate b : SLAKE sense 3 slacked; slacking; slacks

veer (v)

1 : to change direction or course the economy veered sharply downward 2 of the wind : to shift in a clockwise direction — compare BACK entry 4 sense 2 3 of a ship : to change course by turning the stern to the wind transitive verb : to direct to a different course specifically : WEAR sense 7 veered; veering; veers

snowball (v)

1 : to engage in throwing snowballs 2 : to increase, accumulate, expand, or multiply at a rapidly accelerating rate transitive verb 1 : to throw snowballs at 2 : to cause to increase or multiply at a rapidly accelerating ratesnowballed; snowballing; snowballs

skirt (v)

1 : to form or run along the border or edge of : BORDER 2a : to provide a skirt for b : to furnish a border or shield for 3a : to go or pass around or about specifically : to go around or keep away from in order to avoid danger or discovery b : to avoid especially because of difficulty or fear of controversy skirted the issue c : to evade or miss by a narrow margin having skirted disaster — Edith Wharton intransitive verb : to be, lie, or move along an edge or border skirted; skirting; skirts

refine (v)

1 : to free (something, such as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material 2 : to free from moral imperfection : ELEVATE 3 : to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing refine a poetic style 4 : to reduce in vigor or intensity 5 : to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth intransitive verb 1 : to become pure or perfected 2 : to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions

ward (v)

1 : to keep watch over : GUARD 2 : to turn aside (something threatening) : DEFLECT —usually used with off ward off a blow trying to ward off a cold warded; warding; wards

sneer (v)

1 : to smile or laugh with facial contortions that express scorn or contempt 2 : to speak or write in a scornfully jeering manner transitive verb : to utter with a sneer sneered; sneering; sneers

simmer (v)

1 : to stew gently below or just at the boiling point 2a : to be in a state of incipient development : FERMENT ideas simmering in the back of my mind b : to be in inward turmoil : SEETHE transitive verb : to cook slowly in a liquid just below the boiling point simmered; simmering

tongue-tied (adj)

1 : unable or disinclined to speak freely (as from shyness) 2 : affected with tongue-tie

tone (n)

1 : vocal or musical sound of a specific quality spoke in low tones masculine tones especially : musical sound with respect to timbre and manner of expression 2a : a sound of definite pitch and vibration b : WHOLE STEP 3 : accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotion 4 : style or manner of expression in speaking or writing seemed wise to adopt a conciliatory tone 5 : a particular pitch or change of pitch constituting an element in the intonation of a phrase or sentence high tone low tone mid tone low-rising tone falling tone 6 : the pitch of a word often used to express differences of meaning 7a(1) : color quality or value (2) : a tint or shade of color b : the color that appreciably modifies a hue or white or black gray walls of greenish tone 8 : the effect in painting of light and shade together with color 9a : normal tension or responsiveness to stimuli specifically : muscular tonus b : the state of a living body or of any of its organs or parts in which the functions are healthy and performed with due vigor 10a : general character, quality, or trend a city's upbeat tone b : frame of mind : MOOD c : healthy elasticity : RESILIENCY

somnambulant (adj)

1 : walking or having the habit of walking while asleep 2 : resembling or having the characteristics of a sleepwalker : SLUGGISH

respectable (adj)

1 : worthy of respect : ESTIMABLE 2 : decent or correct in character or behavior : PROPER 3a : fair in size or quantity a respectable amount b : moderately good : TOLERABLE 4 : fit to be seen : PRESENTABLE respectable clothes

billion (n)

1 US : a number equal to 1,000 million — see TABLE OF NUMBERS also, British : a number equal to 1,000 milliard — see TABLE OF NUMBERS 2 : a very large number

uxoricide (n)

1 [ Medieval Latin uxoricidium, from Latin uxor wife + -i- + -cidium -cide ] : murder of a wife by her husband 2 [ Latin uxor + English -i- + -cide ] : a man who murders his wife

wingman (n)

1 a : a pilot who flies behind and outside the leader of a flying formation b informal : a male friend or partner who accompanies and supports a man in some activity While guys find large groups of women intimidating, they think just a few together is the most inviting. If you hang out with a couple of friends, a guy would be able to approach you with a couple of his friends (i.e., wingmen), which would take the pressure off. —Cosmopolitan 2 : winger

masquerade (v)

1 a : a social gathering of persons wearing masks and often fantastic costumes b : a costume for wear at such a gathering 2 : an action or appearance that is mere disguise or show

directly (adv)

1 a : in a direct manner directly relevant the road runs directly east and west b : in immediate physical contact c : in the manner of direct variation 2 a : without delay : immediately the second game followed directly after the first b : in a little while : shortly we'll be leaving directly

incarnate (adj)

1 a : invested with bodily and especially human nature and form b : made manifest or comprehensible : embodied a fiend incarnate 2 : incarnadine incarnate clover

gray / grey (adj)

1 a : of the color gray b : tending toward gray blue-gray eyes c : dull in color 2 : having the hair gray : hoary 3 : clothed in gray 4 a : lacking cheer or brightness in mood, outlook, style, or flavor; also : dismal, gloomy a gray day b : prosaically ordinary : dull, uninteresting the boring, gray dullness of government —P. J. O'Rourke 5 : having an intermediate and often vaguely defined position, condition, or character an ethically gray area

picturesque (adj)

1 a : resembling a picture : suggesting a painted scene b : charming or quaint in appearance 2 : evoking mental images : vivid — picturesquely adverb — picturesqueness noun

homespun (adj)

1 a : spun or made at home b : made of homespun 2 : simple, homely homespun philosophy

cajole (v)

1 a : to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance : coax had to cajole them into going b : to obtain from someone by gentle persuasion cajoled money from his parents 2 : to deceive with soothing words or false promises cajoled himself with thoughts of escape —Robertson Davies — cajolement noun — cajoler noun — cajolery noun

gesture (n)

1 archaic : CARRIAGE, BEARING 2 : a movement usually of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or attitude raised his hand overhead in a gesture of triumph 3 : the use of motions of the limbs or body as a means of expression 4 : something said or done by way of formality or courtesy, as a symbol or token, or for its effect on the attitudes of others a political gesture to draw popular support —V. L. Parrington

horrid (adj)

1 archaic : ROUGH, BRISTLING 2 : innately offensive or repulsive: a : inspiring horror : SHOCKING horrid living conditions b : inspiring disgust or loathing : NASTY a horrid man c : extremely bad or unpleasant : HORRIBLE the tenor bell ... gives out a horrid discordant noise —Robert Graves

cabaret (n)

1 archaic : a shop selling wines and liquors 2 a : a restaurant serving liquor and providing entertainment (as by singers or dancers) : nightclub b : the show provided at a cabaret

saltatory (adj)

1 archaic : of or relating to dancing 2 : proceeding by leaps rather than by gradual transitions : discontinuous

cherub (n)

1 cherubim plural : an order of angels — see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY 2 plural usually cherubs a : a beautiful usually winged child in painting and sculpture b : an innocent-looking usually chubby and rosy person This torrent of arcane football lingo spewed from the lips of a red-haired, freckle-faced cherub ... —Tim Layden

hootenanny (n)

1 chiefly dialectal : GADGET 2 : a gathering at which folk singers entertain often with the audience joining in

chore (n)

1 chores plural : the regular or daily light work of a household or farm 2 : a routine task or job The children were each assigned household chores. 3 : a difficult or disagreeable task doing taxes can be a real chore

coast (v)

1 obsolete : to move along or past the side of : SKIRT 2 : to sail along the shore of intransitive verb 1a archaic : to travel on land along a coast or along or past the side of something b : to sail along the shore 2a : to slide, run, or glide downhill by the force of gravity b : to move along without or as if without further application of propulsive power (as by momentum or gravity) c : to proceed easily without special application of effort or concern coasted through school —often used with on a company coasting on its good reputation coasted; coasting; coasts

express (v)

1a : DELINEATE, DEPICT b : to represent in words : STATE c : to give or convey a true impression of : SHOW, REFLECT d : to make known the opinions or feelings of (oneself) e : to give expression to the artistic or creative impulses or abilities of (oneself) f : to represent by a sign or symbol : SYMBOLIZE 2a : to force out (something, such as the juice of a fruit) by pressure b : to subject to pressure so as to extract something 3 : to send by express 4 : to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype also : to manifest or produce (a character, molecule, or effect) by a genetic processexpressed; expressing; expresses

snide (adj)

1a : FALSE, COUNTERFEIT b : practicing deception : DISHONEST a snide merchant 2 : unworthy of esteem : LOW a snide trick 3 : slyly disparaging : INSINUATING snide remarks

seemly (adj)

1a : GOOD-LOOKING, HANDSOME b : agreeably fashioned : ATTRACTIVE 2 : conventionally proper : DECOROUS not seemly to brag about oneself 3 : suited to the occasion, purpose, or person : FIT

powerhouse (n)

1a : POWER PLANT sense 1 b : a source of influence or inspiration 2 : one having great power: such as a : one having great drive, energy, or ability a powerhouse rock band b : an athletic team characterized by strong aggressive play

barbarous (adj)

1a : UNCIVILIZED b : lacking culture or refinement : PHILISTINE 2 : characterized by the occurrence of barbarisms barbarous language 3 : mercilessly harsh or cruel barbarous crimes

veil (n)

1a : a length of cloth worn by women as a covering for the head and shoulders and often especially in Eastern countries for the face specifically : the outer covering of a nun's headdress b : a length of veiling or netting worn over the head or face or attached for protection or ornament to a hat or headdress a bridal veil c : any of various liturgical cloths especially : a cloth used to cover the chalice 2 : the life of a nun —often used in the phrase take the veil 3 : a concealing curtain or cover of cloth 4 : something that resembles a veil a veil of stars especially : something that hides or obscures like a veil lift the veil of secrecy 5 : a covering body part or membrane: such as a : VELUM b : CAUL

way (n)

1a : a thoroughfare for travel or transportation from place to place b : an opening for passage this door is the only way out of the room 2 : the course traveled from one place to another : ROUTE asked the way to the museum 3a : a course (such as a series of actions or sequence of events) leading in a direction or toward an objective led the way to eventual open heart operations — Current Biography b(1) : a course of action took the easy way out (2) : opportunity, capability, or fact of doing as one pleases always manages to get her own way c : a possible decision, action, or outcome : POSSIBILITY they were rude—no two ways about it 4a : manner or method of doing or happening admired her way of thinking also : method of accomplishing : MEANS that's the way to do it b : FEATURE, RESPECT in no way resembles her mother c : a usually specified degree of participation in an activity or enterprise active in real estate in a small way 5a : characteristic, regular, or habitual manner or mode of being, behaving, or happening knows nothing of the ways of women b : ability to get along well or perform well she has a way with kids a way with words 6 : the length of a course : DISTANCE has come a long way in her studies still have a way to go 7 : movement or progress along a course worked her way up the corporate ladder 8a : DIRECTION is coming this way b : PARTICIPANT —usually used in combination three-way discussion 9 : state of affairs : CONDITION, STATE that's the way things are 10a ways plural in form but sometimes singular in construction : an inclined structure upon which a ship is built or supported in launching b ways plural : the guiding surfaces on the bed of a machine along which a table or carriage moves 11 : CATEGORY, KIND —usually used in the phrase in the way of doesn't require much in the way of expensive equipment — Forbes 12 : motion or speed of a ship or boat through the water all the way : to the full or entire extent : as far as possible ran all the way home seated all the way in the back by the way : by way of interjection or digression : INCIDENTALLY by way of 1 : for the purpose of 2 : by the route through : VIA in a way 1 : within limits : with reservations 2 : from one point of view in one's way or less commonly in the way 1 : in a position to be encountered by one : in or along one's course an opportunity had been put in my way — Ellen Glasgow 2 : in a position to hinder or obstruct on the way or on one's way : moving along in one's course : in progress out of the way 1 : WRONG, IMPROPER didn't know I'd said anything out of the way 2a : in or to a secluded place b : UNUSUAL, REMARKABLE there's nothing out of the way about the plan 3 : DONE, COMPLETED got his homework out of the way the way 1 : in view of the manner in which you'd think she was rich, the way she spends money 2 : LIKE, AS we have cats the way other people have mice — James Thurber

cold-blooded (adj)

1a : done or acting without consideration, compunction, or clemency cold-blooded murder b : MATTER-OF-FACT, EMOTIONLESS a cold-blooded assessment 2 : having cold blood specifically : having a body temperature not internally regulated but approximating that of the environment 3 or coldblood \ˈkōl(d)-ˈbləd \ : of mixed or inferior breeding 4 : noticeably sensitive to cold

verdant (adj)

1a : green in tint or color b : green with growing plants verdant fields 2 : unripe in experience or judgment : GREEN sense 9a

predatory (adj)

1a : of, relating to, or practicing plunder, pillage, or rapine b : inclined or intended to injure or exploit others for personal gain or profit predatory pricing practices 2 : living by predation : PREDACEOUS also : adapted to predation

replenish (v)

1a : to fill with persons or animals : STOCK b archaic : to supply fully : PERFECT c : to fill with inspiration or power : NOURISH 2a : to fill or build up again replenished his glass b : to make good : REPLACE intransitive verb : to become full : fill up again replenished; replenishing; replenishes

republic (n)

1a(1) : a government having a chief of state who is not a monarch and who in modern times is usually a president (2) : a political unit (such as a nation) having such a form of government b(1) : a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law (2) : a political unit (such as a nation) having such a form of government c : a usually specified republican government of a political unit the French Fourth Republic 2 : a body of persons freely engaged in a specified activity the republic of letters 3 : a constituent political and territorial unit of the former nations of Czechoslovakia, the U.S.S.R., or Yugoslavia

war (n)

1a(1) : a state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations (2) : a period of such armed conflict (3) : STATE OF WAR b : the art or science of warfare c(1) obsolete : weapons and equipment for war (2) archaic : soldiers armed and equipped for war 2a : a state of hostility, conflict, or antagonism b : a struggle or competition between opposing forces or for a particular end a class war a war against disease c : VARIANCE, ODDS sense 3

grain (n)

1a(1) obsolete : a single small hard seed (2) : a seed or fruit of a cereal grass : CARYOPSIS b : the seeds or fruits of various food plants including the cereal grasses and in commercial and statutory usage other plants (such as the soybean) c : plants producing grain 2a(1) : a small hard particle or crystal (2) : any of the particles produced in a photographic material by its development also : the size of such grains in the aggregate (3) : an individual crystal in a metal b : a minute portion or particle c : the least amount possible a grain of truth 3a : kermes or a scarlet dye made from it b : cochineal or a brilliant scarlet dye made from it c : a fast dye d archaic : COLOR, TINT 4a : a granulated surface or appearance b : the outer or hair side of a skin or hide 5 : a unit of weight based on the weight of a grain of wheat taken as an average of the weight of grains from the middle of the ear — see WEIGHTS AND MEASURES TABLE 6a : the stratification of the wood fibers in a piece of wood b : a texture due to constituent particles or fibers the grain of a rock c : the direction of threads in cloth 7 : tactile quality 8a : natural disposition : TEMPER lying goes against my grain b : a basic or characteristic quality c : a prevalent ideology or convention teaching against the grain

predate (v)

: ANTEDATE predated; predating; predates

big cheese (n)

: BOSS, BIG GUN

smack-dab (adv)

: EXACTLY, SQUARELY

gents (n)

: GENTLEMAN

hortatory (adj)

: HORTATIVE, EXHORTATORY hortatory sermons

snowboard (n)

: a board like a wide ski ridden in a surfing position downhill over snow

clientele (n)

: a body of clients a shop that caters to an exclusive clientele

pheromone (n)

: a chemical substance that is usually produced by an animal and serves especially as a stimulus to other individuals of the same species for one or more behavioral responses

chum (n)

: a close friend : PAL

sobriquet (n)

: a descriptive name or epithet : NICKNAME

tour de force (n)

: a feat or display of strength, skill, or ingenuity the movie is a comic tour de force

slew (n)

: a large number a slew of books

slit trench (n)

: a narrow trench especially for shelter in battle from bomb and shell fragments

wartime (n)

: a period during which a war is in progress rationing during wartime

millennial (n)

: a person born in the 1980s or 1990s —usually plural

sidekick (n)

: a person closely associated with another as a subordinate or partner

vantage point (n)

: a position or standpoint from which something is viewed or considered especially : POINT OF VIEW

gastropub (n)

: a pub, bar, or tavern that offers meals of high quality

benchwarmer (n)

: a reserve player on an athletic team

water right (n)

: a right to the use of water (as for irrigation) especially : RIPARIAN RIGHT

high school (n)

: a school especially in the U.S. usually including grades 9-12 or 10-12

beeline (n)

: a straight direct course

gut check (n)

: a test or assessment of courage, character, or determination

pipe dream (n)

: an illusory or fantastic plan, hope, or story

self-appointed (adj)

: appointed by oneself : SELF-PROCLAIMED

tight-knit (adj)

: closely integrated and bound in love or friendship a tight-knit family

titanism (n)

: defiance of and revolt against social or artistic conventions

secretive (adj)

: disposed to secrecy : not open or outgoing in speech, activity, or purposes

polychotomous (adj)

: dividing or marked by division into many parts, branches, or classes

hotheaded (adj)

: easily angered : FIERY, IMPETUOUS

higher education (n)

: education beyond the secondary level especially : education provided by a college or university

verbum sap (phrase)

: enough said —used to indicate that something left unsaid may or should be inferred

pleasing (adj)

: giving pleasure : AGREEABLE the sun's pleasing warmth

concinnity (n)

: harmony or elegance of design especially of literary style in adaptation of parts to a whole or to each other

weak-minded (adj)

: having or indicating a weak mind: a : lacking in judgment or good sense : FOOLISH b : FEEBLEMINDED

poised (adj)

: having poise: a : marked by balance or equilibrium b : marked by easy composure of manner or bearing

vasculitis (n)

: inflammation of a blood or lymph vessel

concise (adj)

: marked by brevity of expression or statement : free from all elaboration and superfluous detail a concise report a concise definition

combative (adj)

: marked by eagerness to fight or contend

wary (adj)

: marked by keen caution, cunning, and watchfulness especially in detecting and escaping danger

vagarious (adj)

: marked by vagaries : CAPRICIOUS, WHIMSICAL

recluse (adj)

: marked by withdrawal from society : SOLITARY

mind-boggling (adj)

: mentally or emotionally exciting or overwhelming

grumpy (adj)

: moodily cross : SURLY

referential (adj)

: of, containing, or constituting a reference especially : pointing to or involving a referent referential language referential meaning

Wagnerian (adj)

: of, relating to, characteristic, or suggestive of Wagner or his music, stage operas, or theories

homemaker (n)

: one who manages a household especially as a spouse and parent

self-pity (n)

: pity for oneself especially : a self-indulgent dwelling on one's own sorrows or misfortunes

tomfoolery (n)

: playful or foolish behavior

titillating (adj)

: pleasantly stimulating or exciting titillating reading also : EROTIC

short-order (adj)

: preparing or serving food that can be cooked quickly to a customer's order a short-order cook

relucent (adj)

: reflecting light : SHINING

pilot (adj)

: serving as a guiding or tracing device, an activating or auxiliary unit, or a trial apparatus or operation a pilot study

redeeming (adj)

: serving to offset or compensate for a defect her performance is the film's redeeming feature

hot stuff (n)

: someone or something unusually good

hot ticket (n)

: someone or something very popular : RAGE

persuasive (adj)

: tending to persuade

back burner (n)

: the condition of being out of active consideration or development —usually used in the phrase on the back burner

sfumato (n)

: the definition of form in painting without abrupt outline by the blending of one tone into another

golden mean (n)

: the medium between extremes : MODERATION

Thule (n)

: the northernmost part of the habitable ancient world

sobriety (n)

: the quality or state of being sober

wayside (n)

: the side of or land adjacent to a road or path by the wayside : out of consideration : into a condition of neglect or disuse —usually used with fall

tonetics (n)

: the use or study of linguistic tones

take over (v)

: to assume control or possession of or responsibility for military leaders took over the government intransitive verb 1 : to assume control or possession 2 : to become dominant

beware (v)

: to be on one's guard beware of the dog transitive verb 1 : to take care of beware your wallet 2 : to be wary of we must ... beware the exceedingly tenuous generalization — Matthew Lipman

exculpate (v)

: to clear from alleged fault or guilt exculpated; exculpating

phase out (v)

: to discontinue the practice, production, or use of by phases intransitive verb : to stop production or operation by phases

combat (v)

: to engage in combat : FIGHT transitive verb 1 : to fight with : BATTLE 2 : to struggle against especially : to strive to reduce or eliminate combat pollution combated or combatted; combating or combatting

conglomerate (v)

: to gather into a mass or coherent whole Infinite numbers of dull people conglomerated round her ... — Virginia Woolf transitive verb : ACCUMULATE conglomerated; conglomerating

best (v)

: to get the better of : OUTDO bested by their opponents bested; besting; bests

repurpose (v)

: to give a new purpose or use to repurpose the company's website repurpose the archived material repurposed; repurposing; repurposes

reimagine (v)

: to imagine again or anew especially : to form a new conception of : RE-CREATE reimagined; reimagining; reimagines

exhort (v)

: to incite by argument or advice : urge strongly exhorting voters to do the right thing exhorted; exhorting; exhorts

snicker (v)

: to laugh in a covert or partly suppressed manner : TITTER snickered; snickering

position (v)

: to put in a certain position positioned the chairs around the room positioned the company in the global market positioned; positioning

self-actualize (v)

: to realize fully one's potential

scabrous (adj)

1 : DIFFICULT, KNOTTY a scabrous problem 2 : rough to the touch: such as a : having small raised dots, scales, or points a scabrous leaf b : covered with raised, roughened, or unwholesome patches scabrous paint scabrous skin 3 : dealing with suggestive, indecent, or scandalous themes : SALACIOUS also : SQUALID

grid (n)

1 : GRATING 2a(1) : a perforated or ridged metal plate used as a conductor in a storage battery (2) : an electrode consisting of a mesh or a spiral of fine wire in an electron tube (3) : a network of conductors for distribution of electric power also : a network of radio or television stations b : a network of uniformly spaced horizontal and perpendicular lines (as for locating points on a map) also : something resembling such a network a road grid c : GRIDIRON sense 3 broadly : FOOTBALL 3 : the starting positions of cars on a racecourse 4 : a device in a photocomposer on which are located the characters to be exposed as the text is composed

scandalous (adj)

1 : LIBELOUS, DEFAMATORY scandalous allegations 2 : offensive to propriety or morality : SHOCKING scandalous behavior

precipitous (adj)

1 : PRECIPITATE sense 2 2a : very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging in rise or fall a precipitous slope b : having precipitous sides a precipitous gorge c : having a very steep ascent a precipitous street

global (adj)

1 : SPHERICAL 2 : of, relating to, or involving the entire world : WORLDWIDE a global system of communication also : of or relating to a celestial body (such as the moon) 3 : of, relating to, or applying to a whole (such as a mathematical function or a computer program) : UNIVERSAL a global search of a file

postern (n)

1 : a back door or gate 2 : a private or side entrance or way

depravity (n)

1 : a corrupt act or practice the depravities of war 2 : the quality or state of being corrupt, evil, or perverted : the quality or state of being depraved He is awed by its fabulous wealth but deeply troubled by what he sees as its moral depravity ... —Nicholas D. Kristof

revenge (n)

1 : a desire for vengeance or retribution motivated by revenge 2 : an act or instance of retaliating in order to get even plotted her revenge 3 : an opportunity for getting satisfaction sought revenge through a rematch

flock (v)

1 : a group of animals (such as birds or sheep) assembled or herded together 2 : a group under the guidance of a leader; especially : a church congregation 3 : a large number a flock of tourists

pilgrimage (n)

1 : a journey of a pilgrim especially : one to a shrine or a sacred place 2 : the course of life on earth

believable (adj)

a believable story. capable of being believed especially as within the range of known possibility or probability — believability noun — believably adverb

listen (v)

a better listener. listened; listening play \ˈlis-niŋ, ˈli-sᵊn-iŋ\ transitive verb archaic : to give ear to : hear intransitive verb 1 : to pay attention to sound listen to music 2 : to hear something with thoughtful attention : give consideration listen to a plea 3 : to be alert to catch an expected sound listen for his step — listener

leap (v)

a bit of/quite a leap. leaped or leapt play \ˈlēpt also ˈlept\; leaping play \ˈlē-piŋ\ intransitive verb 1 : to spring free from or as if from the ground : jump leap over a fence a fish leaps out of the water 2 a : to pass abruptly from one state or topic to another the difficult leap from college to the workplace b : to act precipitately leaped at the chance transitive verb : to pass over by leaping leaped the wall — leaper

bombshell (n)

a bomshell revelation. 1 : bomb 1a 2 a : one that is stunning, amazing, or devastating The book was a political bombshell. b : a person who is the cause and object of sensational and usually widespread attention, excitement, or attraction a blonde bombshell [=a glamorously attractive blonde woman]

hold up (v)

a bottleneck holding up progress. 1 : to rob at gunpoint 2 : delay, impede 3 : to call attention to : single out his work was held up to ridicule hold this up as perfection —The Times Literary Supplement (London) intransitive verb : to continue in the same condition without failing or losing effectiveness or force she's holding up under the strain music that holds up twenty years later

caricature (n)

a caricature of (herself) 1 : exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics drew a caricature of the president 2 : a representation especially in literature or art that has the qualities of caricature His performance in the film was a caricature of a hard-boiled detective. 3 : a distortion so gross as to seem like caricature The kangaroo court was a caricature of justice.

champion (n)

a champion of... 1 : WARRIOR, FIGHTER a champion of his king 2 : a militant advocate or defender a champion of civil rights 3 : one that does battle for another's rights or honor God will raise me up a champion —Sir Walter Scott 4 : a winner of first prize or first place in competition a tennis champion also : one who shows marked superiority a champion at selling

caipirinha (n)

a cocktail consisting of lime, sugar, and rum

screw-up (n)

a colossal screw-up. 1 : to tighten, fasten, or lock by or as if by a screw 2a : BUNGLE, BOTCH b : to cause to act or function in a crazy or confused way : CONFOUND, DISTURB intransitive verb : to botch an activity or undertaking

algorithm (n)

a complex search algorithm. a procedure for solving a mathematical problem (as of finding the greatest common divisor) in a finite number of steps that frequently involves repetition of an operation; broadly : a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end There are several search engines, with Google, Yahoo and Bing being the biggest players. Each search engine has its own proprietary computation (called an algorithm) that ranks websites for each keyword or combination of keywords. —Julie Brinton ... sometimes you solve a problem by coming up with an algorithm of some kind. But sometimes you solve a problem in a very ad hoc sort of way. —William H. Huggins — algorithmic play \ˌal-gə-ˈrit͟h-mik\ adjective — algorithmically

D-day (n)

a day set for launching an operation; specifically : June 6, 1944, on which Allied forces began the invasion of France in World War II

dead-end (adj)

a dead-end job. 1a : lacking opportunities especially for advancement a dead-end job b : lacking an exit a dead-end street 2 : UNRULY dead-end kids

circumlocution (n)

a debate filled with circumlocution. : the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea had no patience with diplomatic circumlocutions 2 : evasion in speech circumlocutions concerning what constitutes torture — circumlocutory

dependable (adj)

a dependable friend. : capable of being trusted or depended on : RELIABLE a dependable source of income a dependable assistant needs a dependable car for work

grimace (n)

a facial expression usually of disgust, disapproval, or pain a grimace of hate and rage — grimacer noun

deed (n)

a good deed. 1 : something that is done evil deeds did my good deed for the day 2 : a usually illustrious act or action : FEAT, EXPLOIT a hero's daring deeds 3 : the act of performing : ACTION righteous in word and in deed 4 : a signed and usually sealed instrument (see INSTRUMENT entry 1 sense 4) containing some legal transfer, bargain, or contract gave them the deed to the house

grab bag (n)

a grab bag of... 1 : a receptacle (such as a bag) containing small articles which are to be drawn (as at a party or fair) without being seen 2 : a miscellaneous collection : potpourri

grassroots (adj)

a grassroots movement. 1 : basic, fundamental the grassroots factor in deciding to buy a house 2 : being, originating, or operating in or at the grass roots a grassroots organization grassroots political support 3 : not adapted from or added to an existing facility or operation : totally new a grassroots refinery

gratuitous (adj)

a gratuitous assumption. 1 a : given unearned or without recompense b : not involving a return benefit, compensation, or consideration has gratuitous permission to pass over private land c : costing nothing : free The restaurant provided a gratuitous appetizer. 2 : not called for by the circumstances : unwarranted gratuitous insolence a gratuitous assumption — gratuitously adverb — gratuitousness noun

grouchy (adj)

a grouchy mood. : given to grumbling : PEEVISH

grudging (adj)

a grudging acceptance of some hard facts. 1 : unwilling, reluctant a grudging supporter of the reform movement a grudging admirer 2 : done, given, or allowed unwillingly, reluctantly, or sparingly grudging compliance — grudgingly adverb

gruff (adj)

a gruff exterior. 1 : rough, brusque, or stern in manner, speech, or aspect a gruff reply 2 : being deep and harsh : hoarse a gruff voice — gruffly adverb — gruffness noun

horde (n)

a horde of... 1a : a political subdivision of central Asian nomads b : a people or tribe of nomadic life 2 : a large unorganized group of individuals : a teeming crowd or throng hordes of peasants

kanban (n)

a kanban system. just-in-time

loveless (adj)

a loveless marriage. 1 : having no love a loveless relationship 2 : not loved — lovelessly adverb — lovelessness noun

makeshift (n)

a makeshift solution. a usually crude and temporary expedient : substitute A large box served as a makeshift table. — makeshift adjective

G-spot (n)

a mass of tissue that is held to exist on the anterior vaginal wall and to be highly erogenous

misguided (adj)

a misguided venture. led or prompted by wrong or inappropriate motives or ideals well-meaning but misguided do-gooders — misguidedly play \-lē\ adverb — misguidedness

grace period (n)

a period of time beyond a due date during which a financial obligation may be met without penalty or cancellation

high brow (n)

a person who possesses or has pretensions to superior learning or culture — highbrow adjective — highbrowed adjective — highbrowism

absurdism (n)

a philosophy based on the belief that the universe is irrational and meaningless and that the search for order brings the individual into conflict with the universe — compare existentialism

laptop (n)

a portable microcomputer having its main components (such as processor, keyboard, and display screen) integrated into a single unit capable of battery-powered operation

time-consuming (adj)

a pretty time-consuming process. 1 : using or taking up a great deal of time time-consuming chores 2 : wasteful of time time-consuming tactics

fair market value (n)

a price at which buyers and sellers with a reasonable knowledge of pertinent facts and not acting under any compulsion are willing to do business

key club (n)

a private club serving liquor and providing entertainment

track record (n)

a proven track record. : a record of past performance often taken as an indicator of likely future performance

Hippolyta (n)

a queen of the Amazons given in marriage to Theseus by Hercules

game changer (n)

a real game changing development. : a newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way

A&R (abbr)

a record label A&R. the business of finding, marketing, and promoting talented artists for a record label : the business of managing artists and developing their repertoires From his '90s gig as host of MTV's alt-rock show "120 Minutes" to stints in A&R for Columbia Records and deejaying on WRXP ... —Chris Erikson, New York Post, 6 Feb. 2012 —often used before another noun Allen was an A&R man for this record company, Minit Records, in those days and he was still recording people like Ernie K-Doe and Irma Thomas. —Aaron Neville, quoted in Billboard, 6 Nov. 2010 In the old days, artists worked in as many venues as they could to get noticed, usually by a manager with connections to an A and R rep who would get them the attention of a record label. —Robin Harvey, Kingston Whig-Standard (Ontario), 22 Aug. 2009 the A&R department of a record label

Irish confetti (n)

a rock or brick used as a missile

screeching (adj)

a screeching halt. ABRUPT, SUDDEN her career came to a screeching halt

hop (v)

a short hop. 1 : to move by a quick springy leap or in a series of leaps also : to move as if by hopping hop in the car 2 : to make a quick trip especially by air 3 : to set about doing something —usually used in the phrase hop to it transitive verb 1 : to jump over hop a fence 2 : to ride on hopped a flight also : to ride surreptitiously and without authorization hop a freight train

fast-talk (v)

a silver-tongued, fast-talker. fast-talked; fast-talking; fast-talks transitive verb : to influence or persuade by fluent, facile, and usually deceptive or tricky talk fast-talked him into buying a lemon — fast-talker noun

hiccup (n)

a slight hiccup. 1 : a spasmodic inhalation with closure of the glottis accompanied by a peculiar sound 2 : an attack of hiccuping —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction 3 a : a slight irregularity, error, or malfunction a few hiccups in the computer system b : a usually minor and short-lived interruption or disruption, or change a hiccup in the stock market

striking (adj)

a striking resemblance. attracting attention or notice through unusual or conspicuous qualities a place of striking beauty — strikingly adverb

taxonomy (n)

a taxonomy of technical terms. 1 : the study of the general principles of scientific classification : SYSTEMATICS 2 : CLASSIFICATION especially : orderly classification of plants and animals according to their presumed natural relationships

gold rush (n)

a technological gold rush. 1 : a rush to newly discovered goldfields in pursuit of riches 2 : the headlong pursuit of sudden wealth in a new or lucrative field — gold rusher noun

tentative (adj)

a tentative plan. 1 : not fully worked out or developed tentative plans 2 : HESITANT, UNCERTAIN a tentative smile

terrifying (adj)

a terrifying possibility. 1 : causing terror or apprehension 2 : of a formidable nature

