Words

squib

(adj) a small, slight, or weak person, especially a child (v)utter, write, or publish a satirical or sarcastic attack

sally

(adj) a sudden charge out of a besieged place against the enemy; a sortie (v) make a military sortie

consummate

(adj.) showing a high degree of skill and flair; complete or perfect; (v.) make (a marriage or relationship) complete by having sexual intercourse; to bring to a state of completion or perfection

veracious (adj)

(formal) speaking or representing the truth

preprandial (adj)

(formal, humorous) done or taken before dinner or lunch - (medicine) occurring or done before a meal

denizen (n)

(formal,humorous) an inhabitant or occupant of a particular place - (historical,british) a foreigner allowed certain rights in the adopted country

perambulate (v)

(formal,humorous) walk or travel through or around a place or area, especially for pleasure and in a leisurely way - (historical,british) walk around (a parish, forest, etc.) in order to officially assert and record its boundaries

purloin (v)

(formal/humorous) steal (something)

scrofula (n)

(historical) a disease with glandular swellings, probably a form of tuberculosis [w/ -ous (adj)] 1. of or relating to (the term) 2. - having a diseased run-down appearance - morally contaminated

demimonde (n)

(in 19th-century France) the class of women considered to be of doubtful morality and social standing - a group of people considered to be on the fringes of respectable society

Tao (n)

(in Chinese philosophy) the absolute principle underlying the universe, combining within itself the principles of yin and yang and signifying the way, or code of behavior, that is in harmony with the natural order. The interpretation of Tao in the Tao-te-Ching developed into the philosophical religion of Taoism

perdition (n)

(in Christian theology) a state of eternal punishment and damnation into which a sinful and unpenitent person passes after death

palanquin (n)

(in India and the East) a covered litter for one passenger, consisting of a large box carried on two horizontal poles by four or six bearers

virtility (n)

(in a man) the quality of having strength, energy, and a strong sex drive; manliness

harem (n)

(in former times) the separate part of a Muslim household reserved for wives, concubines, and female servants - the women occupying a harem; the wives (or concubines) of a polygamous man - a group of female animals sharing a single mate - (derogatory) a group of women perceived as centering around a particular man

chattel (n)

(in general use) a personal possession - (law) an item of property other than real estate

villein (n)

(in medieval England) a feudal tenant entirely subject to a lord or manor to whom he paid dues and services in return for land

parley

(n) a conference between opposing sides in a dispute, especially a discussion of terms for an armistice (v) hold a conference with the opposing side to discuss terms

snafu (informal) (North American)

(n) a confused or chaotic state; a mess (v) throw (a situation) into chaos

cloister

(n) a covered walk in a convent, monastery, college, or cathedral, typically with a wall on one side and a colonnade open to a quadrangle on the other - a convent or monastery - monastic life (v) seclude or shut up in or as if in a convent or monastery

feint

(n) a deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, or other movement, especially in boxing or fencing - a mock attack or movement in warfare, made in order to distract or deceive an enemy (v) make a deceptive or distracting movement, especially during a fight

mnemonic

(n) a device such as a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations that assists in remembering something (adj) aiding or designed to aid the memory - relating to the power of memory

counterpoise

(n) a factor, force, or influence that balances or neutralizes another - a counterbalancing weight - a state of equilibrium (v) have an opposing and balancing effect on - bring into contrast

gregarious (adj)

(of a person) fond of company; sociable - (of animals) living in flocks or loosely organized communities - (of plants) growing in open clusters or in pure associations

eponymous (adj)

(of a person) giving their name to something, (of a thing) named after a particular person

phlegmatic (adj)

(of a person) having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition

senile (adj & n)

(of a person) having or showing the weaknesses or diseases of old age, especially a loss of mental faculties

necessitious (adj)

(of a person) lacking the necessities of life; needy

simpatico (adj)

(of a person) likable and easy to get along with - having or characterized by shared attributes or interests; compatible

equable (adj)

(of a person) not easily disturbed or angered; calm and even-tempered - not varying or fluctuating greatly

taciturn (adj)

(of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little

sedentary (adj)

(of a person) tending to spend much time seated; somewhat inactive - (of work or a way of life) characterized by much sitting and little physical exercise - (of a position) sitting; seated - (zoology/anthropology) inhabiting the same locality throughout life; not migratory or nomadic - (zoology) (of an animal) sessile

restive (adj)

(of a person) unable to keep still or silent and becoming increasingly difficult to control, especially because of impatience, dissatisfaction, or boredom - (of a horse) refusing to advance, stubbornly standing still or moving backward or sideways

bespectacled (adj)

(of a person) wearing eyeglasses

boisterous (adj)

(of a person, event, or behavior) noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy - (of wind, weather, or water) wild or stormy

lascivious (adj)

(of a person, manner, or gesture) feeling or revealing an overt and often offensive sexual desire

laconic (adj)

(of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words

hackneyed (adj)

(of a phrase or idea) lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and trite

squalid (adj)

(of a place) extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect; showing or involving a contemptible lack of moral standards

shrive (v) (archaic)

(of a priest) hear the confession of, assign penance to, and absolve (someone) - present oneself to a priest for confession, penance, and absolution

ersatz

(of a product) made or used as a substitute, typically an inferior one, for something else

latent (adj)

(of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden; concealed

trite (adj)

(of a remark, opinion, or idea) overused and consequently of little import; lacking originality or freshness

plangent (adj)

(of a sound) loud, reverberating, and often melancholy

apocryphal (adj)

(of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true - of or belonging to the Apocrypha (the biblical books received by the early Church as part of the Greek version of the Old Testament)

onerous (adj)

(of a task, duty, or responsibility) involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome - (law) involving heavy obligations

hooky (adj)

(of a tune) having immediate appeal and easy to remember; catchy phrase: play hooky - stay away from school or work without permission or explanation

connote (v)

(of a word) imply or suggest (an idea or feeling) in addition to the literal or primary meaning - (of a fact) imply as a consequence or condition

sesquipedalian (adj)

(of a word) polysyllabic; long - characterized by long words; long-winded

sesquipedalian (adj) (formal)

(of a word) polysyllabic; long - characterized by long words; long-winded

smart (v)

(of a wound or part of the body) feel or cause a sharp stinging pain - feel upset and annoyed

fledged (adj)

(of a young bird) having wing feathers that are large enough for flight; able to fly - (of a person or thing) having just taken on the role specified - (literary) (of an arrow) provided with feathers

perspicuous (adj) (formal)

(of an account or representation) clearly expressed and easily understood; lucid - (of a person) able to give an account or express an idea clearly

perfunctorily (adj)

(of an action or gesture) carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection

laudable (adj)

(of an action, idea, or goal) deserving praise and commendation

paltry (adj)

(of an amount) small or meager - petty; trivial

bleak (adj)

(of an area of land) lacking vegetation and exposed to the elements -(of a building or room) charmless and inhospitable; dreary -(of the weather) cold and miserable -(of a situation or future prospect) not hopeful or encouraging; unlikely to have a favorable outcome -(of a person or a person's expression) cold and forbidding

cogent (adj)

(of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing

convivial (adj)

(of an atmosphere or event) friendly, lively, and enjoyable - (of a person) cheerful and friendly; jovial

saunter

(v.) to stroll; walk in an easy, leisurely way; (n.) a stroll

ministration (n)

1. (formal, humorous) the provision of assistance or care 2. the services of a minister of religion or of a religious institution - the action of administering the sacrament

errant (adj)

1. (formal/humorous) erring or straying from the proper course or standards 2. (archaic/literary) traveling in search of adventure

galley (n)

1. (historical) a low, flat ship with one or more sails and up to three banks of oars, chiefly used for warfare, trade, and piracy. - a long rowboat used as a ship's boat 2. the kitchen in a ship or aircraft 3. a printer's proof in the form of long single-column strips, not in sheets or pages

burgess (n)

1. (historical/British) an inhabitant of a town or borough with full rights of citizenship 2. (historical/British) a Member of Parliament for a borough, corporate town, or university 3. (in the US and also historically in the UK) a magistrate or member of the governing body of a town - (historical/US) a member of the assembly of colonial Maryland or Virginia

chimera (n)

1. (in Greek mythology) a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail - any mythical animal with parts taken from various animals 2. a thing that is hoped or wished for but in fact is illusory or impossible to achieve 3. (biology) an organism containing a mixture of genetically different tissues, formed by processes such as fusion of early embryos, grafting, or mutation - a DNA molecule with sequences derived from two or more different organisms, formed by laboratory manipulation 4. a cartilaginous marine fish with a long tail, an erect spine before the first dorsal fin, and typically a forward projection from the snout

maquis (n)

1. the French resistance movement during the German occupation (1940-45) - a member of the [term] 2. dense scrub vegetation consisting of hardy evergreen shrubs and small trees, characteristic of coastal regions in the Mediterranean

bilious (adj)

1. affected by or associated with nausea or vomiting - (of a color) lurid or sickly 2. spiteful; bad-tempered 3. (physiology) relating to bile

permissive (adj)

1. allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behavior 2. (law) allowed but not obligatory; optional 3. (biology) allowing a biological or biochemical process to occur - allowing the infection and replication of viruses

vestibule (n)

1. an antechamber, hall, or lobby next to the outer door of a building - an enclosed entrance compartment in a railroad car 2. (anatomy) a chamber or channel opening into another - the central cavity of the labyrinth of the inner ear - the part of the mouth outside the teeth - the space in the vulva into which both the urethra and vagina open

licentious (adj)

1. promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters 2. (archaic) disregarding accepted rules or conventions, especially in grammar or literary style

slake (v)

1. quench or satisfy (one's thirst) - satisfy (desires) 2. combine (quicklime) with water to produce calcium hydroxide

broach (v)

1. raise (a sensitive or difficult subject) for discussion 2. pierce (a cask) to draw liquor 3. (of a fish or sea mammal) rise through the water and break the surface

profligacy (n)

1. reckless extravagance or wastefulness in the use of resources 2. licentious or dissolute behavior

liminal (adj) (technical)

1. relating to a transitional or initial stage of a process 2. occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold

infernal (adj)

1. relating to or characteristic of hell or the underworld 2. (informal) irritating and tiresome (used for emphasis)

tensile (adj)

1. relating to tension 2. capable of being drawn out or stretched

circumscribe

1. restrict (something) within limits 2. (geometry) draw (a figure) around another, touching it at points but not cutting it

impound (v)

1. seize and take legal custody of (something, especially a vehicle, goods, or documents) because of an infringement of a law or regulation 2. shut up (domestic animals) in a pound or enclosure 3. (of a dam) hold back or confine (water)

galvanize (v)

1. shock or excite (someone) into taking action 2. coat (iron or steel) with a protective layer of zinc

indisposed (adj)

1. slightly unwell 2. averse; unwilling

anathema (n)

1. something or someone that one vehemently dislikes 2. a formal curse by a pope or a council of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine - (literary) a strong curse

verbiage (n)

1. speech or writing that uses too many words or excessively technical expressions 2. (U.S.) the way in which something is expressed; wording or diction

redolent (adj)

1. strongly reminiscent or suggestive of (something) - (literary) strongly smelling of 2. (archaic, literary) fragrant or sweet-smelling

tumescent (adj)

1. swollen or becoming swollen, especially as a response to sexual arousal 2. (especially of language or literary style) pompous or pretentiou

progenitor (n)

a person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is descended or originates; an ancestor or parent - a person who originates an artistic, political, or intellectual movement

paragon (n)

a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality

harbinger (n)

a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another - a forerunner of something

cynosure (n)

a person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration

aphorism (n)

a pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." - a concise statement of a scientific principle, typically by an ancient classical author

epigram (n)

a pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way - a short poem, especially a satirical one, having a witty or ingenious ending

regression (n)

a return to a former or less developed state

atoll (n)

a ring-shaped reef, island, or chain of islands formed of coral

gazebo (n)

a roofed structure that offers an open view of the surrounding area, typically used for relaxation or entertainment

suzerain (n)

a sovereign or state having some control over another state that is internally autonomous - (historical) a feudal overlord

imprecation (n) (formal)

a spoken curse

affinity (n)

a spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something

shibboleth (n)

a custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people, especially a long-standing one regarded as outmoded or no longer important

plight (n)

a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation

fig leaf (n)

a leaf of a fig tree, often depicted as concealing the genitals in paintings and sculpture - a thing designed to conceal a difficulty or embarrassment

bequest (n)

a legacy - the action of bequeathing something

skein (n)

a length of thread or yarn, loosely coiled and knotted - a tangled or complicated arrangement, state, or situation - a flock of wild geese or swans in flight, typically in a V-shaped formation

epistle (n) (formal/humorous)

a letter - a poem or other literary work in the form of a letter or series of letters - a book of the New Testament in the form of a letter from an Apostle - an extract from an Epistle (or another New Testament book not a Gospel) that is read in a church service

revue (n)

a light theatrical entertainment consisting of a series of short sketches, songs, and dances, typically dealing satirically with topical issues

bourn (n) (literary)

a limit or boundary - a goal or destination

bourne (n) (literary)

a limit or boundary - a goal or destination

viaduct (n)

a long bridge-like structure, typically a series of arches, carrying a road or railroad across a valley or other low ground

windrow (n)

a long line of raked hay or sheaves of grain laid out to dry in the wind - (North American) a long line of material heaped up by the wind or by a machine

disquisition (n)

a long or elaborate essay or discussion on a particular subject

tirade (n)

a long, angry speech of criticism or accusation

burnoose (n)

a long, loose hooded cloak worn by Arabs

pirogue (n)

a long, narrow canoe made from a single tree trunk, especially in Central America and the Caribbean

escarpment (n)

a long, steep slope, especially one at the edge of a plateau or separating areas of land at different heights

paramour (n)

a lover, especially the illicit partner of a married person

droshky (n) (historical)

a low four-wheeled open carriage of a kind formerly used in Russia

dais (n)

a low platform for a lectern, seats of honor, or a throne

sans-culotte (n)

a lower-class Parisian republican in the French Revolution - an extreme republican or revolutionary

Lothario (n)

a man who behaves selfishly and irresponsibly in his sexual relationships with women

lothario (n)

a man who behaves selfishly and irresponsibly in his sexual relationships with women

eunuch (n)

a man who has been castrated, especially (in the past) one employed to guard the women's living areas at an oriental court - an ineffectual person

philanderer (adj)

a man who readily or frequently enters into casual sexual relationships with women; a womanizer

stigma (n)

a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person

mésalliance (n)

a marriage with a person thought to be unsuitable or of a lower social position

linoleum (n)

a material consisting of a canvas backing thickly coated with a preparation of linseed oil and powdered cork, used especially as a floor covering

repast (n) (formal)

a meal

escapement (n)

a mechanism in a clock or watch that alternately checks and releases the train by a fixed amount and transmits a periodic impulse from the spring or weight to the balance wheel or pendulum - a mechanism in a typewriter that shifts the carriage a small fixed amount to the left after a key is pressed and released - the part of the mechanism in a piano that enables the hammer to fall back as soon as it has struck the string

catalepsy (n)

a medical condition characterized by a trance or seizure with a loss of sensation and consciousness accompanied by rigidity of the body

brigand (n)

a member of a gang that ambushes and robs people in forests and mountains

Pharisee

a member of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law, and commonly held to have pretensions to superior sanctity - a self-righteous person; a hypocrite

libber (n) (formal)

a member or advocate of a movement calling for the liberation of people or animals

andiron (n)

a metal support, typically one of a pair, that holds wood burning in a fireplace

hectare (n)

a metric unit of square measure, equal to 100 ares (2.471 acres or 10,000 square meters)

siege (n)

a military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling the surrender of those inside - an operation in which a police or other force surround a building and cut off supplies, with the aim of forcing an armed person to surrender. - a prolonged period of misfortune

byword (n)

a person or thing cited as a notorious and outstanding example or embodiment of something - a word or expression summarizing a thing's characteristics or a person's principles

tantamount (adj)

equivalent in seriousness to; virtually the same as

ensconce (v)

establish or settle (someone) in a comfortable, safe, or secret place

vesper (n)

evening prayer - (archaic) evening - (literary) Venus as the evening star

elicit (v)

evoke or draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone in reaction to one's own actions or questions - (archaic) draw forth (something that is latent or potential) into existence

monomania (n)

exaggerated or obsessive enthusiasm for or preoccupation with one thing

quixotic (adj)

exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical

schmaltzy (adj)

excessively sentimental

garrulous (adj)

excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters

impunity (n)

exemption from punishment

dysgenic (adj)

exerting a detrimental effect on later generations through the inheritance of undesirable characteristics

affable (adj)

friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to

obsequies (n)

funeral rites

magnanimous (adj)

generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person

effuse (v)

give off (a liquid, light, smell, or quality) - talk in an unrestrained, excited manner

vouchsafe (v)

give or grant (something) to (someone) in a gracious or condescending manner

sententious (adj)

given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner

concise (adj)

giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensive

fey (adj)

giving an impression of vague unworldliness - having supernatural powers of clairvoyance - (scottish) fated to die or at the point of death

admonitory (adj)

giving or conveying a warning or reprimand

propitious (adj)

giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable - (archaic) favorably disposed toward someone

undulant (adj)

having a rising and falling motion or appearance like that of waves; undulating

pungent (adj)

having a sharply strong taste or smell - (of comment, criticism, or humor) having a sharp and caustic quality

viscous

having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid; having a high viscosity

oblong (adj & n)

having an elongated shape, as a rectangle or an oval

acrid (adj)

having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell

manqué (adj)

having failed to become what one might have been; unfulfilled

puissant (adj) (archaic) (literary)

having great power or influence

purblind (adj) (literary)

having impaired or defective vision - slow or unable to understand; dimwitted

impecunious (adj)

having little or no money

degenerate (adj, n, v)

having lost the physical, mental, or moral qualities considered normal and desirable; showing evidence of decline

etiolated (adj)

having lost vigor or substance; feeble

ambivalent (adj)

having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone

salacious (adj)

having or conveying undue or inappropriate interest in sexual matters

serrated (adj)

having or denoting a jagged edge; sawlike

rakish (adj)

having or displaying a dashing, jaunty, or slightly disreputable quality or appearance

fervent (adj)

having or displaying a passionate intensity

prurient (adj)

having or encouraging an excessive interest in sexual matters

prudish (adj)

having or revealing a tendency to be easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity; excessively concerned with sexual propriety

wistful (adj)

having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing

vacuous (adj)

having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless - (archaic) empty

vindictive (adj)

having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge

irascible (adj)

having or showing a tendency to be easily angered

astute (adj)

having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage

lecherous (adj)

having or showing excessive or offensive sexual desire

erudite (adj)

having or showing great knowledge or learning

sagacious (adj)

having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd

prescient (adj)

having or showing knowledge of events before they take place

inept (adj)

having or showing no skill; clumsy

dogged (adj)

having or showing tenacity and grim persistence

cherubic (adj)

having the childlike innocence or plump prettiness of a cherub

prosaic (adj)

having the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty - commonplace; unromantic

salubrious (adj)

health-giving; healthy - (of a place) pleasant; not run-down

anneal (v)

heat (metal or glass) and allow it to cool slowly, in order to remove internal stresses and toughen it - (biochemistry) recombine (DNA) in the double-stranded form following separation by heat

bombastic (adj)

high-sounding but with little meaning; inflate

exalt (v)

hold (someone or something) in very high regard; think or speak very highly of

proffer (v)

hold out (something) to someone for acceptance; offer

pertinacious (adj)