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (n)

a test of personal and social adjustment based on a complex scaling of the answers to an elaborate true or false test

acceleration principle (n)

a theory in economics: an increase or decrease in income induces a corresponding but magnified change in investment

eudaemonism (n)

a theory that the highest ethical goal is happiness and personal well-being — eudaemonist noun — eudaemonistic adjective

utopia (n)

a utopian sotiety. 1 often capitalized : a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions 2 : an impractical scheme for social improvement 3 : an imaginary and indefinitely remote place

abulia (n)

abnormal lack of an ability to act or to make decisions

take off (v)

about to take off. 1 : REMOVE take your shoes off 2a : to take or allow as a discount : DEDUCT took 10 percent off b : to spend (a period of time) away from a usual occupation or activity took two weeks off c : RELEASE take the brake off d : DISCONTINUE, WITHDRAW took off the morning train 3 slang : ROB intransitive verb 1a : to start off or away often suddenly : SET OUT, DEPART took off for her trip b : to leave the surface : begin flight c : to spring into wide use or popularity d(1) : to branch off (as from a main stream or stem) (2) : to take a point of origin e : to begin a leap or spring f : to embark on rapid activity, development, or growth 2 : to take away : DETRACT

achieve (v)

achieving your goals. achieved; achieving transitive verb 1 : to carry out successfully : accomplish achieve a gradual increase in production 2 : to get or attain as the result of exertion : reach achieved a high degree of skill achieved greatness intransitive verb : to attain a desired end or aim : become successful — achievable adjective — achiever noun

acquaint (v)

acquainted; acquainting; acquaints transitive verb 1 : to cause to know personally was acquainted with the mayor 2 : to make familiar : to cause to know firsthand acquainting the new employees with their responsibilities She took a few days to acquaint herself with the facts of the case.

adios (interj)

adios amigos. —used to express farewell Until we meet again, adios.

depressant (n)

alcohol is a depressant. : one that depresses specifically : an agent that reduces a bodily functional activity or an instinctive desire (such as appetite)

abrupt (adj)

an abrupt change. 1 a : characterized by or involving action or change without preparation or warning : sudden and unexpected came to an abrupt stop an abrupt turn an abrupt decision to retire b : rudely or unceremoniously curt She has an abrupt manner. an abrupt reply c : lacking smoothness or continuity an abrupt transition 2 : giving the impression of being cut or broken off; especially : involving a sudden steep rise or drop abrupt hills a high abrupt bank bounded the stream — abruptly adverb ended the meeting abruptly — abruptness

additive (adj)

an additive process. 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by addition an additive process 2 : produced by addition 3 : characterized by, being, or producing effects (such as drug responses or gene products) that when the causative factors act together are the sum of their individual effects — additively adverb — additivity

atemporal (adj)

an atemporal legacy. independent of or unaffected by time: TIMELESS

lip service (n)

an avowal of advocacy, adherence, or allegiance expressed in words but not backed by deeds —usually used with pay

earth-shattering (adj)

an earth-shattering revelation. earthshaking

eventful (adj)

an eventful weekend. 1 : full of or rich in events 2 : momentous — eventfully play \i-ˈvent-fə-lē\ adverb — eventfulness noun

Graustark (n)

an imaginary land of high romance; also : a highly romantic piece of writing — Graustarkian

impractical (adj)

an impractical approach. not practical: such as a : not wise to put into or keep in practice or effect b : incapable of dealing sensibly or prudently with practical matters c : impracticable d : idealistic — impracticality noun — impractically

cacophony (n)

an irritating cacophony. 1 : harsh or jarring sound : dissonance 2; specifically : harshness in the sound of words or phrases 2 : an incongruous or chaotic mixture : a striking combination a cacophony of color a cacophony of smells

as for (prep)

and as for the rest... with regard to : concerning as for the others, they'll arrive later

point-blank (adj)

asking point-blank. 1a : marked by no appreciable drop below initial horizontal line of flight b : so close to a target that a missile fired will travel in a straight line to the mark 2 : DIRECT, BLUNT a point-blank refusal

ca (circa) (abbr)

at, in, or of approximately —used especially with dates born circa 1600

selfish (adj)

being selfish. 1 : concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself : seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others 2 : arising from concern with one's own welfare or advantage in disregard of others a selfish act 3 : being an actively replicating repetitive sequence of nucleic acid that serves no known function selfish DNA also : being genetic material solely concerned with its own replication selfish genes

ophiuroid (n)

brittle star — ophiuroid adjective

hit-or-miss (adv)

can be pretty hit-or-miss. : in a hit-or-miss manner : HAPHAZARDLY

carve (v)

carve out some time. 1 : to cut with care or precision carved fretwork 2 : to make or get by or as if by cutting —often used with out carve out a career 3 : to cut into pieces or slices carved the turkey intransitive verb 1 : to cut up and serve meat 2 : to work as a sculptor or engraver

boring (adj)

causing weariness and restlessness through lack of interest : causing boredom : tiresome a boring lecture — boringly adverb — boringness noun

ben trovato (adj)

characteristic or appropriate even if not true; the story is ben trovato

ethnocentric (adj)

characterized by or based on the attitude that one's own group is superior — ethnocentricity play \ˌeth-nō-sen-ˈtri-sə-tē\ noun — ethnocentrism

canty (adj)

cheerful, sprightly

homicide (n)

commit a homicide. 1 : a person who kills another 2 : a killing of one human being by another detectives investigating a homicide

decompress (v)

decompressing after a long day/week. transitive verb 1 : to release from pressure or compression 2 : to convert (something, such as a compressed file or signal) to an expanded or original size intransitive verb : to undergo release from pressure; especially : relax need a week off to decompress — decompression

deflated (v)

deflated ego/morale. deflated; deflating transitive verb 1 : to release air or gas from deflate a tire 2 : to reduce in size, importance, or effectiveness deflate his ego with cutting remarks 3 : to reduce (a price level) or cause (a volume of credit) to contract intransitive verb : to lose firmness through or as if through the escape of contained gas — deflator or less commonly deflater

delegate (v)

delegate responsibilities. 1 : to entrust to another delegate authority delegated the task to her assistant 2 : to appoint as one's representative intransitive verb : to assign responsibility or authority a good manager knows how to delegate

deliberate (adj)

deliberate attempt to... 1 : characterized by or resulting from careful and thorough consideration a deliberate decision Ms. Barker herself has said that the decision to write about the war was a deliberate response to patronizing reviews of her working-class settings ... —Claudia Roth Pierpont 2 : characterized by awareness of the consequences a deliberate exaggeration a deliberate act of protest 3 : slow, unhurried, and steady as though allowing time for decision on each individual action involved The jeweler worked at a deliberate pace.

grandeur (n)

delusions of grandeur. 1 : the quality or state of being grand : magnificence the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome —E. A. Poe 2 : an instance or example of grandeur visited the awesome grandeurs of the American West

double down (v)

double down on... 1 : to double the original bid in blackjack in exchange for only one more card 2 : to become more tenacious, zealous, or resolute in a position or undertaking the administration needs to double down on the call for political reform —Washington Post

scar (v)

emotionally scarred. 1 : to mark with a scar 2 : to do lasting injury to intransitive verb 1 : to form a scar 2 : to become scarred

entertain (v)

entertain the idea. entertained; entertaining; entertains transitive verb 1 a archaic : maintain b obsolete : receive 2 : to show hospitality to entertain guests 3 a : to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind I entertain grave doubts about her sincerity b : to receive and take into consideration refused to entertain our plea 4 : to provide entertainment for 5 : to play against (an opposing team) on one's home field or court intransitive verb : to provide entertainment especially for guests — entertainer noun

enviable (adj)

enviable characteristics. highly desirable — enviableness noun — enviably

hoax (n)

falling for a hoax. 1 : an act intended to trick or dupe : IMPOSTURE the victim of a cruel hoax assumed the bomb threat was just a hoax 2 : something accepted or established by fraud or fabrication believes the Loch Ness Monster is a hoax a literary hoax

insecure (adj)

feeling insecure. 1 : not confident or sure : uncertain feeling somewhat insecure of his reception 2 : not adequately guarded or sustained : unsafe an insecure investment 3 : not firmly fastened or fixed : shaky the hinge is loose and insecure 4 a : not highly stable or well-adjusted an insecure marriage b : deficient in assurance : beset by fear and anxiety always felt insecure in a group of strangers — insecurely adverb — insecureness noun — insecurity

feign (v)

feign interest. feigned; feigning; feigns transitive verb 1 a : to give a false appearance of : induce as a false impression feign death b : to assert as if true : pretend He feigned that he was not feeling well so that he could leave the party early. 2 archaic a : invent, imagine b : to give fictional representation to 3 obsolete : disguise, conceal intransitive verb : pretend, dissemble He told the truth because he was no good at feigning. — feigner noun

fifty-fifty (adj)

fifty-fifty chance. 1 : shared, assumed, or borne equally a fifty-fifty proposition 2 : half favorable and half unfavorable a fifty-fifty chance — fifty-fifty adverb

groove (n)

finding your groove. 1 : a long narrow channel or depression 2 a : a fixed routine : rut b : a situation suited to one's abilities or interests : niche 3 : top form a great talker when he is in the groove 4 : the middle of the strike zone in baseball where a pitch is most easily hit a fastball right in the groove 5 : an enjoyable or exciting experience 6 : a pronounced enjoyable rhythm

follow through (v)

follow through with... 1 : to continue a stroke or motion to the end of its arc 2 : to press on in an activity or process especially to a conclusion

camaraderie (n)

friendly office camaraderie. a spirit of friendly good-fellowship

green light (n)

giving a green light. : authority or permission to proceed

feedback (n)

giving feedback. 1 a : the transmission of evaluative or corrective information about an action, event, or process to the original or controlling source; also : the information so transmitted b : the partial reversion (see reversion 3a) of the effects of a process to its source or to a preceding stage 2 : the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process (as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action) 3 : a rumbling, whining, or whistling sound resulting from an amplified or broadcast signal (such as music or speech) that has been returned as input and retransmitted

give in (v)

giving in to... transitive verb : deliver, submit gave in his resignation intransitive verb : to yield under insistence or entreaty : surrender

gratifying (adj)

giving pleasure or satisfaction : pleasing a gratifying result — gratifyingly

glimmering (n)

glimmer of hope. glimmer

grown-up (n)

grown-ups make the decisions. : ADULT

gullible (adj)

gullible personality. easily duped or cheated selling overpriced souvenirs to gullible tourists — gullibility noun — gullibly adverb

hi (interj)

hi! —used especially as a greeting just called to say hi

hibernate (v)

hibernated; hibernating intransitive verb 1 : to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state bears hibernating in their dens 2 : to be or become inactive or dormant let the computer hibernate — hibernation play \ˌhī-bər-ˈnā-shən\ noun — hibernator

hoof (v)

hoofing it 1 : to walk especially with haste hoofed it to the lecture hall 2 : KICK, TRAMPLE intransitive verb : to move on the feet especially : DANCE

hook up (v)

hook up with... to become associated especially in a working, social, or sexual relationship

bass (n)

in the pocket. 1a : the lowest voice part in a 4-part chorus b : the lower half of the whole vocal or instrumental tonal range — compare TREBLE entry 1 c : the lowest adult male singing voice also : a person having this voice d : a member of a family of instruments having the lowest range especially : DOUBLE BASS 2 : a deep or grave tone : a low-pitched sound

innate (adj)

innate quality. 1 : existing in, belonging to, or determined by factors present in an individual from birth : native, inborn innate behavior 2 : belonging to the essential nature of something : inherent 3 : originating in or derived from the mind or the constitution of the intellect rather than from experience — innately adverb

irrefutable (adj)

irrefutable evidence. : impossible to refute : INCONTROVERTIBLE irrefutable proof

inscrutable (adj)

isncrutable intentions. not readily investigated, interpreted, or understood : mysterious an inscrutable smile inscrutable motives — inscrutability noun — inscrutableness noun — inscrutably adverb

hogwild (adj)

lacking in restraint : wild would go hog wild if unconfined by constitutional limitations —Leo Egan

little by little (adv)

making progress, little by little. by small degrees or amounts : gradually

manufacture (v)

manufacture a lie. manufactured; manufacturing \-ˈfak-chə-riŋ, -ˈfak-shriŋ\ transitive verb 1 : to make into a product suitable for use 2 a : to make from raw materials by hand or by machinery b : to produce according to an organized plan and with division of labor c : prefabricate a manufactured home 3 : invent, fabricate known to manufacture evidence 4 : to produce as if by manufacturing : create writers who manufacture stories for television intransitive verb : to engage in manufacture — manufacturability noun — manufacturable adjective — manufacturing noun

marvel (v)

marveling at. : to become filled with surprise, wonder, or amazed curiosity marveled at the magician's skill transitive verb : to feel astonishment or perplexity at or about marveled that they had escaped

mesmerize (v)

mesmerized; mesmerizing transitive verb 1 : to subject to mesmerism; also : hypnotize 2 : spellbind I found myself mesmerized by the grandiosity of it all —Arnold Plotnick The crowd was mesmerized by the acrobats. — mesmerizer noun

Grammy (service mark)

nominated for a Grammy. —used for the annual presentation of a statuette for notable achievement in the recording industry

godless (adj)

not acknowledging a deity or divine law — godlessness noun

unwieldy (adj)

not easily managed, handled, or used (as because of bulk, weight, complexity, or awkwardness) : cumbersome

compos mentis (adj)

of sound mind, memory, and understanding

maven (n)

one who is experienced or knowledgeable : expert a language maven policy mavens computer mavens; also : freak 4a

fraction (n)

only a fraction of... 1 a : a numerical representation (such as ³/₄, ⁵/₈, or 3.234) indicating the quotient of two numbers b (1) : a piece broken off : fragment (2) : a discrete unit : portion 2 : one of several portions (as of a distillate) separable by fractionation 3 : bit, little a fraction closer

outpace (v)

outpaced; outpacing; outpaces transitive verb 1 : to surpass in speed 2 : outdo

pagan (n)

pagan traditions. 1 : heathen 1; especially : a follower of a polytheistic religion (as in ancient Rome) 2 : one who has little or no religion and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods : an irreligious or hedonistic person 3 : neo-pagan witches, druids, goddess worshippers, and other pagans in America today —Alice Dowd — paganish adjective

paralyze (v)

paralyzed with fear. paralyzed; paralyzing transitive verb 1 : to affect with paralysis The snake's venom paralyzed the mouse. 2 : to make powerless or ineffective A strike would paralyze the industry. 3 : unnerve the parlyzing thing is the uncertainty —Evelyn Whitehead 4 : stun, stupefy She sat paralyzed when she heard the news. 5 : to bring to an end : prevent, destroy deadlock paralyzed action —F. A. Ogg & Harold Zink — paralyzation noun — paralyzer noun — paralyzingly

parameterize (v)

parameterizing social interactions. parameterized or parametrized; parameterizing or parametrizing transitive verb : to express in terms of parameters — parameterization or parametrization

parcel (v)

parcel out the possible causes. parceled or parcelled; parceling or parcelling transitive verb 1 : to divide into parts : distribute —often used with out 2 : to make up into a parcel : wrap 3 : to cover (something, such as a rope) with strips of canvas or tape

pare (v)

pared; paring transitive verb 1 : to trim off an outside, excess, or irregular part of pare apples paring his nails 2 : to diminish or reduce by or as if by paring pare expenses the novel was pared down to 200 pages — parer noun

penniless (adj)

penniless sitar player. destitute of money

guitar (n)

playing guitar. a flat-bodied stringed instrument with a long fretted neck and usually six strings played with a pick or with the fingers — guitarist noun

hardball (n)

playing hardball. 1 : BASEBALL 2 : forceful uncompromising methods employed to gain an end played political hardball

privy (adj)

privy to... 1a : PRIVATE, WITHDRAWN b : SECRET 2 : belonging or relating to a person in one's individual rather than official capacity 3 : admitted as one sharing in a secret privy to the conspiracy

dead-cat bounce (n)

probably just a DCB. : a brief and insignificant recovery (as of stock prices) after a steep decline [from the facetious notion that even a dead cat would bounce slightly if dropped from a sufficient height]

oracy (n)

proficiency in oral expression and comprehension

rankle (v)

rankled; rankling play \ˈraŋ-k(ə-)liŋ\ intransitive verb 1 : to cause anger, irritation, or deep bitterness 2 : to feel anger and irritation transitive verb : to cause irritation or bitterness in

maieutic (adj)

relating to or resembling the Socratic method of eliciting new ideas from another

sacred (adj)

sacred rituals/texts. 1a : dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity a tree sacred to the gods b : devoted exclusively to one service or use (as of a person or purpose) a fund sacred to charity 2a : worthy of religious veneration : HOLY b : entitled to reverence and respect 3 : of or relating to religion : not secular or profane sacred music 4 archaic : ACCURSED 5a : UNASSAILABLE, INVIOLABLE b : highly valued and important a sacred responsibility

sandwich (v)

sandwiched between two extremes. 1 : to make into or as if into a sandwich especially : to insert or enclose between usually two things of another quality or character 2 : to make a place for —often used with in or between

secluded (adj)

secluded from. 1 : screened or hidden from view : SEQUESTERED a secluded valley 2 : living in seclusion : SOLITARY secluded monks

care package (n)

sending a care package. : a package of useful or pleasurable items that is sent or given as a gift to another (such as a college student)

kwashiorkor (n)

severe malnutrition in infants and children especially of impoverished regions caused by a diet low in protein

sleep (v)

sleep it off/get some sleep. 1 : to rest in a state of sleep 2 : to be in a state (as of quiescence or death) resembling sleep 3 : to have sexual relations —usually used with with transitive verb 1 : to be slumbering in slept the sleep of the dead 2 : to get rid of or spend in or by sleep sleep away the hours sleep off a headache 3 : to provide sleeping accommodations for the boat sleeps six

saint (n)

so and so is a saint. 1 : one officially recognized especially through canonization as preeminent for holiness 2a : one of the spirits of the departed in heaven b : ANGEL sense 1a 3a : one of God's chosen and usually Christian people b capitalized : a member of any of various Christian bodies specifically : LATTER-DAY SAINT 4 : one eminent for piety or virtue 5 : an illustrious predecessor

off-limits (adj)

something off-limits. not to be entered or patronized by a designated class (such as military personnel); also : not to be interfered with, considered, or spoken of the subject of sex was off-limits in her family

gibberish (n)

speaking pure gibberish. unintelligible or meaningless language: a : a technical or esoteric (see esoteric 1) language The doctors spoke to one another in their medical gibberish that I was unable to follow. b : pretentious or needlessly obscure language The substance of the philosopher'swork is buried in polysyllabic gibberish.

golden handcuffs (n)

special benefits offered to an employee as an inducement to continue service

cancer (n)

stage ____ cancer. 1 capitalized a : a northern zodiacal constellation between Gemini and Leo b (1) : the fourth sign of the zodiac in astrology — see signs of the zodiac table (2) : one born under the sign of Cancer I'm a Taurus, but my best friend is a Cancer. 2 [Latin, crab, cancer] a : a malignant tumor of potentially unlimited growth that expands locally by invasion and systemically by metastasis b : an abnormal bodily state marked by such tumors 3 : something evil or malignant that spreads destructively the cancer of hidden resentment —Irish Digest 4 a : an enlarged tumorlike plant growth (such as that of crown gall) b : a plant disease marked by such growths — cancerous play \ˈkan(t)s-rəs, ˈkan(t)-sə-\ adjective — cancerously adverb

acclimate (v)

still acclimating to... acclimated; acclimating transitive verb : to adapt (someone) to a new temperature, altitude, climate, environment, or situation They had to acclimate themselves to an urban lifestyle. slowly becoming acclimated to a new environment intransitive verb : to adjust or adapt to a new temperature, climate, environment, or situation : to become acclimated climbers gradually acclimating to the high altitude

strive (v)

striving for... 1 : to devote serious effort or energy : ENDEAVOR strive to finish a project 2 : to struggle in opposition : CONTEND

ownership (n)

taking ownership of... 1 : the state, relation, or fact of being an owner 2 : a group or organization of owners

low (n)

that's low. 1 : something that is low: such as a : depth a new low in advertising b : a region of low barometric pressure 2 : the transmission gear of an automotive vehicle giving the lowest ratio of driveshaft to crankshaft speed

carpe diem (n)

the enjoyment of the pleasures of the moment without concern for the future The multimillionaire said that he owed his success in life to his belief in carpe diem.

grand finale (n)

the grand finale. : a climactic finale (as of an opera)

graveyard (n)

the graveyard shift. 1 : cemetery 2 : something resembling a graveyard an automobile graveyard

ineptitude (n)

the quality or state of being inept; especially : incompetence

gambit (n)

the queen's gambit. 1 : a chess opening in which a player risks one or more pawns or a minor piece to gain an advantage in position 2 a (1) : a remark intended to start a conversation or make a telling point (2) : topic b : a calculated move : stratagem

Hippomenes (n)

the successful suitor of Atalanta in Greek mythology

meanwhile (n)

the time before something happens or before a specified period ends : meantime in the meanwhile colleges and universities have become somewhere near one hundred times more complex —Dennis O'Brien

fire and brimstone (n)

the torments suffered by sinners in hell — fire-and-brimstone adjective

hijab (n)

the traditional covering for the hair and neck that is worn by Muslim women

Penelope (n)

the wife of Odysseus who waits faithfully for him during his 20 years' absence

grapevine (n)

through the grapevine. 1 : GRAPE sense 2 2a : an informal person-to-person means of circulating information or gossip heard it through the grapevine b : a secret source of information

lion's den (n)

thrown into the lion's den. a place or state of extreme disadvantage, antagonism, or hostility a young reporter thrown into the lion's den

bargain (v)

to bargain with. bargained; bargaining; bargains intransitive verb 1 : to negotiate over the terms of a purchase, agreement, or contract : haggle The seller might be willing to bargain over the price. 2 : to come to terms : agree transitive verb 1 : to bring to a desired level by bargaining bargain a price down 2 : to sell or dispose of by bargaining —often used with away bargained away wage increases for other benefits — bargainer noun — bargain for : expect more work than I bargained for

frank (adj)

to be frank. 1 : marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression a frank reply 2a : unmistakably evident frank materialism b : clinically evident and unmistakable frank pus

deprogram (v)

to dissuade or try to dissuade from strongly held convictions (such as religious beliefs) or a firmly established or innate behavior the necessity of countering propaganda and deprogramming the indoctrinated —Toni Cade Bambara — deprogrammer noun

delimit (v)

to fix or define the limits of guidelines delimiting his responsibilities an area delimited by woods — delimitation

glisten (v)

to give off a sparkling or lustrous reflection of or as if of a moist or polished surface

troubleshoot (v)

to operate or serve as a troubleshooter is troubleshooting for an electronics firm

castigate (v)

to subject to severe punishment, reproof, or criticism castigation, castigator (n)

no-nonsense (adj)

tolerating no nonsense : serious, businesslike a no-nonsense manager

self-involved (adj)

too self-involved. self-absorbed

trippy (adj)

trippy music/visuals. of, relating to, or suggestive of a trip on psychedelic drugs or the culture associated with such drugs trippy music a trippy experience

get by (v)

trying to get by. intransitive verb 1 : to succeed with the least possible effort or accomplishment 2 : to make ends meet : survive 3 : to proceed without being discovered, criticized, or punished

umbrella (n)

under the umbrella of. 1 : a collapsible shade for protection against weather consisting of fabric stretched over hinged ribs radiating from a central pole especially : a small one for carrying in the hand 2 : something which covers or embraces a broad range of elements or factors decided to expand ... by building new colleges under a federation umbrella —Diane Ravitch 3 : the bell-shaped or saucer-shaped largely gelatinous structure that forms the chief part of the body of most jellyfishes 4 : something which provides protection: such as a : defensive air cover (as over a battlefront) b : a heavy barrage

carrot-and-stick (adj)

using the 'carrot-and-stick' approach. characterized by the use of both reward and punishment to induce cooperation carrot-and-stick foreign policy the carrot-and-stick style of sales management

hit-or-miss (n)

very hit-or-miss results. : marked by a lack of care, forethought, system, or plan also : HIT-AND-MISS

hometown (n)

visiting my hometown. the city or town where one was born or grew up; also : the place of one's principal residence

agenda (n)

what's on the agenda? 1: a list or outline of things to be considered or done <~ of faculty meetings> 2: an underlying often ideological plan or program <~ a political ~> agendaless

delight (n)

with great delight. 1 : a high degree of gratification or pleasure : JOY children squealing in delight also : extreme satisfaction seems to take delight in the misfortunes of others 2 : something that gives great pleasure her performance was a delight 3 archaic : the power of affording pleasure of more delight than hawks or horses be —Shakespeare

wampum (n)

(see mitch hedberg) 1 : beads of polished shells strung in strands, belts, or sashes and used by North American Indians as money, ceremonial pledges, and ornaments 2 : money

characteristic (adj)

(un)characteristic of... revealing, distinguishing, or typical of an individual character a poetic style characteristic of the epic — characteristically

postmortem (n)

1 : AUTOPSY sense 1 2 : an analysis or discussion of an event after it is over

scourge (v)

1 : FLOG, WHIP 2a : to punish severely b : AFFLICT c : to drive as if by blows of a whip d : CHASTISE

Erebus (n)

1 : a personification of darkness in Greek mythology 2 : a place of darkness in the underworld on the way to Hades

homogenous (adj)

1 : homoplastic 2 2 : homogeneous

verbalist (n)

1 : one who stresses words above substance or reality 2 : a person who uses words skillfully

right-hand (adj)

1 : situated on the right 2 : RIGHT-HANDED 3 : chiefly relied on his right-hand man

fluidity (n)

1 : the quality or state of being fluid 2 : the physical property of a substance that enables it to flow

magnificence (n)

1 : the quality or state of being magnificent 2 : splendor of surroundings

rehash (v)

1 : to talk over or discuss again 2 : to present or use again in another form without substantial change or improvement rehashed; rehashing; rehashes

gust (n)

1 obsolete a : the sensation of taste b : inclination, liking 2 : keen delight

serpent (n)

1a archaic : a noxious creature that creeps, hisses, or stings b : SNAKE 2 : DEVIL sense 1 3 : a treacherous person

hole in one (phrase)

: ACE entry 1 sense 4

ghetto blaster (n)

: BOOM BOX

shut-eye (n)

: SLEEP get some shut-eye

telepathy (n)

: communication from one mind to another by extrasensory means

adore (v)

I adore your... 1 : to worship or honor as a deity or as divine 2 : to regard with loving admiration and devotion He adored his wife. 3 : to be very fond of adores pecan pie — adorer noun

offhand (adj)

I don't know it off hand. without premeditation or preparation : extempore couldn't give the figures offhand

gist (n)

I get the gist of it. 1 : the ground (see 1ground 2a) of a legal action 2 : the main point or part : essence the gist of an argument

admittedly (adv)

I have admittedly not read it. 1 : as has been or must be admitted an admittedly inadequate treatment 2 : it must be admitted admittedly, we took a chance

hesitant (adj)

I'm hesitant to... slow to act or proceed (as from fear, indecision, or unwillingness) : tending to hesitate : showing or feeling reluctance or hesitation took a hesitant step towards the door hesitant about accepting the job — hesitantly adverb

brainstorm (n)

a brainstorming session. 1 dated : a violent transient fit of insanity 2a : a sudden bright idea b : a harebrained idea

daydream (n)

a daydreamer. a pleasant visionary usually wishful creation of the imagination — daydreamlike

hideout (n)

a secret hideout. a place of refuge, retreat, or concealment

swivet (n)

a state of extreme agitation in a swivet

limber (adj)

a two-wheeled vehicle to which a gun or caisson may be attached

consuming (adj)

an all-consuming.... deeply felt : ardent a consuming interest; also : engrossing

aggravating (adj)

arousing displeasure, impatience, or anger an aggravating habit

throne (n)

ascend to the throne. 1a : the chair of state of a sovereign or high dignitary (such as a bishop) b : the seat of a deity 2 : royal power and dignity : SOVEREIGNTY 3 thrones plural : an order of angels — see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY

butter up (v)

buttering me up. transitive verb : to charm or beguile with lavish flattery or praise

forward-looking (adj)

concerned with or planning for the future

sculpturesque (adj)

done in the manner of or resembling sculpture

brio (n)

enthusiastic vigor : vivacity, verve sings with brio

evasive (adj)

evasive answers. tending or intended to evade : equivocal evasive answers — evasively adverb — evasiveness noun

affecting (adj)

evoking a strong emotional response

self-control (n)

exibiting self-control : restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires

ground up (phrase)

from the ground up.

once-over (n)

giving ____ a once-over. : a swift examination or survey especially : a swift comprehensive appraising glance gave me the once-over

honcho (n)

head honcho. BOSS, BIG SHOT also : HOTSHOT

hell-bent (adj)

hell-bent on... :stubbornly and often recklessly determined or intent: hell-bent on winning

henna (n)

henna tattoo. 1 : a reddish-brown dye obtained from leaves of the henna plant and used especially on hair and in temporary tattoos 2 : an Old World tropical shrub or small tree (Lawsonia inermis) of the loosestrife family with small opposite leaves and panicles of fragrant usually white flowers

high-pressure (adj)

high-pressure situation. 1 a : having or involving a high or comparatively high pressure especially greatly exceeding that of the atmosphere b : having a high barometric pressure 2 a : using or involving aggressive and insistent sales techniques b : imposing or involving severe strain or tension high-pressure occupations

highly (adv)

highly advantageous. 1 : in or to a high place, level, or rank 2 : in or to a high degree or amount 3 : with approval : favorably

holophrastic (adj)

holophrastic, succinct truncation. expressing a complex of ideas in a single word or in a fixed phrase

majorly (adv)

in a major way a : primarily 1 was majorly a poet b : extremely 1 was majorly annoyed

first off (adv)

in the first place : before anything else

exhaustive (adj)

including all possibilities : THOROUGH conducted an exhaustive search

indulgent (adj)

indulgent behavior. 1 : willing to allow excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration : indulging or characterized by indulgence indulgent grandparents 2 : done or enjoyed as a special treat or pleasure indulgent desserts — indulgently adverb

knee--deep (adj)

knee-deep in... 1 a : sunk to the knees knee-deep in mud b : deeply engaged or occupied knee-deep in work 2 : knee-high

laud (v)

lauded; lauding; lauds transitive verb : praise, extol He was lauded for his accomplishments.

legitimize (v)

legitimized; legitimizing transitive verb : to make legitimate : legitimate — legitimization play \li-ˌji-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən\ noun — legitimizer

marinate (v)

let it marinate. marinated; marinating transitive verb : to steep (meat, fish, or vegetables) in a marinade intransitive verb : to become marinated — marination

agony (n)

living in agony. 1a : intense pain of mind or body : ANGUISH, TORTURE the agony of rejection the agony of defeat b : the struggle that precedes death 2 : a violent struggle or contest the agonies of battle 3 : a strong sudden display (as of joy or delight) : OUTBURST an agony of mirth

loosen up (v)

loosen up a bit. intransitive verb : to become less tense : relax

damage control (n)

measures taken to offset or minimize damage to reputation, credibility, or public image caused by a controversial act, remark, or revelation

interpretation (n)

my interpretation of... 1 : the act or the result of interpreting : explanation 2 : a particular adaptation or version of a work, method, or style 3 : a teaching technique that combines factual with stimulating explanatory information natural history interpretation program — interpretational adjective — interpretative adjective — interpretatively adverb — interpretive adjective — interpretively adverb

liege (adj)

my liege. 1 a : having the right to feudal allegiance (see allegiance 1a) or service his liege lord b : obligated to render feudal allegiance and service 2 : faithful, loyal

open-and-shut (adj)

open-and-shut case of... 1 : perfectly simple : obvious 2 : easily settled an open-and-shut case of grand larceny

effulgence (n)

radiant splendor : brilliance

no-brainer (n)

that's a no-brainer. : something that requires a minimum of thought

pathetic fallacy (n)

the ascription of human traits or feelings to inanimate nature (as in cruel sea)

iteration (n)

the nth iteration of... 1 : the action or a process of iterating or repeating: such as a : a procedure in which repetition of a sequence of operations yields results successively closer to a desired result b : the repetition of a sequence of computer instructions a specified number of times or until a condition is met — compare recursion 2 : one execution of a sequence of operations or instructions in an iteration 3 : version, incarnation the latest iteration of the operating system

fetter (v)

unfettered access 1 : a chain or shackle for the feet 2 : something that confines : restraint

gander (n)

what's good for the goose is good for the gander. 1 : an adult male goose 2 : simpleton

glancing (adj)

a glancing smile. 1 : hitting so as to glance off a glancing blow 2 : INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT made glancing allusions to her past

glutinous (adj)

a glutinous meal. having the quality of glue : gummy — glutinously adverb

horse power (n)

a lot of horse power. 1 : the power that a horse exerts in pulling 2 : a unit of power equal in the U.S. to 746 watts and nearly equivalent to the English gravitational unit of the same name that equals 550 foot-pounds of work per second 3 : effective power intellectual horsepower computing horsepower

granular (adj)

a granular analysis. 1 : consisting of or appearing to consist of granules : grainy 2 : finely detailed granular reports

loquacious (adj)

a loquacious vocabulary 1 : full of excessive talk : wordy 2 : given to fluent or excessive talk : garrulous — loquaciously adverb — loquaciousness noun

acquiesce (v)

acquiesced; acquiescing intransitive verb : to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively —often used with in or to

self-hate (n)

: hatred directed toward oneself rather than toward others : SELF-HATRED Humans need self-love, not self-hate, but when you have a disorder which makes you anti-social, it's hard to be kind to yourself. —Jo Challacombe

soft-spoken (adj)