holding firmly to an opinion or a course of action

collusive (adj)

involving secret or unlawful cooperation aimed at deceiving or gaining an advantage over others

exasperate (v)

irritate intensely; infuriate

jounce (verb)

jolt or bounce

cavort (v)

jump or dance around excitedly - (informal) apply oneself enthusiastically to sexual or disreputable pursuits

clandestine (adj)

kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit

surrepitious (adj)

kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of

surreptitious (adj)

kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of

immolate (v)

kill or offer as a sacrifice, especially by burning

impassive (adj)

not feeling or showing emotion

niggardly (adj)

not generous; stingy - meager; scanty

innocuous (adj)

not harmful or offensive

frivolous (adj)

not having any serious purpose or value

indecorous (adj)

not in keeping with good taste and propriety; improper

anodyne (adj/n)

not likely to provoke dissent or offense; inoffensive, often deliberately so/ a painkilling drug or medicine

seldom (adv)

not often; rarely

transitory (adj)

not permanent

infirm (adj)

not physically or mentally strong, especially through age or illness

inadvertent (adj)

not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning

reticent (adj)

not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily

unconscionable (adj)

not right or reasonable - unreasonably excessive

abstemious (adj)

not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking

impudent (adj)

not showing due respect for another person; impertinent

impertinent (adj)

not showing proper respect; rude

mendacious (adj)

not telling the truth; lying

de trop (adj)

not wanted; unwelcome

obtrusive (adj)

noticeable or prominent in an unwelcome or intrusive way

dissonance

lack of harmony among musical notes; a tension or clash resulting from the combination of two disharmonious or unsuitable elements

apathy (n)

lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern

impiety (n)

lack of piety or reverence, especially for a god

desultory (adj)

lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm

gauche (adj)

lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward

lackadaisical (adj)

lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy

spurious (adj)

not being what it purports to be; false or fake - (of a line of reasoning) apparently but not actually valid - (archaic) (of offspring) illegitimate

inimitable (adj)

not capable of being copied or imitated

heterodox (adj)

not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs

strew (v)

scatter or spread (things) untidily over a surface or area - cover (a surface or area) with untidily scattered things - be scattered or spread untidily over (a surface or area)

rescind (v)

revoke, cancel, or repeal (a law, order, or agreement)

cockamamie

ridiculous; implausible

pillage (v)

rob (a place) using violence, especially in wartime

boorish (adj)

rough and bad-mannered; coarse

lumpish (adj)

roughly or clumsily formed or shaped - (of a person) stupid and lethargic

berate (v)

scold or criticize (someone) angrily

chide (v)

scold or rebuke

arcana (n)

secrets or mysteries - either of the two groups of cards in a tarot pack: the twenty-two trump cards (the major arcana ) and the fifty-six suit cards (the minor arcana )

staid (adj)

sedate, respectable, and unadventurous

scrounge (v)

seek to obtain (something, typically food or money) at the expense or through the generosity of others or by stealth

emulous (adj) (formal)

seeking to emulate or imitate someone or something - motivated by a spirit of rivalry

quasi- (prefix)

seemingly; apparently but not really - being partly or almost

cull (v)

select from a large quantity; obtain from a variety of sources.

aplomb (n)

self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation

maudlin (adj)

self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness

ipseity (n)

selfhood; individual identity, individuality

balderdash (n)

senseless, stupid, or exaggerated talk or writing; nonsense

mawkish (adj)

sentimental in a feeble or sickly way - (archaic, dialect) having a faint sickly flavor

Emblematic (adj)

serving as a symbol of a particular quality or concept; symbolic

austere (adj)

severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance - (of living conditions or a way of life) having no comforts or luxuries; harsh or ascetic - having an extremely plain and simple style or appearance; unadorned - (of an economic policy or measure) designed to reduce a budget deficit, especially by cutting public expenditure

ascetism (n)

severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons

censorious (adj)

severely critical of others

contiguous (adj)

sharing a common border; touching - next or together in sequence

exculpate (v)

show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing

blithe (adj)

showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper - (literary) happy or joyous

derogatory (adj)

showing a critical or disrespectful attitude

altruistic (adj)

showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish

pusillanimous (adj)

showing a lack of courage or determination; timid

irreverent (adj)

showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously

insolent (adj)

showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect

disdainful (adj)

showing contempt or lack of respect

punctilious (adj)

showing great attention to detail or correct behavior

assiduous (adj)

showing great care and perseverance

iridescent (adj)

showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles

venal (adj)

showing or motivated by susceptibility to briber

timorous (adj)

showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence

complacent (adj)

showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements

vehement

showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense

opalescent (adj)

showing varying colors as an opal does

frippery (n)

showy or unnecessary ornament in architecture, dress, or language - a tawdry or frivolous thing

fatuous (adj)

silly and pointless

loll (v)

sit, lie, or stand in a lazy, relaxed way - hang loosely; droop - stick out (one's tongue) so that it hangs loosely out of the mouth

wily (adj)

skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully

legerdemain (n)

skillful use of one's hands when performing conjuring tricks - deception; trickery

dilatory (adj)

slow to act - intended to cause delay

guile (n)

sly or cunning intelligence

eiderdown (n)

small, soft feathers from the breast of the female eider duck - (british) a quilt filled with down (originally from the eider) or some other soft material

palpable (adj)

so intense as to seem almost tangible; able to be touched

gentility (n)

social superiority as demonstrated by genteel manners, behavior, or appearances

abjure (formal)

solemnly renounce (a belief, cause, or claim)

congeal (v)

solidify or coagulate, especially by cooling -take shape or coalesce, especially to form a satisfying whole

omission (n)

someone or something that has been left out or excluded; the action of excluding or leaving out someone or something; a failure to do something, especially something that one has a moral or legal obligation to do

dross (n)

something regarded as worthless; rubbish - foreign matter, dregs, or mineral waste, in particular scum formed on the surface of molten metal

evanescent (adj)

soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing - denoting a field or wave that extends into a region where it cannot propagate and whose amplitude therefore decreases with distance

plaintive (adj)

sounding sad and mournful

terse (adj)

sparing in the use of words; abrupt

frugal (adj)

sparing or economical with regard to money or food - simple and plain and costing little

scintillating (adj)

sparkling or shining brightly; brilliantly and excitingly clever or skillful

malign (v)

speak about (someone) in a spitefully critical manner

prevaricate (v)

speak or act in an evasive way

inveigh (v)

speak or write about (something) with great hostility

slum (v)

spend time at a lower social level than one's own through curiosity or for charitable purposes

sumptuous (adj)

splendid and expensive-looking

extemporaneous (adj)

spoken or done without preparation

disseminate (v)

spread (something, especially information) widely - (medicine) spread throughout an organ or the body

permeate (v)

spread throughout (something); pervade

novelty (n)

state or quality of being new or unique - a new or unfamiliar thing or experience - denoting something intended to be amusing as a result of its new or unusual quality a small and inexpensive toy or ornament

ostensible (adj)

stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so

rigor mortis (n)

stiffening of the joints and muscles of a body a few hours after death, usually lasting from one to four days

conciliate (v)

stop (someone) from being angry or discontented; placate; pacify - act as a mediator - (formal) reconcile; make compatible 2. (archaic) gain (esteem or goodwill)

waylay (v)

stop or interrupt (someone) and detain them in conversation or trouble them in some other way

stanch (v)

stop or restrict (a flow of blood) from a wound

taut (adj)

stretched or pulled tight; not slack

exhort (v)

strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something

obstinate (adj)

stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so

obdurate (v)

stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action

heteronomous (adj)

subject to a law or standard external to itself - (in Kantian moral philosophy) acting in accordance with one's desires rather than reason or moral duty - (biology) subject to different laws

fauna (n)

the animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period - a book or other work describing or listing the animal life of a region

verisimilitude (n)

the appearance of being true or real

titilation (n)

the arousal of interest or excitement, especially through sexually suggestive images or words

edification (n)

the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually

viscera (n)

the internal organs in the main cavities of the body, especially those in the abdomen, e.g. the intestines

reverie (n)

a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream - (music) an instrumental piece suggesting a dreamy or musing state - (archaic) a fanciful or impractical idea or theory

oligopoly (n)

a state of limited competition, in which a market is shared by a small number of producers or sellers

stupor (n)

a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility

quandary (n)

a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation - a difficult situation; a practical dilemma

torpor (n)

a state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy

lassitude (n)

a state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy

abeyance (n)

a state of temporary disuse or suspension - (law) the position of being without, or of waiting for, an owner or claimant

oligopsony (n)

a state of the market in which only a small number of buyers exists for a product

doldrums (n)

a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or depression

axiom (n)

a statement or proposition that is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true

truism (n)

a statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting - (logic) a proposition that states nothing beyond what is implied by any of its terms

crag (n)

a steep or rugged cliff or rock face

distaff (n)

a stick or spindle onto which wool or flax is wound for spinning - of or concerning women

nacelle (n)

a streamlined housing or tank for something on the outside of an aircraft or motor vehicle - the outer casing of an aircraft engine - the car of an airship

torrent (n)

a strong and fast-moving stream of water or other liquid; a tumultuous outpouring.

aversion (n)

a strong dislike or disinclination

vocation (n)

a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation

premonition (n)

a strong feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant

penchant (n)

a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something

portcullis (n)

a strong, heavy grating that can be lowered down grooves on each side of a gateway to block it

portico (n)

a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns at regular intervals, typically attached as a porch to a building

lattice (n)

a structure consisting of strips of wood or metal crossed and fastened together with square or diamond-shaped spaces left between, used as a screen or fence or as a support for climbing plants - an interlaced structure or pattern resembling a lattice - (physics) a regular repeated three-dimensional arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a metal or other crystalline solid

dolt (n)

a stupid person

dunderhead (n) (informal)

a stupid person

parable (n)

a succinct, didactic story, in prose or verse, that illustrates one or more instructive lessons or principles; differs from fables by including humans instead of animals

caprice (n)

a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior

paroxysm (n)

a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity - (medicine) a sudden recurrence or attack of a disease; a sudden worsening of symptoms

peripeteia (n) (formal)

a sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances, especially in reference to fictional narrative

remittance (n)

a sum of money sent, especially by mail, in payment for goods or services or as a gift - the action of sending money in payment

sharper (n)

a swindler, especially at cards

sharper (n) (informal)

a swindler, especially at cards

abscess (n)

a swollen area within body tissue, containing an accumulation of pus

yataghan (n) (historical)

a sword without a guard and typically with a double-curved blade, used in Muslim countries

minaret (n)

a tall slender tower, typically part of a mosque, with a balcony from which a muezzin calls Muslims to prayer

cistern (n)

a tank for storing water, especially one supplying taps or as part of a flushing toilet - an underground reservoir for rainwater

stop-gap (n)

a temporary way of dealing with a problem or satisfying a need

proclivity (n)

a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing

anachronism (n)

a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned - an act of attributing a custom, event, or object to a period to which it does not belong

trifle (n & v)

a thing of little value or importance; treat (someone or something) without seriousness or respect

fiasco (n)

a thing that is a complete failure, especially in a ludicrous or humiliating way

inducement (n)

a thing that persuades or influences someone to do something - a bribe - (law) introductory statements in a pleading explaining the matter in dispute

hindrance (n)

a thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone

mote (n)

a tiny piece of a substance

emir (n)

a title of various Muslim (mainly Arab) rulers - (historical) a Muslim (usually Arab) military commander or local chief

Fräulein (n)

a title or form of address for an unmarried German-speaking woman, especially a young woman

garret (n)

a top-floor or attic room, especially a small dismal one (traditionally inhabited by an artist)

vestige (n)

a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists - the smallest amount (used to emphasize the absence of something) -(biology) a part or organ of an organism that has become reduced or functionless in the course of evolution

salver (n)

a tray, typically one made of silver and used in formal circumstances

lateen (n)

a triangular sail on a long yard at an angle of 45° to the mast - a ship rigged with a lateen sai

verity (n)

a true principle or belief, especially one of fundamental importance - truth

pauper (n)

a very poor person - (historical) a recipient of government relief or public charity

rivulet (n)

a very small stream

precipice (n)

a very steep rock face or cliff, especially a tall one

sentiment (n)

a view of or attitude toward a situation or event; an opinion; a feeling or emotion

ruffian (adj)

a violent person, especially one involved in crime

insurrection (n)

a violent uprising against an authority or government

carmine (n)

a vivid crimson color - a vivid crimson pigment made from cochineal

caveat (n)

a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations - (law) a notice, especially in a probate, that certain actions may not be taken without informing the person who gave the notice

frigate (n)

a warship with a mixed armament, generally heavier than a destroyer (in the US Navy) and of a kind originally introduced for convoy escort work - (historical) a sailing warship of a size and armament just below that of a ship of the line

rheum (n) (literary)

a watery fluid that collects in or drips from the nose or eyes

magnate (adj)

a wealthy and influential person, especially in business

alb (n)

a white vestment worn by clergy and servers in some Christian Churches

dowager (n)

a widow with a title or property derived from her late husband - (informal) a dignified elderly woman

cherub (n)

a winged angelic being described in biblical tradition as attending on God. It is represented in ancient Middle Eastern art as a lion or bull with eagles' wings and a human face, and regarded in traditional Christian angelology as an angel of the second highest order of the ninefold celestial hierarchy - a representation of a cherub in art, depicted as a chubby, healthy-looking child with wings - a beautiful or innocent-looking child

bon mot (v)

a witty remark

charwoman (n) (dated) (British)

a woman employed to clean houses or offices

coquette (n)

a woman who flirts

cantatrice (n)

a woman who is a singer, especially an opera singer

atelier (n)

a workshop or studio, especially one used by an artist or designer

memorandum (n)

a written message in business or diplomacy - a note or record made for future use - (law) a document recording the terms of a contract or other legal details

treatise (n)

a written work dealing formally and systematically with a subject

misnomer (n)

a wrong or inaccurate name or designation - a wrong or inaccurate use of a name or term

trimaran (n)

a yacht with three hulls in parallel

colt (n)

a young uncastrated male horse, in particular one less than four years old

brusque (adj)

abrupt or offhand in speech or manner

claptrap (n)

absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas

copious (adj)

abundant in supply or quantity - (archaic) profuse in speech or ideas

churlish (adj)

rude in a mean-spirited and surly way

curt (adj)

rudely brief

elope (v)

run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent

dejected (adj)

sad and depressed; dispirited

pompous (adj)

affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important

simpering (adj)

affectedly coy or ingratiating.

rapacious (adj)

aggressively greedy or grasping

cognomen (n)

an extra personal name given to an ancient Roman citizen, functioning rather like a nickname and typically passed down from father to son - a name or nickname

idyll (n)

an extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, typically an idealized or unsustainable one - a short description in verse or prose of a picturesque scene or incident, especially in rustic life

propensity (n)

an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way

duffer (n) (informal)

an incompetent or stupid person, especially an elderly one - a person inexperienced at something, especially at playing golf

crenel (n)

an indentation in the battlements of a fort or castle, used for shooting or firing missiles through

arbitrator (n)

an independent person or body officially appointed to settle a dispute

intimation (n)

an indication or hint - the action of making something known, especially in an indirect way

pettifogger (adj) (archaic)

an inferior legal practitioner, especially one who deals with petty cases or employs dubious practices

sigil (n)

an inscribed or painted symbol considered to have magical power - (archaic) a seal - (literary) a sign or symbol

syllogism (n)

an instance of a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn (whether validly or not) from two given or assumed propositions (premises), each of which shares a term with the conclusion, and shares a common or middle term not present in the conclusion (e.g., all dogs are animals; all animals have four legs; therefore all dogs have four legs ) - deductive reasoning as distinct from induction

interstice (n)

an intervening space, especially a very small one

presentiment (n)

an intuitive feeling about the future, especially one of foreboding

incursion (n)

an invasion or attack, especially a sudden or brief one

talisman (n)

an object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck - a person regarded as representing and inspiring a particular group

pogrom (n)

an organized massacre of a particular ethnic group, in particular that of Jewish people in Russia or eastern Europe

gestalt (n, psychology)

an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts.

epaulet (n)

an ornamental shoulder piece on an item of clothing, especially on the coat or jacket of a military uniform

scepter (n)

an ornamented staff carried by rulers on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of sovereignty

furor (n)

an outbreak of public anger or excitement

pleiad (n) (literary)

an outstanding group of seven people or things

bartizan (n) (architecture)

an overhanging corner turret at the top of a castle or church tower

grimace (n)

an ugly, twisted expression on a person's face, typically expressing disgust, pain, or wry amusement

supposition (n)

an uncertain belief

lout (adj)

an uncouth and aggressive man or boy

qualm (n)

an uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one's own conduct; a misgiving

yokel (n)

an uneducated and unsophisticated person from the countryside

pallor (n)

an unhealthy pale appearance

effluvium (n)

an unpleasant or harmful odor, secretion, or discharge

boor (n)

an unrefined, ill-mannered person

bumpkin (n)

an unsophisticated or socially awkward person from the countryside

debutante (n)

an upper-class young woman making her first appearance in fashionable society

acclivity (n)

an upward slope

exigency (n)

an urgent need or demand

poltroon (n) (archaic/literary)

an utter coward

subaural (adj)

anatomy bellow the ear

strife (n)

angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues; conflict

punchinello (n)

another name for punch - (archaic) a short, stout, comical-looking person

infusorian (n)

any of a heterogeneous group of minute organisms found especially in water with decomposing organic matter

paladin (n) (historical)

any of the twelve peers of Charlemagne's court, of whom the Count Palatine was the chief - a knight renowned for heroism and chivalry

mollify (v)

appease the anger or anxiety of (someone) - (rare) reduce the severity of (something); soften

depute (v)

appoint or instruct (someone) to perform a task for which one is responsible - delegate (authority or a task)

approbation (n) (formal)

approval or praise

mail (2) (n) (historical)

armor made of metal rings or plates joined together flexibly - the protective shell or scales of certain animals

provisional

arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later

fanfaronade (n)

arrogant or boastful talk

haughty

arrogantly superior and disdainful

lief (adv) (archaic)

as happily; as gladly

avow (v)

assert or confess openly

officious (adj)

assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters - intrusively enthusiastic in offering help or advice; interfering

imperious (adj)

assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering.