: having a mild or gentle voice also : SUAVE

self-reliant (adj)

: having confidence in and exercising one's own powers or judgment

polysemous (adj)

: having multiple meanings

homeless (adj)

: having no home or permanent place of residence

bone-chilling (adj)

: intensely cold bone-chilling weather also : penetrating, disturbing, or intense in emotional or physical effect bone-chilling drama a bone-chilling wind

cognizant (adj)

: knowledgeable of something especially through personal experience also : MINDFUL cognizant of the potential dangers

banal (adj)

: lacking originality, freshness, or novelty : TRITE

sleeping giant (n)

: one that has great but unrealized or newly emerging power

executioner (n)

: one who executes especially : one who puts to death

banausic (adj)

: relating to or concerned with earning a living —used pejoratively contempt for the banausic occupations — T. S. Eliot also : UTILITARIAN, PRACTICAL such mundane and banausic considerations as comfort and durability — G. B. Boyer

experimentalism (n)

: reliance on or advocacy of experimental or empirical principles and procedures specifically : INSTRUMENTALISM

childlike (adj)

: resembling, suggesting, or appropriate to a child or childhood especially : marked by innocence, trust, and ingenuousness childlike delight

shelf life (n)

: the period of time during which a material may be stored and remain suitable for use broadly : the period of time during which something lasts or remains popular

odds and ends (n)

collecting a few odds and ends. 1 a : miscellaneous articles b : miscellaneous small matters (as of business) to be attended to 2 : miscellaneous remnants or leftovers odds and ends of food

left field (n)

coming out of left field. 1 : the position of the player defending left field 2 : the part of the baseball outfield to the left looking out from the plate 3 a : a state or position far from the mainstream (as of prevailing opinion) they were really out in left field with that idea b : a source of the unexpected or illogical that question came out of left field — left fielder noun

concretize (v)

concretize the details. concretized; concretizing transitive verb : to make concrete, specific, or definite tried to concretize his ideas intransitive verb : to become concrete — concretization

jingoism (n)

extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign policy — jingoist play \ˈjiŋ-(ˌ)gō-ist\ noun or adjective — jingoistic play \ˌjiŋ-gō-ˈi-stik\ adjective — jingoistically

cabin fever (n)

extreme irritability and restlessness from living in isolation or a confined indoor area for a prolonged time

fantastic (adj)

fantastic job. 1 a : based on fantasy (see 1fantasy 3) : not real b : conceived or seemingly conceived by unrestrained fancy fantastic new space and nuclear weapons —Jack Raymond c : so extreme as to challenge belief : unbelievable a fantastic industrial complex of steel, coal, machine tools, and other heavy industries —M. S. Handler broadly : exceedingly large or great spent fantastic sums on his library 2 : marked by extravagant fantasy or extreme individuality : eccentric fantastic works of art 3 fantastic : excellent, superlative a fantastic meal — fantasticality play \(ˌ)fan-ˌta-stə-ˈka-lə-tē, fən-\ noun — fantasticalness

generally (adv)

generally speaking... : in a general manner: such as a : in disregard of specific instances and with regard to an overall picture generally speaking b : as a rule : USUALLY

generate (v)

generating revenue. 1 : to bring into existence: such as a : PROCREATE, BEGET b : to originate by a vital, chemical, or physical process : PRODUCE generate electricity 2 : to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind) these stories ... generate a good deal of psychological suspense —Atlantic 3 : to define or originate (something, such as a mathematical or linguistic set or structure) by the application of one or more rules or operations especially : to trace out (something, such as a curve) by a moving point or to trace out (a surface) by a moving curve

glimpse (n)

get a glimpse of... 1 archaic : GLIMMER 2 : a fleeting view or look caught only a glimpse of the mugger

footing (n)

get your footing. 1 : a stable position or placing of the feet 2 : a surface or its condition with respect to one walking or running on it; especially : the condition of a racetrack 3 : the act of moving on foot : step, tread 4 a : a place or position providing a base of operations : foothold b : established position : status; especially : position or rank in relation to others they all started off on an equal footing 5 : basis 6 : terms of social intercourse 7 : an enlargement at the lower end of a foundation wall, pier, or column to distribute the load 8 : the sum of a column of figures

mileage (n)

getting mileage out of... 1 : an allowance for traveling expenses at a certain rate per mile 2 : aggregate length or distance in miles: such as a : the total miles traveled especially in a given period of time b : the amount of service that something will yield especially as expressed in terms of miles of travel c : the average number of miles a motor vehicle will travel on a gallon of gasoline that is used as a measure of fuel economy gets good mileage 3a : USEFULNESS got a lot of mileage left in it b : benefit derived from something got good political mileage from the debates

go-around (n)

giving someone the go-around. 1 : RUNAROUND gave me the go-around 2a : ROUND reached an agreement during the first go-around b : a heated argument or struggle had a real go-around with her about it 3 : an act or instance of going around (as in an air traffic pattern)

glad (adj)

glad that... 1 archaic : having a cheerful or happy disposition by nature 2a : experiencing pleasure, joy, or delight : made happy b : made pleased, satisfied, or grateful —often used with of was glad of their help c : very willing glad to do it 3a : marked by, expressive of, or caused by happiness and joy a glad shout b : causing happiness and joy : PLEASANT glad tidings 4 : full of brightness and cheerfulness a glad spring morning

glow (v)

glowing smile. 1a : to shine with or as if with an intense heat embers glowing in the darkness b(1) : to have a rich warm typically ruddy color cheeks glowing with health (2) : FLUSH, BLUSH the children glowed with excitement 2a : to experience a sensation of or as if of heat glowing with rage b : to show exuberance or elation glow with pride

go over (v)

go over the results. 1 : to make one's way going over to the store for supplies 2 : to become converted 3 a : to win approval : succeed glad it went over b : to be received the film went over well

hunch (n)

going off a hunch/have a hunch. 1 : an act or instance of pushing someone or something in a rough or careless manner : an act or instance of hunching (see 1hunch transitive) give him a good hunch with your foot —Abraham Tucker 2 a : a thick piece : lump barter it for a hunch of cake —Flora Thompson b : a rounded mass : hump his back carried a huge hunch —William Scoresby 3 : a strong intuitive feeling concerning especially a future event or result had a hunch I would find you here

hiatus (n)

going on a hiatus. 1 a : a break in or as if in a material object : gap the weedy hiatus between the town and the railroad —Willa Cather the hiatus between the theory and the practice of the party —J. G. Colton b biology : a gap or passage in an anatomical part or organ 2 a : an interruption in time or continuity : break; especially : a period when something (such as a program or activity) is suspended or interrupted after a 5-year hiatus from writing a summer hiatus b : the occurrence of two vowel sounds without pause or intervening consonantal sound

tangent (n)

going on a tangent. 1 : an abrupt change of course : DIGRESSION the speaker went off on a tangent 2a : the trigonometric function that for an acute angle is the ratio between the leg opposite to the angle when it is considered part of a right triangle and the leg adjacent b : a trigonometric function that is equal to the sine divided by the cosine for all real numbers θ for which the cosine is not equal to zero and is exactly equal to the tangent of an angle of measure θ in radians 3 : a line that is tangent specifically : a straight line that is the limiting position of a secant of a curve through a fixed point and a variable point on the curve as the variable point approaches the fixed point 4 : a small upright flat-ended metal pin at the inner end of a clavichord key that strikes the string to produce the tone

swimmingly (adj)

going swimmingly. very well : splendidly the event went swimmingly

hard sell (n)

going to be a hard sell. aggressive high-pressure salesmanship — compare SOFT SELL

grubby (adj)

grubby hands... 1 : infested with fly maggots 2 a : dirty, grimy grubby hands b : slovenly, sloppy 3 : worthy of contempt : base grubby political motives — grubbily adverb — grubbiness noun

grumble (v)

grumbling about (a disagreement). grumbled; grumbling intransitive verb 1 : to mutter in discontent grumbled about the scarcity of jobs 2 : growl, rumble Thunder grumbled in the distance. transitive verb : to express with grumbling grumbled his annoyance — grumble noun — grumbler noun — grumblingly adverb — grumbly adjective

face-to-face (adj or adv)

handling it face-to-face. 1 : within each other's sight or presence met and talked face-to-face a face-to-face consultation 2 : in or into direct contact or confrontation came face-to-face with the problem

hands-off (adj)

hands-off approach. characterized by noninterference a hands-off policy toward the internal affairs of other nations

issue (n)

have an issue with; an important issue. 1 a (1) : a vital or unsettled matter economic issues (2) : concern, problem I have issues with his behavior b : a matter that is in dispute between two or more parties c : the point at which an unsettled matter is ready for a decision brought the matter to an issue 2 a : the thing or the whole quantity of things given out at one time read the latest issue b : the act of publishing or officially giving out or making available the next issue of commemorative stamps issue of supplies by the quartermaster 3 : offspring, progeny died without issue 4 : a discharge (as of blood) from the body 5 : a means or place of going out : exit, outlet 6 : the action of going, coming, or flowing out : egress, emergence 7 a : something coming forth from a specified source issues of a disordered imagination b obsolete : deed 8 a : a final outcome that usually constitutes a solution (as of a problem) or resolution (as of a difficulty) b obsolete : a final conclusion or decision about something arrived at after consideration c archaic : termination, end hope that his enterprise would have a prosperous issue —T. B. Macaulay 9 issues plural : proceeds from a source of revenue (such as an estate) — issueless play \ˈi-shü-ləs\ adjective — at issue 1 or less commonly in issue : under discussion or in dispute 2 : in a state of controversy : in disagreement

host (v)

hosted; hosting; hosts 1 : to receive or entertain guests at or for host a dinner : to serve as host (see HOST entry 3 sense 1a) to host friends 2 : EMCEE hosted a series of TV programs

giddy (adj)

in a giddy mood. 1a : DIZZY giddy from the unaccustomed exercise b : causing dizziness a giddy height c : whirling rapidly 2a : lightheartedly silly : FRIVOLOUS b : joyfully elated : EUPHORIC was giddy with delight

addition (n)

in addition to... 1 : a part added (as to a building or residential section) The addition expanded the kitchen. 2 : anything or anyone added : increase The clerk was a recent addition to the staff. 3 : the act or process of adding a recipe enhanced by the addition of freshly ground pepper; especially : the operation of combining numbers so as to obtain an equivalent simple quantity schoolchildren learning about addition and subtraction 4 : direct chemical combination of substances into a single product — in addition : 2besides, also The job requires a college degree and, in addition, at least two years of experience. — in addition to : combined or associated with : 1besides 2 In addition to soup, several salads were served.

denial (n)

in denial. 1 : refusal to satisfy a request or desire the denial of privileges 2 a (1) : refusal to admit the truth or reality of something (such as a statement or charge) their denial of the divine right of kings (2) : assertion that an allegation is false her denial that she was involved b : refusal to acknowledge a person or a thing : disavowal his denial of his youngest son 3 law : the opposing by the defendant of an allegation (see allegation 2) of the opposite party in a lawsuit their denial of the plaintiff's allegations 4 : self-denial ... a man in denial about his receding hairline. —Playboy 5 logic : negation 1b 6 psychology : a defense mechanism in which confrontation with a personal problem or with reality is avoided by denying the existence of the problem or reality — in denial : refusing to admit the truth or reality of something unpleasant a patient in denial about his health problems

depth (n)

in depth. plural depths play \ˈdepths, ˈdep(t)s\ 1 a (1) : a deep place in a body of water fish living at great depths (2) : a part that is far from the outside or surface the depths of the woods (3) : abyss 1 b (1) : a profound or intense state (as of thought or feeling) the depths of sorrow; also : a reprehensibly low condition hadn't realized that standards had fallen to such depths (2) : the middle of a time (such as a season) the depths of winter (3) : the worst part the depths of the depression 2 mathematics a : the perpendicular (see 1perpendicular 1b) measurement downward from a surface the depth of a swimming pool b : the direct linear measurement from front to back the depth of a bookshelf 3 : the quality of being deep the depth of the pass 4 : the degree of intensity depth of a color; also : the quality of being profound (as in insight) or full (as of knowledge) the depth of her experience 5 : the quality or state of being complete or thorough a study will be made in depth 6 US, sports : the quality of having many good players a team that lacks depth in the outfield — depthless play \ˈdepth-ləs\ adjective — beyond one's depth or out of one's depth : beyond the limits of one's capabilities an actor who is out of his depth in serious drama

doghouse (n)

in the doghouse. 1 : a shelter for a dog 2 : a state of disfavor —often used in the phrase in the doghouse

indisputable (adj)

indisputable fact. not disputable : unquestionable indisputable proof — indisputableness noun — indisputably adv

indistinguishable (adj)

indistinguishable from... not distinguishable: such as a : indeterminate in shape or structure indistinguishable forms in the mist b : not clearly recognizable or understandable indistinguishable differences c : lacking identifying or individualizing qualities seemingly indistinguishable alternatives — indistinguishability noun — indistinguishableness noun — indistinguishably

inexperience (n)

inexperience with... 1 : lack of practical experience 2 : lack of knowledge of the ways of the world — inexperienced

flop (n)

it was a flop. 1 : an act or sound of flopping 2 : a complete failure the movie was a flop 3 slang : a place to sleep especially : FLOPHOUSE 4 : DUNG cow flop also : a piece of dung

massacre (n)

it was a massacre. 1 : the act or an instance of killing a number of usually helpless or unresisting human beings under circumstances of atrocity or cruelty witnessed the massacre of a boatload of refugees 2 : a cruel or wanton (see WANTON entry 1 sense 1a) murder 3 : a wholesale slaughter of animals Residents engaged in a citywide cat massacre. 4 : an act of complete destruction the author's massacre of traditional federalist presuppositions —R. G. McCloskey the Puritan massacre of statues and pictures —Robert Hughes

lay out (v)

lay out the facts. transitive verb 1 : display, exhibit 2 : spend 3 a : to prepare (a corpse) for viewing b : to knock flat or unconscious 4 : to plan in detail lay out a campaign 5 : arrange, design 6 : to mark (work) for drilling, machining, or filing

lowbrow (adj)

lowbrow comedy. of, relating to, or suitable for a person with little taste or intellectual interest a lowbrow horror movie — lowbrow noun

gyrate (v)

winding or coiled around : convoluted gyrate branches of a tree

ferocity (n)

with ferocity. the quality or state of being ferocious the ferocity of the lion's attack

grace (n)

with grace. 1a : unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification b : a virtue coming from God c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance 2a : APPROVAL, FAVOR stayed in his good graces b archaic : MERCY, PARDON c : a special favor : PRIVILEGE each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage —Rudyard Kipling d : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency e : a temporary exemption : REPRIEVE 3a : a charming or attractive trait or characteristic Among disagreeable qualities he possessed the saving grace of humor. b : a pleasing appearance or effect : CHARM all the grace of youth —John Buchan c : ease and suppleness (see SUPPLE entry 1 sense 2b) of movement or bearing danced with such grace 4 —used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop 5 : a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks 6 Graces plural : three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty 7 : a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura 8a : sense of propriety or right had the grace not to run for elective office —Calvin Trillin b : the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful accepted his advice with grace

radius (n)

within a radius. plural radii play \ˈrā-dē-ˌī\ also radiuses 1 : a line segment extending from the center of a circle or sphere to the circumference or bounding surface 2 a : the bone on the thumb side of the human forearm; also : a corresponding part of vertebrates above fishes b : the third and usually largest vein of an insect's wing 3 a : the length of a radius a truck with a short turning radius b : the circular area defined by a stated radius c : a bounded or circumscribed area 4 : a radial part 5 : the distance from a center line or point to an axis of rotation

ado (n)

without further ado. 1 : heightened fuss or concern : to-do much ado about the need for reform 2 : time-wasting bother over trivial details wrote the paper without further ado 3 : trouble, difficulty The journey itself is not described; our heroes disembark without ado at Philadelphia. —Anthony Lane

wallow (v)

wallowing in... 1 : to roll oneself about in a lazy, relaxed, or ungainly manner hogs wallowing in the mud 2 : to billow forth : SURGE 3 : to devote oneself entirely especially : to take unrestrained pleasure : DELIGHT 4a : to become abundantly supplied : LUXURIATE a family that wallows in money b : to indulge oneself immoderately wallowing in self-pity 5 : to become or remain helpless allowed them to wallow in their ignorance

game plan (n)

what's the game plan? a strategy for achieving an objective — game-plan

natural (n)

she's a natural. 1 : one born without the usual powers of reason and understanding 2 a : a sign ♮ placed on any degree of the musical staff to nullify the effect of a preceding sharp or flat b : a note or tone affected by the natural sign 3 : a result or combination that immediately wins the stake in a game: such as a : a throw of 7 or 11 on the first cast in craps b : blackjack 1b 4 a : one having natural skills, talents, or abilities b : something that is likely to become an immediate success c : one that is obviously suitable for a specific purpose 5 : afro

acquaintance (n)

she's an acquaintance. 1 a : the state of being acquainted They had a long-standing acquaintance. b : personal knowledge : familiarity had no acquaintance with the facts of the case 2 a : the persons with whom one is acquainted Should auld acquaintance be forgot ... —Robert Burns b : a person whom one knows but who is not a particularly close friend a casual acquaintance — acquaintanceship

better half (n)

she's my better half. spouse

girl (n)

she's my girl. 1a : a female child from birth to adulthood b : DAUGHTER c : a young unmarried woman d sometimes offensive : a single or married woman of any age 2a : SWEETHEART b often offensive : a female servant or employee 3 US, informal a : a female friend I love going to a spa and dinner with my girls. —Karen Clifton b —used as a friendly way of addressing a woman or girl Hey girl, I like your taste in Christmas gifts. —Miranda Crace Girl, you need to give yourself some credit. —John Van Meter

hip-shooting (n)

shooting from the hip. action or reaction that is quick and often reckless — hip shooter noun

breeze (n)

should be a breeze. 1a : a light gentle wind b : a wind of from 4 to 31 miles (6 to 50 kilometers) an hour 2 : something easily done : CINCH in a breeze : EASILY

silver-tongued (adj)

silver-tongued salesman. marked by convincing and eloquent expression a silver-tongued politician

deconstruct (v)

transitive verb 1 : to examine (something, such as a work of literature) using the methods of deconstruction 2 : to take apart or examine (something) in order to reveal the basis or composition often with the intention of exposing biases, flaws, or inconsistencies deconstruct the myths of both the left and the right —Wayne Karlin 3 : to adapt or separate the elements of for use in an ironic or radically new way uses his masterly tailoring skills to deconstruct the classics —Vogue 4 : destroy, demolish nations that are deconstructing themselves —Jim Hoagland — deconstructive play \-tiv\ adjective — deconstructor

ante (n)

up the ante 1 : a poker stake usually put up before the deal to build the pot The dealer called for a dollar ante. 2 a : cost, price These improvements would raise the ante. b : risk, stakes The new law ups the ante on tax cheats. c : a level (as of achievement or intensity) regarded especially as a goal or standard a film that ups the ante on special effects

grain of salt (phrase)

take it with a GOS. : a skeptical attitude

vouch (v)

vouching for someone. 1a : to supply supporting evidence or testimony b : to give personal assurance 2 : to give a guarantee : become surety transitive verb 1 : to summon into court to warrant or defend a title 2a : PROVE, SUBSTANTIATE b : to verify (a business transaction) by examining documentary evidence 3 archaic a : ASSERT, AFFIRM b : ATTEST 4 archaic : to cite or refer to as authority or supporting evidence

transcend (v)

transcending partisanship. 1a : to rise above or go beyond the limits of b : to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : OVERCOME c : to be prior to, beyond, and above (the universe or material existence) 2 : to outstrip or outdo in some attribute, quality, or power intransitive verb : to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits transcended; transcending; transcends

fluorescent (adj)

1 : having or relating to fluorescence 2 : bright and glowing as a result of fluorescence fluorescent inks; broadly : very bright in color — fluorescent noun — fluorescently adverb

agile (adj)

1 : marked by ready ability to move with quick easy grace an agile dancer 2 : having a quick resourceful and adaptable character an agile mind

vacillate (v)

1 : to waver in mind, will, or feeling : hesitate in choice of opinions or courses 2a : to sway through lack of equilibrium b : FLUCTUATE, OSCILLATE vacillated; vacillating

excoriate (v)

1 : to wear off the skin of : ABRADE 2 : to censure scathingly excoriated; excoriating

arbiter (n)

1 : a person with power to decide a dispute : judge The mayor will act as the final arbiter in any dispute between board members. 2 : a person or agency whose judgment or opinion is considered authoritative arbiters of taste

soft spot (n)

1 : a sentimental weakness has a soft spot for him 2 : a vulnerable point a soft spot in the defense system

pomp (n)

1 : a show of magnificence : SPLENDOR every day begins ... in a pomp of flaming colours — F. D. Ommanney 2 : a ceremonial or festival display (such as a train of followers or a pageant) 3a : ostentatious display : VAINGLORY b : an ostentatious gesture or act

forest (n)

1 : a dense growth of trees and underbrush covering a large tract A fire destroyed acres of forest. forests of pine and mahogany 2 : a tract of wooded land in England formerly owned by the sovereign and used for game 3 : something resembling a forest especially in profusion or lushness a forest of microphones a kelp forest a forest of skyscrapers — forestal play \ˈfȯr-ə-stᵊl, ˈfär-\ or forestial play \fə-ˈre-stē-əl, fȯ-, -ˈres-chəl, -ˈresh-\ adjective — forested play \ˈfȯr-ə-stəd, ˈfär-\ adjective

befitting (adj)

1 : SUITABLE, APPROPRIATE 2 : PROPER, DECENT

resumé (n)

1 : SUMMARY 2 : CURRICULUM VITAE 3 : a set of accomplishments a musical résumé

pitfall (n)

1 : TRAP, SNARE specifically : a pit flimsily covered or camouflaged and used to capture and hold animals or men 2 : a hidden or not easily recognized danger or difficulty

varied (adj)

1 : VARIOUS, DIVERSE many and varied comments 2 : VARIEGATED sense 1

watering hole (n)

1 : WATER HOLE sense 1 2 : a place where people gather socially especially : WATERING PLACE sense 3

ring (n)

1 : a circular band for holding, connecting, hanging, pulling, packing, or sealing a key ring a towel ring 2 : a circlet usually of precious metal worn especially on the finger 3a : a circular line, figure, or object smoke ring b : an encircling arrangement a ring of suburbs c : a circular or spiral course —often used figuratively in plural in the phrase run rings around to describe surpassing an opponent decisively 4a(1) : an often circular space especially for exhibitions or competitions especially : such a space at a circus (2) : a structure containing such a ring b : a square enclosure in which a fighting contest (such as a boxing or wrestling match) takes place 5 : a band of small objects revolving around a planet (such as Saturn) and composed of dust and icy or rocky fragments 6 : ANNUAL RING 7a : an exclusive combination of persons for a selfish and often corrupt purpose (as to control a market) a wheat ring b : GANG 8 : the field of a political contest : RACE 9 : food in the shape of a circle 10 : an arrangement of atoms represented in formulas or models in a cyclic manner — called also cycle 11 : a set of mathematical elements that is closed under two binary operations of which the first forms a commutative group with the set and the second is associative over the set and is distributive with respect to the first operation 12 rings plural a : a pair of usually rubber-covered metal rings suspended from a ceiling or crossbar to a height of approximately eight feet above the floor and used for hanging, swinging, and balancing feats in gymnastics b : an event in gymnastics competition in which the rings are used 13 : BOXING entry 1 ended his ring career

thesis (n)

1 : a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view especially : one written by a candidate for an academic degree 2a : a proposition to be proved or one advanced without proof : HYPOTHESIS b : a position or proposition that a person (such as a candidate for scholastic honors) advances and offers to maintain by argument 3a(1) : the unstressed part of a poetic foot especially in accentual verse (2) : the longer part of a poetic foot especially in quantitative verse b : the accented part of a musical measure : DOWNBEAT — compare ARSIS 4 : the first and least adequate stage of dialectic — compare SYNTHESIS

hotshot (n)

1 : a fast freight 2 : a person who is conspicuously talented or successful a hotshot lawyer

oasis (n)

1 : a fertile or green area in an arid region (such as a desert) The caravan stopped to rest at an oasis. 2 : something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast The small park is a welcome oasis amid the city's many factories.

power structure (n)

1 : a group of persons having control of an organization : ESTABLISHMENT 2 : the hierarchical interrelationships existing within a controlling group

sequence (n)

1 : a hymn in irregular meter between the gradual and Gospel in masses for special occasions (such as Easter) 2 : a continuous or connected series: such as a : an extended series of poems united by a single theme a sonnet sequence b : three or more playing cards usually of the same suit in consecutive order of rank c : a succession of repetitions of a melodic phrase or harmonic pattern each in a new position d : a set of elements ordered so that they can be labeled with the positive integers e : the exact order of bases in a nucleic acid or of amino acids in a protein f(1) : a succession of related shots or scenes developing a single subject or phase of a film story (2) : EPISODE 3a : order of succession b : an arrangement of the tenses of successive verbs in a sentence designed to express a coherent relationship especially between main and subordinate parts 4a : CONSEQUENCE, RESULT b : a subsequent development 5 : continuity of progression the narrative sequence

rock (n)

1 : a large mass of stone forming a cliff, promontory, or peak 2 : a concreted mass of stony material also : broken pieces of such masses 3 : consolidated or unconsolidated solid mineral matter also : a particular mass of it 4a : something like a rock in firmness: (1) : FOUNDATION, SUPPORT (2) : REFUGE a rock of independent thought ... in an ocean of parochialism — Thomas Molnar b : something that threatens or causes disaster —often used in plural 5a : a flavored stick candy with color running through b : ROCK CANDY sense 1 6 slang a : GEM b : DIAMOND 7a : a small crystallized mass of crack cocaine b : CRACK sense 9 8 : the ball used in basketball between a rock and a hard place or less commonly between the rock and the hard place : in a difficult or uncomfortable position with no attractive way out on the rocks 1 : in or into a state of destruction or wreckage their marriage is on the rocks 2 : on ice cubes bourbon on the rocks

basilisk (n)

1 : a legendary reptile with fatal breath and glance 2 : any of several crested tropical American lizards (genus Basiliscus of the family Iguanidae) related to the iguanas and noted for their ability to run on their hind legs

vaudeville (n)

1 : a light often comic theatrical piece frequently combining pantomime, dialogue, dancing, and song 2 : stage entertainment consisting of various acts (such as performing animals, comedians, or singers)

guillotine (n)

1 : a machine for beheading by means of a heavy blade that slides down in vertical guides 2 : a shearing machine or instrument (such as a paper cutter) that in action resembles a guillotine The paper was trimmed on a guillotine. 3 chiefly British : closure by the imposition of a predetermined time limit on the consideration of specific sections of a bill or portions of other legislative business

requiem (n)

1 : a mass for the dead 2a : a solemn chant (such as a dirge) for the repose of the dead b : something that resembles such a solemn chant 3a : a musical setting of the mass for the dead b : a musical composition in honor of the dead

vehicle (n)

1 : a means of carrying or transporting something planes, trains, and other vehicles : such as a : MOTOR VEHICLE b : a piece of mechanized equipment 2 : an agent of transmission : CARRIER 3 : a medium through which something is expressed, achieved, or displayed an investment vehicle especially : a work created especially to display the talents of a particular performer 4a : an inert medium (such as a syrup) in which a medicinally active agent is administered b : any of various media acting usually as solvents, carriers, or binders for active ingredients or pigments

gold standard (n)

1 : a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by a stated quantity of gold and which is usually characterized by the coinage and circulation of gold, unrestricted convertibility of other money into gold, and the free export and import of gold for settling of international obligations 2 : benchmark 1a

Philistine (n)

1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Philistia 2 often not capitalized a : a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values b : one uninformed in a special area of knowledge

vacation (n)

1 : a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation had a restful vacation at the beach 2a : a scheduled period during which activity (as of a court or school) is suspended b : a period of exemption from work granted to an employee 3 : a respite or a time of respite from something : INTERMISSION 4 : an act or an instance of vacating

vegetarian (n)

1 : a person who does not eat meat : someone whose diet consists wholly of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and sometimes eggs or dairy products 2 : HERBIVORE

powerless (adj)

1 : devoid of strength or resources powerless victims 2 : lacking the authority or capacity to act was powerless to help

wand (n)

1 : a slender staff carried in a procession : VERGE 2 : a slender rod used by conjurers and magicians 3 : a slat six feet by two inches used as a target in archery also : a narrow strip of paper pasted vertically on a target face 4 : any of various pipelike devices especially : the rigid tube between the hose and the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner 5 : a handheld device used to enter information (as from a bar code) into a computer

catalyst (n)

1 : a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible 2 : an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action That waterway became the catalyst of the area's industrialization. He was the catalyst in the native uprising.

valentine (n)

1 : a sweetheart chosen or complimented on Valentine's Day 2a : a gift or greeting sent or given especially to a sweetheart on Valentine's Day especially : a greeting card sent on this day b : something (such as a movie or piece of writing) expressing uncritical praise or affection : TRIBUTE

irrationalism (n)

1 : a system emphasizing intuition, instinct, feeling, or faith rather than reason or holding that the universe is governed by irrational forces 2 : the quality or state of being irrational — irrationalist noun or adjective — irrationalistic

toll (n)

1 : a tax or fee paid for some liberty or privilege (as of passing over a highway or bridge) 2 : compensation for services rendered: such as a : a charge for transportation b : a charge for a long-distance telephone call 3 : a grievous or ruinous price inflation has taken its toll especially : cost in life or health the death toll from the hurricane

hidden tax (n)

1 : a tax that is ultimately paid by someone other than the person on whom it is levied 2 : an economic inequity that reduces one's real income or buying power

rocky (adj)

1 : abounding in or consisting of rocks 2 : difficult to impress or affect : INSENSITIVE 3 : firmly held : STEADFAST rockier; rockiest

cold turkey (n)

1 : abrupt complete cessation of the use of an addictive drug also : the symptoms experienced by a person undergoing withdrawal from a drug 2 : unrelieved blunt language or procedure 3 : a cold aloof person

all-or-nothing (adj)

1 : all-or-none 2 a : accepting no less than everything he's an all-or-nothing perfectionist b : risking everything an all-or-nothing combat strategy

reversal (n)

1 : an act or the process of reversing 2 : a conversion of a photographic positive into a negative or vice versa 3 : a change (as of fortune) often for the worse

consortium (n)

1 : an agreement, combination, or group (as of companies) formed to undertake an enterprise beyond the resources of any one member A consortium of researchers decoded the honeybee genome. 2 : ASSOCIATION, SOCIETY 3 : the legal right of one spouse to the company, affection, and assistance of and to sexual relations with the other

ivory tower (n)

1 : an impractical often escapist attitude marked by aloof lack of concern with or interest in practical matters or urgent problems 2 : a secluded place that affords the means of treating practical issues with an impractical often escapist attitude; especially : a place of learning — ivory-tower adjective — ivory-towerish play \ˈīv-rē-ˈtau̇-(ə-)rish, ˈī-və-rē-\ adjective

remora (n)

1 : any of a family (Echeneidae) of marine bony fishes that have the anterior dorsal fin modified into a suctorial disk on the head by means of which they adhere especially to other fishes 2 : HINDRANCE, DRAG

ad hominem (adj)

1 : appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect an ad hominem argument 2 : marked by or being an attack on an opponent's character rather than by an answer to the contentions made made an ad hominem personal attack on his rival

salacious (adj)

1 : arousing or appealing to sexual desire or imagination salacious headlines salacious lyrics 2 : LECHEROUS, LUSTFUL ... have fiercely denounced the book's sketches of melodramatic lovers and salacious partygoers ... —Casey Greenfield

flexible (adj)

1 : capable of being flexed : pliant flexible branches swaying in the breeze 2 : yielding to influence : tractable a flexible person without strong convictions 3 : characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements a flexible foreign policy a flexible schedule — flexibility play \ˌflek-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun — flexibly

solace (n)

1 : comfort in grief : alleviation of grief or anxiety 2 : a source of relief or consolation

plenary (adj)

1 : complete in every respect : ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED plenary power 2 : fully attended or constituted by all entitled to be present a plenary session

verbose (adj)

1 : containing more words than necessary : WORDY a verbose reply also : impaired by wordiness a verbose style 2 : given to wordiness a verbose orator

clean-cut (adj)

1 : cut so that the surface or edge is smooth and even 2 : sharply defined 3 : of wholesome appearance

guile (n)

1 : deceitful cunning : duplicity a war that called for guile rather than firepower 2 obsolete : stratagem, trick — guileful adjective — guilefully adverb — guilefulness

dedicated (adj)

1 : devoted to a cause, ideal, or purpose : zealous a dedicated scholar a novelist with a dedicated following 2 : given over to a particular purpose a dedicated Web server The fees would be put into a dedicated fund for rebates that go directly to households and employers ... —Tim Brennan and Marc Breslow — dedicatedly adverb

jade (n)

1 : either of two tough compact typically green gemstones that take a high polish: a : jadeite b : nephrite 2 : a sculpture or artifact of jade 3 : jade green

versatile (adj)

1 : embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills also : turning with ease from one thing to another 2 : having many uses or applications versatile building material 3 : changing or fluctuating readily : VARIABLE a versatile disposition 4a(1) : capable of turning forward or backward : REVERSIBLE a versatile toe of a bird (2) : capable of moving laterally and up and down versatile antennae b of an anther : having the filaments attached at or near the middle so as to swing freely

sensationalism (n)