expiate (v)

atone for (guilt or sin)

furtive (adj)

attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive

resplendent (adj)

attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous

prepossessing (adj)

attractive or appealing in appearance

shirk (v)

avoid or neglect (a duty or responsibility) - be unwilling to do (something difficult)

indolence (n)

avoidance of activity or exertion; laziness

au courant (adj)

aware of what is going on; well informed - fashionable

kinesthesia (n)

awareness of the position and movement of the parts of the body by means of sensory organs (proprioceptors) in the muscles and joints

ornery (adj) (informal/north american)

bad-tempered and combative - stubborn

choleric (adj)

bad-tempered or irritable - influenced by or predominating in the humor called choler

cantankerous (adj)

bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative

fallacious (adj)

based on a mistaken belief

empirical (adj)

based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic

bereave (v)

be deprived of a loved one through a profound absence, especially due to the loved one's death

dote (v)(also spelled doat)

be extremely and uncritically fond of - (SE Asian)lavish (someone) with affection or gifts - (archaic) be silly or feebleminded, especially as a result of old age

scimp (v)

be thrifty or parsimonious; economize

pulchritudinous (adj)

beautiful

obtrude (v)

become noticeable in an unwelcome or intrusive way - impose or force (something) on someone in an intrusive way

heretofore (adv) (formal)

before now

burgeon (v)

begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish - (archaic/literary) put forth young shoots; bud

sycophantic (adj)

behaving or done in an obsequious way in order to gain advantage

supercilious (adj)

behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others

affectation (n)

behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress - a studied display of real or pretended feeling

heresy (n)

belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious (especially Christian) doctrine

croyant (french) (n)

believer

intrinsic (adj)

belonging naturally; essential

optimal (adj)

best or most favorable; optimum

preternatural (adj)

beyond what is normal or natural

rue (v)

bitterly regret (something one has done or allowed to happen)

rancor (n)

bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing

beatific (adj)

blissfully happy -(christian theology) imparting holy bliss

braggadocio (n)

boastful or arrogant behavior

suspire (v) (literary)

breathe

suborn (v)

bribe or otherwise induce (someone) to commit an unlawful act such as perjury

ingratiate

bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them

alacrity (n)

brisk and cheerful readiness

obeisance (n)

deferential respect - a gesture expressing deferential respect, such as a bow or curtsy

contrived (adj)

deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously

consign (v)

deliver (something) to a person's custody, typically in order for it to be sold - send (goods) by a public carrier - assign; commit decisively or permanently

milch (adj)

denoting a cow or other domestic mammal giving or kept for milk

-monger (suffix)

denoting a dealer or trader in a specified commodity - a person who promotes a specified activity, situation, or feeling, especially one that is undesirable or discreditable

epicanthic

denoting a fold of skin from the upper eyelid covering the inner angle of the eye, typical in many peoples of eastern Asia and found as a congenital abnormality elsewhere

controvert (v)

deny the truth of (something) - argue about (something)

decamp (v)

depart suddenly or secretly, especially to relocate one's business or household in another area - (archaic) break up or leave a military camp

deviant (adj & n)

departing from usual or accepted standards, especially in social or sexual behavior

turpitude (n) (formal)

depravity; wickedness

impugn (v)

dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of (a statement or motive); call into question

contradistinction (n)

distinction made by contrasting the different qualities of two things

disconcert (v)

disturb the composure of; unsettle

macabre (adj)

disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury

bifurcate (v)

divide into two branches or forks

deign (v)

do something that one considers to be beneath one's dignity - (archaic) condescend to give (something)

imbibe (v) (formal, humorous)

drink (alcohol) - absorb or assimilate (ideas or knowledge - (botany) (especially of seeds) absorb (water) into ultramicroscopic spaces or pores - place (seeds) in water in order to absorb it

imbide (v) (formal/humorous)

drink (alcohol) - absorb or assimilate (ideas or knowledge) - (botany) (especially of seeds) absorb (water) into ultramicroscopic spaces or pores - (botany) place (seeds) in water in order to absorb it

impel (v)

drive, force, or urge (someone) to do something - drive forward; propel

leaden (adj)

dull, heavy, or slow - of the color of lead; dull gray - (archaic) made of lead

peristalsis (n) (physiology)

the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine or another canal, creating wave-like movements that push the contents of the canal forward

maw (n)

the jaws or throat of a voracious animal - (informal) the mouth or gullet of a greedy person

fratricide (n)

the killing of one's brother or sister - a person who kills their brother or sister - the accidental killing of one's own forces in war

chieftain (n)

the leader of a people or clan - (informal) a powerful member of an organization

frond (n)

the leaf or leaflike part of a palm, fern, or similar plant

ecru (n)

the light beige color of unbleached linen

jowl (n)

the lower part of a person's or animal's cheek, especially when it is fleshy or drooping - (north american) the cheek of a pig used as meat - the loose fleshy part of the neck of certain animals, such as the dewlap of cattle or the wattle of birds

nadir (n)

the lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organization - (astronomy) the point on the celestial sphere directly below an observer

calumny (n)

the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation; slander

ménage

the members of a household - the management of a household

quorum (n)

the minimum number of members of an assembly or society that must be present at any of its meetings to make the proceedings of that meeting valid

proboscis (n)

the nose of a mammal, especially when it is long and mobile such as the trunk of an elephant or the snout of a tapir -(entemology) (in many insects) an elongated sucking mouthpart that is typically tubular and flexible -(zoology) (in some worms) an extensible tubular sucking organ

ellipsis (n)

the omission from speech or writing of a word or words that are superfluous or able to be understood from contextual clues

proscenium (n)

the part of a theater stage in front of the curtain - the stage of an ancient theater - short for *definition* arch

gable (n)

the part of a wall that encloses the end of a pitched roof - a wall topped with a gable - a gable-shaped canopy over a window or door

penumbra (n)

the partially shaded outer region of the shadow cast by an opaque object - (astronomy) the shadow cast by the earth or moon over an area experiencing a partial eclipse - (astronomy) the less dark outer part of a sunspot, surrounding the dark core

dotage (n)

the period of life in which a person is old and weak

provenance (n)

the place of origin or earliest known history of something - the beginning of something's existence; something's origin - a record of ownership of a work of art or an antique, used as a guide to authenticity or quality

flora (n)

the plants of a particular region, habitat, or geological period - a treatise on or list of the plant life of a particular region or period

acme (n)

the point at which someone or something is best, perfect, or most successful

fulcrum (n)

the point on which a lever rests or is supported and on which it pivots - a thing that plays a central or essential role in an activity, event, or situation

prow (n)

the portion of a ship's bow above water - the pointed or projecting front part of something such as a car or building

coercion (n)

the practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats

ascesis (n)

the practice of severe self-discipline, typically for religious reasons

teetotalism (n)

the practice or promotion of complete personal abstinence from alcoholic beverages

paucity (n)

the presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts; scarcity

osmosis (n)

the process of gradual or unconscious assimilation of ideas, knowledge, etc

hydroponics

the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil

accretion (n)

the process of growth or increase, typically by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matter - a thing formed or added by gradual growth or increase - (astronomy) the coming together and cohesion of matter under the influence of gravitation to form larger bodies

catharsis (n)

the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions - (rare, medicine) purgation

litigation (n)

the process of taking legal action

providence (n)

the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power - God or nature as providing protective or spiritual care - timely preparation for future eventualities

Hedonism (n)

the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence - (philosophy) the ethical theory that pleasure (in the sense of the satisfaction of desires) is the highest good and proper aim of human life

esprit (v)

the quality of being lively, vivacious, or witty

candor (n)

the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness

ambiguity (n)

the quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness

euphony (n)

the quality of being pleasing to the ear, especially through a harmonious combination of words

piety(n)

the quality of being religious or reverent - a belief or point of view that is accepted with unthinking conventional reverence

perspicacity

the quality of having a ready insight into things; shrewdness

probity (n) (formal)

the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency

preponderance (n)

the quality or fact of being greater in number, quantity, or importance

homogeneity (adj)

the quality or state of being all the same or all of the same kind

dregs (n)

the remnants of a liquid left in a container, together with any sediment or grounds - the most worthless part or parts of something

tensile strength (n)

the resistance of a material to breaking under tension

repatriation (n)

the return of someone to their own country - the sending of money back to one's own country

tautology (n)

the saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style (e.g., they arrived one after the other in succession ) - a phrase or expression in which the same thing is said twice in different words - (logic) a statement that is true by necessity or by virtue of its logical form

elocution (n)

the skill of clear and expressive speech, especially of distinct pronunciation and articulation - a particular style of speaking

minutiae (n)

the small, precise, or trivial details of something

emaciation (n)/emaciated (adj)

the state of being abnormally thin or weak

internment (n)

the state of being confined as a prisoner, especially for political or military reasons

hebetude (n) (literary)

the state of being dull or lethargic

fixity (n)

the state of being unchanging or permanent

contrition (n)

the state of feeling remorseful and penitent - (in the Roman Catholic Church) the repentance of past sins during or after confession

enmity (n)

the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something

gaiety (n)

the state or quality of being lighthearted or cheerful - merrymaking or festivity - (dated) entertainments or amusements

propriety (n)

the state or quality of conforming to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals

spectroscopy (n)

the study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation

environs (n)

the surrounding area or district

heraldry (n)

the system by which coats of arms and other armorial bearings are devised, described, and regulated - armorial bearings or other heraldic symbols - colorful ceremony

apparatus (n)

the technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or purpose; a complex structure within an organization or system.

dogmatism (n)

the tendency to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true, without consideration of evidence or the opinions of others

epistemology (n)

the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion

jurisprudence (n)

the theory or philosophy of law - a legal system

empiricism (n)

the theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience. Stimulated by the rise of experimental science, it developed in the 17th and 18th centuries, expounded in particular by John Locke, George Berkeley, and David Hume.

solipsism (n)

the theory that the self is all that can be known to exist

arbitration (n)

the use of an arbitrator to settle a dispute

casuistry (n)

the use of clever but unsound reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions; sophistry - the resolving of moral problems by the application of theoretical rules to particular instances

sophistry (n)

the use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving

periphrases (n)

the use of indirect and circumlocutory speech or writing - an indirect and circumlocutory phrase - (grammar) the use of separate words to express a grammatical relationship that is otherwise expressed by inflection, e.g., did go as opposed to went and more intelligent as opposed to smarter

circumlocution (n)

the use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive

benediction (n)

the utterance or bestowing of a blessing, especially at the end of a religious service - a service in which the congregation is blessed with the Blessed Sacrament, held mainly in the Roman Catholic Church - devout or formal invocation of blessedness - the state of being blessed

rapine (n) (literary)

the violent seizure of someone's property

lexicon (n)

the vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge - a dictionary, especially of Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, or Arabic - (linguistics) the complete set of meaningful units in a language

oeuvre (n)

the works of a painter, composer, or author regarded collectively - a work of art, music, or literature

mull (v)

think about (a fact, proposal, or request) deeply and at length

cogitate (v)

think deeply about something; meditate or reflect

duress (n)

threats, violence, constraints, or other action brought to bear on someone to do something against their will or better judgment - (law) constraint illegally exercised to force someone to perform an act - (archaic) forcible restraint or imprisonment

unduly (adv)

to an unwarranted degree; inordinately

deprecate (v)

to express disapproval of

deject (v) (archaic)

to make sad or dispirited; depress

thither (adv) (archaic/literary)

to or toward that place

solidarity (n)

unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group

mendacity (n)

untruthfulness

inordinate (adj)

unusually or disproportionately large; excessive (archaic) - (of a person) unrestrained in feelings or behavior; disorderly

intransigent (adj)

unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something

parsimonious (adj)

unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy or frugal

wheedle (v)

use flattery or coaxing in order to persuade someone to do something or give one something - coax or persuade (someone) to say or give something

veritable (adj)

used as an intensifier, often to qualify a metaphor

no soap (north american) (informal)

used to convey that there is no chance of something happening or occurring

veriest (archaic) (adj)

used to emphasize the degree to which a description applies to someone or something

perforce (adv) (formal)

used to express necessity or inevitability

pauciloquent (adj) (rare)

using few words in speech or conversation

magniloquent

using high-flown or bombastic language

verbose (adj)

using or expressed in more words than are needed

wry (adj)

using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor

admonish (v)

warn or reprimand someone firmly - advise or urge (someone) earnestly - (archaic) warn (someone) of something to be avoided

lave (v) (literary)

wash - (of water) wash against or over (something).

eldritch (adj)

weird and sinister or ghostly

felicitous (adj)

well chosen or suited to the circumstances

benevolent (adj)

well meaning and kindly

prestige (n)

widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of a perception of their achievements or quality

akimbo (adv)

with hands on the hips and elbows turned outward - (of other limbs) flung out widely or haphazardly

amorphous (adj)

without a clearly defined shape or form; something vague

destitute (adj)

without the basic necessities of life; not having

millinery (n)

women's hats - the trade or business of a milliner

tikkun olam

world repair

erroneous (adj)

wrong; incorrect

covet (v)

yearn to possess or have (something)

flor (n)

yeast allowed to develop in a whitish film on the surface of dry (fino) sherries and similar wines during fermentation

august (adj)

respected and impressive

savoir-vivre (n)

"know how to live" - direct translation - ability to live elegantly

caveat emptor (n)

"let the buyer beware" the principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase is made

Uranian

(1) (adj) relating to the planet Uranus (n) (in science fiction) an imagined inhabitant of Uranus (2) (adj) 1. relating to heaven; celestial 2. homosexual (n) a gay man

mortar

(1) (n) 1. a short smoothbore gun for firing shells (technically called bombs) at high angles - a device used for firing a lifeline or firework 2. a cup-shaped receptacle made of hard material, in which ingredients are crushed or ground, used especially in cooking or pharmacy (v) attack or bombard with shells fired from a mortar (2) (n) a mixture of lime with cement, sand, and water, used in building to bond bricks or stones (v) fix or join using mortar

fawn

(1) (n) 1. a young deer in its first year 2. a light yellowish-brown color (v) (of a deer) produce young (2) (v) (of a person) give a servile display of exaggerated flattery or affection, typically in order to gain favor or advantage - (of an animal, especially a dog) show slavish devotion, especially by crawling and rubbing against someone

cant

(1) (n) 1. hypocritical and sanctimonious talk, typically of a moral, religious, or political nature 2. language peculiar to a specified group or profession and regarded with disparagement - denoting a phrase or catchword temporarily current or in fashion (v) (dated) talk hypocritically and sanctimoniously about something (2) (v) cause (something) to be in a slanting or oblique position; tilt - take or have a slanting position (n) 1. a slope or tilt 2. a wedge-shaped block of wood, especially one remaining after the better-quality pieces have been cut off (3) Canticles (in biblical references)

bale

(1) (n) a bundle of paper, hay, cotton, etc., tightly wrapped and bound with cords or hoops - the quantity in a bale as a measure, especially 500 pounds of cotton (v) make (something) into bales (2) (n) (archaic) evil considered as a destructive force - evil suffered; physical torment or mental suffering

philistine

(1) (n) a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, or who has no understanding of them (adj) hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts (2) (when capitalized) a member of a non-Semitic people of ancient southern Palestine, who came into conflict with the Israelites during the 12th and 11th centuries BC

keel

(1) (n) the longitudinal structure along the centerline at the bottom of a vessel's hull, on which the rest of the hull is built, in some vessels extended downward as a blade or ridge to increase stability - (zoology) a ridge along the breastbone of many birds to which the flight muscles are attached; the carina - (botany) a prow-shaped pair of petals present in flowers of the pea family - (literary) a ship (v) (of a boat or ship) turn over on its side; capsize - (informal) (of a person or thing) fall over; collapse (2) (n) (British) a flat-bottomed freight boat; a keelboat

hull

(1) (n) the main body of a ship or other vessel, including the bottom, sides, and deck but not the masts, superstructure, rigging, engines, and other fittings (v) hit and pierce the hull of (a ship) with a shell or other missile (2) (n) the outer covering of a fruit or seed, especially the pod of peas and beans, or the husk of grain - the green calyx of a strawberry or raspberry (v) remove the hulls from (fruit, seeds, or grain)

pinion

(1) (n) the outer part of a bird's wing including the flight feathers - (literary) a bird's wing as used in flight (v) 1. tie or hold the arms or legs of (someone) - bind (the arms or legs) of someone 2. cut off the pinion of (a wing or bird) to prevent flight (2) (n) a small gear or spindle engaging with a large gear

stint

(1) (v) supply an ungenerous or inadequate amount of (something) - restrict (someone) in the amount of something, especially money, given or permitted - be economical or frugal about spending or providing something (n) 1. a person's fixed or allotted period of work 2. limitation of supply or effort

bawdy

(adj) dealing with sexual matters in a comical way; humorously indecent (n) humorously indecent talk or writing

pap

(1) 1. bland soft or semi-liquid food such as that suitable for babies or invalids 2. worthless or trivial reading matter or entertainment (2) (n) (archaic) (dialect) a woman's breast or nipple (3) (informal) (n) a paparazzo (v) take a photograph of (a celebrity) without permission

chink

(1) a narrow opening or crack, typically one that admits light - a patch of light admitted by a narrow opening or crack phrase: a chink in someone's armor - a weak point in someone's character, arguments, or ideas, making them vulnerable to attack or criticism (2) (v) make or cause to make a light, high-pitched ringing sound, as of glasses or coins striking together (n) a high-pitched ringing sound

graft

(1) (n) 1.a shoot or twig inserted into a slit on the trunk or stem of a living plant, from which it receives sap - an instance of grafting a shoot or twig 2. (medicine) a piece of living tissue that is transplanted surgically - a surgical operation in which tissue is transplanted (v) 1. insert (a shoot or twig) as a graft - insert a graft on (a stock) 2. (medicine) transplant (living tissue) as a graft 3. insert or fix (something) permanently to something else, typically in a way considered inappropriate (2) (n) practices, especially bribery, used to secure illicit gains in politics or business; corruption - gains secured by corruption (v) make money by shady or dishonest means (3) (informal) (british) (n) hard work (v) work hard

genial

(1) (adj) friendly and cheerful - (literary) (especially of air or climate) pleasantly mild and warm (2) (adj) (rare) (anatomy) relating to the chin

ruminant

(1) (n & adj) an even-toed ungulate mammal that chews the cud regurgitated from its rumen. The ruminants comprise the cattle, sheep, antelopes, deer, giraffes, and their relatives (2) (n) a contemplative person; a person given to meditation

pretension

(1) (n) 1. a claim or assertion of a claim to something - an aspiration or claim to a certain status or quality 2. the use of affectation to impress; ostentatiousness (2) apply tension to (an object) during manufacture or prior to some other process - strengthen (reinforced concrete) by applying tension to the reinforcing rods before the concrete has set

weal

(1) (n) 1. a red, swollen mark left on flesh by a blow or pressure -(medicine) an area of the skin which is temporarily raised, typically reddened, and usually accompanied by itching (2) (n) (formal) that which is best for someone or something

barb

(1) (n) 1. a sharp projection near the end of an arrow, fishhook, or similar item, angled away from the main point so as to make extraction difficult - a cluster of spikes on barbed wire - a deliberately hurtful remark 2. a fleshy filament at the mouth of some fish, such as barbel and catfish - each of the fine hairlike filaments growing from the shaft of a feather, forming the vane 3. a freshwater fish that typically has barbels around the mouth, popular in aquariums (2) a small horse of a hardy breed originally from North Africa

quail

(1) (n) 1. a small, short-tailed Old World game bird resembling a small partridge, typically having brown camouflaged plumage 2. a small or medium-sized New World game bird, the male of which has distinctive facial markings (2) (v) feel or show fear or apprehension

yoke

(1) (n) 1. a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull - used of something that is regarded as oppressive or burdensome - (in ancient Rome) an arch of three spears under which a defeated army was made to march -a pair of animals coupled together with a yoke - (archaic) the amount of land that one pair of oxen could plow in a day 2. a part of a garment that fits over the shoulders and to which the main part of the garment is attached, typically in gathers or pleats 3. a frame fitting over the neck and shoulders of a person, used for carrying pails or baskets 4. the crossbar at the head of a rudder, to whose ends ropes are fastened - a bar of soft iron between the poles of an electromagnet 5. (North American) a control lever in an aircraft (2) (n) (informal/British) a thing whose name one cannot recall, does not know, or does not wish to specify

tract

(1) (n) 1. an area of indefinite extent, typically a large one - an indefinitely large extent of something 2. a major passage in the body, large bundle of nerve fibers, or other continuous elongated anatomical structure or region (2) (n) a short treatise in pamphlet form, typically on a religious subject (3) (n) (in the Roman Catholic Church) an anthem of Scriptural verses formerly replacing the alleluia in certain penitential and requiem Masses