1 : empiricism that limits experience as a source of knowledge to sensation or sense perceptions 2 : the use or effect of sensational subject matter or treatment

vacuum (n)

1 : emptiness of space 2a : a space absolutely devoid of matter b : a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (such as an air pump) c : a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure 3a : a state or condition resembling a vacuum : VOID the power vacuum in Indochina after the departure of the French — Norman Cousins b : a state of isolation from outside influences people who live in a vacuum ... so that the world outside them is of no moment — W. S. Maugham 4 : a device creating or utilizing a partial vacuum especially : VACUUM CLEANER

levity (n)

1 : excessive or unseemly frivolity She would tolerate no levity in the classroom. 2 : lack of steadiness : changeableness the levity ... of the brisk fire —Charles Dickens

deep (adj)

1 : extending far from some surface or area: such as a : extending far downward a deep well a deep chasm b (1) : extending well inward from an outer surface a deep gash a deep-chested animal (2) : not located superficially within the body deep pressure receptors in muscles c : extending well back from a surface accepted as front a deep closet d : extending far laterally from the center deep borders of lace e sports : occurring or located near the outer limits of the playing area hit to deep right field f sports : thrown or hit for a considerable distance : thrown or hit deep (see 2deep 3b) a deep pass a deep fly ball 2 : having a specified extension in an implied direction usually downward or backward a shelf 20 inches deep cars parked three-deep 3 a : difficult to penetrate or comprehend : recondite deep mathematical problems deep discussions on the meaning of life b : mysterious, obscure a deep dark secret c : grave or lamentable in nature or effect in deepest disgrace d : of penetrating intellect : wise a deep thinker e : intensely engrossed or immersed she was deep in her book f : characterized by profundity of feeling or quality a deep sleep; also : deep-seated deep religious beliefs 4 a of color : high in saturation and low in lightness a deep red b : having a low musical pitch (see 4pitch 4b) or pitch range a deep voice 5 a : situated well within the boundaries a house deep in the woods b : remote in time or space found deep in rural England c : being below the level of consciousness deep neuroses d : covered, enclosed, or filled to a specified degree —usually used in combination ankle-deep in mud 6 : large deep discounts 7 : having many good players a deep bull pen — deeply adverb — deepness noun — in deep water : in difficulty or distress

redolent (adj)

1 : exuding fragrance : AROMATIC 2a : full of a specified fragrance : SCENTED air redolent of seaweed b : EVOCATIVE, SUGGESTIVE a city redolent of antiquity

shopworn (adj)

1 : faded, soiled, or otherwise impaired by remaining too long in a store 2 : stale from excessive use or familiarity shopworn clichés 3 : WORN-OUT a shopworn veteran

overarching (adj)

1 : forming an arch overhead an overarching bower an overarching bridge 2 : dominating or embracing all else overarching goals overarching ambition projects of overarching public benefit —Bob Katz

blissful (adj)

1 : full of, marked by, or causing complete happiness a blissful marriage 2 : happily benighted blissful ignorance

timocracy (n)

1 : government in which a certain amount of property is necessary for office 2 : government in which love of honor is the ruling principle

consonance (n)

1 : harmony or agreement among components His beliefs are in consonance with the political party's views. 2a : correspondence or recurrence of sounds especially in words specifically : recurrence or repetition of consonants especially at the end of stressed syllables without the similar correspondence of vowels (as in the final sounds of stroke and luck) b : CONCORD sense 1b c : SYMPATHETIC VIBRATION, RESONANCE

macabre (adj)

1 : having death as a subject : comprising or including a personalized representation of death The macabre dance included a procession of skeletons. 2 : dwelling on the gruesome a macabre presentation of a tragic story 3 : tending to produce horror in a beholder this macabre procession of starving peasants

powerful (adj)

1 : having great power, prestige, or influence a powerful leader 2 : leading to many or important deductions a powerful set of postulates

hipped (adj)

1 : having hips especially of a specified kind —often used in combination a broad-hipped person 2 : constructed with hips a hipped roof

erratic (adj)

1 : having no fixed course : wandering an erratic comet 2 a : characterized by lack of consistency, regularity, or uniformity erratic dieting keeps erratic hours b : deviating from what is ordinary or standard : eccentric an erratic genius 3 : transported from an original resting place especially by a glacier an erratic boulder 4 archaic : nomadic — erratical play \i-ˈra-ti-kəl\ adjective — erratically play \i-ˈra-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb — erraticism

ways and means (n)

1 : methods and resources for accomplishing something and especially for defraying expenses 2 often capitalized W&M a : methods and resources for raising the necessary revenues for the expenses of a nation or state b : a legislative committee concerned with this function

microcosmos (n)

1 : microcosm 2 : the microscopic or submicroscopic world

bona fide (adj)

1 : neither specious nor counterfeit : GENUINE has become a bona fide celebrity 2 : made with earnest intent : SINCERE a bona fide proposal 3 law : made in good faith without fraud or deceit a bona fide offer to buy a farm

sleepless (adj)

1 : not able to sleep lay sleepless with fever 2 : affording no sleep sleepless nights 3 : unceasingly active or operative sleepless casinos

wanting (adj)

1 : not present or in evidence : ABSENT 2a : not being up to standards or expectations b : lacking in ability or capacity : DEFICIENT

recalcitrant (adj)

1 : obstinately defiant of authority or restraint 2a : difficult to manage or operate b : not responsive to treatment c : RESISTANT this subject is recalcitrant both to observation and to experiment — G. G. Simpson

Hollywood (adj)

1 : of or characteristic of people in the American motion-picture industry the Hollywood lifestyle 2 : of or characteristic of a Hollywood film a story with a Hollywood happy ending

meretricious (adj)

1 : of or relating to a prostitute : having the nature of prostitution meretricious relationships 2 a : tawdrily and falsely attractive the paradise they found was a piece of meretricious trash —Carolyn See b : superficially (see superficial 2) significant : pretentious scholarly names to provide fig-leaves of respectability for meretricious but stylish books —The Times Literary Supplement (London) — meretriciously adverb — meretriciousness noun

epochal (adj)

1 : of or relating to an epoch 2 : uniquely or highly significant : momentous during his three epochal years in the assembly —C. G. Bowers also : unparalleled epochal stupidity — epochally adverb

expressive (adj)

1 : of or relating to expression the expressive function of language 2 : serving to express, utter, or represent foul and novel terms expressive of rage — H. G. Wells 3 : effectively conveying meaning or feeling an expressive silence expressive line drawings

robotic (adj)

1 : of or relating to mechanical robots 2 : having the characteristics of a robot performs with robotic consistency

sensory (adj)

1 : of or relating to sensation or to the senses sensory stimulation 2 : conveying nerve impulses from the sense organs to the nerve centers : AFFERENT sensory neurons

postal (adj)

1 : of or relating to the mails or the post office 2 : conducted by mail postal chess 3 : insanely or murderously violent —usually used in the phrase go postal

slim (adj)

1 : of small diameter or thickness in proportion to the height or length : SLENDER 2a : MEAN, WORTHLESS b : ADROIT, CRAFTY 3a : inferior in quality or amount : SLIGHT b : SCANTY, SMALL a slim chance slimmer; slimmest

instinctive (adj)

1 : of, relating to, or being instinct 2 : prompted by natural instinct or propensity : arising spontaneously an instinctive fear of innovation —V. L. Parrington — instinctively adverb

Aesopian (adj)

1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Aesop or his fables 2 : conveying an innocent meaning to an outsider but a hidden meaning to a member of a conspiracy or underground movement Aesopian language

pivotal (adj)

1 : of, relating to, or constituting a pivot 2 : vitally important : CRITICAL

liminal (adj)

1 : of, relating to, or situated at a sensory threshold : barely perceptible or capable of eliciting a response liminal visual stimuli 2 : of, relating to, or being an intermediate state, phase, or condition : in-between, transitional in the liminal state between life and death —Deborah Jowitt

rebellion (n)

1 : opposition to one in authority or dominance 2a : open, armed, and usually unsuccessful defiance of or resistance to an established government b : an instance of such defiance or resistance

tactile (adj)

1 : perceptible by touch : TANGIBLE 2 : of, relating to, or being the sense of touch -tactilely (adv)

agreeable (adj)

1 : pleasing to the mind or senses especially as according well with one's tastes or needs an agreeable companion an agreeable change 2 : ready or willing to agree or consent was agreeable to the plan 3 : being in harmony : CONSONANT 4 : able to be accepted : ACCEPTABLE —used with to a plan that is agreeable to everyone

risk (n)

1 : possibility of loss or injury : PERIL 2 : someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard 3a : the chance of loss or the perils to the subject matter of an insurance contract also : the degree of probability of such loss b : a person or thing that is a specified hazard to an insurer c : an insurance hazard from a specified cause or source war risk 4 : the chance that an investment (such as a stock or commodity) will lose value at risk : in a state or condition marked by a high level of risk or susceptibility patients at risk of infection

self-preservation (n)

1 : preservation of oneself from destruction or harm 2 : a natural or instinctive tendency to act so as to preserve one's own existence

sane (adj)

1 : proceeding from a sound mind : RATIONAL 2 : mentally sound especially : able to anticipate and appraise the effect of one's actions 3 : healthy in body

innocuous (adj)

1 : producing no injury : harmless 2 : not likely to give offense or to arouse strong feelings or hostility : inoffensive, insipid — innocuously adverb — innocuousness noun

sonorous (adj)

1 : producing sound (as when struck) 2 : full or loud in sound a sonorous voice 3 : imposing or impressive in effect or style 4 : having a high or an indicated degree of sonority sonorous sounds such as \ä\ and \ȯ\

venomous (adj)

1 : producing venom in a specialized gland and capable of inflicting injury or death venomous snakes 2 : full of venom: such as a : POISONOUS, ENVENOMED b : NOXIOUS, PERNICIOUS expose a venomous dope ring — Don Porter c : SPITEFUL, MALEVOLENT venomous criticism

given (adj)

1 : prone, disposed given to swearing 2 : presented as a gift : bestowed without compensation 3 a : particular, specified at a given time b : assumed as actual or hypothetical : granted given that all are equal before the law 4 of an official document : having been executed : dated 5 : immediately present in experience

welcome (adj)

1 : received gladly into one's presence or companionship was always welcome in their home 2 : giving pleasure : received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need a welcome relief 3 : willingly permitted or admitted he was welcome to come and go — W. M. Thackeray 4 —used in the phrase You're welcome as a reply to an expression of thanks

tame (adj)

1 : reduced from a state of native wildness especially so as to be tractable and useful to humans : DOMESTICATED tame animals 2 : made docile and submissive : SUBDUED 3 : lacking spirit, zest, interest, or the capacity to excite : INSIPID a tame campaign

post hoc (adj)

1 : relating to or being the fallacy of arguing from temporal sequence to a causal relation 2 : formulated after the fact a post hoc rationalization

eugenic (adj)

1 : relating to or fitted for the production of good offspring 2 : of or relating to eugenics — eugenically

petaloid (adj)

1 : resembling a flower petal 2 : consisting of petaloid elements

sheepish (adj)

1 : resembling a sheep: such as a : MEEK, TIMID b : STUPID 2 : affected by or showing embarrassment caused by consciousness of a fault a sheepish grin

rogue (adj)

1 : resembling or suggesting a rogue elephant especially in being isolated, aberrant, dangerous, or uncontrollable capsized by a rogue wave 2 : CORRUPT, DISHONEST rogue cops 3 : of or being a nation whose leaders defy international law or norms of international behavior rogue states

smarmy (adj)

1 : revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, or false earnestness a tone of smarmy self-satisfaction — New Yorker 2 : of low sleazy taste or quality smarmy eroticism smarmier; smarmiest

representative (adj)

1 : serving to represent 2a : standing or acting for another especially through delegated authority b : of, based on, or constituting a government in which the many are represented by persons chosen from among them usually by election 3 : serving as a typical or characteristic example a representative moviegoer 4 : of or relating to representation or representationalism

auspicious (adj)

1 : showing or suggesting that future success is likely : propitious made an auspicious beginning 2 : attended by good fortune : prosperous an auspicious year

reliable (adj)

1 : suitable or fit to be relied on : DEPENDABLE 2 : giving the same result on successive trials

force majeure (n)

1 : superior or irresistible force 2 : an event or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled — compare act of god

slash (n)

1 : the act of slashing also : a long cut or stroke made by or as if by slashing 2 : an ornamental slit in a garment 3a : an open tract in a forest strewn with debris (as from logging) b : the debris in such a tract 4 : a mark / used typically to denote or (as in and/or), and or (as in straggler/deserter), or per (as in feet/second) — called also diagonal, slant, solidus, virgule 5 or slash fiction : a genre of fan fiction which features a romantic pairing of two usually male fictional characters who are not romantically connected in the original work of fiction If women are the prime producers of the stuff, one would imagine that slash would be as full of male-female fantasies as male-male fantasies, but that's not the case. — Owen Smith Here's a sampling of Harry Potter slash, taken from a novella called Irresistible Poison, about a budding romance between Harry and his archenemy Draco Malfoy. — Christopher Noxon I don't know whether Moody has read Kirk/Spock slash fiction, either, but I bet he's heard of it ... — Elizabeth Hand

expectation (n)

1 : the act or state of expecting : ANTICIPATION in expectation of what would happen 2a : something expected not up to expectations expectations for an economic recovery b : basis for expecting : ASSURANCE they have every expectation of success c : prospects of inheritance —usually used in plural 3 : the state of being expected 4a : EXPECTANCY sense 2b b : EXPECTED VALUE

resilience (n)

1 : the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress 2 : an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

graph (n)

1 : the collection of all points whose coordinates satisfy a given relation (such as a function) 2 : a diagram (such as a series of one or more points, lines, line segments, curves, or areas) that represents the variation of a variable in comparison with that of one or more other variables 3 : a collection of vertices and edges that join pairs of vertices

sleep (n)

1 : the natural periodic suspension of consciousness during which the powers of the body are restored — compare REM SLEEP, SLOW-WAVE SLEEP 2 : a state resembling sleep: such as a : a state of torpid inactivity b : DEATH put a pet cat to sleep also : TRANCE, COMA c : the closing of leaves or petals especially at night d : a state marked by a diminution of feeling followed by tingling my foot's gone to sleep e : the state of an animal during hibernation 3a : a period spent sleeping b : NIGHT c : a day's journey 4 : crusty matter present in the corner of an eye upon awakening

tonicity (n)

1 : the property of possessing tone; especially : healthy vigor of body or mind 2 : muscular tonus

reality (n)

1 : the quality or state of being real 2a(1) : a real event, entity, or state of affairs his dream became a reality (2) : the totality of real things and events trying to escape from reality b : something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily 3 : television programming that features videos of actual occurrences (such as a police chase, stunt, or natural disaster) —often used attributively reality TV in reality : in actual fact

reciprocity (n)

1 : the quality or state of being reciprocal : mutual dependence, action, or influence 2 : a mutual exchange of privileges specifically : a recognition by one of two countries or institutions of the validity of licenses or privileges granted by the other

stability (n)

1 : the quality, state, or degree of being stable: such as a : the strength to stand or endure : FIRMNESS b : the property of a body that causes it when disturbed from a condition of equilibrium or steady motion to develop forces or moments that restore the original condition c : resistance to chemical change or to physical disintegration 2 : residence for life in one monastery

warpath (n)

1 : the route taken by a party of American Indians going on a warlike expedition or to a war 2 : a hostile or combative course of action or frame of mind

senescence (n)

1 : the state of being old : the process of becoming old 2 : the growth phase in a plant or plant part (such as a leaf) from full maturity to death

beseech (v)

1 : to beg for urgently or anxiously beseeched him to write while he was away — R. W. Hatch 2 : to request earnestly : IMPLORE besought their protection intransitive verb : to make supplication beseeched or besought\bi-ˈsȯt, bē- \; beseeching

horrify (v)

1 : to cause to feel horror 2 : to fill with distaste : SHOCK horrified; horrifying

redefine (v)

1 : to define (something, such as a concept) again : REFORMULATE had to redefine their terms 2a : to reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change b : TRANSFORM sense 1c redefined; redefining; redefines

commend (v)

1 : to entrust for care or preservation To Thee I do commend my watchful soul / Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes. —William Shakespeare 2 : to recommend as worthy of confidence or notice Your proposal has much to commend it. 3 : to mention with approbation : PRAISE We commend you for your continuing dedication to excellence. commended; commending; commends

weather (v)

1 : to expose to the open air : subject to the action of the elements 2 : to bear up against and come safely through weather a storm weather a crisis intransitive verb : to undergo or endure the action of the elements weathered; weathering

skewer (v)

1 : to fasten or pierce with or as if with a skewer 2 : to criticize or ridicule sharply and effectively skewered; skewering; skewers

repine (v)

1 : to feel or express dejection or discontent : COMPLAIN 2 : to long for something repined; repining; repines

commission (v)

1 : to furnish with a commission: such as a : to confer a formal commission on was commissioned lieutenant b : to appoint or assign to a task or function was commissioned to do the biography 2 : to order to be made commissioned a portrait 3 : to put (a ship) in commission The ship was commissioned in 2004. commissioned; commissioning

dole out (v)

1 : to give or deliver in small portions 2 : dish out

roam (v)

1 : to go from place to place without purpose or direction : WANDER 2 : to travel purposefully unhindered through a wide area cattle roaming in search of water 3 : to use a cellular phone outside one's local calling area roaming charges transitive verb : to range or wander over roamed; roaming; roams

shirk (v)

1 : to go stealthily : SNEAK 2 : to evade the performance of an obligation transitive verb : AVOID, EVADE shirk one's duty shirked; shirking; shirks

debrief (v)

1 : to interrogate (someone, such as a pilot) usually upon return (as from a mission) in order to obtain useful information The hostages were later debriefed by police. 2 : to carefully review upon completion debrief the flight

relinquish (v)

1 : to withdraw or retreat from : leave behind 2 : GIVE UP relinquish a title 3a : to stop holding physically : RELEASE slowly relinquished his grip on the bar b : to give over possession or control of : YIELD few leaders willingly relinquish power relinquished; relinquishing; relinquishes

waste (v)

1 : to lay waste especially : to damage or destroy gradually and progressively reclaiming land wasted by strip-mining 2 : to cause to shrink in physical bulk or strength : EMACIATE, ENFEEBLE a body wasted by disease 3 : to wear away or diminish gradually : CONSUME 4a : to spend or use carelessly : SQUANDER waste valuable resources b : to allow to be used inefficiently or become dissipated a writer wasting her talent 5 : KILL also : to injure severely intransitive verb 1 : to lose weight, strength, or vitality —often used with away was wasting away from illness 2a : to become diminished in bulk or substance b : to become consumed 3 : to spend money or consume property extravagantly or improvidently waste one's breath : to accomplish nothing by speaking wasted; wasting

extenuate (v)

1 : to lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of (something, such as a fault or offense) by making partial excuses : MITIGATE There is no economic analysis that can extenuate bigotry. — Leon Wieseltier ... all the lies that society tells to justify its values and extenuate its conduct ... — Robert Penn Warren — see also EXTENUATING 2 : to lessen the strength or effect of (something) : WEAKEN ... it was true that he was an old friend and that ... she felt a desire not to extenuate such ties. — Henry James 3a archaic : to make light of b obsolete : DISPARAGE 4 archaic : to make thin or emaciated extenuated; extenuating

glamorize (v)

1 : to look upon or depict as glamorous : ROMANTICIZE the novel glamorizes war 2 : to make glamorous glamorize the living room

retreat (v)

1 : to make a retreat : WITHDRAW 2 : to slope backward transitive verb : to draw or lead back : REMOVE specifically : to move (a piece) back in chess retreated; retreating; retreats

complicate (v)

1 : to make complex or difficult 2 : INVOLVE especially : to cause to be more complex or severe a virus disease complicated by bacterial infection 3 : to combine especially in an involved or inextricable manner complicated; complicating

bemuse (v)

1 : to make confused : PUZZLE, BEWILDER 2 : to occupy the attention of : DISTRACT, ABSORB has bemused audiences around the world 3 : to cause to have feelings of wry or tolerant amusement seems truly bemused that people beyond his circle in Seattle would be interested in his ruminations — Ruth B. Smith bemused; bemusing; bemuses

reveal (v)

1 : to make known through divine inspiration 2 : to make (something secret or hidden) publicly or generally known reveal a secret 3 : to open up to view : DISPLAY the uncurtained window revealed a cluttered room revealed; revealing; reveals

socialize (v)

1 : to make social especially : to fit or train for a social environment 2a : to constitute on a socialistic basis socialize industry b : to adapt to social needs or uses 3 : to organize group participation in socialize a recitation intransitive verb : to participate actively in a social group socialized; socializing

clarify (v)

1 : to make understandable clarify a subject The president was forced to clarify his position on the issue. 2 : to free of confusion needs time to clarify his thoughts 3 : to make (a liquid or something liquefied) clear or pure usually by freeing from suspended matter clarify syrup intransitive verb : to become clear waiting for the present muddled diplomatic situation to clarify —Newsweek clarified; clarifying

circulate (v)

1 : to move in a circle, circuit, or orbit especially : to follow a course that returns to the starting point blood circulates through the body 2 : to pass from person to person or place to place: such as a : to flow without obstruction b : to become well-known or widespread rumors circulated through the town c : to go from group to group at a social gathering d : to come into the hands of readers specifically : to become sold or distributed transitive verb : to cause to circulate circulated; circulating

vanquish (v)

1 : to overcome in battle : subdue completely 2 : to defeat in a conflict or contest 3 : to gain mastery over (an emotion, passion, or temptation) vanquish your fear vanquished; vanquishing; vanquishes

redact (v)

1 : to put in writing : FRAME 2 : to select or adapt (as by obscuring or removing sensitive information) for publication or release broadly : EDIT 3 : to obscure or remove (text) from a document prior to publication or release redacted; redacting; redacts

decelerate (v)

1 : to reduce the speed of : slow down decelerate a car 2 : to decrease the rate of progress of decelerate growth decelerate soil erosion intransitive verb : to move at decreasing speed

sidetrack (v)

1 : to shunt aside (as to a railroad siding) 2a : to turn aside from a purpose : DEFLECT b : to prevent action on by diversionary tactics sidetrack an issue sidetracked; sidetracking; sidetracks

grease (v)

1 : to smear or daub with grease 2 : to lubricate with grease 3 : to soil with grease 4 : to hasten the process or progress of; also : facilitate — grease the hand of or grease the palm of : bribe

wade (v)

1 : to step in or through a medium (such as water) offering more resistance than air 2 : to move or proceed with difficulty or labor wade through the crowd wade through all the evidence 3 : to set to work or attack with determination or vigor —used with in or into wade into a task transitive verb : to pass or cross by wading waded; wading

beckon (v)

1 : to summon or signal typically with a wave or nod My master beckons. He ... beckoned to the other generals to come and stand where he stood. — H. E. Scudder 2 : to appear inviting : ATTRACT the frontier beckons transitive verb : to beckon to beckoned us over to their table beckoned; beckoning

hitchhike (v)

1 : to travel by securing free rides from passing vehicles 2 : to be carried or transported by chance or unintentionally destructive insects hitchhiking on ships transitive verb : to solicit and obtain (a free ride) especially in a passing vehicle

weasel (v)

1 : to use weasel words : EQUIVOCATE 2 : to escape from or evade a situation or obligation —often used with out transitive verb : to manipulate shiftily weaseled; weaseling

blackball (v)

1 : to vote against especially : to exclude from membership by casting a negative vote 2a : to exclude socially : OSTRACIZE b : BOYCOTT blackballed; blackballing; blackballs

cheapen (v)

1 [ obsolete English cheap to price, bid for ] archaic a : to ask the price of b : to bid or bargain for 2a : to make cheap in price or value b : to lower in general esteem c : to make tawdry, vulgar, or inferior intransitive verb : to become cheap cheapened; cheapening

disclaimer (n)

1 a : a denial or disavowal of legal claim : relinquishment of or formal refusal to accept an interest or estate b : a writing that embodies a legal disclaimer 2 a : denial, disavowal b : repudiation

canard (n)

1 a : a false or unfounded report or story; especially : a fabricated report The report about a conspiracy proved to be a canard. b : a groundless rumor or belief the widespread canard that every lawyer is dishonest 2 : an airplane with horizontal stabilizing and control surfaces in front of supporting surfaces; also : a small airfoil in front of the wing of an aircraft that can increase the aircraft's performance

outline (v)

1 a : a line that marks the outer limits of an object or figure : boundary the jagged outline of the mountains b : shape the sharpening outline of her face —Willa Cather 2 a : a style of drawing in which contours are marked without shading drew a dog in outline b : a sketch in outline prepared several outlines of the suggested mural 3 a : a condensed treatment of a particular subject an outline of world history b : a summary of a written work : synopsis Students were required to give an outline for each assigned paper. 4 : a preliminary account of a project : plan gave the class an outline of the points he intended to cover 5 : a fishing line set out overnight

father (n)

1 a : a man who has begotten a child; also : sire 3 b capitalized (1) : god 1 (2) : the first person of the Trinity (see trinity 1) 2 : forefather the founding fathers 3 a : one related to another in a way suggesting that of father to child b : an old man —used as a respectful form of address 4 often capitalized : a pre-Scholastic (see scholastic 1a) Christian writer accepted by the church as an authoritative witness to its teaching and practice — called also church father 5 a : one that originates or institutes the father of modern science b : source the sun, the father of warmth and light —Lena M. Whitney c : prototype the father of all libraries in the country 6 : a priest of the regular clergy; broadly : priest —used especially as a title 7 : one of the leading men (as of a city) —usually used in plural a council of the city fathers — fatherhood play \ˈfä-t͟hər-ˌhu̇d\ noun — fatherless play \ˈfä-t͟hər-ləs\ adjective — fatherlike

oracle (n)

1 a : a person (such as a priestess of ancient Greece) through whom a deity is believed to speak the prophecies of the Delphic oracle —D. F. Marks b : a shrine in which a deity reveals hidden knowledge or the divine purpose through such a person c : an answer or decision given by an oracle ambiguous oracles 2 a : a person giving wise or authoritative decisions or opinions She became an oracle of pop culture. b : an authoritative or wise expression or answer

mechanism (n)

1 a : a piece of machinery (see machinery 1) The camera's shutter mechanism is broken. b : a process, technique, or system for achieving a result the mechanisms of peace —F. D. Roosevelt 2 : mechanical operation or action : working 2 he acknowledges nothing besides matter and motion; so that all must be performed either by mechanism or by accident —Richard Bentley 3 : a doctrine that holds natural processes (as of life) to be mechanically determined and capable of complete explanation by the laws of physics and chemistry 4 : the fundamental processes involved in or responsible for an action, reaction, or other natural phenomenon meteorologists believe that this pressure jump is the mechanism responsible for storms and tornadoes —Think — compare defense mechanism

indolent (adj)

1 a : causing little or no pain b : slow to develop or heal indolent tumors indolent ulcers 2 a : averse to activity, effort, or movement : habitually lazy b : conducive to or encouraging laziness indolent heat c : showing an inclination to laziness an indolent sigh — indolently adverb

voluminous (adj)

1 a : having or marked by great volume or bulk : large long voluminous tresses; also : full a voluminous skirt b : numerous trying to keep track of voluminous slips of paper 2 a : filling or capable of filling a large volume or several volumes a voluminous literature on the subject b : writing or speaking much or at great length a voluminous correspondent 3 : consisting of many folds, coils, or convolutions : winding — voluminously adverb — voluminousness noun

leprous (adj)

1 a : infected with leprosy b : of, relating to, or resembling leprosy or a leper 2 : scaly, scurfy — leprously adverb

oblique (adj)

1 a : neither perpendicular nor parallel : inclined oblique lines b : having the axis not perpendicular to the base an oblique cone c : having no right angle an oblique triangle 2 a : not straightforward : indirect In her speech she made only oblique references to the scandal.; also : obscure ... much of what there is to see is nuanced and oblique — a shadow of a shadow of a shadow. —New Yorker b : devious, underhanded ... the open, above-board fury of his mind coagulated, thickened, and sunk to a dull, evil hatred, a wicked, oblique malevolence. —Frank Norris 3 : situated at an angle and having one end not inserted on bone oblique muscles 4 : taken from an airplane with the camera directed horizontally or diagonally downward an oblique photograph — obliquely adverb — obliqueness noun

fertile (adj)

1 a : producing or bearing many crops in great quantities : productive fertile fields of corn and oats b : characterized by great resourcefulness of thought or imagination : inventive a fertile mind c obsolete : plentiful 2 a (1) : capable of sustaining abundant plant growth fertile soil (2) : affording abundant possibilities for growth or development damp bathrooms are fertile ground for fungi —Consumer Reports a fertile area for research b : capable of growing or developing a fertile egg c (1) : capable of producing fruit fertile trees (2) of an anther : containing pollen (3) : developing spores or spore-bearing organs d : capable of breeding or reproducing 3 : capable of being converted into fissionable material fertile uranium 238 — fertilely play \ˈfər-tᵊl-(l)ē\ adverb — fertileness

compromise (v)

1 a : settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions b : something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things 2 : a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial a compromise of principles

debonair (adj)

1 a : suave, urbane a debonair performer b : lighthearted, nonchalant 2 archaic : gentle, courteous — debonairly adverb — debonairness noun

gregarious (adj)

1 a : tending to associate with others of one's kind : social gregarious animals b : marked by or indicating a liking for companionship : sociable is friendly, outgoing, and gregarious c : of or relating to a social group 2 a of a plant : growing in a cluster or a colony b : living in contiguous nests but not forming a true colony —used especially of wasps and bees — gregariously adverb — gregariousness noun

abstraction (n)

1 a : the act or process of abstracting : the state of being abstracted b : an abstract idea or term 2 : absence of mind or preoccupation 3 : abstract quality or character 4 a : an abstract composition or creation in art b : abstractionism — abstractional adjective — abstractive

aberration (n)

1 a : the fact or an instance of deviating or being aberrant especially from a moral standard or normal state aberrations of character b : something or someone regarded as atypical and therefore able be ignored or discounted Harkins was to be regarded as an aberration among American military leaders ... —Neil Sheehan The U.S. establishment treated this grassroots movement almost as an aberration, virtually ignoring it. —Helen Caldicott As for Putin's desire to lay waste to Chechnya, Western leaders largely dismiss it as an aberration ... —The New Republic 2 : failure of a mirror, refracting surface, or lens to produce exact point-to-point correspondence between an object and its image chromatic aberration ... the telescope suffers from a serious focusing problem, a condition known as spherical aberration, which causes the point-like images of stars to be surrounded by fuzzy haze. —M. Mitchell Waldrop 3 : unsoundness or disorder of the mind 4 : a small periodic change of apparent position in celestial bodies due to the combined effect of the motion of light and the motion of the observer 5 : an aberrant individual

respective (adj)

1 obsolete : PARTIAL, DISCRIMINATIVE 2 : PARTICULAR, SEPARATE their respective homes

genial (adj)

1 obsolete : of or relating to marriage or generation the genial bed —John Milton 2 obsolete : inborn, native 3 a : favorable to growth or comfort : mild genial sunshine b : marked by or freely expressing sympathy or friendliness your genial host 4 : displaying or marked by genius genial insights — geniality noun — genially

clear (adj)

1a : BRIGHT, LUMINOUS | bonfires clear and bright —Shakespeare b : CLOUDLESS specifically : less than one-tenth covered | a clear sky c : free from mist, haze, or dust || a clear day d : UNTROUBLED, SERENE || a clear gaze 2 : CLEAN, PURE: such as a : free from blemishes | clear skin b : easily seen through : TRANSPARENT | clear glass; clear plastic bags c : free from abnormal sounds on auscultation 3a : easily heard || a loud and clear sound b : easily visible : PLAIN || a clear signal c : free from obscurity or ambiguity : easily understood : UNMISTAKABLE || a clear explanation 4a : capable of sharp discernment : KEEN || a clear thinker b : free from doubt : SURE || not clear on how to proceed 5 : free from guile or guilt : INNOCENT || a clear conscience 6 : unhampered by restriction or limitation: such as a : free of debts or charges || a clear estate b : NET || a clear profit c : UNQUALIFIED, ABSOLUTE || a clear victory d : free from obstruction || clear passage e : emptied of contents or cargo || A ship is clear after unloading. f : free from entanglement or contact || staying clear of controversy; keep clear of the boundary g : BARE, DENUDED ||clear ground

grit (n)

1a : SAND, GRAVEL b : a hard sharp granule (as of sand) also : material (as many abrasives) composed of such granules 2 : any of several sandstones 3a : the structure of a stone that adapts it to grinding b : the size of abrasive particles usually expressed as their mesh 4 : firmness of mind or spirit : unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger managed to survive by his grit and guile 5 capitalized : a Liberal in Canadian politics

exoteric (adj)

1a : suitable to be imparted to the public the exoteric doctrine — compare ESOTERIC b : belonging to the outer or less initiate circle 2 : relating to the outside : EXTERNAL

shrine (n)

1a : a case, box, or receptacle especially : one in which sacred relics (such as the bones of a saint) are deposited b : a place in which devotion is paid to a saint or deity : SANCTUARY c : a niche containing a religious image 2 : a receptacle (such as a tomb) for the dead 3 : a place or object hallowed by its associations

pothole (n)

1a : a circular hole formed in the rocky bed of a river by the grinding action of stones or gravel whirled round by the water b : a sizable rounded often water-filled depression in land 2 : a pot-shaped hole in a road surface 3 : a usually minor difficulty or setback hit a pothole in her comeback attempt

hemisphere (n)