livery

(1) (n) 1. special uniform worn by a servant or official - a special design and color scheme used on the vehicles, aircraft, or products of a particular company 2. (North American) short for *definition* stable 3. (in the UK) the members of a livery company collectively 4. (historical) a provision of food or clothing for servants (2) resembling liver in color or consistency - (informal) liverish

mare

(1) (n) 1. the female of a horse or other equine animal 2. (derogatory/informal) a woman (2) (n) (informal/British) a very unpleasant or frustrating experience - (especially in sports) a very poor performance (3) (n) (astronomy) a large, level basalt plain on the surface of the moon, appearing dark by contrast with highland areas

pontoon

(1) (n) a flat-bottomed boat or hollow metal cylinder used with others to support a temporary bridge or floating landing stage - a bridge or landing stage supported by pontoons - a large flat-bottomed barge or lighter equipped with cranes - either of the floats fitted to an aircraft to enable it to land on water (2) (n) (British) the card game blackjack or vingt-et-un - a hand of two cards totaling 21 in the card game pontoon

fen

(1) (n) a low and marshy or frequently flooded area of land - flat low-lying areas of eastern England, formerly marshland but largely drained for agriculture since the 17th century - (ecology) wetland with alkaline, neutral, or only slightly acid peaty soil (2) (n) a monetary unit of China, equal to one hundredth of a yuan

shingle

(1) (n) a mass of small rounded pebbles, especially on a seashore (2) (n) 1. a rectangular tile of asphalt composite, wood, metal, or slate used on walls or roofs 2. (dated) a woman's short haircut in which the hair tapers from the back of the head to the nape of the neck 3. (north american) a small signboard, especially one found outside a doctor's or lawyer's office (v) 1. roof or clad with shingles 2. (dated) cut (a woman's hair) in a shingle

curate

(1) (n) a member of the clergy engaged as assistant to a vicar, rector, or parish priest - (archaic) a minister with pastoral responsibility (2) (v) select, organize, and look after the items in (a collection or exhibition) - select the performers or performances that will feature in (an arts event or program) - select, organize, and present (online content, merchandise, information, etc.), typically using professional or expert knowledge

dory

(1) (n) a narrow deep-bodied fish with a mouth that can be opened very wide (2) (n) a small flat-bottomed rowboat with a high bow and stern, of a kind originally used for fishing in New England

lark

(1) (n) a small ground-dwelling songbird, typically with brown streaky plumage, a crest, and elongated hind claws, and with a song that is delivered in flight - used in names of birds of other families similar to the *definition* (2) (n) something done for fun, especially something mischievous or daring; an amusing adventure or escapade - (informal, British) used to suggest that an activity is foolish or a waste of time (v) (British) enjoy oneself by behaving in a playful and mischievous way

quadrille

(1) (n) a square dance performed typically by four couples and containing five figures, each of which is a complete dance in itself - a piece of music for a quadrille dance - (historical) each of four groups of riders taking part in a tournament or carousel, distinguished by a special costume or colors - a riding display (2) (n) a trick-taking card game for four players using a deck of forty cards (i.e., one lacking eights, nines, and tens), fashionable in the 18th century (3) (n) a ruled grid of small squares, especially on paper

pallet

(1) (n) a straw mattress - a crude or makeshift bed (2) (n) 1. a portable platform on which goods can be moved, stacked, and stored, especially with the aid of a forklift 2. a flat wooden blade with a handle, used to shape clay or plaster 3. a projection on a machine part, serving to change the mode of motion of a wheel - (in a clock or watch) a projection transmitting motion from an escapement to a pendulum or balance wheel 4. an artist's palette (3) (n) (heraldry) the diminutive of the pale, a narrow vertical strip, usually borne in groups of two or three

venery

(1) (n) (archaic) sexual indulgence (2) (n) (archaic) hunting

moor

(1) (n) (british) a tract of open uncultivated upland; a heath - a tract of open land preserved for shooting - (dialect/U.S.) a fen (2) (v) make fast (a boat) by attaching it by cable or rope to the shore or to an anchor - (of a boat) be made fast by mooring (3) (n) a member of a northwestern African Muslim people of mixed Berber and Arab descent. In the 8th century they conquered the Iberian peninsula, but were finally driven out of their last stronghold in Granada at the end of the 15th century

bate

(1) (n) (dated/informal) an angry mood (2) (v) (falconry) (of a hawk) beat the wings in an attempt to escape from the perch

pique

(1) (v) 1. stimulate (interest or curiosity) 2. feel irritated or resentful 3. (archaic) pride oneself (2) (v) score a pique against (one's opponent)

alight

(1) (v) descend from a train, bus, or other form of transport - (of a bird) descend from the air and settle (2) (adj) on fire; burning - shining brightl

concede (v)

(1) admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it (2) surrender or yield (something that one possesses)

stultify (v)

(1) cause to lose enthusiasm and initiative, especially as a result of a tedious or restrictive routine (2) cause (someone) to appear foolish or absurd

confabulate (v)

(1) engage in conversation; talk (2) fabricate imaginary experiences as compensation for loss of memory

vanity (n)

(1) excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements (2) the quality of being worthless or futile (3) a dressing table

contention (n)

(1) heated disagreement (2) an assertion, especially one maintained in argument

titular (adj)

(1) holding or constituting a purely formal position or title without any real authority (2) denoting a person or thing from whom or which the name of an artistic work or similar is taken

incestuous (adj)

(1) involving or guilty of incest (2)(of human relations generally) excessively close and resistant to outside influence

lofty (adj)

(1) of imposing height; of a noble or exalted nature; proud, aloof, or self-important (2) (of wool and other textiles) thick and resilient

stifle (v)

(1)make (someone) unable to breathe properly; suffocate (2)restrain (a reaction) or stop oneself acting on (an emotion)

slaver

(2) (n) 1. saliva running from the mouth 2. (archaic) excessive or obsequious flattery (v) let saliva run from the mouth - show excessive desire

bluff

(2) (adj) direct in speech or behavior but in a good-natured way (3) (n) 1. a steep cliff, bank, or promontory 2. (Canadians) a grove or clump of trees (adj) (of a cliff or a ship's bow) having a vertical or steep broad fron

beadle (n)

(British) a ceremonial officer of a church, college, or similar institution - (Scottish) a church officer assisting the minister - (historical) a minor parish officer dealing with petty offenders

profligate

(adj) recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources - licentious; dissolute (n) a licentious, dissolute person

viz. (adv) (British)

(abbreviation for videlicet) namely; in other words (used to introduce a gloss or explanation)

manifold

(adj) (formal/literary) many and various - having many different forms or elements (n) 1. a pipe or chamber branching into several openings - (in an internal combustion engine) the part conveying air and fuel from the carburetor to the cylinders or that leading from the cylinders to the exhaust pipe 2. (mathematics) a collection of points forming a certain kind of set, such as those of a topologically closed surface or an analog of this in three or more dimensions 3. (in Kantian philosophy) the sum of the particulars furnished by sense before they have been unified by the synthesis of the understanding

palliative

(adj) (of a medicine or medical care) relieving pain without dealing with the cause of the condition - (of an action) intended to alleviate a problem without addressing the underlying cause (n) a *definition* remedy, medicine, etc

incorrigible

(adj) (of a person or their tendencies) not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed (n) an (definition) person

desolate

(adj) (of a place) deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness - feeling or showing misery, unhappiness, or loneliness (v) make (a place) bleakly and depressingly empty or bare - make (someone) feel utterly wretched and unhappy

expedient

(adj) (of an action) convenient and practical although possibly improper or immoral - (of an action) suitable or appropriate (n) a means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but considered improper or immoral

involute

(adj) 1. (formal) involved or intricate 2. (technical) curled spirally - (zoology) (of a shell) having the whorls wound closely around the axis - (botany) (of a leaf or the cap of a fungus) rolled inward at the edges (n) (geometry) the locus of a point considered as the end of a taut string being unwound from a given curve in the plane of that curve (v) become involute; curl up

wanton

(adj) 1. (of a cruel or violent action) deliberate and unprovoked 2. (dated) sexually unrestrained or having many casual sexual relationships (typically used of a woman) 3. (archaic) growing profusely; luxuriant - lively; playful (n) (archaic) a sexually unrestrained woman (v) (archaic/literary) 1. play; frolic 2. behave in a sexually unrestrained way

gallant

(adj) 1. (of a person or their behavior) brave; heroic - (archaic) grand; fine 2. (of a man or his behavior) giving special attention and respect to women; chivalrous (n) (archaic) a man who pays special attention to women - a dashing man of fashion; a fine gentleman (v) (archaic) (of a man) flirt with (a woman)

ruddy

(adj) 1. (of a person's face) having a healthy red color - having a reddish color 2. (informal, british) used as a euphemism for "bloody." (v) make ruddy in color

supine

(adj) 1. (of a person) lying face upward - (technical) having the front or ventral part upward - (of the hand) with the palm upward 2. failing to act or protest as a result of moral weakness or indolence (n) (grammar) a Latin verbal noun used only in the accusative and ablative cases, especially to denote purpose (e.g., dictu in mirabile dictu "wonderful to relate")

stout

(adj) 1. (of a person) somewhat fat or of heavy build 2. (of an object) strong and thick 3. (of an act, quality, or person) brave and determined (n) a kind of strong, dark beer brewed with roasted malt or barley

mercurial

(adj) 1. (of a person) subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind - (of a person) sprightly; lively 2. of or containing the element mercury 3. of the planet Mercury (n) a drug or other compound containing mercury

volatile

(adj) 1. (of a substance) easily evaporated at normal temperatures 2. liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse - (of a person) liable to display rapid changes of emotion 3. (of a computer's memory) retaining data only as long as there is a power supply connected (n) a *definition* substance

elfin

(adj) 1. (with reference to a person) small and delicate, typically with an attractively mischievous or strange charm 2. relating to elves (n) 1. (archaic) an elf 2 a small North American butterfly that is typically brownish with markings on the wing margins that give the impression of scalloped edges

pygmy

(adj) 1. a member of certain peoples of very short stature in equatorial Africa and parts of Southeast Asia 2. (derogatory) something that is very small - a person who is insignificant or lacks ability in a particular respect (adj) used in names of animals and plants that are much smaller than more typical kinds, e.g., pygmy hippopotamus, pygmy water lily - (derogatory) (of a person or thing) very small

caustic

(adj) 1. able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action 2. sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way 3. (physics) formed by the intersection of reflected or refracted parallel rays from a curved surface (n) 1. a caustic substance 2. (physics) a caustic surface or curve

canonical

(adj) 1. according to or ordered by canon law 2. included in the list of sacred books officially accepted as genuine - accepted as being accurate and authoritative - (of an artist or work) belonging to the literary or artistic canon - according to recognized rules or scientific laws - (mathematics) relating to a general rule or standard formula 3. relating to a cathedral chapter or a member of it (n) the prescribed official dress of the clergy

astringent

(adj) 1. causing the contraction of skin cells and other body tissues 2. (of taste or smell) slightly acidic or bitter 3. sharp or severe in manner or style (n) an astringent lotion applied to the skin to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions or as a cosmetic to make the skin less oily

pneumatic

(adj) 1. containing or operated by air or gas under pressure - (zoology) (chiefly of cavities in the bones of birds) containing air - (informal) (of a woman) having large breasts 2. (chiefly in the context of New Testament theology) relating to the spirit (n) an item of pneumatic equipment

dainty

(adj) 1. delicately small and pretty 2. fastidious or difficult to please, typically concerning food (n) something good to eat; a delicacy

eclectic

(adj) 1. deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources 2. (philosophy) denoting or belonging to a class of ancient philosophers who did not belong to or found any recognized school of thought but selected doctrines from various schools of thought (n) a person who derives ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources

saccharine

(adj) 1. excessively sweet or sentimental 2. (dated) relating to or containing sugar; sugary (n) another term for saccharin - a sweet-tasting synthetic compound used in food and drink as a substitute for sugar

cher (french)

(adj) 1. expensive 2. dear (n) 1. dear

à la mode

(adj) 1. in fashion; up to date 2. (of beef) braised in wine, typically with vegetables 3. (north american) served with ice cream (adv) 1. in a fashionable or modern style 2. (with reference to the cooking of beef) in wine, typically with vegetables 3. (north american) with ice cream

haggard

(adj) 1. looking exhausted and unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering 2. (of a hawk) caught for training as a wild adult of more than twelve months (n) a haggard hawk

sibilant

(adj) 1. making or characterized by a hissing sound 2. (phonetics) (of a speech sound) sounded with a hissing effect, for example s, sh (n) (phonetics) a sibilant speech sound

incumbent

(adj) 1. necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility 2. (of an official or regime) currently holding office (n) the holder of an office or post

incommensurable

(adj) 1. not able to be judged by the same standard as something; having no common standard of measurement 2. (mathematics) (of numbers) in a ratio that cannot be expressed as a ratio of integers - irrational (n) an incommensurable quantity

provincial

(adj) 1. of or concerning a province of a country or empire 2. of or concerning the regions outside the capital city of a country, especially when regarded as unsophisticated or narrow-minded (n) 1. an inhabitant of a province of a country or empire 2. an inhabitant of the regions outside the capital city of a country, especially when regarded as unsophisticated or narrow-minded

neuter

(adj) 1. of or denoting a gender of nouns in some languages, typically contrasting with masculine and feminine or common 2. (of an animal) lacking developed sexual organs, or having had them removed - (of a plant or flower) having neither functional pistils nor functional stamens - (of a person) apparently having no sexual characteristics; asexual (n) 1. (grammar) a neuter word - the neuter gender 2. a nonfertile caste of social insect, especially a worker bee or ant - a castrated or spayed domestic animal - a person who appears to lack sexual characteristics (v) castrate or spay (a domestic animal) - render ineffective; deprive of vigor or force

sanguine

(adj) 1. optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation - (in medieval science and medicine) of or having the constitution associated with the predominance of blood among the bodily humors, supposedly marked by a ruddy complexion and an optimistic disposition - (archaic) (of the complexion) florid or ruddy 2. (literary/heraldry) blood-red 3. (archaic) bloody or bloodthirsty (n) a blood-red color - a deep red-brown crayon or pencil containing iron oxide - (heraldry) a blood-red stain used in blazoning

russet

(adj) 1. reddish brown in color 2. (archaic) rustic; homely (n) 1. a reddish-brown color 2. a dessert apple of a variety with a slightly rough greenish-brown skin 3. (historical) a coarse homespun reddish-brown or gray cloth used for simple clothing (v) make or become russet in color - (of smooth-skinned fruit) develop a rough reddish-brown or yellowish-brown skin, or patches of such

profane

(adj) 1. relating or devoted to that which is not sacred or biblical; secular rather than religious - (of a person) not initiated into religious rites or any esoteric knowledge 2. (of a person or their behavior) not respectful of orthodox religious practice; irreverent - (of language) blasphemous or obscene (v) treat (something sacred) with irreverence or disrespect

constitutional

(adj) 1. relating to an established set of principles governing a state - in accordance with or allowed by an established set of principles governing a state 2. relating to someone's physical or mental condition (n) (dated) a walk, typically one taken regularly to maintain or restore good health

prodigal

(adj) 1. spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant 2. having or giving something on a lavish scale (n) a person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way

moot

(adj) 1. subject to debate, dispute, or uncertainty 2. having little or no practical relevance, typically because the subject is too uncertain to allow a decision (v) raise (a question or topic) for discussion; suggest (an idea or possibility) (n) (historical) an assembly held for debate, especially in Anglo-Saxon and medieval times - a regular gathering of people having a common interest 2. (law) a mock trial set up to examine a hypothetical case as an academic exercise

ambulatory

(adj) able to walk - (medicine) able to walk; not bedridden - movable; mobile (n) a place for walking, especially an aisle around the apse or a cloister in a church or monastery

zany

(adj) amusingly unconventional and idiosyncratic (n) an erratic or eccentric person -(historical) a comic performer partnering a clown, whom he imitated in an amusing way

piecemeal

(adj) characterized by unsystematic partial measures taken over a period of time (adv) in an unsystematic way, through partial measures taken over a period of time

droll

(adj) curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement (n) (archaic) a jester or entertainer; a buffoon

preliminary

(adj) denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important (n) an action or event preceding or preparing for something fuller or more important - business or talk, especially of a formulaic or polite nature, taking place before an action or event - a *definition* round in a sporting competition - the prelims or front matter of a book

heuristic

(adj) enabling someone to discover or learn something for themselves - (computing) proceeding to a solution by trial and error or by rules that are only loosely defined (n) a heuristic process or method

pejorative

(adj) expressing contempt or disapproval (n) a word expressing contempt or disapproval

diminutive

(adj) extremely or unusually small - (of a word, name, or suffix) implying smallness, either actual or imputed in token of affection, scorn, etc., (e.g., teeny, -let, -kins ) (n) a diminutive word or suffix - a shortened form of a name, typically used informally - (heraldry) a charge of the same form as an ordinary but of lesser size or width

agoraphobic

(adj) having an extreme or irrational fear of entering open or crowded places, of leaving one's own home, or of being in places from which escape is difficult (n) a person with an extreme or irrational fear of entering open or crowded places, of leaving their own home, or of being in places from which escape is difficult

recalcitrant

(adj) having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline (n) a person with an obstinately uncooperative attitude

epicene

(adj) having characteristics of both sexes or no characteristics of either sex; of indeterminate sex - effeminate; effete (n) an epicene person

cruciform

(adj) having the shape of a cross - of or denoting a church having a cross-shaped plan with a nave and transepts (n) a thing shaped like a cross

belligerent

(adj) hostile and aggressive - engaged in a war or conflict, as recognized by international law (n) a nation or person engaged in war or conflict, as recognized by international law

derelict

(adj) in a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect - (north american) (of a person) shamefully negligent in not having done what one should have done (n) a person without a home, job, or property - a piece of property, especially a ship, abandoned by the owner and in poor condition

aboriginal

(adj) inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists; indigenous - relating to the indigenous peoples of Australia or their languages (n) an aboriginal inhabitant of a place - a person belonging to one of the indigenous peoples of Australia

ephemeral

(adj) lasting for a very short time - (chiefly of plants) having a very short life cycle (n) (chiefly of plants) having a very short life cycle

transient

(adj) lasting only for a short time; impermanent - staying or working in a place for only a short time (n) 1. a person who is staying or working in a place for only a short time 2. a momentary variation in current, voltage, or frequency

stalwart

(adj) loyal, reliable, and hardworking - (dated) strongly built and sturdy (n) a loyal, reliable, and hardworking supporter or participant in an organization or team

prostrate

(adj) lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward - completely overcome or helpless, especially with illness, distress, or exhaustion - (botany) growing along the ground (v) 1. lay oneself flat on the ground face downward, especially in reverence or submission 2. (of distress, exhaustion, or illness) reduce (someone) to extreme physical weakness

requisite

(adj) made necessary by particular circumstances or regulations (n) a thing that is necessary for the achievement of a specified end

concomitant (formal)