1a : a half of the celestial sphere as divided into two halves by the horizon (see HORIZON sense 1b), the celestial equator, or the ecliptic b : half of a spherical or roughly spherical body (such as a planet) specifically : the northern or southern half of the earth as divided by the equator (see EQUATOR sense 2) or the eastern or western half as divided by a meridian (see MERIDIAN sense 4a(2)) affected by the weather in the other hemisphere c : the inhabitants of a hemisphere of the Earth 2 : an area of knowledge or activity : SPHERE, PROVINCE a hemisphere of life heretofore unknown to us 3 : one of two half spheres (see SPHERE entry 1 sense 2a) formed by a plane (see PLANE entry 1 sense 2a) through the sphere's center : half of a round object 4 : a map or projection of a celestial hemisphere (see HEMISPHERE sense 1a) or a terrestrial hemisphere (see HEMISPHERE sense 1b) 5 : CEREBRAL HEMISPHERE an injury to the left hemisphere

wave (n)

1a : a moving ridge or swell on the surface of a liquid (as of the sea) b : open water 2a : a shape or outline having successive curves b : a waviness of the hair c : an undulating line or streak or a pattern formed by such lines 3 : something that swells and dies away: such as a : a surge of sensation or emotion a wave of anger swept over her b : a movement sweeping large numbers in a common direction waves of protest c : a peak or climax of activity a wave of buying 4 : a sweep of hand or arm or of some object held in the hand used as a signal or greeting 5 : a rolling or undulatory movement or one of a series of such movements passing along a surface or through the air 6 : a movement like that of an ocean wave: such as a : a surging movement of a group a big new wave of women politicians b : one of a succession of influxes of people migrating into a region c(1) : a moving group of animals of one kind (2) : a sudden rapid increase in a population d : a line of attacking or advancing troops or airplanes e : a display of people in a large crowd (as at a sports event) successively rising, lifting their arms overhead, and quickly sitting so as to form a swell moving through the crowd 7a : a disturbance or variation that transfers energy progressively from point to point in a medium and that may take the form of an elastic deformation or of a variation of pressure, electric or magnetic intensity, electric potential, or temperature b : one complete cycle of such a disturbance 8 : a marked change in temperature : a period of hot or cold weather 9 : an undulating or jagged line constituting a graphic representation of an action

blackout (n)

1a : a turning off of the stage lighting to separate scenes in a play or end a play or skit also : a skit that ends with a blackout b : a period of darkness enforced as a precaution against air raids c : a period of darkness (as in a city) caused by a failure of electrical power 2 : a transient dulling or loss of vision, consciousness, or memory an alcoholic blackout 3a : a wiping out : OBLITERATION b : a blotting out by censorship : SUPPRESSION a news blackout 4 : a usually temporary loss of a radio signal 5 : the prohibition or restriction of the telecasting of a sports event 6 : a time during which a special commercial offer (as of tickets) is not valid —usually used attributively blackout dates

verbalism (n)

1a : a verbal expression : TERM b : PHRASING, WORDING 2 : words used as if they were more important than the realities they represent the emancipation of science from verbalism — G. A. L. Sarton 3a : a wordy expression of little meaning b : VERBOSITY

monism (n)

1a : a view that there is only one kind of ultimate substance b : the view that reality is one unitary organic whole with no independent parts 2 : MONOGENESIS 3 : a viewpoint or theory that reduces all phenomena to one principle

polemic (n)

1a : an aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another b : the art or practice of disputation or controversy —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction 2 : an aggressive controversialist : DISPUTANT

commentary (n)

1a : an explanatory treatise —usually used in plural Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England b : a record of events usually written by a participant —usually used in plural Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War 2a : a systematic series of explanations or interpretations (as of a writing) a commentary on Dante's Divine Comedy b : COMMENT sense 2 3a : something that serves for illustration or explanation The dark, airless apartments and sunless factories ... are a sad commentary upon our civilization. —Harry Allen Overstreet b : an expression of opinion The magazine article is a commentary on cyberbullying.

relic (n)

1a : an object esteemed and venerated because of association with a saint or martyr b : SOUVENIR, MEMENTO 2 relics plural : REMAINS, CORPSE 3 : a survivor or remnant left after decay, disintegration, or disappearance 4 : a trace of some past or outmoded practice, custom, or belief

sodden (adj)

1a : dull or expressionless especially from continued indulgence in alcoholic beverages sodden features b : TORPID, SLUGGISH sodden minds 2a : heavy with or as if with moisture or water the sodden ground b : heavy or doughy because of imperfect cooking sodden biscuits

cheerful (adj)

1a : full of good spirits : MERRY a cheerful host b : UNGRUDGING cheerful obedience 2 : conducive to cheer : likely to dispel gloom or worry sunny cheerful room

travail (n)

1a : work especially of a painful or laborious nature : TOIL b : a physical or mental exertion or piece of work : TASK, EFFORT c : AGONY, TORMENT 2 : LABOR, CHILDBIRTH

pointed (adj)

1a : having a point b : being an arch with a pointed crown also : marked by the use of a pointed arch pointed architecture 2a : being to the point : PERTINENT b : aimed at a particular person or group 3 : CONSPICUOUS, MARKED pointed indifference 4 : having points that contrast in color with the basic coat color a pointed cat

tenuous (adj)

1a : having little substance or strength : FLIMSY, WEAK tenuous influences b : SHAKY sense 2a tenuous reasons 2 : not thick : SLENDER a tenuous rope 3 : not dense : RARE a tenuous fluid

valuable (adj)

1a : having monetary value b : worth a good price 2a : having desirable or esteemed characteristics or qualities valuable friendships b : of great use or service valuable advice

robust (adj)

1a : having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health b : having or showing vigor, strength, or firmness a robust debate a robust faith c : strongly formed or constructed : STURDY a robust plastic d : capable of performing without failure under a wide range of conditions robust software 2 : ROUGH, RUDE stories ... laden with robust, down-home imagery — Playboy 3 : requiring strength or vigor robust work 4 : FULL-BODIED robust coffee also : HEARTY a robust dinner 5 : relating to, resembling, or being a specialized group of australopithecines characterized especially by heavy molars and small incisors adapted to a vegetarian diet NOTE: Robust australopithecines are included in the genus Australopithecus along with gracile forms or placed in the separate genus Paranthropus. — compare GRACILE sense 3

reciprocal (adj)

1a : inversely related : OPPOSITE b : of, constituting, or resulting from paired crosses in which the kind that supplies the male parent of the first cross supplies the female parent of the second cross and vice versa 2 : shared, felt, or shown by both sides 3 : serving to reciprocate : consisting of or functioning as a return in kind the reciprocal devastation of nuclear war 4a : mutually corresponding agreed to extend reciprocal privileges to each other's citizens b : marked by or based on reciprocity reciprocal trade agreements

flying (adj)

1a : moving or capable of moving in the air b : moving or made by moving rapidly flying feet a flying leap c : very brief 2 : intended for ready movement or action a flying squad car 3 : having stylized wings —used especially of livestock brand marks 4 : of or relating to the operation of aircraft a flying club 5 : traversed or to be traversed (as in speed-record trials) after a running start a flying kilometer with flying colors : with complete or eminent success.

political (adj)

1a : of or relating to government, a government, or the conduct of government b : of, relating to, or concerned with the making as distinguished from the administration of governmental policy 2 : of, relating to, involving, or involved in politics and especially party politics 3 : organized in governmental terms political units 4 : involving or charged or concerned with acts against a government or a political system political prisoners

polite (adj)

1a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of advanced culture b : marked by refined cultural interests and pursuits especially in arts and belles lettres 2a : showing or characterized by correct social usage b : marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy c : marked by a lack of roughness or crudities polite literature politer; politest

rival (n)

1a : one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess b : one striving for competitive advantage 2 obsolete : COMPANION, ASSOCIATE 3 : EQUAL, PEER

policy (n)

1a : prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs b : management or procedure based primarily on material interest 2a : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions b : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body

torpid (adj)

1a : sluggish in functioning or acting a torpid mind b : having lost motion or the power of exertion or feeling : NUMB c : exhibiting or characterized by torpor : DORMANT a torpid bird 2 : lacking in energy or vigor : APATHETIC, DULL

severe (adj)

1a : strict in judgment, discipline, or government b : of a strict or stern bearing or manner : AUSTERE 2 : rigorous in restraint, punishment, or requirement : STRINGENT 3 : strongly critical or condemnatory a severe critic 4a : maintaining a scrupulously exacting standard of behavior or self-discipline b : establishing exacting standards of accuracy and integrity in intellectual processes a severe logician 5 : sober or restrained in decoration or manner : PLAIN a severe dress 6a : causing discomfort or hardship : HARSH severe winters b : very painful or harmful a severe wound 7 : requiring great effort : ARDUOUS a severe test 8 : of a great degree severe depression severer; severest

recumbent (adj)

1a : suggestive of repose : LEANING, RESTING comfortably recumbent against a fallen tree b : lying down Then Mr. Grey was shown in, and found the squire recumbent on a sofa, with a store of books within his reach ... — Anthony Trollope 2 : representing a person lying down a recumbent statue 3 of a bicycle : having the seat positioned so that the rider's legs are extended horizontally forward to the pedals and the body is reclined a recumbent bicycle

variation (n)

1a : the act or process of varying : the state or fact of being varied b : an instance of varying c : the extent to which or the range in which a thing varies 2 : DECLINATION sense 6 3a : a change of algebraic sign between successive terms of a sequence b : a measure of the change in data, a variable, or a function 4 : the repetition of a musical theme with modifications in such elements as rhythm, melody, harmony, key, tempo, and accompaniment 5a : divergence in the structural or functional characteristics of an organism from the species or population norm or average b : something (such as an individual or group) that exhibits variation 6a : a solo dance in classic ballet b : a repetition in modern ballet of a movement sequence with changes

déjà vu (n)

1a : the illusion of remembering scenes and events when experienced for the first time b : a feeling that one has seen or heard something before Despite a blond, swept-back mane all his own, Fonda looks startlingly like his father, Henry ... . He even moves like his father, only dispelling the eerie feeling of déjà vu when he opens his mouth. —Peter Biskind 2 : something overly or unpleasantly familiar The team's poor start to the season was déjà vu for its long-suffering fans.

repugnance (n)

1a : the quality or fact of being contradictory or inconsistent b : an instance of such contradiction or inconsistency 2 : strong dislike, distaste, or antagonism

redundancy (n)

1a : the quality or state of being redundant : SUPERFLUITY b : the use of redundant components also : such components c chiefly British : dismissal from a job especially by layoff 2 : PROFUSION, ABUNDANCE 3a : superfluous repetition : PROLIXITY b : an act or instance of needless repetition 4 : the part of a message that can be eliminated without loss of essential information

plurality (n)

1a : the state of being plural b : the state of being numerous c : a large number or quantity 2 : PLURALISM sense 1 also : a benefice held by pluralism 3a : a number greater than another b : an excess of votes over those cast for an opposing candidate c : a number of votes cast for a candidate in a contest of more than two candidates that is greater than the number cast for any other candidate but not more than half the total votes cast

bear (v)

1a : to accept or allow oneself to be subjected to especially without giving way couldn't bear the pain I can't bear seeing you cry b : to call for as suitable or essential it bears watching c : ASSUME, ACCEPT d : to support the weight of : SUSTAIN e : to hold above, on top, or aloft f : to admit of : ALLOW 2a : to move while holding up and supporting (something) b : to have as a feature or characteristic bears a likeness to her grandmother c : to be equipped or furnished with (something) d : to have as an identification bore the name of John e : to hold in the mind or emotions bear malice f : BEHAVE, CONDUCT bearing himself well g : to give as testimony bear false witness h : DISSEMINATE i : LEAD, ESCORT j : RENDER, GIVE 3a : to give birth to b : to produce as yield c(1) : to permit growth of (2) : CONTAIN oil-bearing shale 4 : THRUST, PRESS intransitive verb 1a : to go or incline in an indicated direction b : to extend in a direction indicated or implied c : to be situated : LIE d : to become directed e : to force one's way 2a : APPLY, PERTAIN —often used with on or upon facts bearing on the question b : to exert influence or force 3 : to produce fruit : YIELD 4 : to support a weight or strain —often used with up bear a hand : to join in and help out bear arms 1 : to carry or possess arms 2 : to serve as a soldier bear fruit : to come to satisfying fruition, production, or development : to produce a desired result or reward bear in mind : to think of (something) especially as a warning : REMEMBER bear with : to be indulgent, patient, or forbearing with (someone)

batter (v)

1a : to beat with successive blows so as to bruise, shatter, or demolish battered down the door women who have been battered by their husbands b : BOMBARD battering targets with artillery fire battering the lawyer with questions c law : to commit battery against (someone) : to offensively touch or use force on (a person) without the person's consent ... was battered and cut badly enough to be hospitalized overnight. — N. R. Kleinfield ... studies showing that a woman is at greatest risk of being battered, and even murdered, by her partner when he suspects her of sexual infidelity. — Sharon Begley 2 : to subject to strong, overwhelming, or repeated attack battered by forces of change Their confidence was battered by a series of losses. 3 : to wear or damage by hard usage or blows a battered old hat intransitive verb 1 : to strike something heavily and repeatedly : BEAT, POUND flies battered against ... the electric-light bulbs — D. B. Chidsey 2 law : to commit battery against another : to offensively touch or use force on a person without the person's consent ... the personality characteristics and life histories that lead men to batter and kill. — Erica Goode battered; battering; batters

combine (v)

1a : to bring into such close relationship as to obscure individual characters : MERGE two companies combining forces b : to cause to unite into a chemical compound combining hydrofluoric acid with soda ash to form sodium fluoride c : to unite into a single number or expression Combine fractions and simplify. 2 : INTERMIX, BLEND Combine the sugar and flour. 3 : to possess in combination a writer whose works combine imagination and scholarship intransitive verb 1a : to become one The two newspapers combined as the Chronicle. b : to unite to form a chemical compound 2 : to act together Many factors combined to cause the recession. Wolves combine in their hunt for deer. combined; combining

blaze (v)

1a : to burn brightly the sun blazed overhead b : to flare up : FLAME inflation blazed up 2 : to be conspicuously brilliant or resplendent fields blazing with flowers 3 : to shoot rapidly and repeatedly —usually used with away 4 : to proceed extremely rapidly : BLAST blazing down the highway blazed; blazing

confound (v)

1a archaic : to bring to ruin : DESTROY b : BAFFLE, FRUSTRATE Conferences ... are not for accomplishment but to confound knavish tricks. — John Kenneth Galbraith 2 obsolete : CONSUME, WASTE 3a : to put to shame : DISCOMFIT a performance that confounded the critics b : REFUTE sought to confound his arguments 4 : DAMN 5 : to throw (a person) into confusion or perplexity tactics to confound the enemy 6a : to fail to discern differences between : mix up They implored Charles not to confound the innocent with the guilty ... — T. B. Macaulay b : to increase the confusion of confounded; confounding; confounds

warrant (v)

1a : to declare or maintain with certainty : be sure that I'll warrant he'll be here by noon b : to assure (a person) of the truth of what is said 2a : to guarantee to a person good title to and undisturbed possession of (something, such as an estate) b : to provide a guarantee of the security of (something, such as title to property sold) usually by an express covenant in the deed of conveyance c : to guarantee to be as represented d : to guarantee (something, such as goods sold) especially in respect of the quality or quantity specified 3 : to guarantee security or immunity to : SECURE I'll warrant him from drowning — William Shakespeare 4 : to give warrant or sanction to : AUTHORIZE the law warrants this procedure 5a : to give proof of the authenticity or truth of b : to give assurance of the nature of or for the undertaking of : GUARANTEE 6 : to serve as or give adequate ground or reason for promising enough to warrant further consideration warranted; warranting; warrants

rest (v)

1a : to get rest by lying down especially : SLEEP b : to lie dead 2 : to cease from action or motion : refrain from labor or exertion 3 : to be free from anxiety or disturbance 4 : to sit or lie fixed or supported a column rests on its pedestal 5a : to remain confident : TRUST cannot rest on that assumption b : to be based or founded the verdict rested on several sound precedents 6 : to remain for action or accomplishment the answer rests with you 7 of farmland : to remain idle or uncropped 8 : to bring to an end voluntarily the introduction of evidence in a law case transitive verb 1 : to give rest to 2 : to set at rest 3 : to place on or against a support 4 : to cause to be firmly fixed rested all hope in his child 5 : to desist voluntarily from presenting evidence pertinent to (a case at law) rested; resting; rests

return (v)

1a : to go back or come back again return home b : to go back in thought, practice, or condition : REVERT 2 : to pass back to an earlier possessor 3 : REPLY, RETORT transitive verb 1a : to give (something, such as an official account) to a superior b British : to elect (a candidate) as attested by official report or returns c : to bring back (something, such as a writ or verdict) to an office or tribunal 2a : to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place b : to restore to a former or to a normal state 3a : to send back : VISIT —usually used with on or upon b obsolete : RETORT 4 : to bring in (profit) : YIELD 5a : to give or perform in return : REPAY return a compliment also : to respond to in kind returned his calls b : to give back to the owner c : REFLECT return an echo 6 : to cause (something, such as a wall) to continue in a different direction (as at a right angle) 7 : to lead (a specified suit or specified card of a suit) in response to a partner's earlier lead 8a : to hit back (a ball or shuttlecock) b : to run with (a football) after a change of possession (as by a punt or a fumble) returned; returning; returns

exist (v)

1a : to have real being whether material or spiritual did unicorns exist the largest galaxy known to exist b : to have being in a specified place or with respect to understood limitations or conditions strange ideas existed in his mind 2 : to continue to be racism still exists in society 3a : to have life or the functions of vitality we cannot exist without oxygen b : to live at an inferior level or under adverse circumstances the hungry existing from day to day existed; existing; exists

smother (v)

1a : to kill by depriving of air b : to suppress (a fire) by excluding oxygen c : to overcome or discomfit through or as if through lack of air 2a : to suppress expression or knowledge of smothered his rage b : to stop or prevent the growth or activity of smother a child with too much care also : OVERWHELM c : to cover thickly : BLANKET snow smothered the trails d : to overcome or vanquish quickly or decisively e : to cause to smolder 3 : to overcome or kill with smoke or fumes 4 : to cook in a covered pan or pot with little liquid over low heat intransitive verb : to be overcome or killed through or as if through lack of air smothered; smothering

solicit (v)

1a : to make petition to : ENTREAT b : to approach with a request or plea solicited Congress for funding 2 : to urge (something, such as one's cause) strongly 3a : to entice or lure especially into evil b : to proposition (someone) especially as or in the character of a prostitute 4 : to try to obtain by usually urgent requests or pleas solicited donations intransitive verb 1 : to make solicitation : IMPORTUNE 2 of a prostitute : to offer to have sexual relations with someone for money solicited; soliciting; solicits

rejuvenate (v)

1a : to make young or youthful again : give new vigor to b : to restore to an original or new state rejuvenate old cars 2a : to stimulate (a stream) to renewed erosive activity especially by uplift b : to develop youthful features of topography in intransitive verb : to cause or undergo rejuvenescence rejuvenated; rejuvenating

vanish (v)

1a : to pass quickly from sight : DISAPPEAR b : to pass completely from existence 2 : to assume the value zero transitive verb : to cause to disappear vanished; vanishing; vanishes

pit (v)

1a : to place, cast, bury, or store in a pit b : to make pits in especially : to scar or mark with pits 2a : to set (fighting birds, such as gamecocks) into or as if into a pit to fight b : to set into opposition or rivalry —usually used with against intransitive verb 1 : to become marked with pits especially : to preserve for a time an indentation made by pressure 2 : to make a pit stop pitted; pitting

vamp (v)

1a : to provide (a shoe) with a new vamp b : to piece (something old) with a new part : PATCH vamp up old sermons 2 : INVENT, FABRICATE vamp up an excuse intransitive verb 1 : to play a musical vamp 2 : IMPROVISE, EXTEMPORIZE vamped; vamping; vamps

grave (adj)

1a obsolete : AUTHORITATIVE, WEIGHTY b : meriting serious consideration : IMPORTANT grave problems c : likely to produce great harm or danger a grave mistake d : significantly serious : CONSIDERABLE, GREAT grave importance 2 : having a serious and dignified quality or demeanor a grave and thoughtful look 3 : drab in color : SOMBER 4 : low-pitched in sound 5a of an accent mark : having the form ` b : marked with a grave accent c : of the variety indicated by a grave accent

horse (n)

1a(1) : a large solid-hoofed herbivorous ungulate mammal (Equus caballus, family Equidae, the horse family) domesticated since prehistoric times and used as a beast of burden, a draft animal, or for riding (2) : RACEHORSE lost a lot of money playing the horses b : a male horse especially : STALLION c : a recent or extinct animal (such as a zebra, ass, or onager) of the horse family 2a : JACKSTAY b : a frame usually with legs used for supporting something (such as planks or staging) : SAWHORSE c(1) gymnastics : POMMEL HORSE (2) gymnastics : VAULTING HORSE 3 horse plural : CAVALRY 4 geology : a mass of the same geological character as the wall rock that occurs within a vein of useful mineral matter 5 : HORSEPOWER a car with 275 horses 6 slang : HEROIN 7 : an athlete whose performance is consistently strong and reliable a team with the horses to win the pennant 8 or H-O-R-S-E : a game in which players take turns attempting to duplicate successful basketball shots, a letter of the word horse is awarded for each missed attempt, and the first player to receive all five letters loses from the horse's mouth : from the original source

deficit (n)

1a(1) : deficiency in amount or quality a deficit in rainfall (2) : a lack or impairment in an ability or functional capacity cognitive deficits a hearing deficit b : DISADVANTAGE scored two runs to overcome a 2-1 deficit 2a : an excess of expenditure over revenue facing a deficit of $3 billion raise taxes to help reduce the budget deficit b : a loss (see LOSS sense 4b) in business operations the year's operating deficit

cicisbeo (n)

: LOVER, GALLANT

never mind (conj)

: MUCH LESS, LET ALONE —used especially in negative contexts to add to one term another denoting something less likely with this knee I can hardly walk, never mind run

Polaris (n)

: NORTH STAR

piercing (adj)

: PENETRATING: such as a : LOUD, SHRILL piercing cries b : PERCEPTIVE piercing eyes c : penetratingly cold : BITING a piercing wind d : CUTTING, INCISIVE piercing sarcasm

revanche (n)

: REVENGE especially : a usually political policy designed to recover lost territory or status

self-reflection (n)

: SELF-EXAMINATION sense 1

self-pleased (adj)

: SELF-SATISFIED

Walter Mitty (n)

: a commonplace unadventurous person who seeks escape from reality through daydreaming

pons asinorum (n)

: a critical test of ability or understanding also : STUMBLING BLOCK

blunder (n)

: a gross error or mistake resulting usually from stupidity, ignorance, or carelessness a costly tactical blunder

value judgment (n)

: a judgment assigning a value (such as good or bad) to something

billet-doux (n)

: a love letter

momentum (n)

: a property (see PROPERTY sense 1a) of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass (see MASS entry 2 sense 1c) and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity broadly : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force or moment 2 : strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events The wagon gained momentum as it rolled down the hill.

snafu (n)

: a situation marked by errors or confusion : MUDDLE also : an error causing such a situation a scheduling snafu

porridge (n)

: a soft food made by boiling meal of grains or legumes in milk or water until thick

recidivism (n)

: a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior especially : relapse into criminal behavior

receptive (adj)

: able or inclined to receive especially : open and responsive to ideas, impressions, or suggestions 2a of a sensory end organ : fit to receive and transmit stimuli b : SENSORY 3 of a female animal : willing to copulate with a male a receptive mare

silent treatment (n)

: an act of completely ignoring a person or thing by resort to silence especially as a means of expressing contempt or disapproval

touch and go (adj)

: an airplane landing followed immediately by application of power and a takeoff and usually executed as one of a series for practice at landings

plan B (n)

: an alternative plan of action for use if the original plan should fail

best seller (n)

: an article (such as a book) whose sales are among the highest of its class

balancing act (n)

: an attempt to cope with several often conflicting factors or situations at the same time

graphic equalizer (n)

: an electronic device for adjusting the frequency response of an audio system by means of a number of controls each of which adjusts the response for a band centered on a particular frequency

ex gratia (adj or adv)

: as a favor : not compelled by legal right ex gratia pension payments

applicable (adj)

: capable of or suitable for being applied : APPROPRIATE statutes applicable to the case A fee is applicable when a scheduled payment is late.

circumspect (adj)

: careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : PRUDENT diplomacy required a circumspect response They are circumspect in all their business dealings.

excessive (adj)

: exceeding what is usual, proper, necessary, or normal

pervasive (adj)

: existing in or spreading through every part of something a pervasive odor

chock-full (adj)

: full to the limit hotels chock-full of tourists

polymorphism (n)

: the quality or state of existing in or assuming different forms: such as a(1) : existence of a species in several forms independent of the variations of sex (2) : existence of a gene in several allelic forms also : a variation in a specific DNA sequence (3) : existence of a molecule (such as an enzyme) in several forms in a single species b : the property of crystallizing in two or more forms with distinct structure

high fidelity (n)

: the reproduction of an effect (such as sound or an image) that is very faithful to the original

befriend (v)

: to become or act as a friend to befriended the new student befriended; befriending; befriends

regurgitate (v)

: to become thrown or poured back transitive verb : to throw or pour back or out from or as if from a cavity regurgitate food memorized facts to regurgitate on the exam regurgitated; regurgitating

showboat (v)

: to behave in a conspicuous or ostentatious manner : SHOW OFF showboated; showboating; showboats

power up (v)

: to cause to operate power up the computer

theorize (v)

: to form a theory : SPECULATE transitive verb 1 : to form a theory about 2 : to propose as a theory theorized; theorizing

shape up (v)

: to improve to a good or acceptable condition or standard of behavior shaping up at the gym transitive verb : to bring to a good or acceptable condition or standard of behavior

concatenate (v)

: to link together in a series or chain ... a theory is useful to concatenate facts ... — John Pinkerton concatenated; concatenating

condense (v)

: to make denser or more compact especially : to subject to condensation intransitive verb : to undergo condensation condensed; condensing

blather (v)

: to talk foolishly at length —often used with on blathered; blathering

grueling (adj)

: trying or taxing to the point of exhaustion : PUNISHING a grueling race

right away (adv)

: without delay or hesitation : IMMEDIATELY

Midas (n)

A Midas touch... a legendary Phrygian king who is given the power of turning everything he touches to gold

generative (adj)

a generative process. having the power or function of generating, originating, producing, or reproducing

peace offering (n)

a genuine peace offering. a gift or service for the purpose of procuring peace or reconciliation

rapport (n)

a friendly rapport. a friendly, harmonious relationship; especially : a relationship characterized by agreement, mutual understanding, or empathy that makes communication possible or easy

radio galaxy (n)

a galaxy that is a powerful source of radio waves

Paul Bunyan (n)

a giant lumberjack of American folklore

longing (n)

a longing for affection. a strong desire especially for something unattainable : craving — longingly

capoeira (n)

a Brazilian dance of African origin that incorporates martial arts movements such as kicks and chops

catch-22 (n)

a bit of a catch-22. 1 : a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule the show-business catch-22—no work unless you have an agent, no agent unless you've worked —Mary Murphy also : the circumstance or rule that denies a solution 2a : an illogical, unreasonable, or senseless situation b : a measure or policy whose effect is the opposite of what was intended c : a situation presenting two equally undesirable alternatives 3 : a hidden difficulty or means of entrapment : CATCH

knowledge engineering (n)

a branch of artificial intelligence that emphasizes the development and use of expert systems — knowledge engineer noun

great vowel shift (n)

a change in pronunciation of the long vowels of Middle English that began in the 15th century and continued into the 16th century in which the high vowels were diphthongized and the other vowels were raised

considerable (adj)

a considerable amount. 1 : worth consideration : significant a considerable artist 2 : large in extent or degree a considerable number She was in considerable pain. The trial attracted considerable public attention. — considerably adverb

cornerstone (n)

a cornerstone of society. 1 : a stone forming a part of a corner or angle in a wall specifically : such a stone laid at a formal ceremony 2 : a basic element : FOUNDATION a cornerstone of foreign policy

decisive (adj)

a decisive victory. 1 : having the power or quality of deciding The council president cast the decisive vote. a decisive battle 2 : RESOLUTE, DETERMINED a decisive manner decisive leaders a decisive editor 3 : UNMISTAKABLE, UNQUESTIONABLE a decisive superiority

ignoratio elenchi (n)

a fallacy in logic of supposing a point proved or disproved by an argument proving or disproving something not at issue

fissure (n)

a fissure between. 1 : a narrow opening or crack of considerable length and depth usually occurring from some breaking or parting a fissure in the earth's crust 2 a : a natural cleft between body parts or in the substance of an organ b : a break or slit in tissue usually at the junction of skin and mucous membrane 3 : a separation or disagreement in thought or viewpoint : schism fissures in a political party

fizzle (n)

a fizzling out romance. fizzled; fizzling play \ˈfi-z(ə-)liŋ\ intransitive verb 1 : fizz 2 : to fail or end feebly especially after a promising start —often used with out

flat-out (adj)

a flat-out lie. 1 : being or going at maximum effort or speed 2 : out-and-out, downright it was a flat-out lie

fortunate (adj)

a fortunate outcome. 1 : bringing some good thing not foreseen as certain : AUSPICIOUS made a fortunate investment 2 : receiving some unexpected good How fortunate we are to get such a nice room!