(adj) naturally accompanying or associated (n) a phenomenon that naturally accompanies or follows something

erratic

(adj) not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable (n) (geology) a rock or boulder that differs from the surrounding rock and is believed to have been brought from a distance by glacial action

covert

(adj) not openly acknowledged or displayed (n) 1. a thicket in which game can hide 2. (ornithology) any of the feathers covering the bases of the main flight or tail feathers of a bird

tawny

(adj) of an orange-brown or yellowish-brown color (n) an orange-brown or yellowish-brown color

dyspeptic

(adj) of or having indigestion or consequent irritability or depression (n) a person who suffers from indigestion or irritability

briny

(adj) of salty water or the sea; salty (n) the sea

sundry

(adj) of various kinds; several (n) various items not important enough to be mentioned individually

histrionic

(adj) overly theatrical or melodramatic in character or style - (formal) of or concerning actors or acting - (psychiatry) denoting a personality disorder marked by shallow volatile emotions and attention-seeking behavior (n) 1. exaggerated dramatic behavior designed to attract attention - (archaic) dramatic performance; theater 2. (archaic) an actor

fain (archaic)

(adj) pleased or willing under the circumstances - compelled by the circumstances; obliged (adv) with pleasure; gladly

auxiliary

(adj) providing supplementary or additional help and support - (of troops) engaged in the service of a nation at war but not part of the regular army, and often of foreign origin - (of a sailing vessel) equipped with a supplementary engine (n) a person or thing providing supplementary or additional help and support - a group of volunteers giving supplementary support to an organization or institution - troops engaged in the service of a nation at war but not part of the regular army, and often of foreign origin - (grammar) an auxiliary verb - a naval vessel with a supporting role, not armed for combat

exordium (n)

(formal) the beginning or introductory part, especially of a discourse or treatise

architectonic

(adj) relating to architecture or architects - (of an artistic composition or physical appearance) having a clearly defined structure, especially one that is artistically pleasing (n) the scientific study of architecture - musical, literary, or artistic structure

geriatric

(adj) relating to old people, especially with regard to their healthcare (n) an old person, especially one receiving special care

Pleistocene (geology)

(adj) relating to or denoting the first epoch of the Quaternary period, between the Pliocene and Holocene epochs (n) the first epoch of the Quaternary period, between the Pliocene and Holocene epochs, or the system of deposits laid down during it

bucolic

(adj) relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life (n) a pastoral poem

sodden

(adj) saturated with liquid, especially water; soaked through - having drunk an excessive amount of a particular alcoholic drink (v) (archaic) saturate (something) with water

valedictory

(adj) serving as a farewell (n) a farewell address

tawdry (adj)

(adj) showy but cheap and of poor quality - sordid or unpleasant (n) (archaic) cheap and gaudy finery

prim

(adj) stiffly formal and respectable; feeling or showing disapproval of anything regarded as improper (v) purse (the mouth or lips) into a prim expression

Lilliputian

(adj) trivial or very small (n) a trivial or very small person or thing

insolvent

(adj) unable to pay debts owed - relating to insolvency (n) an insolvent person

intransigent

(adj) unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something (n) an intransigent person

mince

(adj) (of a man) affectedly dainty in manner or gait (v) 1. cut up or grind (food, especially meat) into very small pieces, typically in a machine with revolving blades 2. walk with an affected delicacy or fastidiousness, typically with short quick steps

encomium (n)

(formal) a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly

esculent

(adj) fit to be eaten; edible. (n) a thing, especially a vegetable, which is fit to be eaten.

mordant

(adj) having or showing a sharp or critical quality; biting (n) a substance, typically an inorganic oxide, that combines with a dye or stain and thereby fixes it in a material. (v) impregnate or treat (a fabric) with a mordant.

approbation (n)

(formal) approval or praise

motley

(adj) incongruously varied in appearance or character; disparate (n) an incongruous mixture

subsidiary

(adj) less important than but related or supplementary to (n) a company controlled by a holding company

cahoots (n)

(formal) colluding or conspiring together secretly

ancillary

(adj) providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization, institution, industry, or system - additional; subsidiary (n) a person whose work provides necessary support to the primary activities of an organization, institution, or industry - something which functions in a supplementary or supporting role

jocose (adj)

(formal) playful or humorous

contingent

(adj) subject to chance; dependent on (n)a group of people united by some common feature, forming part of a larger group

lavish

(adj)sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious (v)bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities upon

pro bono (North American)

(adv) (especially with reference to legal work for a client with a low income) without charge (adj) denoting work undertaken without charge, especially legal work for a client with a low income

aft

(adv) at, near, or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an aircraft (adj) situated at, near, or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an aircraft

gratis

(adv) without charge; free (adj) given or done for nothing; free

ventral (adj)

(anatomy, zoology) of, on, or relating to the underside of an animal or plant; abdominal

wassail (v)

(archaic) 1. drink plentiful amounts of alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively way 2. go from house to house at Christmas singing carols

imprecation (v)

(archaic) utter (a curse) or invoke (evil) against someone or something

knavish (adj)

(archaic) dishonest or unscrupulous

thither (adv)

(archaic,literary) to or toward that place

sessile (adj)

(biology) (of an organism, e.g. a barnacle) fixed in one place; immobile - (botany/zoology) (of a plant or animal structure) attached directly by its base without a stalk or peduncle

aldehyde (n)

(chemistry) an organic compound containing the group —CHO, formed by the oxidation of alcohols. Typical aldehydes include methanal (formaldehyde) and ethanal (acetaldehyde)

ester (n)

(chemistry) an organic compound made by replacing the hydrogen of an acid by an alkyl or other organic group. Many naturally occurring fats and essential oils are esters of fatty acids

cad (n)

(dated) (informal) a man who behaves dishonorably, especially toward a woman

modish (adj)

(derogatory) conforming to or following what is currently popular and fashionable

revetment (n)

(especially in fortification) a retaining wall or facing of masonry or other material, supporting or protecting a rampart, wall, etc - a barricade of earth or sandbags set up to provide protection from blast or to prevent planes from overrunning when landing

rapprochement (n)

(especially in international relations) an establishment or resumption of harmonious relations

troglodyte (n)

(especially in prehistoric times) a person who lived in a cave - a hermit - a person who is regarded as being deliberately ignorant or old-fashioned

mewl (v)

(especially of a baby) cry feebly or querulously; whimper - (of a cat or bird) make a high-pitched crying noise; mew

extant (adj)

(especially of a document) still in existence; surviving

whir (v)

(especially of a machine or a bird's wings) make a low, continuous, regular sound

vociferous (adj)

(especially of a person or speech) vehement or clamorous

slovenly (adj)

(especially of a person or their appearance) messy and dirty - (especially of a person or action) careless; excessively casual

lithe (adj)

(especially of a person's body) thin, supple, and graceful

unkempt (adj)

(especially of a person) having an untidy or disheveled appearance

untenable (adj)

(especially of a position or view) not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection

sacrosanct (adj)

(especially of a principle, place, or routine) regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with

nascent (adj)

(especially of a process or organization) just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential - (chemistry) (chiefly of hydrogen) freshly generated in a reactive form

Idyllic (adj)

(especially of a time or place) like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque

curvaceous (adj)

(especially of a woman or a woman's figure) having an attractively curved shape

vivacious

(especially of a woman) attractively lively and animated

spry (adj)

(especially of an old person) active; lively

pervasive (adj)

(especially of an unwelcome influence or physical effect) spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people

diaphanous (adj)

(especially of fabric) light, delicate, and translucent

rubicund (adj)

(especially of someone's face) having a ruddy complexion; high-colored

profuse (adj)

(especially of something offered or discharged) exuberantly plentiful; abundant - (archaic) (of a person) lavish; extravagant

succinct (adj)

(especially of something written or spoken) briefly and clearly expressed

dulcet (adj)

(especially of sound) sweet and soothing (often used ironically)

highfalutin (adj) (informal)

(especially of speech, writing, or ideas) pompous or pretentious

expropriate (v)

(especially of the state) take away (property) from its owner.

appellation (n)

(formal) a name or title - the action of giving a name to a person or thing

evince (v)

(formal) reveal the presence of (a quality or feeling) - be evidence of; indicate

machicolation (n)

(in medieval fortifications) an opening between the supporting corbels of a projecting parapet or the vault of a gate, through which stones or burning objects could be dropped on attackers - a projecting structure containing a series of machicolations

sublimate (v)

(in psychoanalytic theory) divert or modify (an instinctual impulse) into a culturally higher or socially more acceptable activity

parish (n)

(in the Christian Church) a small administrative district typically having its own church and a priest or pastor - (U.S.) (in Louisiana) a territorial division corresponding to a county in other states

beatification (n)

(in the Roman Catholic Church) declaration by the Pope that a dead person is in a state of bliss, constituting a first step toward canonization and permitting public veneration

mooch (v)

(informal) 1. ask for or obtain (something) without paying for it 2. loiter in a bored or listless manner

shyster (n)

(informal) a person, especially a lawyer, who uses unscrupulous, fraudulent, or deceptive methods in business

high-falutin (adj)

(informal) (especially of speech, writing, or ideas) pompous or pretentious

bushwa (n)

(informal) rubbish, nonsense

finagle (v)

(informal)(U.S.) obtain (something) by devious or dishonest means - act in a devious or dishonest manner

polysemy (n)

(linguistics) the coexistence of many possible meanings for a word or phrase

myriad

(literary) (n) 1. a countless or extremely great number 2. (chiefly in classical history) a unit of ten thousand (adj) countless or extremely great in number - having countless or very many elements or aspects

sully (v)

(literary) damage the purity or integrity of; defile

malady (n)

(literary) bad health; illness; sickness

quietus (n)

(literary) death or something that causes death, regarded as a release from life - (archaic) something that has a calming or soothing effect

limn (v)

(literary) depict or describe in painting or words - suffuse or highlight (something) with a bright color or light

noisome (adj)

(literary) having an extremely offensive smell - disagreeable; unpleasant

susurration (n)

(literary) whispering, murmuring, or rustling

phantasm (n)

(literary)a figment of the imagination; an illusion or apparition -(archaic)an illusory likeness of something

fulminant (adj)

(medicine) (of a disease or symptom) severe and sudden in onset

partition

(n) (especially with reference to a country with separate areas of government) the action or state of dividing or being divided into parts - a structure dividing a space into two parts, especially a light interior wall -(chemistry) the distribution of a solute between two immiscible or slightly miscible solvents in contact with one another, in accordance with its differing solubility in each -(computing) each of a number of portions into which some operating systems divide memory or storage (v) divide into parts - divide (a room) into smaller rooms or areas by erecting partitions - separate a part of a room from the rest by erecting a partition

knout

(n) (in imperial Russia) a whip used to inflict punishment, often causing death (v) flog (someone) with a knout

fête

(n) (north american) a celebration or festival - (british) a public function, typically held outdoors and organized to raise funds for a charity, including entertainment and the sale of goods and refreshments (v) honor or entertain (someone) lavishly

volute

(n) 1. (architecture) a spiral scroll characteristic of Ionic capitals and also used in Corinthian and composite capitals 2. a deep-water marine mollusk with a thick spiral shell that is colorful and prized by collectors (adj) forming a spiral curve or curves

cinch

(n) 1. (informal) an extremely easy task - a sure thing; a certainty 2. (north america) a girth for a Western saddle or pack (v) (normal american) 1. secure (a garment) with a belt - fix (a saddle) securely by means of a girth; girth up (a horse) 2. (informal) make certain of

libel

(n) 1. (law) a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation - the action or crime of publishing a false statement about a person - a false and typically malicious statement about a person - a thing or circumstance that brings undeserved discredit on a person by misrepresentation 2. (in admiralty and ecclesiastical law) a plaintiff's written declaration (v) 1. (law) defame (someone) by publishing a libel - make a false and typically malicious statement about 2. (in admiralty and ecclesiastical law) bring a suit against

trammel

(n) 1. (literary) a restriction or impediment to someone's freedom of action 2. a set-net consisting of three layers of netting, designed so that a fish entering through one of the large-meshed outer sections will push part of the finer-meshed central section through the large meshes on the further side, forming a pocket in which the fish is trapped 3. an instrument consisting of a board with two grooves intersecting at right angles, in which the two ends of a beam compass can slide to draw an ellipse - a beam compass 4. (U.S.) a hook in a fireplace for a kettle (v) deprive of freedom of action

scruple

(n) 1. a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action 2. (historical) a unit of weight equal to 20 grains, used by apothecaries - (archaic) a very small amount of something, especially a quality (v) hesitate or be reluctant to do something that one thinks may be wrong

stratum

(n) 1. a layer or a series of layers of rock in the ground - a thin layer within any structure 2. a level or class to which people are assigned according to their social status, education, or income - (statistics) a group into which members of a population are divided in stratified sampling

dike

(n) 1. a long wall or embankment built to prevent flooding from the sea - a low wall or earthwork serving as a boundary or defense - a causeway 2. a ditch or watercourse 3. (geology) an intrusion of igneous rock cutting across existing strata 4. (dated, informal) a toilet (v) provide (land) with a wall or embankment to prevent flooding

mantle

(n) 1. a loose sleeveless cloak or shawl, worn especially by women - a covering of a specified sort - (ornithology) a bird's back, scapulars, and wing coverts, especially when of a distinctive color - (zoology) an outer or enclosing layer of tissue, especially (in mollusks, cirripedes, and brachiopods) a fold of skin enclosing the viscera and secreting the substance that produces the shell 2. an important role or responsibility that passes from one person to another 3. a fragile mesh cover fixed around a gas jet, kerosene wick, etc., to give an incandescent light when heated 4. (geology) the region of the earth's interior between the crust and the core, believed to consist of hot, dense silicate rocks (mainly peridotite) - the corresponding part of another planetary body (v) 1. (literary) clothe in or as if in a mantle; cloak or envelop - (archaic) (of blood) suffuse (the face) - (archaic) (of the face) glow with a blush - (archaic) (of a liquid) become covered with a head or froth. 2. (of a bird of prey on the ground or on a perch) spread the wings and tail so as to cover captured prey

dandy

(n) 1. a man unduly devoted to style, neatness, and fashion in dress and appearance 2. (dated/informal) an excellent thing of its kind (adj) 1. (informal/North American) excellent 2. relating to or characteristic of a dandy

tincture

(n) 1. a medicine made by dissolving a drug in alcohol 2. a slight trace of something 3. (heraldry) any of the conventional colors (including the metals and stains, and often the furs) used in coats of arms (v) be tinged, flavored, or imbued with a slight amount of

libertine

(n) 1. a person, especially a man, who behaves without moral principles or a sense of responsibility, especially in sexual matters. 2. a person who rejects accepted opinions in matters of religion; a freethinker (adj) 1. characterized by a disregard of morality, especially in sexual matters 2. freethinking in matters of religion

blight

(n) 1. a plant disease, typically one caused by fungi such as mildews, rusts, and smuts 2. a thing that spoils or damages something - an ugly, neglected, or rundown condition of an urban area (v) 1. have a severely detrimental effect on 2. infect (plants) with blight

tête-à-tête (head to head)

(n) 1. a private conversation between two people 2. an S-shaped sofa on which two people can sit face to face (adj) involving or happening between two people in private (adv) between two people in private

riposte

(n) 1. a quick, clever reply to an insult or criticism 2. a quick return thrust following a parry (v) 1. make a quick, clever reply to an insult or criticism 2. make a quick return thrust in fencing

halter

(n) 1. a rope or strap with a noose or headstall placed around the head of a horse or other animal, used for leading or tethering it - (archaic) a rope with a noose for hanging a person 2. a strap by which the bodice of a sleeveless dress or top is fastened or held behind at the neck, leaving the shoulders and back bare (v) put a halter on (an animal) - (archaic) hang (someone)

pommel

(n) 1. a rounded knob on the end of the handle of a sword, dagger, or old-fashioned gun 2. the upward curving or projecting part of a saddle in front of the rider (v) another term for pummel

ward

(n) 1. a separate room in a hospital, typically one allocated to a particular type of patient - one of the divisions of a prison 2. an administrative division of a city or borough that typically elects and is represented by a councilor or councilors - a territorial division of the Mormon Church presided over by a bishop 3. a person, usually a minor, under the care and control of a guardian appointed by their parents or a court - (archaic) guardianship or the state of being subject to a guardian 4. any of the internal ridges or bars in a lock which prevent the turning of any key which does not have grooves of corresponding form or size - the corresponding grooves in the bit of a key 5. (archaic) the action of keeping a lookout for danger 6. (historical) an area of ground enclosed by the encircling walls of a fortress or castle 7. (fencing) a defensive position or motion (v) 1. (archaic) guard; protect 2. (SE Asian) admit to or care for in a hospital ward

berth

(n) 1. a ship's allotted place at a wharf or dock 2. a fixed bed or bunk on a ship, train, or other means of transport 3. (informal) (often in a sports context) a situation or position in an organization or event (v) 1. moor (a ship) in its allotted place - (of a ship) dock 2. (of a passenger ship) provide a sleeping place for (someone)

quibble

(n) 1. a slight objection or criticism about a trivial matter 2.(archaic) a play on words; a pun (v) argue or raise objections about a trivial matter

proposition

(n) 1. a statement or assertion that expresses a judgment or opinion. 2. a suggested scheme or plan of action, especially in a business context. (v) (informal) make a suggestion of sexual intercourse to (someone with whom one is not sexually involved), especially in an unsubtle or offensive way.

parcel

(n) 1. a thing or collection of things wrapped in paper in order to be carried or sent by mail 2. a quantity or amount of something, especially as dealt with in one commercial transaction - a piece of land, especially one considered as part of an estate - (technical) a portion of a larger body of air or other fluid considered as a discrete element (v) 1. make (something) into a parcel by wrapping it - divide into portions and then distribute 2. (nautical) wrap (rope) with strips of tarred canvas, before binding it with yarn as part of a traditional technique to reduce chafing

ligature

(n) 1. a thing used for tying or binding something tightly - a cord or thread used in surgery, especially to tie up a bleeding artery 2. (music) a slur or tie 3. (printing) a character consisting of two or more joined letters, e.g. æ, fl - a stroke that joins adjacent letters in writing or printing (v) bind or connect with a ligature

silo

(n) 1. a tower or pit on a farm used to store grain - a pit or other airtight structure in which green crops are compressed and stored as silage 2. an underground chamber in which a guided missile is kept ready for firing 3. a system, process, department, etc. that operates in isolation from others (v) isolate (one system, process, department, etc.) from others

charter

(n) 1. a written grant by a country's legislative or sovereign power, by which a body such as a company, college, or city is founded and its rights and privileges defined - a written constitution or description of an organization's functions 2. the reservation of an aircraft, boat, or bus for private use - an aircraft, boat, or bus that is reserved for private us - a trip made by an aircraft, boat, or bus under charter (v) 1. grant a charter to (a company, college, city, or other body) 2. reserve (an aircraft, boat, or bus) for private use

commission

(n) 1. an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group of people - an order for something, especially a work of art, to be produced - a work produced in response to a commission -(archaic) the authority to perform a task or certain duties 2. a group of people officially charged with a particular function 3. an amount of money, typically a set percentage of the value involved, paid to an agent in a commercial transaction 4. a warrant conferring the rank of officer in an army, navy, or air force 5. the action of committing a crime or offense (v) 1. give an order for or authorize the production of (something such as a building, piece of equipment, or work of art) - order or authorize (a person or organization) to do or produce something 2. bring (something newly produced, such as a factory or machine) into working condition - bring (a warship) into readiness for active service 3. appoint (someone) to the rank of officer in the armed services

reprobate

(n) 1. an unprincipled person (often used humorously or affectionately) 2. (archaic) (in Calvinism) a sinner who is not of the elect and is predestined to damnation (adj) 1. unprincipled (often used as a humorous or affectionate reproach) 2. (archaic) (in Calvinism) predestined to damnation (v) (archaic) express or feel disapproval of

laurel

(n) 1. any of a number of shrubs and other plants with dark green glossy leaves 2. an aromatic evergreen shrub related to the bay tree, several kinds of which form forests in tropical and warm countries 3. the foliage of the bay tree woven into a wreath or crown and worn on the head as an emblem of victory or mark of honor in classical times - honor or praise awarded for an achievement (v) bestow an award or praise on (someone) in recognition of an achievement

louse

(n) 1. either of two small wingless parasitic insects that live on the skin of mammals and birds 2. a contemptible or unpleasant person (v) 1. (informal) (louse up) spoil or ruin something 2. (archaic) remove lice from

poise

(n) 1. graceful and elegant bearing in a person - composure and dignity of manner 2. (archaic) balance; equilibrium (v) be or cause to be balanced or suspended - (of a person or organization) be ready to do something

pith

(n) 1. spongy white tissue lining the rind of an orange, lemon, and other citrus fruits - (botany) the spongy cellular tissue in the stems and branches of many higher plants - (archaic) spinal marrow 2. the essence of something 3. forceful and concise expression (v) 1. remove the pith from 2. pierce or sever the spinal cord of (an animal) so as to kill or immobilize it

fringe

(n) 1. the border or outer edges of an area or group - the unconventional, extreme, or marginal part of a group or sphere of activity 2. a decorative border of hanging threads left loose or formed into tassels or twists, used to edge clothing or material 3. (british) the front part of a person's hair cut so as to hang over the forehead; bangs - a natural border or edging of hair or fibers in an animal or plant 4. a band of contrasting brightness or darkness produced by diffraction or interference of light - a strip of false color in an optical image 5. short for fringe benefit - an extra benefit supplementing an employee's salary, for example, a company car, subsidized meals, health insurance, etc (adj) not part of the mainstream; unconventional, peripheral, or extreme (v) decorate (clothing or material) with a fringe - form a border along or around (something) - form a natural border or edging of hair or fibers on (part of an animal or plant)

clew

(n) 1. the lower or after corner of a sail 2. (sailing) the cords by which a hammock is suspended 3. (archaic) a ball of thread (used especially with reference to the thread supposedly used by Theseus to mark his way out of the Cretan labyrinth) 4. archaic variant of clue (v) (sailing) haul up the clews of a sail to the yard or into the mast ready for furling - lower an upper square sail by hauling down on the clew lines while slacking away on the halyard

obverse

(n) 1. the side of a coin or medal bearing the head or principal design - the design or inscription on the obverse side of a coin or medal 2. the opposite or counterpart of a fact or truth (adj) 1. of or denoting the obverse of a coin or medal 2. corresponding to something else as its opposite or counterpart 3. (biology) narrower at the base or point of attachment than at the apex or top

flank

(n) 1. the side of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip - a cut of meat from the flank of an animal - the side of something large, such as a mountain, building, or ship 2. the right or left side of a body of people such as an army, a naval force, or a soccer team - the right or left side of a game board such as a chessboard (v) be on each or on one side of - guard or strengthen (a military force or position) from the side - attack down or from the sides, or rake with gunfire from the sides

palaver

(n) 1. unnecessarily elaborate or complex procedure; lengthy and unproductive discussion 2. an improvised conference between two groups, typically those without a shared language or culture (v) talk unproductively and at length

penance

(n) 1. voluntary self-punishment as an expression of repentance 2. a Christian sacrament in which a member of the Church confesses sins to a priest and is given absolution - a religious observance or other duty required of a person by a priest as part of this sacrament to indicate repentance (v) (archaic) impose a penance on

sheaf

(n) a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping - a bundle of objects of one kind, especially papers (v) bundle into sheaves

festoon

(n) a chain or garland of flowers, leaves, or ribbons, hung in a curve as a decoration - a carved or molded ornament representing a festoon (v) adorn (a place) with ribbons, garlands, or other decorations

fetter

(n) a chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles - a restraint or check on someone's freedom to do something, typically one considered unfair or overly restrictive (v) restrain with chains or manacles, typically around the ankles - restrict or restrain (someone) in an unfair or undesirable fashion

palisade

(n) a fence of wooden stakes or iron railings fixed in the ground, forming an enclosure or defense - (historical) a strong pointed wooden stake fixed deeply in the ground with others in a close row, used as a defense - (US) a line of high cliffs - a ridge of high basalt cliffs that line the western side of the Hudson River, in New Jersey and in New York, beginning across from New York City in New Jersey and extending north to Newburgh in New York (v) enclose or provide (a building or place) with a palisade

alabaster

(n) a fine-grained, translucent form of gypsum, typically white, often carved into ornaments (adj) made of alabaster - (literary) like alabaster in whiteness and smoothness

barge

(n) a flat-bottomed boat for carrying freight, typically on canals and rivers, either under its own power or towed by another - a long ornamental boat used for pleasure or ceremony - a boat used by the chief officers of a warship (v) 1. move forcefully or roughly - (chiefly in a sporting context) collide with 2. convey (freight) by barge

syndicate

(n) a group of individuals or organizations combined to promote some common interest - an association or agency supplying material simultaneously to a number of newspapers or periodicals - a committee of syndics (v) control or manage by a syndicate - publish or broadcast (material) simultaneously in a number of newspapers, television stations, etc - sell (a horse) to a syndicate

sot

(n) a habitual drunkard (v) (archaic) drink habitually

tallow

(n) a hard fatty substance made from rendered animal fat, used in making candles and soap (v) (archaic) smear (something, especially the bottom of a boat) with tallow

trek

(n) a long arduous journey, especially one made on foot - a tourist hike (v) go on a long arduous journey, typically on foot - (historical, south african) migrate or journey with one's belongings by ox-wagon - (south african) (of an ox) draw a vehicle or pull a load - (south african) travel constantly from place to place; lead a nomadic life

cantilever

(n) a long projecting beam or girder fixed at only one end, used in bridge construction - a long bracket or beam projecting from a wall to support a balcony, cornice, or similar structure (v) support by a cantilever or cantilevers - project as or like a cantilever

fissure

(n) a long, narrow opening or line of breakage made by cracking or splitting, especially in rock or earth - (anatomy) a long narrow opening in the form of a crack or groove, e.g., any of the spaces separating convolutions of the brain - a state of incompatibility or disagreement (v) split or crack (something) to form a long, narrow opening

guffaw

(n) a loud and boisterous laugh (v) laugh in a loud and boisterous way

crump

(n) a loud thudding sound, especially one made by an exploding bomb or shell (v) make a loud, thudding sound

din

(n) a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise (v) 1. make (someone) learn or remember something by constant repetition 2. make a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise

solder

(n) a low-melting alloy, especially one based on lead and tin or (for higher temperatures) on brass or silver, used for joining less fusible metals (v) join with solder

dragoon

(n) a member of any of several cavalry regiments in the British army - (historical) a mounted infantryman armed with a short rifle or musket (v) coerce (someone) into doing something

sabbatical

(n) a period of paid leave granted to a university teacher or other worker for study or travel, traditionally one year for every seven years worked (adj) 1. relating to a *definition* 2. (archaic) of or appropriate to the sabbath

grudge

(n) a persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury. (v) be resentfully unwilling to give, grant, or allow (something)

chauvinist

(n) a person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism - a person displaying excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for a particular cause, group, or gender (adj) showing or relating to excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for a particular group or cause

miscreant

(n) a person who behaves badly or in a way that breaks the law - (archaic) a heretic (adj) (of a person) behaving badly or in a way that breaks a law or rule - (archaic) heretical

toady

(n) a person who behaves obsequiously to someone important (v) act in an obsequious way

clairvoyant

(n) a person who claims to have a supernatural ability to perceive events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact. (adj) having or exhibiting an ability to perceive events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact.

megalomaniac

(n) a person who is obsessed with their own power - a person who suffers delusions of their own power or importance (adj) a person exhibiting megalomania

expatriate

(n) a person who lives outside their native country - (archaic) a person exiled from their native country (adj) denoting or relating to a person living outside their native country - (archaic) expelled from one's native country (v) settle oneself abroad

apostate

(n) a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle (adj) abandoning a religious or political belief or principle

vagrant

(n) a person without a settled home or regular work who wanders from place to place and lives by begging (adj) characteristic relating to or living the life of a vagrant

blackgaurd

(n) a person, particularly a man, who behaves in a dishonorable or contemptible way (v) abuse or disparage (someone) scurrilously

quarry

(n) a place, typically a large, deep pit, from which stone or other materials are or have been extracted (v) extract (stone or other materials) from a quarry - cut into (rock or ground) to obtain stone or other materials

moribund (adj)

(of a person) at the point of death - (of a thing) in terminal decline; lacking vitality or vigor

billet

(n) a place, usually a civilian's house or other nonmilitary facility, where soldiers are lodged temporarily (v) lodge (soldiers) in a particular place, especially a civilian's house or other nonmilitary facility

bower

(n) a pleasant shady place under trees or climbing plants in a garden or wood (v) (literary) shade or enclose (a place or person)

demagogue

(n) a political leader who seeks support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people rather than by using rational argument. - (in ancient Greece and Rome) a leader or orator who espoused the cause of the common people. (v) (US) rhetorically exploit (an issue) for political purposes in a way calculated to appeal to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people

tryst

(n) a private romantic rendezvous between lovers (v) keep a private, romantic rendezvous

tryst (literary)

(n) a private romantic rendezvous between lovers (v) keep a private, romantic rendezvous

ophidian (zoology)

(n) a reptile of the group Ophidia; a snake (adj) relating to or denoting snakes

deluge

(n) a severe flood - the biblical Flood (recorded in Genesis 6-8) - a heavy fall of rain - a great quantity of something arriving at the same time (v) inundate with a great quantity of something - flood

cudgel

(n) a short, thick stick used as a weapon (v) beat with a cudgel.

quirt

(n) a short-handled riding whip with a braided leather lash (v) hit with a *definition*

sprig

(n) a small stem bearing leaves or flowers, taken from a bush or plant - a descendant or younger member of a family or social class - (derogatory, archaic) a young man - a small molded decoration applied to a piece of pottery before firing (v) decorate (pottery) with small, separately molded designs

brook

(n) a small stream (v) (formal) tolerate or allow (something, typically dissent or opposition)

rill

(n) a small stream - a shallow channel cut in the surface of soil or rocks by running water - (astronomy) variant spelling of rille: a fissure or narrow channel on the moon's surface (v) flow in a small stream; trickle

spile

(n) a small wooden peg or spigot for stopping a cask - (north american) a small wooden or metal spout for tapping the sap from a sugar maple (v) broach (a cask) with a peg in order to draw off liquid

jubilee

(n) a special anniversary of an event, especially one celebrating twenty-five or fifty years of a reign or activity - (in Jewish history) a year of emancipation and restoration, celebrated every fifty years - a period of remission from the penal consequences of sin, granted by the Roman Catholic Church under certain conditions for a year, usually at intervals of twenty-five years (adj) (of desserts) flambé

resin

(n) a sticky flammable organic substance, insoluble in water, exuded by some trees and other plants (notably fir and pine) - a solid or liquid synthetic organic polymer used as the basis of plastics, adhesives, varnishes, or other products (v) rub or treat with resin

carom (North American) (Billiards)

(n) a stroke in which the cue ball strikes two balls successively - a billiards game played on a table without pockets, with points scored for caroms (v) make a carom; strike and rebound

veneer

(n) a thin decorative covering of fine wood applied to a coarser wood or other material - a layer of wood used to make plywood - an attractive appearance that covers or disguises someone or something's true nature or feelings (v) cover (something) with a decorative layer of fine wood - cover or disguise (someone or something's true nature) with an attractive appearance

antecedent

(n) a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another (adj) preceding in time or order; previous or preexisting

fait accompli (accomplished fact)

(n) a thing that has already happened or been decided before those affected hear about it, leaving them with no option but to accept it

scarp

(n) a very steep bank or slope; an escarpment - the inner wall of a ditch in a fortification (v) cut or erode (a slope or hillside) so that it becomes steep, perpendicular, or precipitous - provide (a ditch in a fortification) with a steep scarp and counterscarp

caulk

(n) a waterproof filler and sealant, used in building work and repairs (v) seal (a gap or seam) with a waterproof filler and sealant - stop up (the seams of a boat) with oakum and waterproofing material, or by driving plate-junctions together; make (a boat) watertight by this method

consort

(n) a wife, husband, or companion, in particular the spouse of a reigning monarch - a ship sailing in company with another (v) habitually associate with (someone), typically with the disapproval of others - (archaic) agree or be in harmony with

foal

(n) a young horse or related animal (v) (of a mare) give birth to a foal - (of a foal) be born

squab

(n) a young unfledged pigeon - the flesh of young pigeon as food - a thick stuffed cushion, especially one covering the seat of a chair or sofa (adj) (archaic) (of a person) short and fat

covenant

(n) an agreement - (law) a contract drawn up by deed - (law) a clause in a contract - (theology) an agreement which brings about a relationship of commitment between God and his people. The Jewish faith is based on the biblical covenants made with Abraham, Moses, and David (v) agree by lease, deed, or other legal contract

coppice

(n) an area of woodland in which the trees or shrubs are, or formerly were, periodically cut back to ground level to stimulate growth and provide firewood or timber (v) cut back (a tree or shrub) to ground level periodically to stimulate growth

Patricians

(n) an aristocrat or nobleman - (North American) a member of a long-established wealthy family - a member of a noble family or class in ancient Rome (adj) belonging to or characteristic of the aristocracy - (North American) belonging to or characteristic of a long-established and wealthy family - belonging to the nobility of ancient Rome

patrician

(n) an aristocrat or nobleman - (north american) a member of a long-established wealthy family - a member of a noble family or class in ancient Rome (adj) belonging to or characteristic of the aristocracy - (north american) belonging to or characteristic of a long-established and wealthy family - belonging to the nobility of ancient Rome

pastiche

(n) an artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period - an artistic work consisting of a medley of pieces taken from various sources (v) imitate the style of (an artist or work)

interdict

(n) an authoritative prohibition - (in the Roman Catholic Church) a sentence barring a person, or especially a place, from ecclesiastical functions and privilege (v) (north american) 1. prohibit or forbid (something) - prohibit someone from (doing something) 2. intercept and prevent the movement of (a prohibited commodity or person) - (military) impede (an enemy force), especially by aerial bombing of lines of communication or supply

surfeit

(n) an excessive amount of something - (archaic) an illness caused or regarded as being caused by excessive eating or drinking (v) cause (someone) to desire no more of something as a result of having consumed or done it to excess - (archaic) consume too much of something

glut

(n) an excessively abundant supply of something (v) supply or fill to excess -(archaic) satisfy fully

pissant (vulgar slang, u.s.)

(n) an insignificant or contemptible person or thing (adj) worthless or contemptible

gibe

(n) an insulting or mocking remark; a taunt (v) make insulting or mocking remarks; jeer

requisition

(n) an official order laying claim to the use of property or materials - a formal written demand that some duty should be performed or something be put into operation - the appropriation of goods for military or public use (v) demand the use or supply of, especially by official order and for military or public use - demand the performance or occurrence of

amnesty

(n) an official pardon for people who have been convicted of political offenses - an undertaking by the authorities to take no action against specified offenses or offenders during a fixed period (v) grant an official pardon to

conjecture

(n) an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information (v) form an opinion or supposition about (something) on the basis of incomplete information

caparison

(n) an ornamental covering spread over a horse's saddle or harness (v) (of a horse) be decked out in rich decorative coverings

stucco

(n) fine plaster used for coating wall surfaces or molding into architectural decorations (v) coat or decorate with plaster

silage

(n) grass or other green fodder compacted and stored in airtight conditions, typically in a silo, without first being dried, and used as animal feed in the winter (v) preserve (grass and other green fodder) as silage

proffer

(n) hold out (something) to someone for acceptance; offer (v) (literary) an offer or proposal

repose

(n) lay something to rest in or on (something) - composure -(art) harmonious arrangement of colors and forms, providing a restful visual effect (v) be lying, situated, or kept in a particular place - lie down in rest -(literary) lay something to rest in or on (something) -(archaic) give rest to

gangrene

(n) localized death and decomposition of body tissue, resulting from either obstructed circulation or bacterial infection (v) become affected with gangrene

tithe

(n) one tenth of annual produce or earnings, formerly taken as a tax for the support of the Church and clergy - (in certain religious denominations) a tenth of an individual's income pledged to the Church - (archaic) a tenth of a specified thing (v) pay or give as a tithe - (historical) subject to a tax of one tenth of income or produce

travail (literary)

(n) painful or laborious effort - labor pains (v) engage in painful or laborious effort - (of a woman) be in labor

assent

(n) the expression of approval or agreement - official agreement or sanction (v) express approval or agreement, typically officially

smarting

(n) the fact or sensation of feeling a sharp stinging pain (adj) (of part of the body) feeling a sharp stinging pain

ebb

(n) the movement of the tide out to sea (v) 1. (of tidewater) move away from the land; recede 2. (of an emotion or quality) gradually lessen or reduce

probate

(n) the official proving of a will (v) establish the validity of (a will)

flotsam (n)

(n) the wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on or washed up by the sea - people or things that have been rejected and are regarded as worthless

sepulcher

(n) a small room or monument, cut in rock or built of stone, in which a dead person is laid or buried (v) (literary) lay or bury in or as if in a sepulcher - serve as a burial place for

countenance

(n) (1) a person's face or facial expression (2) support (v) admit as acceptable or possible

sojourn

(n) (formal) a temporary stay (v) stay somewhere temporarily

pillory

(n) (historical) a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, in which an offender was imprisoned and exposed to public abuse (v) 1. (historical) put (someone) in a pillory 2. attack or ridicule publicly

dollop

(n) (informal) a shapeless mass or blob of something, especially soft food (v) add (a shapeless mass or blob of something) casually and without measuring.

thrall

(n) (literary) the state of being in someone's power or having great power over someone - (historical) a slave, servant, or captive

stolid (adj)

(of a person) calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation

harangue

(n) a lengthy and aggressive speech (v) lecture (someone) at length in an aggressive and critical manner

clamor

(n) a loud and confused noise, especially that of people shouting vehemently (v) (of a group of people) shout loudly and insistently

fussilade

(n) a series of shots fired or missiles thrown all at the same time or in quick succession (v) attack (a place) or shoot down (someone) by a series of shots fired at the same time or in quick succession

mutiny

(n) an open rebellion against the proper authorities, especially by soldiers or sailors against their officers (v) refuse to obey the orders of a person in authority

succor

(n) assistance and support in times of hardship and distress (v) give assistance or aid to.

foreboding

(n) fearful apprehension; a feeling that something bad will happen (adj) implying or seeming to imply that something bad is going to happen

prose

(n) written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure (v) talk tediously

chagrin

(n.) irritation or humiliation caused by disappointment or frustration; (v.) to cause such a feeling

mire

(n.) mud; wet, swampy ground; a tough situation; (v.) to get stuck in mud

obstetrical (adj)

(north american) relating to childbirth and the processes associated with it

urbane (adj)

(of a person) courteous and refined in manner

unctuous (adj)

(of a person) excessively or ingratiatingly flattering; oily

eminent

(of a person) famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession - used to emphasize the presence of a positive quality

eminent (adj)

(of a person) famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession - used to emphasize the presence of a positive quality

corpulent (adj)

(of a person) fat

effete (adj)