fraudulent (adj)

a fraudulent charge. characterized by, based on, or done by fraud : deceitful fraudulent use of a credit card fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation —Wall Street Journal — fraudulently adverb — fraudulentness noun

graphic (adj)

a graphic description. 1 a : of or relating to the pictorial arts; also : pictorial b : of, relating to, or involving such reproductive methods as those of engraving, etching, lithography, photography, serigraphy, and woodcut c : of or relating to the art of printing d : relating or according to graphics 2 : formed by writing, drawing, or engraving graphic inscriptions 3 usually graphic a : marked by clear lifelike or vividly realistic description b : vividly or plainly shown or described a graphic sex scene 4 usually graphical : of, relating to, or represented by a graph 5 : of or relating to the written or printed word or the symbols or devices used in writing or printing to represent sound or convey meaning the graphic symbols of the ancient Egyptians — graphically play \ˈgra-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb — graphicness

group (n)

a group of... 1 : two or more figures forming a complete unit in a composition went there as a group 2a : a number of individuals assembled together or having some unifying relationship a study group b : an assemblage of objects regarded as a unit one of the food groups c(1) : a military unit consisting of a headquarters and attached battalions (2) : a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a squadron and lower than a wing 3a : an assemblage of related organisms —often used to avoid taxonomic connotations when the kind or degree of relationship is not clearly defined b(1) : two or more atoms joined together or sometimes a single atom forming part of a molecule especially : FUNCTIONAL GROUP a methyl group (2) : an assemblage of elements forming one of the vertical columns of the periodic table c : a bed or layer of rocks deposited during an era 4 : a mathematical set that is closed under a binary associative operation, contains an identity element, and has an inverse for every element

bail (v)

a hard bail. 1 : to clear (water) from a boat by dipping and throwing over the side —usually used with out bailing water out of the boat 2 : to clear water from by dipping and throwing —usually used with out had to start bailing out the rowboat intransitive verb : BAIL OUT sense 2 You can't say he has ever bailed when things got tough, because that's just not true. —Richard Hoffer Before the party moved elsewhere, I bailed, exhausted. —Steve Hirdt

history (n)

a historical perspective. 1 : TALE, STORY 2a : a chronological record of significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes a history of Japan b : a treatise presenting systematically related natural phenomena (as of geography, animals, or plants) an illustrated history of North American birds c : an account of a patient's medical background reviewing her medical history d : an established record a prisoner with a history of violence 3 : a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events medieval history 4a : events that form the subject matter of a history the history of space exploration b : events of the past History has shown that such efforts rarely succeed. c : one that is finished or done for the winning streak was history you're history d : previous treatment, handling, or experience (as of a metal) a history of repeated exposure to freezing temperatures

hodgepodge (n)

a hodgepodge of... a heterogeneous mixture : jumble a hodgepodge of styles

hole-in-the-wall (n)

a hole-in-the-wall joint. : a small and often unpretentious out-of-the-way place (such as a restaurant)

homogenize (v)

a homogenized group. homogenized; homogenizing transitive verb 1 a : to blend (diverse elements) into a mixture that is the same throughout b : to make uniform in structure or composition throughout : to make homogeneous 2 a : to reduce to small particles of uniform size and distribute evenly usually in a liquid b : to reduce the particles of so that they are uniformly small and evenly distributed; specifically : to break up the fat globules of (milk) into very fine particles homogenized milk intransitive verb : to become uniform in structure or composition throughout : to become homogenized — homogenizer noun

latent (adj)

a latent skill. present and capable of emerging or developing but not now visible, obvious, active, or symptomatic a latent infection — latently adverb

glottochronology (n)

a linguistic method that uses the rate of vocabulary replacement to estimate the date of divergence for distinct but genetically related languages — glottochronological

setback (n)

a major setback. 1 : a checking of progress 2 : defeat, reverse 3 : 4pitch 7 4 : a placing of a face of a building on a line some distance to the rear of the building line or of the wall below; also : the area produced by a setback 5 : automatic scheduled adjustment to a lower temperature setting of a thermostat 6 : the distance of a structure or other feature (such as a well or septic system) from the property line or other feature

masculine (adj)

a masculine approach. 1 a : male masculine members of the choir b : having qualities appropriate to or usually associated with a man a masculine voice 2 : of, relating to, or constituting the gender that ordinarily includes most words or grammatical forms referring to males masculine nouns 3 a : having or occurring in a stressed final syllable masculine rhyme b : having the final chord occurring on a strong beat masculine cadence — masculinely adverb — masculinity

gravitational lens (n)

a massive celestial object (such as a galaxy) that bends and focuses the light of another more distant object (such as a quasar) by gravity and that is usually detected by the multiple images it forms of the second object

meander (v)

a meandering story. meandered; meandering \-d(ə-)riŋ\ intransitive verb 1 : to follow a winding or intricate course across the ceiling meandered a long crack —John Galsworthy 2 : to wander aimlessly or casually without urgent destination : ramble he meandered with the sightseers gawping at the boat people —John le Carré

meaningful (adj)

a meaningful way. 1 a : having a meaning or purpose The tests did not produce any meaningful results. b : full of meaning : significant a meaningful life a meaningful relationship 2 : having an assigned function in a language system meaningful propositions — meaningfully play \-fə-lē\ adverb — meaningfulness noun

medium (n)

a medium of exchange. plural mediums or media play \ˈmē-dē-ə\ 1 a : something in a middle position These shirts are all mediums. b : a middle condition or degree : mean Look for a happy medium. 2 : a means of effecting or conveying something: such as a (1) : a substance regarded as the means of transmission (see transmission 1) of a force or effect air is the medium that conveys sound (2) : a surrounding or enveloping substance (3) : the tenuous material (such as gas and dust) in space that exists outside large agglomerations (see agglomeration 2) of matter (such as stars) interstellar medium b plural usually media (1) : a channel or system of communication, information, or entertainment — compare mass medium (2) : a publication or broadcast that carries advertising (3) : a mode of artistic expression or communication as his literary medium he has chosen a biographical form —Ernest Newman (4) : something (such as a magnetic disk) on which information may be stored c media plural : digital audio or video files available for playback or streaming ... the free video broadcasts can be downloaded to portable media players from a number of popular pod[cast] and vodcast Web sites. —Steve Miller Apple's current keyboards can use the function keys ... for alternate functions such as controlling volume, screen brightness, media playback ... —Dan Frakes d : go-between, intermediary the medium of introduction was no doubt ... the publisher —Richard Garnett d plural mediums : an individual held to be a channel of communication between the earthly world and a world of spirits e : material or technical means of artistic expression (such as paint and canvas, sculptural stone, or literary or musical form) 3 a : a condition or environment in which something may function or flourish Ocean fish live in a medium of salt water. b plural media (1) : a nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of cells or organisms and especially bacteria (2) : a fluid or solid in which organic (see 1organic 3) structures are placed (as for preservation or mounting) c : a liquid with which pigment is mixed by a painter

adjustable rate mortgage (n)

a mortgage having an interest rate which is usually initially lower than that of a mortgage with a fixed rate but is adjusted periodically according to the cost of funds to the lender

myriad (n)

a myriad of... 1 : ten thousand 2 : a great number a myriad of ideas

nebulous (adj)

a nebulous thought. 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a nebula : nebular 2 : indistinct, vague ... this nebulous thing called jazz. —Josef Woodard ... the nebulous region between mere suspicion and probable cause —W. R. LaFave & J. H. Israel The plan is too nebulous. — nebulously adverb — nebulousness noun

negligible (adj)

a negligible amount. so small or unimportant or of so little consequence as to warrant little or no attention : trifling a negligible error last year sales were negligible a negligible risk a negligible effect — negligibility play \ˌne-gli-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun — negligibly

one-stop (adj)

a one-stop shop. providing or offering a comprehensive range of goods or services at one location; also : provided or offered at such a location one-stop shopping

passionate (adj)

a passionate appeal. 1 a : easily aroused to anger a passionate but not a vicious boy —H. E. Scudder b : filled with anger : angry was passionate in her defense of her cub, and rage transformed her —G. D. Brown 2 a : capable of, affected by, or expressing intense feeling a passionate performance a passionate coach b : enthusiastic, ardent is passionate about basketball 3 : swayed by or affected with sexual desire a passionate love affair — passionately adverb — passionateness noun

raucous (adj)

a raucous bar. 1 : disagreeably harsh or strident : hoarse raucous voices 2 : boisterously disorderly a ... raucous frontier town —Truman Capote — raucously adverb — raucousness noun

lunatic (adj)

a raving lunatic. 1 dated a : affected with a severely disordered state of mind : insane b : designed for the care of mentally ill people a lunatic asylum 2 : wildly foolish a lunatic idea lunatic behavior — lunatic noun

homeostasis (n)

a relatively stable state of equilibrium or a tendency toward such a state between the different but interdependent elements or groups of elements of an organism, population, or group striving to achieve homeostasis — homeostatic adjective

scrupulous (adj)

a scrupulous individual. 1 : having moral integrity : acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper 2 : punctiliously exact : painstaking working with scrupulous care — scrupulously adverb — scrupulousness noun

seat (n)

a seat at the table. 1a : a special chair of one in eminence also : the status represented by it b : a chair, stool, or bench intended to be sat in or on c : the particular part of something on which one rests in sitting the seat of a chair trouser seat d : BUTTOCKS 2a : a seating accommodation a seat for the game a 200-seat restaurant b : a right of sitting lost his seat in Congress c : membership on an exchange 3a : a place where something specified is prevalent : CENTER a seat of learning b : a place from which authority is exercised the county seat c : a bodily part in which some function or condition is centered the brain as the seat of the mind 4 : posture in or way of sitting on horseback 5a : a part at or forming the base of something b : a part (such as a socket) or surface on or in which another part or surface rests by the seat of one's pants : using experience and intuition rather than mechanical aids or formal theory

secondary (adj)

a secondary goal. 1a : of second rank, importance, or value b : of, relating to, or constituting the second strongest of the three or four degrees of stress recognized by most linguists the fourth syllable of basketball team carries secondary stress c of a tense : expressive of past time 2a : immediately derived from something original, primary, or basic b : of, relating to, or being the induced current or its circuit in an induction coil or transformer secondary voltage c : characterized by or resulting from the substitution of two atoms or groups in a molecule a secondary salt especially : being, characterized by, or attached to a carbon atom having bonds to two other carbon atoms d(1) : not first in order of occurrence or development (2) : dependent or consequent on another disease or condition secondary hypertension (3) : produced by activity of formative tissue and especially cambium other than that at a growing point secondary growth secondary phloem 3a : of, relating to, or being the second order or stage in a series b : of, relating to, or being the second segment of the wing of a bird or the quills of this segment c : of or relating to a secondary school secondary education

sedentary (adj)

a sedentary lifestyle. 1 : not migratory : SETTLED sedentary birds sedentary civilizations 2a : doing or requiring much sitting a sedentary job b : not physically active a sedentary lifestyle 3 : permanently attached sedentary barnacles

seismic (adj)

a seismic shift in public opinion. 1 : of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake also : of or relating to an earth vibration caused by something else (such as an explosion or the impact of a meteorite) 2 : of or relating to a vibration on a celestial body (such as the moon) comparable to a seismic event on earth 3 : having a strong or widespread impact : EARTHSHAKING seismic social changes

self-evident (adj)

a self-evident truth. : evident without proof or reasoning

senseless (adj)

a senseless act. : destitute of, deficient in, or contrary to sense: such as a : UNCONSCIOUS knocked senseless b : FOOLISH, STUPID it was some senseless practical joke —A. Conan Doyle c : MEANINGLESS a senseless murder

stripped-down (adj)

a stripped-down version. : lacking any extra features

tone-deaf (adj)

a tone-deaf joke. 1 : relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch 2 : having or showing an obtuse insensitivity or lack of perception particularly in matters of public sentiment, opinion, or taste The White House long ago concluded that she is aloof and politically tone-deaf ... —Michael Duffy At the time, I wondered how such an intelligent man could be so tone-deaf to the harsh realities facing the nation ... —Peniel E. Joseph

thought-out (adj)

a well thought-out argument. : produced or arrived at through mental effort and especially through careful and thorough consideration a thought-out plan

gyroscope (n)

a wheel or disk mounted to spin rapidly about an axis and also free to rotate about one or both of two axes perpendicular to each other and to the axis of spin so that a rotation of one of the two mutually perpendicular axes results from application of torque to the other when the wheel is spinning and so that the entire apparatus offers considerable opposition depending on the angular momentum to any torque that would change the direction of the axis of spin — gyroscopic adjective — gyroscopically

mercurial (adj)

a witty, mercurial nature. 1 : of, relating to, or born under the planet Mercury 2 : having qualities of eloquence, ingenuity, or thievishness attributed to the god Mercury or to the influence of the planet Mercury 3 : characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness of mood a mercurial temper 4 : of, relating to, containing, or caused by mercury — mercurially adverb — mercurialness noun

acknowledge (v)

acknowledging others. acknowledged; acknowledging transitive verb 1 : to recognize the rights, authority, or status of They acknowledged him as their leader. 2 : to disclose knowledge of or agreement with She readily acknowledged her mistake. 3 a : to express gratitude or obligation for acknowledge a gift b : to take notice of failed to acknowledge my greeting c : to make known the receipt of acknowledge a letter 4 : to recognize as genuine or valid acknowledge a debt

galore (adj)

abundant, plentiful —used postpositively bargains galore

color (n)

adding color to... 1 a : a phenomenon of light (such as red, brown, pink, or gray) or visual perception that enables one to differentiate otherwise identical objects b (1) : the aspect of the appearance of objects and light sources that may be described in terms of hue, lightness, and saturation (see saturation 4) for objects and hue, brightness, and saturation for light sources the changing color of the sky; also : a specific combination of hue, saturation, and lightness or brightness comes in six colors (2) : a color other than and as contrasted with black, white, or gray 2 a : an outward often deceptive show : appearance His story has the color of truth. b : a legal claim to or appearance of a right, authority, or office c : a pretense offered as justification : pretext the color for his action d : an appearance of authenticity : plausibility lending color to this notion 3 : complexion tint: a : the tint characteristic of good health ... sat looking at her with wistful eyes, trying to see signs of hope in the faint color on Beth's cheeks. —Louisa May Alcott b : blush 4 a : vividness or variety of effects of language ... that color and force of style which were later to make him outstanding among American editors ... —Arthur Krock b : local color 5 a : an identifying badge, pennant, or flag —usually used in plural a ship sailing under Swedish colors b : colored clothing distinguishing one as a member of a particular group or representative of a particular person or thing —usually used in plural a jockey wearing the colors of the stablewore his college colors to the game 6 a colors plural : position as to a question or course of action : stand ... the USSR changed neither its colors nor its stripes during all of this ... —Norman Mailer b : character, nature —usually used in plural showed himself in his true colors 7 a : the use or combination of colors b : two or more hues employed in a medium of presentation movies in color 8 colors plural a : a naval or nautical salute to a flag being hoisted or lowered b : armed forces 9 : vitality, interest The play had a good deal of color to it. 10 : something used to give color : pigment 11 : the quality of timbre in music the color and richness of the cello 12 : skin pigmentation especially other than white characteristic of race a person of color 13 : a small particle of gold in a gold miner's pan after washing 14 : analysis of game action or strategy, statistics and background information on participants, and often anecdotes provided by a sportscaster to give variety and interest to the broadcast of a game or contest a color commentator 15 : a hypothetical property of quarks that differentiates each type into three forms having a distinct role in binding quarks together

affiliate (v)

affiliated with. affiliated; affiliating transitive verb 1 a : to bring or receive into close connection as a member or branch The medical school is affiliated with a hospital. b : to associate as a member affiliates herself with the local club 2 : to trace the origin of affiliated Shakespeare's Hamlet to earlier plays intransitive verb : to connect or associate oneself : combine refused to affiliate with any political party — affiliation

affirm (v)

affirming encouragement. 1a : VALIDATE, CONFIRM He was affirmed as a candidate. b : to state positively He affirmed his innocence. 2 : to assert (something, such as a judgment or decree) as valid or confirmed The court affirmed his conviction. 3 : to show or express a strong belief in or dedication to (something, such as an important idea) laws affirming the racial equality of all people intransitive verb 1 : to testify or declare by affirmation (see AFFIRMATION sense 2) as distinguished from swearing an oath 2 : to uphold a judgment or decree of a lower court

air (n)

an air of... 1a archaic : BREATH b : the mixture of invisible odorless tasteless gases (such as nitrogen and oxygen) that surrounds the earth also : the equivalent mix of gases on another planet ... the thin, frigid air of Mars. —Stefano S. Coledan c : a light breeze 2a : empty space b : NOTHINGNESS vanished into thin air c old-fashioned : a sudden severance of relations She gave me the air. 3 [ probably translation of Italian aria ] a : TUNE, MELODY a lilting air b Elizabethan & Jacobean music : an accompanied song or melody in usually strophic form c : the chief voice part or melody in choral music 4a : outward appearance of a thing an air of luxury b : a surrounding or pervading influence : ATMOSPHERE an air of mystery c : the look, appearance, or bearing of a person especially as expressive of some personal quality or emotion : DEMEANOR an air of dignity d : an artificial or affected manner put on airs 5 : public utterance He gave air to his opinion. 6 : COMPRESSED AIR 7a(1) : AIRCRAFT traveling by air (2) : AVIATION air safety air rights (3) : AIR FORCE air headquarters b(1) : the medium of transmission of radio waves also : RADIO, TELEVISION went on the air (2) : AIRTIME 8 : a football offense utilizing primarily the forward pass Trailing by 20 points, the team took to the air. 9 : an air-conditioning system a house with central air 10 : the height achieved in performing an aerial maneuver a snowboarder catching big air also : the maneuver itself in the air : being felt or expressed by many people : in wide circulation There was a sense of anticipation in the air. up in the air : not yet settled a question that's still up in the air

inelegant (adj)

an inelegant solution. lacking in refinement, grace, or good taste — inelegantly adverb

informed (adj)

an informed decision. 1 a : having information informed sources informed observers b : based on possession of information an informed opinion 2 : educated, knowledgeable what the informed person should know — informedly

intimate (adj)

an intimate setting. 1a : marked by a warm friendship developing through long association intimate friends b : suggesting informal warmth or privacy intimate clubs c : engaged in, involving, or marked by sex or sexual relations It must have been a shock for the author to realize—somewhere between contract and completed manuscript—that while Ms. Brickman was intimate with dozens of mobsters, she was close to none of them. —Amy Pagnozzi The father of three children by three women doesn't have a girlfriend and says he hasn't been intimate with anyone in two months. —Michael Silver 2 : of a very personal or private nature intimate secrets 3 : marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity intimate knowledge of the law 4a : INTRINSIC, ESSENTIAL b : belonging to or characterizing one's deepest nature

observant (adj)

an obsevant nature. 1 a : paying strict attention : watchful an observant spectator b : keen, perceptive observant of the mistakes of others Good reporters are keenly observant of everything around them. 2 : careful in observing rites, laws, or customs : mindful pious and religiously observant families —Sidney Hook always observant of the amenities — observantly adverb

outright (adv)

an outright lie. 1 archaic : straight ahead : directly 2 : in entirety : completely rejected the proposal outright outright refuses to cooperate with law enforcement —Tim Murphy 3 : without restraint or reservation laughed outright cried outright 4 : on the spot : instantaneously was killed outright 5 : without lien (see lien 1) or encumbrance (see encumbrance 2) purchased the property outright for cash

react (v)

an over-reaction. reacted; reacting; reacts intransitive verb 1 : to exert a reciprocal or counteracting force or influence —often used with on or upon 2 : to change in response to a stimulus 3 : to act in opposition to a force or influence —usually used with against 4 : to move or tend in a reverse direction 5 : to undergo chemical reaction transitive verb : to cause to react

overzealous (adj)

an overzealous negotiator. too zealous : having or showing too much zeal : excessively eager, enthusiastic, or fervent overzealous parents overzealous workers ... another version of the overzealous monitoring that has produced kids who leave for college without ever having crossed the street by themselves. —Peggy Orenstein The village saw the orders as unwarranted interference from an overzealous state bureaucracy and promptly appealed. —Joe Treen and S. Avery Brown — overzealously adverb ... has been frequently accused by its critics of acting recklessly, overzealously, and even, at times, illegally. —Steve Lustgarden — overzealousness noun Jewell was annoyed that press descriptions of him always emphasized his overzealousness; he considers himself a man of details. —Marie Brenner

fact of life (n)

an unfortunate fact of life. 1 : something that exists and must be taken into consideration 2 facts of life plural : the fundamental physiological processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction

analytic (adj)

analytical perspective. 1 : of or relating to analysis or analytics; especially : separating something into component parts or constituent elements 2 : being a proposition (such as no bachelor is married) whose truth is evident from the meaning of the words it contains — compare synthetic 3 : skilled in or using analysis especially in thinking or reasoning a keenly analytic person/mind an analytical study 4 linguistics : characterized by the use of function words rather than inflectional forms to express grammatical relationships analytic languages 5 : psychoanalytic 6 mathematics : treated or treatable by or using the methods of algebra and calculus 7 mathematics a of a function of a real variable : capable of being expanded in a Taylor's series in powers of x − h in some neighborhood of the point h b of a function of a complex variable : differentiable at every point in some neighborhood of a given point — analytically play \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb — analyticity

golden retriever (n)

any of a breed of medium-sized retrievers having a flat moderately long golden coat

Shiba Inu (n)

any of a breed of small thick-coated agile dogs developed in Japan

horned owl (n)

any of various owls having conspicuous tufts of feathers on the head especially : GREAT HORNED OWL

astute (adj)

astute observation. having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly : mentally sharp or clever an astute observer astute remarks; also : crafty, wily — astutely adverb — astuteness noun

routine (adj)

becoming routine. 1 a : a regular course of procedure if resort to legal action becomes a campus routine —J. A. Perkins b : habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure the routine of factory work 2 : a reiterated speech or formula the old After you routine —Ray Russell 3 : a worked-out part (as of an entertainment or sports contest) that may be often repeated a dance routine; especially : a theatrical number 4 : a sequence of computer instructions for performing a particular task

narcissism (n)

being a narcissist. 1 : egoism, egocentrism ... up until my late 30's I lived in a state of utterly monstrous narcissism and self-absorption ... —Frank Conroy 2 : love of or sexual desire for one's own body His wife complained that she couldn't compete with her husband's narcissism. — narcissist noun or adjective — narcissistic

choosy (adj)

being choosy. : fastidiously selective : PARTICULAR choosy shoppers

believe (v)

believe in your abilities. believed; believing transitive verb 1 a : to consider to be true or honest believe the reports you wouldn't believe how long it took b : to accept the word or evidence of I believe you couldn't believe my ears 2 : to hold as an opinion : suppose I believe it will rain soon intransitive verb 1 a : to accept something as true, genuine, or real ideals we believe in believes in ghosts b : to have a firm or wholehearted religious conviction or persuasion : to regard the existence of God as a fact Do you believe? —usually used with in believe in the Scriptures 2 : to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something believe in exercise 3 : to hold an opinion : think I believe so — believer noun — not believe : to be astounded at I couldn't believe my luck

intention (n)

best of intentions. 1 : a determination to act in a certain way : RESOLVE 2 : IMPORT, SIGNIFICANCE 3a : what one intends to do or bring about b : the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered 4 : a process or manner of healing of incised wounds 5 : CONCEPT especially : a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge 6 intentions plural : purpose with respect to marriage

broad-spectrum (adj)

broad-spectrum antibiotics 1 : effective against a wide range of organisms (such as insects or bacteria) a broad-spectrum antibiotic 2 : effective in protecting skin from ultraviolet radiation by absorbing or blocking both UVA and UVB rays broad-spectrum sunscreens

template (n)

building a template. 1 a (1) : a gauge, pattern, or mold (such as a thin plate or board) used as a guide to the form of a piece being made (2) : a molecule (as of DNA) that serves as a pattern for the generation of another macromolecule (such as messenger RNA) b : overlay c 2 : something that establishes or serves as a pattern 3 : a short piece or block placed horizontally in a wall under a beam to distribute its weight or pressure (as over a door)

conjecture (n)

but that's just conjecture. 1 a : inference formed without proof or sufficient evidence b : a conclusion deduced by surmise or guesswork The criminal's motive remains a matter of conjecture. c : a proposition (as in mathematics) before it has been proved or disproved 2 obsolete a : interpretation of omens b : supposition

flat-footed (adj)

caught flat-footed. 1 : affected with flatfoot; broadly : walking with a dragging or shambling gait 2 a : firm and well balanced on the feet b : free from reservation : forthright had an honest flat-footed way of saying a thing 3 : not ready : unprepared —used chiefly in the phrase catch one flat-footed 4 : proceeding in a plodding or unimaginative way : pedestrian flat-footed prose — flat-footedly adverb — flat-footedness noun

cagey (adj)

cagier; cagiest 1 : hesitant about committing oneself officials are cagey about giving out details 2 a : wary of being trapped or deceived : shrewd a cagey consumer b : marked by cleverness a cagey reply — cagily adverb — caginess or less commonly cageyness

lethal (adj)

can be lethal. 1 a : of, relating to, or causing death death by lethal injection b : capable of causing death lethal chemicals 2 : gravely damaging or destructive : devastating a lethal attack on his reputation 3 : very potent or effective a lethal fastball; also : having a high alcohol content a lethal rum punch — lethality play \lē-ˈtha-lə-tē\ noun — lethally

candescent (adj)

candescent light/personality. glowing or dazzling from or as if from great heat

irritable (adj)

capable of being irritated: such as a : easily exasperated or excited gets irritable when he tires b : responsive to stimuli — irritableness noun — irritably

free-for-all (n)

capitalism is essentially a free-for-all. a competition, dispute, or fight open to all comers and usually with no rules : brawl; also : a chaotic situation resembling a free-for-all especially in lacking rules or structure the press conference deteriorated into a free-for-all — free-for-all adjective

captivate (v)

captivated; captivating transitive verb 1 archaic : seize, capture 2 : to influence and dominate by some special charm, art, or trait and with an irresistible appeal We were captivated by her beauty. The scenery captivated our attention. — captivation play \ˌkap-tə-ˈvā-shən\ noun — captivator

caravan (v)

caravan together. : to travel in a caravan

footprint (n)

carbon footprint. 1 : an impression of the foot on a surface 2 a : the area on a surface covered by something a tire with a wide footprint the footprint of a laser beam b : range of operation (as of a service) a global footprint 3 : a marked effect, impression, or impact left a footprint in the field of research 4 : something that identifies a genetic footprint

celebrate (v)

celebrated author; celebrate a victory. celebrated; celebrating transitive verb 1 : to perform (a sacrament or solemn ceremony) publicly and with appropriate rites A priest celebrates Mass. 2 a : to honor (an occasion, such as a holiday) especially by solemn ceremonies or by refraining from ordinary business The nation celebrates Memorial Day. b : to mark (something, such as an anniversary) by festivities or other deviation from routine celebrated their 25th anniversary 3 : to hold up or play up for public notice her poetry celebrates the glory of nature intransitive verb 1 : to observe a holiday, perform a religious ceremony, or take part in a festival The holiday revelers celebrated all day long. 2 : to observe a notable occasion with festivities decided the only way to celebrate was to have a party — celebration play \ˌse-lə-ˈbrā-shən\ noun — celebrative play \ˈse-lə-ˌbrā-tiv\ adjective — celebrator play \-tər\ noun — celebratory play \-brə-ˌtȯr-ē, ˌse-lə-ˈbrā-tə-rē\ adjective

cherish (v)

cherish your loved ones and good health. 1a : to hold dear : feel or show affection for cherished her friends b : to keep or cultivate with care and affection : NURTURE cherishes his marriage 2 : to entertain or harbor in the mind deeply and resolutely still cherishes that memory

chide (v)

chided for (careless errors). chid chided; chid or chidden or chided; chiding intransitive verb : to speak out in angry or displeased rebuke is quick to chide against the mayor for his negligence transitive verb : to voice disapproval to : reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner : scold She chided us for arriving late.

clamor (v)

clamoring for.. clamored; clamoring intransitive verb 1 : to make a din (see 1din 1) The children clamored around them, singing songs and laughing. 2 : to become loudly insistent clamored for his impeachment clamoring for full independence transitive verb 1 : to utter or proclaim insistently and noisily cart peddlers clamored their wares —Walter Farley 2 : to influence by means of clamor

clunky (adj)

clunky software. : clumsy in style, form, or execution a clunky thriller clunky earrings

cultivate (v)

cultivating talent. cultivated; cultivating transitive verb 1 : to prepare or prepare and use for the raising of crops Some fields are cultivated while others lie fallow.; also : to loosen or break up the soil about (growing plants) 2 a : to foster the growth of cultivate vegetables cultivate coffee b : culture 2a cultivate oysters for pearls c : to improve by labor, care, or study : refine cultivate the mind ... cultivated a reputation as a hard-core wheeler-dealer ... —Kit Boss 3 : further, encourage cultivate the arts 4 : to seek the society of : make friends with looking for influential people to cultivate as friends — cultivatable

knowledge (n)

deep knowledge of... 1 a (1) : the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association (2) : acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique b (1) : the fact or condition of being aware of something (2) : the range of one's information or understanding answered to the best of my knowledge c : the circumstance or condition of apprehending truth or fact through reasoning : cognition d : the fact or condition of having information or of being learned a person of unusual knowledge 2 a : the sum of what is known : the body of truth, information, and principles acquired by humankind b archaic : a branch of learning 3 archaic : sexual intercourse 4 obsolete : cognizance

delineate (v)

delineate steps. : to describe, portray, or set forth with accuracy or in detail delineate a character in the story delineate the steps to be taken by the government 2 a : to indicate or represent by drawn or painted lines b : to mark the outline of lights delineating the narrow streets — delineator noun

delinquent (adj)

delinquent payment. 1 : offending by neglect or violation of duty or of law ... were clearly delinquent in not immediately alerting Western Europe to the accident ... —Richard Wilson 2 : being overdue in payment a delinquent charge account ... efforts to crack down on parents delinquent in child-support payments ... —Todd S. Purdum 3 : of, relating to, or characteristic of people who regularly perform illegal or immoral acts : marked by delinquency (see delinquency 1b) delinquent behavior — delinquently adverb

demonstrate (v)

demonstrate your abilities. 1 : to show clearly demonstrate a willingness to cooperate must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in order to pass the class The police demonstrated calm restraint during the riot. 2 a : to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence crowded classrooms that demonstrate the need for more schools in the area b : to illustrate and explain especially with many examples demonstrate a procedure 3 : to show or prove the value or efficiency of to a prospective buyer demonstrate a new kitchen gadget intransitive verb : to make a demonstration Allow me to demonstrate. crowds demonstrating for the right to vote

denote (v)

denoted by... 1 : to serve as an indication of : betoken the swollen bellies that denote starvation 2 : to serve as an arbitrary mark for red flares denoting danger 3 : to make known : announce his crestfallen look denoted his distress 4 a : to serve as a linguistic expression of the notion of : mean in the southern U.S., the word toboggan denotes a stocking cap b : to stand for : designate the symbol / denotes or, and or, or per An epiphany is, literally, a showing. In Christian terminology it denotes the showing of the infant Jesus to the three Magi. —David Lodge — denotement

deontology (n)

deontological perspective. the theory or study of moral obligation — deontological adjective — deontologist

departure (n)

departure from the norm. 1 a (1) : the act or an instance of departing (2) archaic : death b : a setting out (as on a new course) 2 : divergence 2 a departure from tradition

relationship (n)

developing a relationship with... 1 : the state of being related or interrelated studied the relationship between the variables 2 : the relation connecting or binding participants in a relationship: such as a : KINSHIP b : a specific instance or type of kinship 3a : a state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings had a good relationship with his family b : a romantic or passionate attachment

jest (n)

done in jest. 1 : a joking or mocking remark a clever jest 2 a : prank b : a ludicrous circumstance or incident a proper jest, and never heard before, that Suffolk should demand a whole fifteenth for costs and charges —William Shakespeare 3 a : a frivolous mood or manner —usually used with in spoken in jest b : gaiety and merriment I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of excellent fancy —William Shakespeare 4 : laughingstock — jest verb

gloom (n)

doom and gloom. 1a : partial or total darkness b : a dark or shadowy place 2a : lowness of spirits : DEJECTION b : an atmosphere of despondency a gloom fell over the household

embark (v)

embark on a journey. embarked; embarking; embarks intransitive verb 1 : to go on board a vehicle for transportation the troops embarked at noon 2 : to make a start embarked on a new career transitive verb 1 : to cause to go on board (a boat, an airplane, etc.) 2 : to engage, enlist, or invest in an enterprise — embarkation play \ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən, -bər-\ noun — embarkment

embellish (v)

embellishing a story. embellished; embellishing; embellishes transitive verb 1 : to make beautiful with ornamentation : decorate a book embellished with illustrations 2 : to heighten the attractiveness of by adding decorative or fanciful details : enhance embellished our account of the trip — embellisher noun

embody (v)

embodied; embodying transitive verb 1 : to give a body to (a spirit) : incarnate 2 a : to deprive of spirituality b : to make concrete and perceptible 3 : to cause to become a body or part of a body : incorporate 4 : to represent in human or animal form : personify men who greatly embodied the idealism of American life —A. M. Schlesinger born 1917 — embodier noun

eschew (v)

eschewing negative friendships. eschewed; eschewing; eschews transitive verb : to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds : shun — eschewal

essential (adj)

essential component/personnel. 1 : of, relating to, or constituting essence : inherent 2 a : of the utmost importance : basic, indispensable, necessary an essential requirement for admission to college b : being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet a vegetable oil rich in essential fatty acids — see also essential amino acid — compare nonessential 2 3 : idiopathic essential disease essential hypertension — essentially play \i-ˈsench-lē, -ˈsen(t)-shə-\ adverb — essentialness

dominance (n)

exerting dominance. 1 : the fact or state of being dominant: such as a sociology : controlling, prevailing, or powerful position especially in a social hierarchy (see HIERARCHY sense 4) male dominance political dominance companies competing for dominance in the market dominance over their rivals b genetics : the property of one of a pair of alleles or traits that suppresses expression (see EXPRESSION sense 1b(4)) of the other in the heterozygous condition c ecology : the influence or control over ecological communities exerted by a dominant (see DOMINANT entry 2 sense 2b) 2 biology : functional (see FUNCTIONAL sense 1b) asymmetry between a pair of bodily structures (such as the right and left hands) right brain dominance

clarity (n)

expanding on a subject for clarity's sake. : the quality or state of being clear : LUCIDITY There is a lack of clarity in many legal documents.

firsthand (adj)

experiencing firsthand. obtained by, coming from, or being direct personal observation or experience a firsthand account of the war ... had a firsthand view of the turmoil that wracked the region. —William W. Finan, Jr. — firsthand adverb

middle ground (n)

finding a middle ground between... 1 : a standpoint or area midway between extreme or opposing positions, options, or objectives 2 : middle distance 1

fire away (v)

fire away. intransitive verb : to speak without hesitation —usually used as an imperative

glove (n)

fits like a glove. 1 a : a covering for the hand having separate sections for each of the fingers and the thumb and often extending part way up the arm b : 1gauntlet 1 2 a (1) : a padded leather covering for the hand used in baseball to catch a thrown or batted ball; specifically : one having individual thumb and finger sections usually connected with a lacing or webbing — compare mitt (2) : fielding ability he's got a good glove at three positions and can pinch-hit —Casey Stengel b : boxing glove 3 a : 1gauntlet 3 b gloves plural : the restraints of civility the gloves came off for the interview

fly (adj)

flew; flown flying intransitive verb 1 a : to move in or pass through the air with wings bees flying around the hive b : to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space bullets flying in all directions c : to float, wave, or soar in the air flags flying at half-mast 2 a : to take flight : flee was forced to fly for his life when his enemies came into power b : to fade and disappear : vanish mists flying before the morning sun 3 a : to move, pass, or spread quickly rumors were flying b : to be moved with sudden extreme emotion flew into a rage c : to seem to pass quickly the time simply flew 4 : to become expended or dissipated rapidly After he became established in the town, his inheritance flew. 5 : to operate or travel in an airplane or spacecraft They flew to Florida for their vacation. 6 : to work successfully : win popular acceptance knew ... a pure human-rights approach would not fly —Charles Brydon transitive verb 1 a : to cause to fly, float, or hang in the air flying a kite b : to operate (something, such as a balloon, aircraft, rocket, or spacecraft) in flight c : to journey over or through by flying flew the Atlantic 2 a : to flee or escape from The bird had flown its cage. b : avoid, shun fly such a talkative woman 3 : to transport by aircraft or spacecraft Supplies were flown to the disaster area. — fly at : to assail suddenly and violently He flew at me in a rage. — fly blind : to fly an airplane solely by instruments — fly high : to be elated She was flying high after winning the contest. — fly in the face of or fly in the teeth of : to stand or act forthrightly or brazenly in defiance or contradiction of His explanation flies in the face of the evidence.

fluctuate (v)

fluctuating mood. fluctuated; fluctuating intransitive verb 1 : to shift back and forth uncertainly Oil prices fluctuated. Temperatures fluctuated. 2 : to rise and fall in or as if in waves The boat fluctuated on the rough sea. transitive verb : to cause to fluctuate — fluctuation play \ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən, -chü-ˈā-\ noun — fluctuational

focus (v)

focus in on. 1 : to cause to be concentrated focused their attention on the most urgent problems 2a : to adjust the focus of (the eye, a lens, etc.) focus the telescope b : to bring into focus The results of that research were focused for classroom presentation. 3 : to bring (something, such as light rays) to a focus : CONCENTRATE intransitive verb 1 : to concentrate attention or effort focus on the most pressing needs 2 : to adjust one's eye or a camera to a particular range Newborn babies cannot focus for several months. 3 : to come to a focus : CONVERGE

mandate (n)

following a mandate. 1 : an authoritative command; especially : a formal order from a superior court or official to an inferior one 2 : an authorization to act given to a representative accepted the mandate of the people 3 a : an order or commission granted by the League of Nations to a member nation for the establishment of a responsible government over a former German colony or other conquered territory b : a mandated territory

ergo (adv)

for that reason : because of that : therefore, hence ... there is no sound, ergo, no speed of sound, in the vacuum of space. —Stephan Wilkinson

betterment (n)

for the betterment of society. 1 : a making or becoming better 2 : an improvement that adds to the value of a property or facility

forage (v)

foraging for dinner. 1 : food for animals especially when taken by browsing or grazing The grass serves as forage for livestock. 2 [2forage] : the act of foraging : search for provisions They made forages to find food.

frame (v)

framing a situation. 1 : to construct by fitting and uniting the parts of the skeleton of (a structure) frame a house 2a : PLAN, CONTRIVE framed a new method of achieving their purpose b : SHAPE, CONSTRUCT frame a figure out of clay c : to give expression to : FORMULATE frame a rule that brings order into our perceptions —Virginia Woolf d : to draw up (something, such as a document) frame a written constitution 3a : to devise (something, such as a criminal charge) falsely frame a case against a neighbor to get rid of him b : to contrive the evidence against (an innocent person) so that a verdict of guilty is assured He claims that he was framed for the murder. c : FIX sense 7b The wrestling matches were framed. 4 : to fit or adjust especially to something or for an end : ARRANGE framed the test to evaluate students' understanding of the material 5 obsolete : PRODUCE 6 : to enclose in a frame frame a picture also : to enclose as if in a frame a face framed in a wealth of auburn hair intransitive verb 1 archaic : PROCEED, GO 2 obsolete : MANAGE

gear up (v)

gearing up for... to get ready are gearing up for the big game

government (n)

government oversight. 1 : the act or process of governing specifically : authoritative direction or control 2 obsolete : moral conduct or behavior : DISCRETION 3a : the office, authority, or function of governing b obsolete : the term during which a governing official holds office 4 : the continuous exercise of authority over and the performance of functions for a political unit : RULE 5a : the organization, machinery, or agency through which a political unit exercises authority and performs functions and which is usually classified according to the distribution of power within it She works for the federal government. b : the complex of political institutions, laws, and customs through which the function of governing is carried out 6 : the body of persons that constitutes the governing authority of a political unit or organization: such as a : the officials comprising the governing body of a political unit and constituting the organization as an active agency The government was slow to react to the crisis. b capitalized : the executive branch of the U.S. federal government c capitalized : a small group of persons holding simultaneously the principal political executive offices of a nation or other political unit and being responsible for the direction and supervision of public affairs: (1) : such a group in a parliamentary system constituted by the cabinet or by the ministry (2) : ADMINISTRATION sense 4b 7 : POLITICAL SCIENCE studied economics and government

gravitate (v)

gravitate towards... gravitated; gravitating intransitive verb 1 : to move under the influence of gravitation 2 a : to move toward something b : to be drawn or attracted especially by natural inclination youngsters ... gravitate toward a strong leader —Rose Friedman

greet (v)

greeting with open arms. 1 : to address with expression of kind wishes upon meeting or arrival greeted guests at the door 2a : to meet or react to in a specified manner greeted him with boos b : to occur as a response to apathy greeted the plan 3 : to appear to the perception of a surprising sight greeted her eyes

gritty (adj)

grittier; grittiest 1 : containing or resembling grit 2 : courageously persistent : plucky a gritty heroine 3 : having strong qualities of tough uncompromising realism a gritty novel — grittily play \ˈgri-tə-lē\ adverb — grittiness

groom (v)

grooming for success. groomed; grooming; grooms transitive verb 1 : to clean and maintain the appearance of (an animal); especially : to maintain the health and condition of the coat of (a horse, dog, etc.) by brushing, combing, currying, or similar attention 2 : to make neat or attractive an impeccably groomed woman 3 : to get into readiness for a specific objective : prepare was being groomed as a presidential candidate intransitive verb : to groom oneself

gross (adj)

gross injustice. 1a(1) : glaringly noticeable usually because of inexcusable badness or objectionableness a gross error (2) : OUT-AND-OUT, UTTER a gross injustice b : visible without the aid of a microscope a gross lesion c archaic : immediately obvious Now to all sense 'tis gross you love my son. —William Shakespeare 2a : coarse in nature or behavior : UNREFINED has gross table manners b : gravely deficient in civility or decency : crudely vulgar merely gross, a scatological rather than a pornographic impropriety —Aldous Huxley c informal : inspiring disgust or distaste That sandwich looks gross. 3a : of, relating to, or dealing with general aspects or broad distinctions a gross outline of the plan b : consisting of an overall total exclusive of deductions gross income — compare NET 4a : BIG, BULKY b : growing or spreading with excessive luxuriance a gross riot of vegetation 5 : made up of material or perceptible elements 6 : deficient in knowledge : IGNORANT, UNTUTORED 7 archaic : not fastidious in taste : UNDISCRIMINATING

gross out (v)

grossed me out. transitive verb : to offend, insult, or disgust by something gross

ground zero (n)

ground zero for... 1 : the point directly above, below, or at which a nuclear explosion occurs 2 : the center or origin of rapid, intense, or violent activity or change broadly : CENTER sense 2a the party town that served as ground zero for those corporate ... bashes —Rich Eisen 3 : the very beginning : SQUARE ONE

hope (v)

have hope. 1 : to cherish a desire with anticipation : to want something to happen or be true hopes for a promotion hoping for the best I hope so. 2 archaic : TRUST transitive verb 1 : to desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment I hope she remembers. hopes to be invited 2 : to expect with confidence : TRUST Your mother is doing well, I hope. hope against hope : to hope without any basis for expecting fulfillment

decide (v)

have you decided? 1a : to make a final choice or judgment about decide what to do couldn't decide whether to take the job or not b : to select as a course of action —used with an infinitive decided to go c : to infer on the basis of evidence : CONCLUDE They decided that he was right. 2 : to bring to a definitive end one blow decided the fight 3 : to induce to come to a choice her pleas decided him to help intransitive verb : to make a choice or judgment decide on where to go

second wind (n)

having a second wind. : renewed energy or endurance

here goes (phrase)

here goes nothing.

heteronormative (adj)

heteronormative society. of, relating to, or based on the attitude that heterosexuality is the only normal and natural expression of sexuality — heteronormativity

imbue (v)

imbued with... 1 : ENDOW sense 3 Spanish missions imbue the city with Old World charm —Scott Pendleton 2 : to permeate or influence as if by dyeing the spirit that imbues the new constitution 3 : to tinge or dye deeply

impervious (adj)

impervious to criticism. 1 a : not allowing entrance or passage : impenetrable a coat impervious to rain b : not capable of being damaged or harmed a carpet impervious to rough treatment 2 : not capable of being affected or disturbed impervious to criticism — imperviously adverb — imperviousness noun

irresistible (adj)

impossible to resist an irresistible attraction — irresistibility or less commonly irresistability play \ˌir-i-ˌzi-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun — irresistibleness or less commonly irresistableness noun — irresistibly or less commonly irresistably adverb

homestretch (n)

in the homestretch. 1 : the part of a racecourse between the last turn and the winning post 2 : a final stage

hot seat (n)

in the hot seat. 1 slang : ELECTRIC CHAIR 2 : a position of uneasiness, embarrassment, or anxiety

echelon (n)

in the upper echelons of... 1 a (1) : an arrangement of a body of troops with its units each somewhat to the left or right of the one in the rear like a series of steps (2) : a formation of units or individuals resembling such an echelon geese flying in echelon (3) : a flight formation in which each airplane flies at a certain elevation above or below and at a certain distance behind and to the right or left of the airplane ahead b : any of several military units in echelon formation; also : any unit or group acting in a disciplined or organized manner served in a combat echelon 2 a : one of a series of levels or grades in an organization or field of activity involved employees at every echelon b : a group of individuals at a particular level or grade in an organization or field of activity the upper echelons of management

inconspicuous (adj)

inconspicuous behavior. not readily noticeable — inconspicuously adverb — inconspicuousness noun

indicative (adj)

indicative of... 1 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb form or set of verb forms that represents the denoted act or state as an objective fact the indicative mood 2 : serving to indicate actions indicative of fear — indicatively adverb

infinite (adj)

infinite possibilities. 1 : extending indefinitely : endless infinite space 2 : immeasurably or inconceivably great or extensive : inexhaustible infinite patience 3 : subject to no limitation or external determination 4 a : extending beyond, lying beyond, or being greater than any preassigned finite value however large infinite number of positive numbers b : extending to infinity infinite plane surface c : characterized by an infinite number of elements or terms an infinite set an infinite series — infinitely adverb — infiniteness noun

smooth-tongued (adj)

ingratiating in speech

ordeal (n)

it was an ordeal. 1 : a primitive means used to determine guilt or innocence by submitting the accused to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under supernatural control ordeal by fire ordeal by water 2 : a severe trial or experience Being trapped in an elevator was a harrowing ordeal for the shoppers.

about (adj)

it's not about.... 1 a : reasonably close to about a year ago b : almost about starved just about finished c : on the verge of —usually used with be and a following infinitive is about to join the army —used with a negative to express intention or determination not about to quit 2 : on all sides : around looked about for a place to park 3 a : in rotation They go about in circles. b : around the outside 4 : in many different directions : here and there walked about for hours 5 : in the vicinity : near He spoke to the people standing about. 6 : in the opposite direction face about the other way about

thought (n)

just a thought. 1 : something that is thought: such as a : an individual act or product of thinking b : a developed intention or plan had no thought of leaving home c : something (such as an opinion or belief) in the mind he spoke his thoughts freely d : the intellectual product or the organized views and principles of a period, place, group, or individual contemporary Western thought 2 a : the action or process of thinking : cogitation b : serious consideration : regard c archaic : recollection, remembrance 3 a : reasoning power b : the power to imagine : conception — a thought : a little : somewhat a thought too much vinegar in the dressing

keen (adj)

keen on... 1 a : intellectually alert : having or characteristic of a quick penetrating mind a keen student a keen awareness of the problem; also : shrewdly astute a keen assessment b : extremely sensitive in perception keen eyes a keen sense of smell c : sharply contested keen competition keen debate 2 a (1) : showing a quick and ardent responsiveness : enthusiastic a keen swimmer (2) : eager was keen to begin b of emotion or feeling : intense the keen delight in the chase —F. W. Maitland 3 : wonderful, excellent a keen idea 4 a : having a fine edge or point : sharp a knife with a keen blade b : affecting one as if by cutting keen sarcasm c : pungent to the sense a keen scent — keenly adverb — keenness play \ˈkēn-nəs\ noun — keen on : very enthusiastic or excited about wasn't keen on going

kettle (n)

kettle, meet pot; the pot calling the kettle black. 1 : a metallic vessel usually used for boiling liquids; especially : teakettle 2 : kettledrum 3 a : pothole 1b b : a steep-sided hollow without surface drainage especially in a deposit of glacial drift

kowtow (v)

kowtowed; kowtowing; kowtows intransitive verb 1 : to show obsequious deference : fawn kowtows to the boss 2 : to kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in token of homage, worship, or deep respect

lambast (v)

lambasted an album. lambasted; lambasting; lambastes or lambasts transitive verb 1 : to assault violently : beat, whip 2 : to attack verbally : censure critics lambasted his performance

lament (v)

lamented; lamenting; laments intransitive verb : to mourn aloud : wail nightingales lament without ceasing —L. P. Smith transitive verb 1 : to express sorrow, mourning, or regret for often demonstratively : mourn ... must regret the imprudence, lament the result ... —Jane Austen 2 : to regret strongly He lamented his decision not to go to college.

lapse (n)

lapse in judgment. 1 a : a slight error typically due to forgetfulness or inattention a lapse in table manners a lapse in security b : a temporary deviation or fall especially from a higher to a lower state a lapse from grace ethical lapses 2 : a becoming less : decline a lapse in the supply of technicians 3 a (1) : the termination of a right or privilege through neglect to exercise it within some limit of time (2) : termination of coverage for nonpayment of premiums the lapse of an insurance policy b : interruption, discontinuance returned to college after a lapse of several years 4 : an abandonment of religious faith 5 : a passage of time; also : interval the roots of trees ... have been preserved after a lapse of five thousand years —Niger Calder

self-defense (n)

learning self-defense. 1 : a plea of justification for the use of force or for homicide 2 : the act of defending oneself, one's property, or a close relative

paper trail (n)

leave a paper trail. documents (such as financial records) from which a person's actions may be traced or opinions learned

fester (v)

letting it fester. 1 : to generate pus The wound became inflamed and festered. 2 : PUTREFY, ROT festering carrion 3a : to cause increasing poisoning, irritation, or bitterness : RANKLE dissent festered unchecked His resentment festered for years. b : to undergo or exist in a state of progressive deterioration allowed slums to fester transitive verb : to make inflamed or corrupt

maturity (n)

level of maturity. 1 : the quality or state of being mature; especially : full development the maturity of grain maturity of judgment lacks the wisdom and maturity needed to run the company 2 : termination of the period that an obligation (see obligation 2c) has to run

connection (n)

make the connection between... 1 : the act of connecting : the state of being connected: such as a : causal or logical relation or sequence the connection between two ideas b (1) : contextual relation or association In this connection the word has a different meaning. (2) : relationship in fact wanted in connection with a robbery c : a relation of personal intimacy (as of family ties) Family connections can make getting a job much easier. d : coherence, continuity ... a confused multitude without order or connection. —John Locke 2 a : something that connects : link a loose connection in the wiring b : a means of communication or transport a telephone connection 3 : a person connected with another especially by marriage, kinship, or common interest has powerful connections 4 : a political, social, professional, or commercial relationship The school has no connection with the museum. : such as a : position, job b : an arrangement to execute orders or advance interests of another a firm's foreign connections c : a source of contraband (such as illegal drugs) 5 : a set of persons associated together: such as a : denomination b : clan — connectional adjective

debut (v)

making a debut. : to make a first appearance or a formal entrance into society : to make a debut transitive verb : to present to the public for the first time : INTRODUCE debut a new product

demand (v)

making a demand. to call for something in an authoritative way : to make a demand : ask transitive verb 1 : to ask or call for with authority : claim as due or just demanded to see a lawyer 2 : to call for urgently, imperiously, or insistently demanded that the rioters disperse 3 a : to ask authoritatively or earnestly to be informed of demand the reason for the dismissal b : to require to come : summon 4 : to call for as useful or necessary etiquette demands a handwritten thank-you — demandable adjective — demander noun

disciplined (adj)

marked by or possessing discipline a disciplined mind

match (v)

matched; matching; matches transitive verb 1 a : to encounter successfully as an antagonist b (1) : to set in competition or opposition (2) : to provide with a worthy competitor c : to set in comparison 2 : to join or give in marriage 3 a (1) : to put in a set possessing equal or harmonizing attributes (2) : to cause to correspond : suit matched programs to local needs b (1) : to be the counterpart of; also : to compare favorably with (2) : to harmonize with the jacket matched the pants c : to provide with a counterpart d : to provide funds complementary to employers may match the employee contribution —D. J. Miller 4 : to fit together or make suitable for fitting together 5 a : to flip or toss (coins) and compare exposed faces b : to toss coins with intransitive verb : to be a counterpart — matchable play \ˈma-chə-bəl\ adjective — matcher noun

mill (v)

milling about. milled; milling; mills transitive verb 1 : to subject to an operation or process in a mill: such as a : to grind into flour, meal, or powder b : to shape or dress by means of a rotary cutter c : to mix and condition (something, such as rubber) by passing between rotating rolls 2 : to give a raised rim or a ridged or corrugated edge to (a coin) 3 : to cut grooves in the metal surface of (something, such as a knob) intransitive verb 1 : to hit out with the fists 2 : to move in a circle or in an eddying mass; also : wander 3 : to undergo milling

murky (adj)

murkier; murkiest 1 : characterized by a heavy dimness or obscurity caused by or like that caused by overhanging fog or smoke the murky bottom of the lake 2 : characterized by thickness and heaviness of air : foggy, misty rain poured down from murky skies —Newsweek 3 : darkly vague or obscure murky official rhetoric He offered a murky explanation. — murkily play \-kə-lē\ adverb — murkiness

hero (n)

my hero. plural heroes 1 a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b : an illustrious warrior c : a person admired for achievements and noble qualities d : one who shows great courage 2 a : the principal character in a literary or dramatic work —used specifically of a principal male character especially when contrasted with heroine A special feature was the cliff-hanger ending when hero, heroine, or both found themselves confronting a violent demise ... —Ira Konigsberg —now also used of a principal character who is female ... action movies with female heroes are emerging more frequently, and with increasing quality. —William Bibbiani b : the central figure in an event, period, or movement 3 plural usually heros : submarine 2 4 : an object of extreme admiration and devotion : idol

necessitate (v)

necessitating change. necessitated; necessitating transitive verb 1 : to make necessary : require Business was growing, which necessitated the hiring of additional employees. 2 : force, compel was necessitated to choose some other route — necessitation

nominal (adj)

nominal differences. 1 : of, relating to, or being a noun or a word or expression taking a noun construction 2a : of, relating to, or constituting a name b : bearing the name of a person 3a : existing or being something in name or form only nominal head of his party b : of, being, or relating to a designated or theoretical size that may vary from the actual : APPROXIMATE the pipe's nominal size c : TRIFLING, INSIGNIFICANT his involvement was nominal charged only nominal rent 4 of a rate of interest a : equal to the annual rate of simple interest that would obtain if interest were not compounded when in fact it is compounded and paid for periods of less than a year b : equal to the percentage by which a repaid loan exceeds the principal borrowed with no adjustment made for inflation 5 : being according to plan : SATISFACTORY everything was nominal during the launch

semantics (n)

not getting caught up in semantics. 1 : the study of meanings: a : the historical and psychological study and the classification of changes in the signification of words or forms viewed as factors in linguistic development b(1) : SEMIOTICS (2) : a branch of semiotics dealing with the relations between signs and what they refer to and including theories of denotation, extension, naming, and truth 2 : GENERAL SEMANTICS 3a : the meaning or relationship of meanings of a sign or set of signs especially : connotative meaning b : the language used (as in advertising or political propaganda) to achieve a desired effect on an audience especially through the use of words with novel or dual meanings

unscrupulous (adj)

not scrupulous : unprincipled

notable (adj)

notable changes. 1a : worthy of note : REMARKABLE a notable improvement b : DISTINGUISHED, PROMINENT a notable author 2 archaic : efficient or capable in performance of housewifely duties

Oenone (n)

nymph who is abandoned by her husband Paris for Helen of Troy

obliterate (v)

obliterated; obliterating transitive verb 1 a : to remove utterly from recognition or memory ... a successful love crowned all other successes and obliterated all other failures. —J. W. Krutch b : to remove from existence : destroy utterly all trace, indication, or significance of The tide eventually obliterated all evidence of our sandcastles. c medical : to cause (something, such as a bodily part, a scar, or a duct conveying body fluid) to disappear or collapse : remove 4 a blood vessel obliterated by inflammation 2 : to make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring or wearing away A dimness like a fog envelops consciousness / As mist obliterates a crag. —Emily Dickinson 3 : cancel 2 obliterate a postage stamp — obliteration play \ə-ˌbli-tə-ˈrā-shən, ō-\ noun — obliterator

lighter-than-air (adj)

of less weight than the air displaced

neurotic (adj)

of, relating to, constituting, or affected with neurosis (see neurosis) — neurotically

heterosocial (adj)

of, relating to, or involving social relationships between persons of the opposite sex

pelagic (adj)

of, relating to, or living or occurring in the open sea : oceanic pelagic sediment pelagic birds — pelagic noun

Kafkaesque (adj)

of, relating to, or suggestive of Franz Kafka or his writings; especially : having a nightmarishly complex, bizarre, or illogical quality Kafkaesque bureaucratic delays

off-kilter (adj)

off-kilter comment. 1 : not in perfect balance : a bit askew off-kilter camera angles His hat was slightly off-kilter. 2 : eccentric, unconventional off-kilter characters an off-kilter approach

kilter (n)

off-kilter day. proper or usual state or condition : order out of kilter

offset (v)

offsetting losses. offset; offsetting transitive verb 1 a : to place over against something : balance credits offset debits b : to serve as a counterbalance for : compensate his speed offset his opponent's greater weight 2 : to form an offset in offset a wall intransitive verb : to become marked by offset

home front (n)

on the home front. the sphere of civilian activity in war

abecedarian (n)

one learning the rudiments of something (such as the alphabet)

hair splitter (n)

one that makes excessively fine distinctions in reasoning — hairsplitting

naysayer (n)

one who denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical or cynical about something There are always naysayers who say it can't be done. — nay-saying

Pandora's Box (n)

opening Pandora's Box. a prolific source of troubles

can of worms (phrase)

opening up a can of worms. : PANDORA'S BOX afraid of what we would find if we opened up the can of worms that is the CIA —Richard Snider

oscillate (v)

oscillate between... oscillated; oscillating intransitive verb 1 a : to swing backward and forward like a pendulum The fan was oscillating. b : to move or travel back and forth between two points he oscillates regularly between his comfortable home ... and his downtown office-laboratory —Gladwin Hill 2 : to vary between opposing beliefs, feelings, or theories The mood of the voters has oscillated between optimism and pessimism. 3 : to vary above and below a mean value Bank rate oscillates between 2 and 6 percent. — oscillatory

Ragnarok (n)

the final destruction of the world in the conflict between the Aesir and the powers of Hel led by Loki — called also Twilight of the Gods

overplay (v)

overplay one's hand. overplayed; overplaying; overplays transitive verb 1 a : to present (a dramatic role) extravagantly : exaggerate b : to place too much emphasis on 2 : to rely too much on the strength of —usually used in the phrase overplay one's hand 3 : to strike a golf ball beyond (a putting green) intransitive verb : to exaggerate a part or effect

overwhelm (v)

overwhelmed; overwhelming; overwhelms transitive verb 1 : upset, overthrow The tornado overwhelmed many mobile homes. 2 a : to cover over completely : submerge The city was overwhelmed by the flooding caused by the hurricane. b : to overcome by superior force or numbers The city was overwhelmed by the invading army. c : to overpower in thought or feeling overwhelmed with grief overwhelmed by terror A sense of inadequacy overwhelmed me. overwhelmed with guilt

palliative (adj)

palliative care. serving to palliate palliative surgery palliative care palliative drugs — palliatively adverb

peak (v)

peak of his/her... 1 : a pointed or projecting part of a garment; especially : the visor of a cap or hat The cap's peak shades his eyes. 2 : promontory a steep rocky peak 3 : a sharp or pointed end the peak of a roof 4 a (1) : the top of a hill or mountain ending in a point the fog hung ... heavily on the peak of the hill —H. D. Skidmore (2) : a prominent mountain usually having a well-defined summit b : something resembling a mountain peak Beat the cream until it forms stiff peaks. 5 a : the upper aftermost corner of a fore-and-aft sail b : the narrow part of a ship's bow or stern or the part of the hold in it 6 a : the highest level or greatest degree a singer at the peak of her popularity b : a high point in a course of development especially as represented on a graph The graph shows that murders in the city reached a peak two years ago. 7 : widow's peak

pedestrian (adj)

pedestrian concern. 1 : commonplace, unimaginative his sentences and phrases are too often pedestrian, commonplace, and flat —The Times Literary Supplement (London) 2 a : going or performed on foot pedestrian traffic a pedestrian tour of the village b : of, relating to, or designed for walking a pedestrian mall a pedestrian bridge

peripheral (adj)

peripheral vision. 1 : of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part 2 a : of, relating to, affecting, or being part of the peripheral nervous system peripheral nerves peripheral neuritis b : of, relating to, or being blood in the systemic circulation peripheral lymphocytes 3 : of, relating to, or being the outer part of the field of vision good peripheral vision 4 : auxiliary, supplementary peripheral equipment; also : of or relating to computer peripherals — peripherally adverb

card (n)

playing the ____ card. keeping your cards close to the chest. 1 : PLAYING CARD 2 cards plural in form but singular or plural in construction a : a game played with cards b : card playing 3a : something (such as an advantage) compared to a valuable playing card in one's hand holding all the cards in negotiations b : an issue especially with emotional appeal that is brought into play to achieve a desired end (such as winning a political campaign) played the race card 4 : a usually clownishly amusing person : WAG he's such a card 5 : COMPASS CARD 6a : a flat stiff usually small and rectangular piece of material (such as paper, cardboard, or plastic) usually bearing information: such as (1) : POSTCARD (2) : VISITING CARD (3) : BUSINESS CARD (4) : CREDIT CARD (5) : one bearing a picture (as of a baseball player) on one side and usually statistical data on the other (6) : one on which computer information is stored (as in the form of punched holes or magnetic encoding) (7) : one bearing electronic circuit components for insertion into a larger electronic device (such as a computer) b : PROGRAM especially : a sports program three fights on the card c(1) : a wine list (2) : MENU d : GREETING CARD a birthday card in the cards or less commonly on the cards : INEVITABLE success just wasn't in the cards for her

decision tree (n)

plot out a decision tree. : a tree diagram which is used for making decisions in business or computer programming and in which the branches represent choices with associated risks, costs, results, or probabilities

aficionado (n)

plural aficionados also afficionados : a person who likes, knows about, and appreciates a usually fervently pursued interest or activity : devotee aficionados of the bullfight movie aficionados

fait accompli (n)

plural faits accomplis play \ˈfā-tə-ˌkäm-ˈplē(z), ˈfe-, ˈfe-ˌta-, -ˌkōⁿ(m)-, British usually -ˈkäm-(ˌ)plē(z)\ : a thing accomplished and presumably irreversible he charged that the members were presented with a fait accompli instead of being called to a meeting to discuss the policy change —Daniel Thomases

fallacy (n)

plural fallacies 1 a : a false or mistaken idea popular fallacies prone to perpetrate the fallacy of equating threat with capability —C. S. Gray b : erroneous character : erroneousness The fallacy of their ideas about medicine soon became apparent. 2 a : deceptive appearance : deception b obsolete : guile, trickery 3 : an often plausible argument using false or invalid inference

ferlie (n)

plural ferlies Scotland : wonder

generosity (n)

plural generosities 1 a : the quality or fact of being generous a person of great generosity b : a generous act 2 : abundance great generosity of spirit

leniency (n)

plural leniencies 1 : the quality or state of being lenient the leniency of the punishment 2 : a lenient disposition or practice The prisoner asked the judge for leniency.

meritocracy (n)

plural meritocracies 1 : a system in which the talented are chosen and moved ahead on the basis of their achievement only the elite, in that new meritocracy, would enjoy the opportunity for self-fulfillment —R. P. Warren 2 : leadership selected on the basis of intellectual criteria many private schools have sold their birthright by choosing ... diversity over scholarly meritocracy —L. G. Crovitz — meritocratic

metamorphosis (n)

plural metamorphoses 1 a : change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means the metamorphosis of humans into animals b : a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances The company has gone through a series of metamorphoses. 2 : a typically marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (such as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies

gridlock (n)

political gridlock. 1 : a traffic jam in which a grid of intersecting streets is so completely congested that no vehicular movement is possible 2 : a situation resembling gridlock (as in congestion or lack of movement) political gridlock — gridlock transitive verb

popularize (v)

popularizing a use. : to cater to popular taste transitive verb : to make popular: such as a : to cause to be liked or esteemed b : to present in generally understandable or interesting form

poster child (n)

poster child for... 1 : a child who has a disease and is pictured in posters to solicit funds for combating the disease 2 : a person having a public image that is identified with something (such as a cause)

civility (n)

promoting civility. plural civilities 1 archaic : training in the humanities 2 a : civilized conduct; especially : courtesy, politeness bemoaned the decline of civility in our politics b : a polite act or expression lacked the little civilities and hypocrisies of political society —Roy Jenkins The men briefly exchanged civilities before the meeting began.

etiquette (n)

proper/bad etiquette. the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life

gravy (n)

riding a gravy train. 1 : a sauce made from the thickened and seasoned juices of cooked meat 2a : something additional or unexpected that is pleasing or valuable with expenses now paid, future money is pure gravy —K. Crossen b : unearned or illicit gain : GRAFT entry 5

peculiar (adj)

rather peculiar. 1 : characteristic of only one person, group, or thing : distinctive ... a drowsy fervour of manner and tone which was quite peculiar to her. —Thomas Hardy 2 : different from the usual or normal: a : special, particular a matter of peculiar interest b : odd, curious It seems peculiar that she would leave town without telling anybody. c : eccentric, queer The play had a zany plot and very peculiar characters. — peculiarly adverb

raze (v)

razed; razing transitive verb 1 a archaic : erase b : to scrape, cut, or shave off 2 : to destroy to the ground : demolish raze an old building — razer noun

orient (v)

re-orienting a trajectory. 1 a : to cause to face or point toward the east; specifically : to build (a church or temple) with the longitudinal axis pointing eastward and the chief altar at the eastern end b : to set or arrange in any determinate position especially in relation to the points of the compass c : to ascertain the bearings of 2 a : to set right by adjusting to facts or principles b : to acquaint with the existing situation or environment 3 : to direct (something, such as a book or film) toward the interests of a particular group 4 : to cause the axes of the molecules of (a fiber or material) to assume the same direction

null hypothesis (n)

rejecting the null hypothesis. a statistical hypothesis to be tested and accepted or rejected in favor of an alternative; specifically : the hypothesis that an observed difference (as between the means of two samples) is due to chance alone and not due to a systematic cause

atop (adv or adj)

resting/sitting atop. : on, to, or at the top

lampoon (v)

satire 1; specifically : a harsh satire usually directed against an individual He said such ridiculous things that he was often the target of lampoons in the press.