(of a person) affected, overrefined, and ineffectual - no longer capable of effective action

putrefy (v)

(of a body or other organic matter) decay or rot and produce a fetid smell

dilapidated (adj)

(of a building or object) in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect

precocious (adj)

(of a child) having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual. (of behavior or ability) indicative of early development. (of a plant) flowering or fruiting earlier than usual

congenital (adj)

(of a disease or physical abnormality) present from birth - (of a person) having a particular trait from birth or by firmly established habit

coagulate (v)

(of a fluid, especially blood) change to a solid or semisolid state

craggy (adj)

(of a landscape) having many crags - (of a cliff or rock face) rough and uneven - (of a person's face, typically a man's) rugged and rough-textured in an attractive way

turbid (adj)

(of a liquid) cloudy, opaque, or thick with suspended matter - confused or obscure in meaning or effect

effeminate (adj)

(of a man) having or showing characteristics regarded as typical of a woman; unmanly

noncommittal (adj)

(of a person or a person's behavior or manner) not expressing or revealing commitment to a definite opinion or course of action

ingenuous (adj)

(of a person or action) innocent and unsuspecting

sedulous (adj)

(of a person or action) showing dedication and diligence

placid (adj)

(of a person or animal) not easily upset or excited - (especially of a place or stretch of water) calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity

spindly (adj)

(of a person or limb) long or tall and thin - (of a thing) thin and weak or insubstantial in construction

nonchalant (adj)

(of a person or manner) feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm

incisive (adj)

(of a person or mental process) intelligently analytical and clear-thinking - (of an account) accurate and sharply focused

ungainly (adj)

(of a person or movement) awkward; clumsy

scrupulous (adj)

(of a person or process) diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details - very concerned to avoid doing wrong

perverse (adj)

(of a person or their actions) showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable

presumptuous (adj)

(of a person or their behavior) failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate

eccentric (adj & n)

(of a person or their behavior) unconventional and slightly strange

indefatigable (adj)

(of a person or their efforts) persisting tirelessly

listless (adj)

(of a person or their manner) lacking energy or enthusiasm

incurious (adj)

(of a person or their manner) not eager to know something; lacking curiosity

saturnine (adj)

(of a person or their manner) slow and gloomy - (of a person or their features) dark in coloring and moody or mysterious - (of a place or an occasion) gloomy

incredulous (adj)

(of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something

heinous (adj)

(of a person or wrongful act, especially a crime) utterly odious or wicked

beady (adj)

(of a person's eyes) small, round, and gleaming - (of a look) bright and penetrating

sallow (adj)

(of a person's face or complexion) of an unhealthy yellow or pale brown color

disheveled (adj)

(of a person's hair, clothes, or appearance) untidy; disordered

threadbare (adj)

(of cloth, clothing, or soft furnishings) becoming thin and tattered with age - (of a person, building, or room) poor or shabby in appearance - (of an argument, excuse, idea, etc.) used so often that it is no longer effective

verdant (adj)

(of countryside) green with grass or other rich vegetation

indelible (adj)

(of ink or a pen) making marks that cannot be removed - not able to be forgotten or removed

draconian (adj)

(of laws or their application) excessively harsh and severe.

flaccid (adj)

(of part of the body) soft and hanging loosely or limply, especially so as to look or feel unpleasant - (of plant tissue) drooping or inelastic through lack of water - lacking force or effectiveness

emanate (v)

(of something abstract but perceptible) issue or spread out from (a source)

abate (v)

(of something perceived as hostile, threatening, or negative) become less intense or widespread - cause to become smaller or less intense - (law) lessen, reduce, or remove (especially a nuisance)

diegetic (adj)

(of sound in a movie, television program, etc.) occurring within the context of the story and able to be heard by the characters

prolix (adj)

(of speech or writing) using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy

accrue (v)

(of sums of money or benefits) be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time - accumulate or receive (such payments or benefits) - make provision for (a charge) at the end of a financial period for work that has been done but not yet invoiced

bleary (adj)

(of the eyes) unfocused or filmy from sleep or tiredness

emeritus (adj)

(of the former holder of an office, especially a college professor) having retired but allowed to retain their title as an honor

palpitate (v)

(of the heart) beat rapidly, strongly, or irregularly - shake; tremble

sough (v)

(of the wind in trees, the sea, etc.) make a moaning, whistling, or rushing sound

stagnate (v)

(of water or air) cease to flow or move; become stagnant - cease developing; become inactive or dull

brackish (adj)

(of water) slightly salty, as is the mixture of river water and seawater in estuaries - (of fish or other organisms) living in or requiring brackish water - unpleasant or distasteful

menial (adj)

(of work) not requiring much skill and lacking prestige

missive (n)

(often humorous) a letter, especially a long or official one

holisitic (adj)

(philosophy) characterized by comprehension of the parts of something as intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole. (medicine) characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease

keep one's own counsel

(phrase) say nothing about what one believes, knows, or plans

apropos

(prep) with reference to; concerning (adj) very appropriate to a particular situation

vis-à-vis (face to face)

(preposition) in relation to; with regard to - as compared with; as opposed to (adv) (archaic) in a position facing a specified or implied subject (n) 1. a person or group occupying a corresponding position to that of another person or group in a different area or domain; a counterpart 2. a face-to-face meeting

echolalia (n)

(psychiatry) meaningless repetition of another person's spoken words as a symptom of psychiatric disorder - repetition of speech by a child learning to talk

slipshod (adj)

(typically of a person or method of work) characterized by a lack of care, thought, or organization

fractious (adj)

(typically of children) irritable and quarrelsome - (of a group or organization) difficult to control; unruly

acrimonious (adj)

(typically of speech or a debate) angry and bitterness

stipple

(v) (in drawing, painting, and engraving) mark (a surface) with numerous small dots or specks - produce a decorative effect on (paint or other material) by roughening its surface when it is wet (n) the process or technique of stippling a surface, or the effect so created

welter

(v) (literary) move in a turbulent fashion - lie steeped in blood with no help or care (n) a large number of items in no order; a confused mass - a state of general disorder

swill

(v) 1. (British) wash or rinse out (an area or container) by pouring large amounts of water or other liquid over or into it - cause (liquid) to swirl around in a container or cavity - (of a liquid) move or splash about over a surface 2. (informal) drink (something) greedily or in large quantities - accompany (food) with large quantities of drink (n) 1. kitchen refuse and scraps of waste food mixed with water for feeding to pigs - (informal) alcohol of inferior quality 2. (informal) a large mouthful of a drink

addle

(v) 1. (humorous) make (someone) unable to think clearly; confuse 2. (of an egg) become rotten, producing no chick (adj) (archaic) (of an egg) rotten

kowtow

(v) 1. act in an excessively subservient manner 2. kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in worship or submission as part of Chinese custom (n) an act of kowtowing as part of Chinese custom

matriculate

(v) 1. be enrolled at a college or university - admit (a student) to a college or university 2. (scottish, heraldry) record (arms) in an official register (n) (indian) a person who has matriculated

muddle

(v) 1. bring into a disordered or confusing state - confuse (a person or their thoughts) - busy oneself in an aimless or ineffective way 2. mix (a drink) or stir (an ingredient) into a drink (n) an untidy and disorganized state or collection - a mistake arising from or resulting in confusion

remit

(v) 1. cancel or refrain from exacting or inflicting (a debt or punishment) - (theology) pardon (a sin) 2. send (money) in payment or as a gift 3. refer (a matter for decision) to some authority - (law) send back (a case) to a lower court - (law) send (someone) from one tribunal to another for a trial or hearing - (archaic) postpone - (archaic) consign again to a previous state 4. (archaic) diminish (n) 1. (British) the task or area of activity officially assigned to an individual or organization 2. an item referred to someone for consideration

confound

(v) 1. cause surprise or confusion in (someone), especially by acting against their expectations - prove (a theory, expectation, or prediction) wrong - defeat (a plan, aim, or hope) - (archaic) overthrow (an enemy) 2. mix up (something) with something else so that the individual elements become difficult to distinguish (exclamation) (dated) used to express anger or annoyance

snick

(v) 1. cut a small notch or incision in (something) 2. cause (something) to make a sharp clicking sound - make a sharp clicking sound (n) 1. a small notch or cut 2. a sharp click

blazon

(v) 1. display prominently or vividly - report (news), especially in a sensational manner 2. (heraldry) describe or depict (armorial bearings) in a correct heraldic manner - inscribe or paint (an object) with arms or a name (n) (heraldry) a correct description of armorial bearings - (archaic) a coat of arms

gripe

(v) 1. express a complaint or grumble about something, especially something trivial 2. affect with gastric or intestinal pain (n) 1. (informal) a complaint, especially a trivial one 2. gastric or intestinal pain; colic

pontificate

(v) 1. express one's opinions in a way considered annoyingly pompous and dogmatic 2. (in the Roman Catholic Church) officiate as bishop, especially at Mass (n) (in the Roman Catholic Church) the office or tenure of pope or bishop

accord

(v) 1. give or grant someone (power, status, or recognition) 2. (of a concept or fact) be harmonious or consistent with (n) an official agreement or treaty - agreement or harmony

goad

(v) 1. provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate some action or reaction 2. drive or urge (an animal) on with a goad (n) a spiked stick used for driving cattle - a thing that stimulates someone into action

attenuate

(v) 1. reduce the force, effect, or value of - reduce the amplitude of (a signal, electric current, or other oscillation) - reduce the virulence of (a pathogenic organism), especially when preparing a vaccine 2. reduce in thickness; make thin (adj) (rare)reduced in force, effect, or physical thickness

truncate

(v) 1. shorten the duration or extent of - shorten by cutting off the top or end 2. (crystallography) replace (an edge or an angle) by a plane, typically so as to make equal angles with the adjacent faces (adj) (botany/zoology) (of a leaf, feather, or other part) ending abruptly as if cut off across the base or tip

postulate

(v) 1. suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief 2. (in ecclesiastical law) nominate or elect (someone) to an ecclesiastical office subject to the sanction of a higher authority (n) (formal) a thing suggested or assumed as true as the basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief - (mathematics) an assumption used as a basis for mathematical reasoning

sustain (v)

(v) 1. to support for an extended period of time - bear (the weight of an object) without breaking or falling 2. undergo or suffer 3. cause to continue or be prolonged for an extended period or without interruption - (of a performer) represent (a part or character) convincingly 4. uphold, affirm, or confirm the justice or validity of (n) (music) an effect or facility on a keyboard or electronic instrument whereby a note can be sustained after the key is released

purport

(v) appear or claim to be or do something, especially falsely; profess (n) the meaning or substance of something, typically a document or speech

shirk

(v) avoid or neglect (a duty or responsibility) - be unwilling to do (something difficult) (n) (archaic) a person who shirks

vaunt

(v) boast about or praise (something), especially excessively (n) (archaic) a boast

bungle

(v) carry out (a task) clumsily or incompetently (n) a task carried out in a clumsy or incompetent way

daub

(v) coat or smear (a surface) with a thick or sticky substance in a carelessly rough or liberal way - spread (a thick or sticky substance) on a surface in a rough or liberal way - paint (words or drawings) on a surface by daubing (n) 1. plaster, clay, or another substance used for coating a surface, especially when mixed with straw and applied to laths or wattles to form a wall - a patch or smear of a thick or sticky substance 2. a painting executed without much skill

agglomerate

(v) collect or form into a mass or group (n) a mass or collection of things - (geology) a volcanic rock consisting of large fragments bonded together (adj) collected or formed into a mass

quaff

(v) drink (something, especially an alcoholic drink) heartily (n) (dated, informal) an alcoholic drink

carouse

(v) drink plentiful amounts of alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively way (n) a noisy, lively drinking party

barter

(v) exchange (goods or services) for other goods or services without using money (n) the action or system of exchanging goods or services without using money - goods or services used in bartering

censure

(v) express severe disapproval of (someone or something), especially in a formal statement (n) the expression of formal disapproval

swoon

(v) faint from extreme emotion (n) an occurrence of fainting

gab (informal)

(v) talk, typically at length, about trivial matters (n) talk; chatter

wrest

(v) forcibly pull (something) from a person's grasp - take (something, especially power or control) from someone or something else after considerable effort or difficulty - (archaic) distort the meaning or interpretation of (something) to suit one's own interests or views (n) (archaic) a key for tuning a harp or piano

hamper

(v) hinder or impede the movement or progress of (n) (nautical) necessary but cumbersome equipment on a ship

hallow

(v) honor as holy (n) (archaic) a saint or holy person

skulk (v)

(v) keep out of sight, typically with a sinister or cowardly motive (n) a group of foxes

garrote

(v) kill (someone) by strangulation, typically with an iron collar or a length of wire or cord (n) a wire, cord, or apparatus used to strangle someone

chortle

(v) laugh in a breathy, gleeful way; chuckle (n) a breathy, gleeful laugh

drone

(v) make a continuous low humming sound - speak tediously in a dull monotonous tone - move with a continuous humming sound (n) 1. a low continuous humming sound - (informal) a monotonous speech 2. a continuous musical note of low pitch - a musical instrument, or part of one, sounding a continuous note, in particular (also drone pipe ) a pipe in a bagpipe or (also drone string ) a string in an instrument such as a hurdy-gurdy or a sitar 3. a male bee in a colony of social bees, which does no work but can fertilize a queen - a person who does no useful work and lives off others 4. a remote-controlled pilotless aircraft or small flying device - a remote-controlled or autonomous vehicle designed for use underwater or on land

caterwaul

(v) make a shrill howling or wailing noise like that of a cat (n) a shrill howling or wailing noise

lurch

(v) make an abrupt, unsteady, uncontrolled movement or series of movements; stagger (n) an abrupt uncontrolled movement, especially an unsteady tilt or roll

undulate

(v) move or go with a smooth up-and-down motion - have a smoothly rising and falling form or outline (adj) (botany, zoology) (especially of a leaf) having a wavy surface or edge

perforate

(v) pierce and make a hole or holes in (adj) (biology/medicine) *definition (pronounced different)*

burnish

(v) polish (something, especially metal) by rubbing - enhance or perfect (something such as a reputation or a skill) (n) the shine on a highly polished surface

demur

(v) raise doubts or objections or show reluctance - (dated,law) put forward a demurrer (n) the action or process of objecting to or hesitating over something

rebuff

(v) reject (someone or something) in an abrupt or ungracious manner (n) an abrupt or ungracious refusal or rejection of an offer, request, or friendly gesture

touse

(v) rumple, tousle (n) a noisy disturbance

scoff

(v) speak to someone or about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way (n) an expression of scornful derision - (archaic) an object of ridicule

ogle

(v) stare at in a lecherous manner (n) a lecherous look

plunder

(v) steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder - steal (goods), typically using force and in a time of disorder - take material from (artistic or academic work) for one's own purposes (n) the violent and dishonest acquisition of property - property acquired illegally and violently

surmise

(v) suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it (n) a supposition that something may be true, even though there is no evidence to confirm it

nonplus

(v) surprise and confuse (someone) so much that they are unsure how to react (n) a state of being very surprised and confused

prattle

(v) talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way (n) foolish or inconsequential talk

blather

(v) talk long-windedly without making very much sense (n) long-winded talk with no real substance

gabble

(v) talk rapidly and unintelligibly; utter meaningless sounds (n) rapid unintelligible talk

sidle

(v) walk in a furtive, unobtrusive, or timid manner, especially sideways or obliquely (n) an act or instance of sidling

traipse

(v) walk or move wearily or reluctantly - walk about casually or needlessly (n) 1. a tedious or tiring journey on foot 2. (archaic) a slovenly woman

wade

(v) walk with effort through water or another liquid or viscous substance - walk through (something filled with water) (n) an act of wading

moil (archaic/dialect)

(v) work hard - move around in confusion or agitation (n) hard work; drudgery - turmoil; confusion

sashay

(v) (informal/North American) 1. walk in an ostentatious yet casual manner, typically with exaggerated movements of the hips and shoulders 2. perform the sashay (n) (in American square dancing) a figure in which partners circle each other by taking sideways steps

ferment

(v) (of a substance) undergo the chemical breakdown of a substance by microorganisms; incite or stir up (trouble or disorder) (n) agitation and excitement among a group of people

sequester

(v) 1. isolate or hide away 2. take legal possession of (assets) until a debt has been paid or other claims have been met 3. form a chelate or other stable compound with (an ion, atom, or molecule) so that it is no longer available for reactions (n) a general cut in government spending

precipitate

(v) cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely (adj) done, made, or acting suddenly or without careful consideration

inure (v)

1. accustom (someone) to something, especially something unpleasant 2. (law) come into operation; take effect

diametrically (adv)

(with reference to opposition) completely; directly

rut

1 (n) 1. a long deep track made by the repeated passage of the wheels of vehicle 2. a habit or pattern of behavior that has become dull and unproductive but is hard to change 2 (n) an annual period of sexual activity in deer and some other mammals, during which the males fight each other for access to the females (v) (of a deer or other mammal) engage in the rut or annual period of sexual activity - (derogatory) engage in promiscuous or indiscriminate sexual activity

nave (n)

1 (n) the central part of a church building, intended to accommodate most of the congregation. In traditional Western churches it is rectangular, separated from the chancel by a step or rail, and from adjacent aisles by pillars 2 the hub of a wheel

oblate

1 (adj) (geometry) (of a spheroid) flattened at the poles 2 (n) a person dedicated to a religious life, but typically having not taken full monastic vows

espouse (v)

1. adopt or support (a cause, belief, or way of life) 2. (archaic) marry - (of a woman) be engaged to (a particular man)

busk (v)

1. perform music or other entertainment in the street or another public place for monetary donations 2. (informal) improvise

mimesis (n)

1. (formal) (technical) representation or imitation of the real world in art and literature - the deliberate imitation of the behavior of one group of people by another group as a factor in social change 2. another term for mimicry

harpy (n)

1. (Greek & Roman mythology) a rapacious monster described as having a woman's head and body and a bird's wings and claws or depicted as a bird of prey with a woman's face 2. (derogatory) a grasping, unpleasant woman

chancery (n)

1. (US) a court of equity - equity - (historical) the court of a bishop's chancellor - (British/Law) the Lord Chancellor's court, a division of the High Court of Justice 2. (British) an office attached to an embassy or consulate 3. a public records office.

nohow (adv)

1. (US) used, especially in jocular or dialectal speech, to emphasize a negative 2. (archaic) not attractive, well, or in good order

tarry

1. (adj) of, like, or covered with tar 2. (v) (literary) stay longer than intended; delay leaving a place

ganglia (n)

1. (anatomy) a structure containing a number of nerve cell bodies, typically linked by synapses, and often forming a swelling on a nerve fiber - a network of cells forming a nerve center in the nervous system of an invertebrate - a well-defined mass of gray matter within the central nervous system 2. (medicine) an abnormal benign swelling on a tendon sheath

ward (v)

1. (archaic) guard; protect 2. (SE Asia) admit to or care for in a hospital ward

atrium (n)

1. (architecture) an open-roofed entrance hall or central court in an ancient Roman house - a central hall or court in a modern building, with rooms or galleries opening off it, often glass-covered 2. (anatomy) each of the two upper cavities of the heart from which blood is passed to the ventricles. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the veins of the body; the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary vein

basin

1. (british) a bowl for washing, typically attached to a wall and having faucets connected to a water supply; a washbasin 2. a wide, round open container, especially one used for holding liquid 3. a natural depression on the earth's surface, typically containing water - the tract of country drained by a river and its tributaries, or which drains into a lake or sea - an enclosed area of water where vessels can be moored - (geology) a circumscribed rock formation where the strata dip toward the center

matron (n)