scale-down (n)

scaled-down version. a reduction according to a fixed ratio a scale-down of debts

scour (v)

scouring the web. 1a : to rub hard especially with a rough material for cleansing b : to remove by rubbing hard and washing 2 archaic : to clear (a region) of enemies or outlaws 3 : to clean by purging : PURGE 4 : to remove dirt and debris from (something, such as a pipe or ditch) 5 : to free from foreign matter or impurities by or as if by washing scour wool 6 : to clear, dig, or remove by or as if by a powerful current of water intransitive verb 1 : to perform a process of scouring 2 : to suffer from diarrhea or dysentery 3 : to become clean and bright by rubbing

second-guess (v)

second-guessing your gut instincts. 1 : to criticize or question actions or decisions of (someone) often after the results of those actions or decisions are known meet almost every morning and, over coffee, second-guess the local coach —Bruce Newman also : to engage in such criticism of (an action or decision) second-guess the general's strategy 2 : to seek to anticipate or predict lived royally by his ability to second-guess the stock market —Time

self-contained (adj)

self-contained ecosystem. 1a : complete in itself : INDEPENDENT a self-contained machine a self-contained program of study b : BUILT-IN a lectern with a self-contained light fixture 2a : showing self-control b : formal and reserved in manner

sit (v)

sit with it. sat ; sitting intransitive verb 1 a : to rest on the buttocks or haunches sit in a chair —often used with down b : perch, roost 2 : to occupy a place as a member of an official body sit in Congress 3 : to hold a session : be in session for official business 4 : to cover eggs for hatching : brood 5 a : to take a position for having one's portrait painted or for being photographed b : to serve as a model 6 archaic : to have one's dwelling place : dwell 7 a : to lie or hang relative to a wearer the collar sits awkwardly b : to affect one with or as if with weight the food sat heavily on his stomach 8 : lie, rest a kettle sitting on the stove 9 a : to have a location the house sits well back from the road b of wind : to blow from a certain direction 10 : to remain inactive or quiescent the car sits in the garage 11 : to take an examination 12 : babysit 13 : to please or agree with one —used with with and an adverb the decision did not sit well with me transitive verb 1 : to cause to be seated : place on or in a seat —often used with down 2 : to sit on (eggs) 3 : to keep one's seat on sit a horse 4 : to provide seats or seating room for — sit on 1 : to hold deliberations concerning 2 : repress, squelch 3 : to delay action or decision concerning 4 : to wait or be ready for (a specific pitch) in baseball — sit on one's hands 1 : to withhold applause : fail to show approval or enthusiasm 2 : to fail to take expected or appropriate action — sit pretty : to be in a highly favorable situation — sit tight 1 : to maintain one's position without change 2 : to remain quiet in or as if in hiding — sit under : to attend religious service under the instruction or ministrations of; also : to attend the classes or lectures of

magnetism (n)

social magnetism. 1a : a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force b : a science that deals with magnetic phenomena 2 : an ability to attract or charm

plunge (v)

stock market plunges. plunged; plunging transitive verb 1 : to cause to penetrate or enter quickly and forcibly into something plunged the dagger 2 : to cause to enter a state or course of action usually suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently plunged the nation into economic depression intransitive verb 1 : to thrust or cast oneself into or as if into water 2 a : to become pitched or thrown headlong or violently forward and downward; also : to move oneself in such a manner plunged off the embankment b : to act with reckless haste : enter suddenly or unexpectedly plunges into project after project c : to bet or gamble heavily and recklessly 3 : to descend or dip suddenly the stock's value plunged

hog (v)

stop hogging all the... 1 : to cut (a horse's mane) short : ROACH 2 : to cause to arch 3 : to take in excess of one's due hog the credit 4 : to tear up or shred (some material, such as waste wood) into bits by machine intransitive verb : to become curved upward in the middle —used of a ship's bottom or keel

acumen (n)

strong business acumen. keenness and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination especially in practical matters

heteronomy (n)

subjection to something else; especially : a lack of moral freedom or self-determination

onset (n)

sudden onset. 1 : attack, assault withstand the onset of the army 2 : beginning, commencement the onset of winter the onset of age-related diseases

panic (n)

suddenly felt panic at the sight of an ex. 1 a : a sudden overpowering fright; also : acute, extreme anxiety b : a sudden unreasoning terror often accompanied by mass flight widespread panic in the streets c : a sudden widespread fright concerning financial affairs that results in a depression of values caused by extreme measures for protection of property (such as securities) 2 dated slang : someone or something that is very funny : riot — panick

action (n)

taking action. plural actions 1 a : a thing done : deed b : the accomplishment of a thing usually over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition c actions plural : behavior, conduct unscrupulous actions d : initiative, enterprise a man of action 2 : an act of will an emergency requiring action 3 : the bringing about of an alteration by force or through a natural agency the action of water on rocks 4 : the manner or method of performing: a : an actor's or speaker's deportment or expression by means of attitude, voice, and gesture An actor's words and actions should agree. b : the style of movement of the feet and legs (as of a horse) c : a function of the body or one of its parts 5 : the initiating of a proceeding in a court of justice by which one demands or enforces one's right; also : the proceeding itself 6 a (1) : an engagement between troops or ships (2) : combat in war gallantry in action b (1) : an event or series of events forming a literary composition Most of the play's action takes place in a courtroom. (2) : the unfolding of the events of a drama or work of fiction : plot As the action unfolds, we learn more about the hero's family. (3) : the movement of incidents in a plot a movie that is two hours of nonstop action c : the combination of circumstances that constitute the subject matter of a painting or sculpture 7 a : an operating mechanism b : the manner in which a mechanism or instrument operates a drill's twisting action 8 a : the price movement and trading volume of a commodity, security, or market b : the process of betting including the offering and acceptance of a bet and determination of a winner c : financial gain or an opportunity for financial gain a piece of the action 9 : sexual activity 10 : the most vigorous, productive, or exciting activity in a particular field, area, or group wants to be where the action is 11 —used as a director's command to start filming part of a movie or television show Lights, camera, action! 12 : spin or rotation given to a ball or puck by throwing or hitting it in a particular way If I am hitting into the wind on the 7th at Pebble Beach, ... rather than taking an eight or a nine [iron] and hitting it hard, I'll choose a little eight or even a seven and almost chip the ball, putting as little action on it as possible so it lands softly and doesn't do a lot of spinning. —Jack Nicklaus

tarnish (v)

tarnish a reputation. 1 : to dull or destroy the luster of by or as if by air, dust, or dirt : SOIL, STAIN 2a : to detract from the good quality of : VITIATE his fine dreams now slightly tarnished b : to bring disgrace on : SULLY the scandal has tarnished his reputation intransitive verb : to become tarnished tarnished; tarnishing; tarnishes

tether (v)

tethered to one's friends. : to fasten or restrain by or as if by a tether felt tethered to her desk until the work was done tethered; tethering

drag (n)

that's a drag. 1 : something used to drag (see DRAG entry 2) with especially : a device for dragging under water to detect or obtain objects 2 : something that is dragged, pulled, or drawn along or over a surface: such as a agriculture : HARROW b : a sledge (see SLEDGE entry 3 sense 2) for conveying heavy bodies c : CONVEYANCE 3a : the act or an instance of dragging or drawing: such as (1) : a drawing along or over a surface with effort or pressure (2) : motion effected with slowness or difficulty also : the condition of having or seeming to have such motion (3) : a draw on a pipe, cigarette, or cigar took a drag on his cigar also : a draft (see DRAFT entry 1 sense 2b) of liquid b : a movement, inclination, or retardation caused by or as if by dragging the drag of his bottom lip c slang : influence securing special favor : PULL 4a : something that retards or impedes motion, action, or advancement b(1) physics : the retarding force acting on a body (such as an airplane) moving through a fluid (such as air) parallel and opposite to the direction of motion (2) mechanical engineering : friction (see FRICTION sense 1b) between engine parts also : retardation due to friction c : BURDEN, ENCUMBRANCE the drag of population growth on living standards d : one that is boring or gets in the way of enjoyment thinks studying is a drag this sickly kid is going to be a social drag —Edmund Morris 5 hunting a : an object drawn over the ground to leave a scented trail b : a clog (see CLOG entry 1 sense 1a) fastened to a trap to prevent the escape of a trapped animal 6 : STREET, ROAD the main drag 7a : entertainment in which performers dressed as members of the opposite sex caricature gender stereotypes through the use of often outrageous costumes and exaggerated mannerisms —often used before another noun a drag show b(1) : stereotypically gendered clothing or costume worn by someone of the opposite sex —often used in the phrase in drag My kind of TV show featured cartoons, puppets or Milton Berle in drag. —Dennis Drabelle (2) : COSTUME What was perhaps most embarrassing about Cyrus' dismal gig was its cutesy toys—a giant teddy bear from which she popped to cavort with a dance troupe in fuzzy bear drag. —Camille Paglia especially : a costume used to impersonate a person or kind of person ... Paul Newman and Robert Redford romping about in bad-guy drag like naughty Hardy Boys ain't my idea of a western. —Mark Goodman 8 sports : DRAG RACE

name of the game (phrase)

that's the NOTG. 1 : the essential quality or matter patience is the name of the game in coastal duck hunting —Dick Beals 2 : the fundamental goal of an activity

Keynesianism (n)

the economic theories and programs ascribed to John M. Keynes and his followers; specifically : the advocacy of monetary and fiscal programs by government to increase employment and spending — Keynesian

key (v)

the key to... keyed; keying; keys transitive verb 1 : to lock or secure with or as if with a key : fasten: such as a : to secure (something, as a pulley on a shaft) by a key b : to finish off (an arch) by inserting a keystone 2 : to regulate the musical pitch of key the strings 3 : to bring into harmony or conformity : make appropriate : attune remarks keyed to a situation 4 : to identify (a biological specimen) by a key (see 1key 3d) 5 : to provide with identifying or explanatory cross-references instructions keyed to accompanying drawings —John Gartner 6 : to make nervous, tense, or excited —usually used with up was too keyed up to sleep 7 : to enter or input (text or data) by using a keyboard keying changes to a manuscript —often used with in or into key in a passwordinformation being keyed into a database 8 : to be essential to : play the most important part in defense keyed the victory 9 : to vandalize by scratching with a key someone keyed my car door intransitive verb 1 : to use a key 2 : to observe the position or movement of an opposing player in football in order to anticipate the play —usually used with on The middle linebacker was keying on the halfback. 3 : to operate a machine by means of a keyboard : keyboard

Daedalus (n)

the legendary builder of the Cretan labyrinth who makes wings to enable himself and his son Icarus to escape imprisonment

matrix (n)

the matrix. plural matrices play \ˈmā-trə-ˌsēz, ˈma-\ or matrixes play \ˈmā-trik-səz\ 1 : something within or from which something else originates, develops, or takes form an atmosphere of understanding and friendliness that is the matrix of peace 2 a : a mold from which a relief (see 1relief 6) surface (such as a piece of type) is made b : die 3a(1) c : an engraved or inscribed die (see 2die 3) or stamp d : an electroformed impression of a phonograph record used for mass-producing duplicates of the original 3 a : the natural material (such as soil or rock) in which something (such as a fossil or crystal) is embedded b : material in which something is enclosed or embedded (as for protection or study) 4 a : the extracellular substance in which tissue cells (as of connective tissue) are embedded b : the thickened epithelium at the base of a fingernail or toenail from which new nail substance develops 5 a : a rectangular array (see 2array 5) of mathematical elements (such as the coefficients (see coefficient 1) of simultaneous (see simultaneous 2) linear equations) that can be combined to form sums and products with similar arrays having an appropriate number of rows and columns b : something resembling a mathematical matrix especially in rectangular arrangement of elements into rows and columns c : an array of circuit elements (such as diodes and transistors) for performing a specific function 6 : a main (see 2main 5) clause that contains a subordinate (see 1subordinate) clause

median (adj)

the median price of... 1 : being in the middle or in an intermediate position : medial 2 : lying in the plane dividing a bilateral animal into right and left halves 3 : relating to or constituting a statistical median 4 : produced without occlusion along the lengthwise middle line of the tongue — medianly adverb

occasional (adj)

the occasional drink. 1 a : of or relating to a particular occasion a budget able to meet occasional demands as well as regular ones b : created for a particular occasion occasional verse occasional music 2 : acting as the occasion or contributing cause of something occasional causes for creating apparent effects 3 : encountered, occurring, appearing, or taken at irregular or infrequent intervals occasional visitors an occasional vacation found occasional errors occasional episodes of chest pain 4 : acting in a specified capacity from time to time an occasional lecturer an occasional essayist 5 : designed or constructed to be used as the occasion demands occasional furniture

greenmail (n)

the practice of buying enough of a company's stock to threaten a hostile takeover and reselling it to the company at a price above market value; also : the money paid for such stock — greenmail transitive verb — greenmailer noun

high-grading (n)

the practice of selecting only the most healthy or valuable individuals in harvesting a natural resource (such as timber or fish)

occupational therapy (n)

therapy based on engagement in meaningful activities of daily life (such as self-care skills, education, work, or social interaction) especially to enable or encourage participation in such activities despite impairments or limitations in physical or mental functioning — occupational therapist noun

throw off (v)

threw me off. 1a : to free oneself from : get rid of threw off his inhibitions b : to cast off often in a hurried or vigorous manner : ABANDON threw off all restraint c : DISTRACT, DIVERT dogs thrown off by a false scent 2 : EMIT, GIVE OFF stacks throwing off plumes of smoke 3 : to produce in an offhand manner : execute with speed or facility some little ... tune that the composer had thrown off —James Hilton 4a : to cause to depart from an expected or desired course mistakes threw his calculations off a bit b : to cause to make a mistake : MISLEAD 5 : EARN, GENERATE an investment that throws off a sizable income intransitive verb 1 : to begin hunting 2 : to make derogatory comments

thin (adj)

through thick and thin. 1a : having little extent from one surface to its opposite thin paper b : measuring little in cross section or diameter thin rope 2 : not dense in arrangement or distribution thin hair 3 : not well fleshed : LEAN 4a : more fluid or rarefied than normal thin air b : having less than the usual number : SCANTY thin attendance c : few in number : SCARCE d : scantily supplied e : characterized by a paucity of bids or offerings a thin market 5a : lacking substance or strength thin broth a thin plot b of a soil : INFERTILE, POOR 6a : FLIMSY, UNCONVINCING a thin disguise b : disappointingly poor or hard had a thin time of it 7 : somewhat feeble, shrill, and lacking in resonance a thin voice 8 : lacking in intensity or brilliance thin light 9 : lacking sufficient photographic density or contrast thin on the ground : SCARCE sense 1

traverse (v)

traverse the countryside. 1 a : to go or travel across or over b : to move or pass along or through light rays traversing a crystal 2 : to make a study of : examine 3 : to lie or extend across : cross the bridge traverses a brook 4 a : to move to and fro over or along b : to ascend, descend, or cross (a slope or gap) at an angle c : to move (a gun) to right or left on a pivot 5 a : to go against or act in opposition to : oppose, thwart b : to deny (something, such as an allegation of fact or an indictment) formally at law 6 : to make or carry out a survey of by using traverses intransitive verb 1 : to move back and forth or from side to side 2 : to move or turn laterally : swivel 3 a : to climb at an angle or in a zigzag course b : to ski across rather than straight down a hill 4 : to make a survey by using traverses — traversable adjective — traverser

triangulate (v)

triangulate in on... 1 : to survey, map, or determine by triangulation 2 a : to divide into triangles b : to give triangular form to

trim (v)

trimming down. 1a : to remove by or as if by cutting trimmed thousands from federal payrolls —Grit b : to make trim and neat especially by cutting or clipping trim the hedges c : to free of excess or extraneous matter by or as if by cutting trim a budget trim down the inventory 2 : to embellish with or as if with ribbons, lace, or ornaments trim the Christmas tree the coat was trimmed with fur 3a : to administer a beating to : THRASH b : DEFEAT trimmed me at chess 4a(1) : to cause (a ship) to assume a desirable position in the water by arrangement of ballast, cargo, or passengers (2) : to adjust (something, such as an airplane or submarine) for horizontal movement or for motion upward or downward b : to adjust (something, such as cargo or a sail) to a desired position intransitive verb 1a : to maintain neutrality between opposing parties or to favor each equally b : to change one's views for reasons of expediency 2 : to assume or cause a boat to assume a desired position in the water a boat that trims badly trim one's sails : to adjust oneself or one's actions to prevailing conditions compromise or trim your sails to suit the political winds —Philip Johnston

trace (n)

without leaving a trace. 1a : a minute and often barely detectable amount or indication a trace of a smile b : an amount of a chemical constituent not always quantitatively determinable because of minuteness 2a : a mark or line left by something that has passed also : FOOTPRINT b : a path, trail, or road made by the passage of animals, people, or vehicles 3a : a sign or evidence of some past thing : VESTIGE b : ENGRAM 4 : something (such as a line) traced or drawn: such as a : the marking made by a recording instrument (such as a seismograph or kymograph) b : the ground plan of a military installation or position either on a map or on the ground 5a : the intersection of a line or plane with a plane b : the usually bright line or spot that moves across the screen of a cathode-ray tube also : the path taken by such a line or spot 6 archaic : a course or path that one follows

woo (v)

wooed; wooing; woos transitive verb 1 : to sue for the affection of and usually marriage with : court 2 : to solicit or entreat especially with importunity woo new customers 3 : to seek to gain or bring about intransitive verb : to court a woman — wooer noun

balance (n)

work, life, love balance. 1 a : physical equilibrium trouble keeping your balance on a sailboat lost his balance and fell a boxer kept off balance for a whole round b : the ability to retain one's balance Gymnasts must have a good sense of balance. 2 a : stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis when the two sides of the scale are in balance tipped the statue off balance b : equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements ... the balance we strike between security and freedom. —Earl Warren Both parties were interviewed to provide balance in the report. the right balance of diet and exercise c accounting : equality between the totals of the two sides of an account 3 a : an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements achieving balance in a work of art b grammar : the juxtaposition in writing of syntactically parallel (see 1parallel 3c) constructions containing similar or contrasting ideas (such as to err is human; to forgive, divine) 4 a accounting : an amount in excess especially on the credit side of an account has a comfortable balance in the bank You must maintain a minimum balance of $1000 in your account to avoid fees. b : weight or force of one side in excess of another The balance of the evidence lay on the side of the defendant. c : something left over : remainder answers will be given in the balance of this chapter —R. W. Murray 5 : mental and emotional steadiness I doubt that Thoreau would be thrown off balance by the fantastic sights and sounds of the 20th century. —E. B. White 6 : an instrument for weighing: such as a : a beam that is supported freely in the center and has two pans of equal weight suspended from its ends b : a device that uses the elasticity of a spiral spring for measuring weight or force 7 : a means of judging or deciding the balance of a free election 8 : a counterbalancing weight, force, or influence The comedic character serves as a balance to the serious subject matter of the play. 9 : an oscillating wheel operating with a hairspring to regulate the movement of a timepiece a watch's balance — balanced play \ˈba-lən(t)st\ adjective — in the balance or in balance : with the fate or outcome about to be determined our future hangs in the balance as we await his decision — on balance : with all things considered the meeting went well on balance

phalanx (n)

1 : a body of heavily armed infantry in ancient Greece formed in close deep ranks and files broadly : a body of troops in close array 2 plural phalanges : one of the digital bones of the hand or foot of a vertebrate 3 plural usually phalanxes a : a massed arrangement of persons, animals, or things a phalanx of armed guards b : an organized body of persons a phalanx of lawyers

cold war (n)

1 : a conflict over ideological differences carried on by methods short of sustained overt military action and usually without breaking off diplomatic relations specifically, often capitalized C&W : the ideological conflict between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. during the second half of the 20th century — compare HOT WAR 2 : a condition of rivalry, mistrust, and often open hostility short of violence especially between power groups (such as labor and management)

skirmish (n)

1 : a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements 2a : a brisk preliminary verbal conflict b : a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties the debate touched off a skirmish

gladiator (n)

1 : a person engaged in a fight to the death as public entertainment for ancient Romans 2 : a person engaging in a public fight or controversy 3 : a trained fighter especially : a professional boxer

agnostic (n)

1 : a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (such as God) is unknown and probably unknowable; broadly : one who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God or a god 2 : a person who is unwilling to commit to an opinion about something political agnostics — agnosticism

beachcomber (n)

1 : a white man living as a drifter or loafer especially on the islands of the South Pacific 2 : a person who searches along a shore (as for salable refuse or for seashells)

naturalism (n)

1 : action, inclination, or thought based only on natural desires and instincts 2 : a theory denying that an event or object has a supernatural significance; specifically : the doctrine that scientific laws are adequate to account for all phenomena 3 : realism in art or literature; specifically : a theory or practice in literature emphasizing scientific observation of life without idealization and often including elements of determinism

pithy (adj)

1 : consisting of or abounding in pith 2 : having substance and point : tersely cogent pithier; pithiest

verbicide (n)

1 : deliberate distortion of the sense of a word (as in punning) 2 : one who distorts the sense of a word

precocious (adj)

1 : exceptionally early in development or occurrence precocious puberty 2 : exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age a precocious child

gilt-edged (adj)

1 : having a gilt edge 2 : of the best quality or rating gilt-edged securities

smattering (n)

1 : superficial piecemeal knowledge a smattering of carpentry, house painting, bricklaying — Alva Johnston 2 : a small scattered number or amount a smattering of spectators

demoralize (v)

1 : to cause to turn aside or away from what is good or true or morally right : to corrupt the morals of 2a : to weaken the morale of : DISCOURAGE, DISPIRIT were demoralized by the loss b : to upset or destroy the normal functioning of foreclosures were further demoralizing an already desperate real-estate market —F. D. Roosevelt c : to throw into disorder

decry (v)

1 : to depreciate (something, such as a coin) officially or publicly the king may at any time decry ... any coin of the kingdom —William Blackstone 2 : to express strong disapproval of decry the emphasis on sex ... has decried the medical marijuana ballot initiative as being rife with loopholes. —Dan Sweeney — decrier

battle (v)

1 : to engage in combat between individuals or armed forces : to engage in battle : FIGHT battling for control of the bridge 2 : to contend with full strength, vigor, skill, or resources : STRUGGLE They battled to keep their son out of jail. battling over how to spend the money transitive verb 1 : to fight or struggle against battling cancer two teams set to battle each other for the championship battling it out in the courtroom 2 : to force, thrust, or drive by battling battling his way through the crowd battle it out : to engage in a prolonged fight, argument, or struggle The two sides battled it out in court. ... predicting that she and her 15-year-old sister, Serena, would soon be battling it out for No. 1. — S. L. Price battled; battling

bemoan (v)

1 : to express deep grief or distress over bemoan the death of their leader 2 : to regard with displeasure, disapproval, or regret bemoaning the lack of civility in modern political discourse bemoaned; bemoaning; bemoans

wise (adj)

1a : characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment b : exercising or showing sound judgment : PRUDENT a wise investor 2a : evidencing or hinting at the possession of inside information : KNOWING b : possessing inside information the police got wise to his whereabouts c : CRAFTY, SHREWD d : aware of or informed about a particular matter —usually used in the comparative in negative constructions with the was none the wiser about their plans 3 : INSOLENT, SMART-ALECKY, FRESH a tough kid with a wise mouth 4 archaic : skilled in magic or divination

against (prep)

1a : in opposition or hostility to spoke against his enemies b : not in conformity with : CONTRARY TO against the law c : in competition with racing against each other d : as a basis for disapproval of had nothing against him 2a : directly opposite : FACING ... she sat down just over against me ... —Daniel Defoe b obsolete : exposed to 3 : compared or contrasted with profits are up against last year 4a : in preparation or provision for saving against an uncertain future b : as a defense or protection from a shelter against the cold 5a : in the direction of and into contact with knocked against the ropes b : in contact with leaning against the wall 6 : in a direction opposite to the motion or course of : counter to sail against the wind 7a : as a counterbalance to weighing risk against profit b : in exchange for a lower rate against the dollar c : as a charge on charged against her account 8 : before the background of viewed against the sky

restrictive (adj)

1a : of or relating to restriction b : serving or tending to restrict restrictive regulations 2 : limiting the reference of a modified word or phrase 3 : prohibiting further negotiation

solicitude (n)

1a : the state of being concerned and anxious b : attentive care and protectiveness also : an attitude of earnest concern or attention expressed solicitude for his health 2 : a cause of care or concern —usually used in plural

exert (v)

1a : to put forth (strength, effort, etc.) the force is exerted sideways b : to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort won't have to exert himself moving the table 2 : to bring to bear especially with sustained effort or lasting effect exerted a bad influence on his students 3 : EMPLOY, WIELD exerted her leadership abilities intelligently exerted; exerting; exerts

plow (v)

1a : to turn, break up, or work with a plow b : to make (something, such as a furrow) with a plow 2 : to cut into, open, or make furrows or ridges in with or as if with a plow 3 : to cleave the surface of or move through (water) whales plowing the ocean 4 : to clear away snow from with a snowplow plow the street 5 : to spend or invest (money) in substantial amounts —used with into plow money into stocks intransitive verb 1a : to use a plow b : to undergo plowing 2a : to move forcefully into or through something the car plowed into a fence b : to proceed steadily and laboriously had to plow through a stack of letters plowed; plowing; plows

record (v)

1a(1) : to set down in writing : furnish written evidence of (2) : to deposit an authentic official copy of record a deed b : to state for or as if for the record voted in favor but recorded certain reservations c(1) : to register permanently by mechanical means earthquake shocks recorded by a seismograph (2) : INDICATE, READ the thermometer recorded 90° 2 : to give evidence of 3 : to cause (sound, visual images, data, etc.) to be registered on something (such as a disc or magnetic tape) in reproducible form intransitive verb : to record something recorded; recording; records

guiltless (adj)

: INNOCENT

whatsoever (adj)

: WHATEVER

beholden (adj)

: being under obligation for a favor or gift : INDEBTED I'm beholden to you

polysyndeton (n)

: repetition of conjunctions in close succession (as in we have ships and men and money)

potentiate (v)

: to make effective or active or more effective or more active also : to augment the activity of (something, such as a drug) synergistically potentiated; potentiating

grotesque (adj)

grotesque appearance. 1 a : a style of decorative art characterized by fanciful or fantastic human and animal forms often interwoven with foliage or similar figures that may distort the natural into absurdity, ugliness, or caricature b : a piece of work in this style an ornate structure, embellished with grotesques 2 : one that is grotesque 3 : sans serif

herself (pron)

being herself. 1 : that identical female one —used reflexively, for emphasis, in absolute constructions, and in place of her especially when joined to another object she considers herself lucky she herself did it herself an orphan, she understood the situation accepted the award for her colleagues and herself — compare SHE entry 1 2 : her normal, healthy, or sane condition or self 3 chiefly Ireland and Scotland : a woman of consequence especially : the mistress of the house [ She was herself again after a good night's sleep. She's not herself today; something's bothering her.]

extraordinary (adj)

extraordinary person. 1a : going beyond what is usual, regular, or customary extraordinary powers b : exceptional to a very marked extent extraordinary beauty c of a financial transaction : NONRECURRING 2 : employed for or sent on a special function or service an ambassador extraordinary

bias (n)

a clear bias towards... 1 a : an inclination of temperament or outlook; especially : a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment : prejudice b : an instance of such prejudice c : bent, tendency d (1) : deviation of the expected value of a statistical estimate from the quantity it estimates (2) : systematic error introduced into sampling or testing by selecting or encouraging one outcome or answer over others 2 : a line diagonal to the grain of a fabric; especially : a line at a 45 degree angle to the selvage often utilized in the cutting of garments for smoother fit 3 a : a peculiarity in the shape of a bowl that causes it to swerve when rolled on the green in lawn bowling b : the tendency of a bowl to swerve; also : the impulse causing this tendency c : the swerve of the bowl 4 a : a voltage applied to a device (such as a transistor control electrode) to establish a reference level for operation b : a high-frequency voltage combined with an audio signal to reduce distortion in tape recording — on the bias 1 : diagonally to the grain of a fabric cut the cloth on the bias sleeves cut on the bias 2 : at an angle : diagonally to the fibers of something cut the meat on the bias carrots cut on the bias

knee-jerk (adj)

a knee-jerk reaction. readily predictable : automatic knee-jerk reactions; also, disapproving : reacting in a readily predictable way The man was such a bleeding-heart knee-jerk liberal that you could predict the rest of the column after reading the first sentence. —Andrew M. Greeley

Gawain (n)

a knight of the Round Table and nephew of King Arthur

last minute (n)

a last-minute decision. the moment just before some climactic, decisive, or disastrous event — last-minute

litany (n)

a litany of... plural litanies 1 : a prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation the Litany of the Saints 2 a : a resonant or repetitive chant a litany of cheering phrases —Herman Wouk b : a usually lengthy recitation or enumeration a familiar litany of complaints c : a sizable series or set a litany of problems The drug has a litany of possible side effects.

inflexible (adj)

an inflexible personality. 1 : rigidly firm in will or purpose : unyielding 2 : not readily bent : lacking or deficient in suppleness 3 : incapable of change : unalterable — inflexibility noun — inflexibleness noun — inflexibly

theme (n)

an underlying theme. 1a : a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation guilt and punishment is the theme of the story b : a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern the campaign has lacked a theme 2 : a melodic subject of a musical composition or movement 3 : a written exercise : COMPOSITION a research theme 4 : STEM sense 4

democratic (adj)

democratic process. 1 : of, relating to, or favoring democracy (see democracy 1) democratic elections a democratic government 2 often capitalized : of or relating to one of the two major political parties in the U.S. evolving in the early 19th century from the anti-federalists and the Democratic-Republican party and associated in modern times with policies of broad social reform and internationalism the Democratic candidate for governor 3 : relating to, appealing to, or available to the broad masses of the people democratic art democratic education 4 : favoring social equality : not snobbish disagrees with her very democratic husband — democratically

guard (n)

drop your guard. 1 : one assigned to protect or oversee another: such as a : a person or a body of persons on sentinel duty Guards were posted around the camp. b guards plural : troops attached to the person of the sovereign c British : conductor b 2 a : a defensive state or attitude asked him out when his guard was down b : a defensive position (as in boxing) 3 a : the act or duty of protecting or defending b : the state of being protected : protection 4 : a protective or safety device; specifically : a device for protecting a machine part or the operator of a machine 5 archaic : precaution 6 a : a position or player next to the center in a football line b : a player stationed in the backcourt in basketball — off guard : in an unprepared or unsuspecting state Her angry response caught me off guard. — on guard : defensively watchful : alert is on guard against terrorists

fierce (adj)

fierce competition. fiercer; fiercest 1 a : violently hostile or aggressive in temperament a fierce tiger b : given to fighting or killing : pugnacious fierce fighters 2 a : marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence a fierce argument b : extremely vexatious, disappointing, or intense fierce pain 3 : furiously active or determined make a fierce effort 4 : wild or menacing in appearance 5 informal : having or expressing bold confidence or style When it comes to celebrity fashion, while the looks are fierce they're not always attainable. —Marlen Komar — fierceness noun

infer (v)

infer a conclusion. inferred; inferring transitive verb 1 : to derive as a conclusion from facts or premises we see smoke and infer fire —L. A. White — compare imply 2 : guess, surmise your letter ... allows me to infer that you are as well as ever —O. W. Holmes †1935 3 a : to involve as a normal outcome of thought b : to point out : indicate this doth infer the zeal I had to see him —William Shakespeare another survey ... infers that two-thirds of all present computer installations are not paying for themselves —H. R. Chellman 4 : suggest, hint are you inferring I'm incompetent? intransitive verb : to draw inferences men ... have observed, inferred, and reasoned ... to all kinds of results —John Dewey — inferable or less commonly inferrible adjective — inferrer

jack-of-all-trades (n)

jack-of-all-trades & master of none. plural jacks-of-all-trades : a person who can do passable work at various tasks : a handy versatile person

light-year (n)

light-years away. 1 : a unit of length in astronomy equal to the distance that light travels in one year in a vacuum or about 5.88 trillion miles (9.46 trillion kilometers) 2 : an extremely large measure of comparison (as of distance, time, or quality) seems like light-years ago has light-years more talent two minutes and yet light-years away from the crowded village —Suzanne Patterson

limn (v)

limned; limning play \ˈli-miŋ, ˈlim-niŋ\ transitive verb 1 : to draw or paint on a surface The artist limned a portrait. 2 : to outline in clear sharp detail : delineate he was limned by a streetlight —Stephen Coonts 3 : describe the novel limns the frontier life of the settlers — limner

odd (adj)

odds and ends. 1 a : being without a corresponding (see corresponding 1) mate an odd shoe b (1) : left over after others are paired or grouped came without his wife and thus turned out to be the odd guest at the party (2) : separated from a set or series had in his possession only two or three odd volumes of the original 12-volume set 2 a : somewhat more than the indicated approximate quantity, extent, or degree —usually used in combination 300-odd pages b (1) : left over as a remainder had a few odd dollars left after paying his bills (2) : constituting a small amount had some odd change in her pocket 3 a : being any of the integers (such as −3, −1, +1, and +3) that are not divisible by two without leaving a remainder b : marked by an odd number of units needed two odd-length boards, one of three feet and one of five feet c : being a function (see 1function 5a) such that f (−x) = −f (x) where the sign is reversed but the absolute value remains the same if the sign of the independent variable is reversed 4 a : not regular, expected, or planned worked at odd jobs b : encountered or experienced from time to time : occasional manages to get in some reading at odd moments 5 : having an out-of-the-way location : remote found it in some odd corner of the house 6 : differing markedly from the usual, ordinary, or accepted : peculiar a very odd way to show gratitude — oddness noun

first-rate (adj)

of the first order of size, importance, or quality — first-rateness noun — first-rater

one-trick pony (n)

one that is skilled in only one area; also : one that has success only once

overachiever (n)

one who achieves success over and above the standard or expected level especially at an early age — overachieve play \ˌō-vər-ə-ˈchēv\ intransitive verb — overachievement

oxymoron (n)

plural oxymora play \ˌäk-si-ˈmȯr-ə, -sē-\ : a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (such as cruel kindness); broadly : something (such as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements — oxymoronic play \ˌäk-si-mə-ˈrä-nik, -mȯ-, -sē-\ adjective — oxymoronically

ritualize (v)

ritualized; ritualizing

sign off (v)

sign off on. intransitive verb 1 : to announce the end of something (such as a message or broadcast) 2 : to approve or acknowledge something by or as if by a signature sign off on a memo — sign-off

gamble (v)

taking a gamble. 1a : to play a game for money or property b : to bet on an uncertain outcome 2 : to stake something on a contingency (see CONTINGENCY sense 1) : take a chance transitive verb 1 : to risk by gambling : WAGER 2 : VENTURE, HAZARD

tie in (v)

tie in past conversations. : to bring into connection with something relevant: such as a : to make the final connection of tied in the new branch pipeline b : to coordinate in such a manner as to produce balance and unity the illustrations were tied in with the text c : to use as a tie-in especially in advertising intransitive verb : to become tied in

degree (n)

to a certain degree.. 1 : a step or stage in a process, course, or order of classification advanced by degrees We all know that you're only three degrees away from all sorts of interesting and even famous people on social media. —Alex Proud 2 a : a rank or grade of official, ecclesiastical, or social position people of low degree b archaic : a particular standing especially as to dignity or worth c : the civil (see civil 4) condition or status of a person 3 genealogy : a step in a direct line of descent or in the line of ascent to a common ancestor 4 a obsolete : step, stair b archaic : a member of a series arranged in steps (as of parts of a structure) 5 medical : a measure of damage to tissue caused by injury or disease — compare first-degree burn, second-degree burn, third-degree burn 6 a : the extent, measure, or scope of an action, condition, or relation different in degree but not in kind requiring a high degree of skill b : relative intensity a high degree of stress c grammar : one of the forms or sets of forms used in the comparison of an adjective or adverb d law : a legal measure of guilt or negligence found guilty of murder in the first degree 7 a education : a title conferred on students by a college, university, or professional school on completion of a program of study earned her four-year degree associate's degrees has a degree in psychology b : a grade of membership attained in a ritualistic order or society received his first degree in the Knights of Columbus c : an academic title conferred to honor distinguished achievement or service The actor was presented with an honorary degree. d : the formal ceremonies observed in the conferral of such a distinction 8 mathematics : a unit of measure for angles equal to an angle with its vertex at the center of a circle and its sides cutting off ¹/₃₆₀ of the circumference a fifteen degree angle 47 degrees Latitude; also : a unit of measure for arcs of a circle equal to the amount of arc that subtends a central angle of one degree 9 archaic : a position or space on the earth or in the heavens as measured by degrees of latitude 10 music a : a step, note, or tone of a scale b : a line or space of the musical staff 11 : one of the divisions or intervals marked on a scale of a measuring instrument; specifically : any of various units for measuring temperature 350 degrees Fahrenheit 12 mathematics a : the sum of the exponents of the variables in the term of highest degree in a polynomial, polynomial function, or polynomial equation b : the sum of the exponents of the variable factors of a monomial c : the greatest power of the derivative of highest order in a differential equation after the equation has been rationalized (see rationalize 2) and cleared of fractions with respect to the derivative — degreed play \-ˈgrēd\ adjective — to a degree 1 : to a remarkable extent : exceedingly I felt desolate to a degree —Charlotte Brontë 2 : in a small way to a degree he succeeded