1. (british) a woman in charge of domestic and medical arrangements at a boarding school or other establishment - (U.S.) a female prison officer 2. a married woman, especially a dignified and sober middle-aged one

ether (n)

1. (chemistry) a pleasant-smelling colorless volatile liquid that is highly flammable. It is used as an anesthetic and as a solvent or intermediate in industrial processes - any organic compound with a structure similar to ether, having an oxygen atom linking two alkyl or other organic groups 2. the clear sky; the upper regions of air beyond the clouds - (informal) air regarded as a medium for radio 3. (archaic, physics) a very rarefied and highly elastic substance formerly believed to permeate all space, including the interstices between the particles of matter, and to be the medium whose vibrations constituted light and other electromagnetic radiation

popinjay (n)

1. (dated) a vain or conceited person, especially one who dresses or behaves extravagantly 2. (archaic) a parrot

perambulator (n)

1. (dated, british) a baby carriage; a pram 2. (formal, humorous) a person who walks, especially for pleasure and in a leisurely way

sponger (n)

1. (derogatory/informal) a person who lives at others' expense 2. a person who applies paint to pottery using a sponge

acerbic (adj)

1. (especially of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright 2. (archaic,technical) tasting sour or bitter

facile (adj)

1. (especially of a theory or argument) appearing neat and comprehensive only by ignoring the true complexities of an issue; superficial - (of a person) having a superficial or simplistic knowledge or approach 2. (especially of success in sports) easily achieved; effortlessly

macerate (v)

1. (especially with reference to food) soften or become softened by soaking in a liquid 2. (archaic) cause to grow thinner or waste away, especially by fasting

triumvirate (n)

1. (in ancient Rome) a group of three men holding power, in particular ( the First Triumvirate ) the unofficial coalition of Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus in 60 BC and ( the Second Triumvirate ) a coalition formed by Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian in 43 BC - a group of three powerful or notable people or things existing in relation to each other 2. the office of triumvir in ancient Rome

sacrament (n)

1. (in the Christian Church) a religious ceremony or ritual regarded as imparting divine grace, such as baptism, the Eucharist and (in the Roman Catholic and many Orthodox Churches) penance and the anointing of the sick 2. (in Roman Catholic use) the consecrated elements of the Eucharist, especially the bread or Host 3. a thing of mysterious and sacred significance; a religious symbol

cretinism (n)

1. (informal,offensive) foolishness or stupidity 2. (dated,medicine) a condition characterized by physical deformity and learning disabilities that is caused by congenital thyroid deficiency

zephyr (n)

1. (literary) a soft gentle breeze 2. (historical) a fine cotton gingham - a very light article of clothing

roil (v)

1. (literary) make (a liquid) turbid or muddy by disturbing the sediment - (of a liquid) move in a turbulent, swirling manner 2. (US) make (someone) annoyed or irritated

syncope (n)

1. (medicine) temporary loss of consciousness caused by a fall in blood pressure 2. (grammar) the omission of sounds or letters from within a word, for example when library is pronounced /ˈlʌɪbri/

provost (n)

1. (north american) a senior administrative officer in certain colleges and universities - (british) the head of certain university colleges, especially at Oxford or Cambridge, and public schools 2. the head of a chapter in a cathedral - the Protestant minister of the principal church of a town or district in Germany and certain other European countries - (historical) the head of a Christian community 3. short for provost marshal 4. (in Scotland) the civic head of some regional Scottish councils, analogous to a mayor in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland 5. (historical) the chief magistrate of a French or other European town

careen (v)

1. (north american) move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way in a specified direction 2. turn (a ship) on its side for cleaning, caulking, or repair - (of a ship) tilt; lean over

rankle (v)

1. (of a comment, event, or fact) cause annoyance or resentment that persists - annoy or irritate (someone) 2. (archaic) (of a wound or sore) continue to be painful; fester

autonomous (adj)

1. (of a country or region) having the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs - having the freedom to act independently - denoting or performed by a device capable of operating without direct human control 2. (in Kantian moral philosophy) acting in accordance with one's moral duty rather than one's desires

virulent (adj)

1. (of a disease or poison) extremely severe or harmful in its effects - (of a pathogen, especially a virus) highly infective 2. bitterly hostile

pert

1. (of a girl or young woman) attractively lively or cheeky - (of a young person or their speech or behavior) impudent - another term for peart 2. (of a bodily feature or garment) attractive because neat and jaunty

stilted (adj)

1. (of a manner of talking or writing) stiff and self-conscious or unnatural 2. standing on stilts - (architecture) (of an arch) with pieces of upright masonry between the imposts and the springers

chimeric (adj) (aka chimerical)

1. (of a mythical animal) formed from parts of various animals 2. hoped for but illusory or impossible to achieve 3. (biology) relating to or denoting an organism containing a mixture of genetically different tissues, formed by processes such as fusion of early embryos, grafting, or mutation - relating to or denoting a DNA molecule with sequences derived from two or more different organisms, formed by laboratory manipulation

wither (v)

1. (of a plant) become dry and shriveled - (of a person, limb, or the skin) become shrunken or wrinkled from age or disease 2. cease to flourish; fall into decay or decline - cause to decline or deteriorate; weaken 3. mortify (someone) with a scornful look or manner

hermetic (adj)

1. (of a seal or closure) complete and airtight - insulated or protected from outside influences 2. relating to an ancient occult tradition encompassing alchemy, astrology, and theosophy - esoteric; cryptic

seminal (adj)

1. (of a work, event, moment, or figure) strongly influencing later developments 2. relating to or denoting semen - (botany) relating to or derived from the seed of a plant

nubile (adj)

1. (of a young woman) sexually attractive 2. (of a young woman) sexually mature; old enough for marriage

lank (adj)

1. (of hair) long, limp, and straight - (of a person) lanky

pithy (adj)

1. (of language or style) concise and forcefully expressive 2. (of a fruit or plant) containing much pith

abject (adj)

1. (of something bad) experienced or present to the maximum degree 2. (of a person or their behavior) completely without pride or dignity; self-abasing

sultry (adj)

1. (of the air or weather) hot and humid 2. (of a person, especially a woman) attractive in a way that suggests a passionate nature

locus (n)

1. (technical) a particular position, point, or place - the effective or perceived location of something abstract - (genetics) the position of a gene or mutation on a chromosome 2. (mathematics) a curve or other figure formed by all the points satisfying a particular equation of the relation between coordinates, or by a point, line, or surface moving according to mathematically defined conditions

beget (v) (literary)

1. (typically of a man, sometimes of a man and a woman) bring (a child) into existence by the process of reproduction 2. give rise to; bring about

admissible (adj)

1. acceptable or valid, especially as evidence in a court of law 2. having the right to be admitted to a place

esquire (n)

1. (u.s.) a title appended to a lawyer's surname - (u.k.) a polite title appended to a man's name when no other title is used, typically in the address of a letter or other documents 2. (historical)a young nobleman who, in training for knighthood, acted as an attendant to a knight - an officer in the service of a king or nobleman - a landed proprietor or country squire

dissipate (v)

1. (with reference to a feeling or other intangible thing) disappear or cause to disappear 2.squander or fritter away (money, energy, or resources) - (physics) cause (energy) to be lost, typically by converting it to heat

peon (n)

1. a Spanish American day laborer or unskilled farm worker - (North American) a person who does menial work - (historical) a debtor held in servitude by a creditor, especially in the southern US and Mexico 2. (in South and Southeast Asia) a low-ranking worker such as an attendant, orderly, or assistant

phalanx (n)

1. a body of troops or police officers standing or moving in close formation - a group of people or things of a similar type forming a compact body - (in ancient Greece) a body of Macedonian infantry with long spears, drawn up in close order with shields overlapping 2. (anatomy) a bone of the finger or toe

beau (n) (dated)

1. a boyfriend or male admirer 2. a rich, fashionable young man; a dandy

edifice (n)

1. a building, especially a large, imposing one 2. a complex system of beliefs

rumination

1. a deep or considered thought about something - the action or process of thinking deeply about something 2. the action of chewing the cud

gout (n)

1. a disease in which defective metabolism of uric acid causes arthritis, especially in the smaller bones of the feet, deposition of chalkstones, and episodes of acute pain 2. (literary) a drop or spot, especially of blood, smoke, or flame

roulade (n)

1. a dish cooked or served in the form of a roll, typically made from a flat piece of meat, fish, or sponge cake, spread with a soft filling and rolled up into a spiral 2. a florid passage of runs in classical music for a virtuoso singer, especially one sung to one syllable

precept (n)

1. a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought 2. a writ or warrant

syndic (n)

1. a government official in various countries 2. (in the UK) a business agent of certain universities and corporations

gens (n)

1. a group of families in ancient Rome who shared a name and claimed a common origin 2. (anthropology) a group of people who are related through their male ancestors

vanguard (n)

1. a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas - a position at the forefront of new developments or ideas 2. the foremost part of an advancing army or naval force

cast iron (n)

1. a hard, relatively brittle alloy of iron and carbon that can be readily cast in a mold and contains a higher proportion of carbon than steel (typically 2.0-4.3 percent) 2. firm and unchangeable

convocation (n)

1. a large formal assembly of people - (North American) a formal ceremony at a college or university, as for the conferring of awards 2. the action of calling people together for a large formal assembly

monolith (n)

1. a large single upright block of stone, especially one shaped into or serving as a pillar or monument - a very large and characterless building - a large block of concrete sunk in water, e.g. in the building of a dock 2. a large and impersonal political, corporate, or social structure regarded as intractably indivisible and uniform

portmanteau (n)

1. a large trunk or suitcase, typically made of stiff leather and opening into two equal parts 2. a word blending the sounds and combining the meanings of two others, for example motel (from 'motor' and 'hotel') or brunch (from 'breakfast' and 'lunch') - consisting of or combining two or more aspects or qualities

nimbus (n)

1. a luminous cloud or a halo surrounding a supernatural being or a saint - a light, color, etc., that surrounds someone or something 2. a large gray rain cloud

clod (n)

1. a lump of earth or clay 2. (informal) a stupid person (often used as a general term of abuse)

foible (n)

1. a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character 2. (fencing) the weaker part of a sword blade, from the middle to the point

cadence (n)

1. a modulation or inflection of the voice. 2. a sequence of notes or chords comprising the close of a musical phrase.

cairn (n)

1. a mound of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark, typically on a hilltop or skyline - a prehistoric burial mound made of stones 2. a small terrier of a breed with short legs, a longish body, and a shaggy coat

harlequin (n)

1. a mute character in traditional pantomime, typically masked and dressed in a diamond-patterned costume - (historical) a stock comic character in Italian commedia dell'arte 2. a small duck of fast-flowing streams around the Arctic and North Pacific, the male having mainly gray-blue plumage with bold white markings (adj) in varied colors; variegated

rendition (n)

1. a performance or interpretation, especially of a dramatic role or piece of music - a visual representation or reproduction - a translation or transliteration 2. the practice of sending a foreign criminal or terrorist suspect covertly to be interrogated in a country with less rigorous regulations for the humane treatment of prisoners

forester (n)

1. a person in charge of a forest or skilled in planting, managing, or caring for trees 2. (archaic) a person or animal living in a forest 3. a small black day-flying moth with two white or yellow spots on each wing 4. (Australian) the eastern gray kangaroo

hermit (n)

1. a person living in solitude as a religious discipline - any person living in solitude or seeking to do so 2. a hummingbird found in the shady lower layers of tropical forests, foraging along a regular route

nonentity (n)

1. a person or thing with no special or interesting qualities; an unimportant person or thing 2. nonexistence

iconoclast (n)

1. a person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions 2. a destroyer of images used in religious worship

auditor (n)

1. a person who conducts an audit 2. a listener - (North American) a person who attends a class informally without working for academic credit

temperament (n)

1. a person's or animal's nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior - the tendency to behave angrily or emotionally 2. the adjustment of intervals in tuning a piano or other musical instrument so as to fit the scale for use in different keys; in equal temperament, the octave consists of twelve equal semitones

ragamuffin (n)

1. a person, typically a child, in ragged, dirty clothes 2. an exponent or follower of ragga, typically one dressing in ragged clothes - another term for ragga

elegy (n)

1. a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead 2. (in Greek and Roman poetry) a poem written in elegiac couplets, as notably by Catullus and Propertius

pansy (n)

1. a popular cultivated viola with flowers in rich colors, with both summer- and winter-flowering varieties 2. (offensive) an effeminate or gay man

province (n)

1. a principal administrative division of certain countries or empires 2. (British) the whole of a country outside the capital, especially when regarded as lacking in sophistication or culture 3. an area of special knowledge, interest, or responsibility

bastion (n)

1. a projecting part of a fortification built at an angle to the line of a wall, so as to allow defensive fire in several directions - a natural rock formation resembling a bastion 2. an institution, place, or person strongly defending or upholding particular principles, attitudes, or activities

cochineal (n)

1. a scarlet dye used chiefly for coloring food - a dye similar to cochineal made from the oak kermes insect 2. the scale insect that is used for cochineal, native to Mexico and formerly widely cultivated on cacti

portent (n)

1. a sign or warning that something, especially something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen - future significance 2. (literary) an exceptional or wonderful person or thing

ostent (n)

1. a significant sign 2. the act of showing or displaying 3. excessive display

cupola (n)

1. a small dome, especially a small dome on a drum on top of a larger dome, adorning a roof or ceiling - a gun turret; a small domed hatch above a gun turret on some tanks - a cylindrical furnace for refining metals, with openings at the bottom for blowing in air and originally with a dome leading to a chimney above

midge (n)

1. a small two-winged fly that is often seen in swarms near water or marshy areas where it breeds - any of a number of small flies whose larvae can be pests of plants, typically producing galls or damaging leaves 2. (informal) a small person

bauble (n)

1. a small, showy trinket or decoration - something that is superficially attractive but useless or worthless 2. (historical) a baton formerly used as an emblem by jesters

mocassin (n)

1. a soft leather slipper or shoe, strictly one without a separate heel, having the sole turned up on all sides and sewn to the upper in a simple gathered seam, in a style originating among North American Indians 2. a venomous American pit viper

musk (n)

1. a strong-smelling reddish-brown substance which is secreted by the male musk deer for scent-marking and is an important ingredient in perfumery - a secretion similar to musk from another animal 2. a relative of the monkey flower that was formerly cultivated for its musky perfume, which has been lost in the development of modern varieties

coffer (n)

1. a strongbox or small chest for holding valuables - the funds or financial reserves of a group or institution 2. a recessed panel in a ceiling

postulation (n)

1. a suggestion or assumption of the existence, fact, or truth of something as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief 2. (in ecclesiastical law) a nomination or election of someone to an ecclesiastical office subject to the sanction of a higher authority

convolution (n)

1. a thing that is complex and difficult to follow 2. a coil or twist, especially one of many - the state of being coiled or twisted, or the process of becoming so 3. a sinuous fold in the surface of the brain 4. (mathematics) a function derived from two given functions by integration which expresses how the shape of one is modified by the other - a method of determination of the sum of two random variables by integration or summation

boon (n)

1. a thing that is helpful or beneficial 2. (archaic) a favor or request

relict (n)

1. a thing which has survived from an earlier period or in a primitive form - an animal or plant that has survived while others of its group have become extinct, e.g. the coelacanth - a species or community that formerly had a wider distribution but now survives in only a few localities such as refugia 2. (archaic) a widow

scion (n)

1. a young shoot or twig of a plant, especially one cut for grafting or rooting 2. a descendant of a notable family

abide (v)

1. accept or act in accordance with (a rule, decision, or recommendation) 2. (informal) be unable to tolerate (someone or something) 3. (of a feeling or memory) continue without fading or being lost - (archaic) live; dwell

pretense (n)

1. an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true - a false display of feelings, attitudes, or intentions - the practice of inventing imaginary situations in play - affected and ostentatious speech and behavior 2. a claim, especially a false or ambitious one

eidolon (n)

1. an idealized person or thing 2. a specter or phantom

abstention (n)

1. an instance of declining to vote for or against a proposal or motion 2. the fact or practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something; abstinence

addendum (n)

1. an item of additional material, typically omissions, added at the end of a book or other publication 2. (engineering) the radial distance from the pitch circle of a cogwheel, worm wheel, etc., to the crests of the teeth or ridges

receptacle (n)

1. an object or space used to contain something 2. (north american) an electrical outlet into which the plug of an electrical device may be inserted 3. (zoology) an organ or structure which receives a secretion, eggs, sperm, etc 4. an enlarged area at the apex of a stem that bears the organs of a flower or the florets of a flower head - a structure supporting the sexual organs in some algae, mosses, and liverworts

verger (n)

1. an official in a church who acts as a caretaker and attendant 2. an officer who carries a rod before a bishop or dean as a symbol of office

cornice (n)

1. an ornamental molding around the wall of a room just below the ceiling - a horizontal molded projection crowning a building or structure, especially the uppermost member of the entablature of an order, surmounting the frieze 2. an overhanging mass of hardened snow at the edge of a mountain precipice

pariah (n)

1. an outcast 2. (historical) a member of a low caste in southern India

obtuse (adj)

1. annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand - difficult to understand 2. (of an angle) more than 90° and less than 180° 3. not sharp-pointed or sharp-edged; blunt

splenetic (adj)

1. bad-tempered; spiteful 2. archaic term for splenic

dote (v)

1. be extremely and uncritically fond of 2. (archaic) be silly or feebleminded, especially as a result of old age

flog (v)

1. beat (someone) with a whip or stick as punishment or torture - (informal) promote or talk about (something) repetitively or at excessive length 2. (informal/british) sell or offer for sale

credence (n)

1. belief in or acceptance of something as true - the likelihood of something being true; plausibility 2. a small side table, shelf, or niche in a church for holding the elements of the Eucharist before they are consecrated

gall (n)

1. bold and impudent behavior 2. the contents of the gallbladder; bile (proverbial for its bitterness) - an animal's gallbladder - used to refer to something bitter or cruel

willowy (adj)

1. bordered, shaded, or covered by willows 2. (of a person) tall, slim, and lithe

propagate (v)

1. breed specimens of (a plant or animal) by natural processes from the parent stock - (of a plant or animal) reproduce by natural processes 2. spread and promote (an idea, theory, etc.) widely 3. (with reference to motion, light, sound, etc.) transmit or be transmitted in a particular direction or through a medium

leaven (v)

1. cause (dough or bread) to rise by adding yeast or another leavening agent 2. permeate and modify or transform (something) for the better

confound (v)

1. cause surprise or confusion in (someone), especially by acting against their expectations - prove (a theory, expectation, or prediction) wrong - defeat (a plan, aim, or hope) - (archaic) overthrow (an enemy) 2. mix up (something) with something else so that the individual elements become difficult to distinguish

disgorge (v)

1. cause to poor out - (of a building or vehicle) discharge (the occupants) - eject (food) from the throat or mouth - yield or give up (funds, especially funds that have been dishonestly acquired) - (of a river) empty into a sea 2. remove the sediment from (a sparkling wine) after fermentation

rapt (adj)

1. completely fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing - indicating or characterized by a state of fascination - filled with an intense and pleasurable emotion; enraptured 2. having been carried away bodily or transported to heaven

vitriol

1. cruel and bitter criticism 2. sulfuric acid

voluptuous (adj)

1. curvaceous and sexually attractive (typically used of a woman) 2. relating to or characterized by luxury or sensual pleasure

mince (v)

1. cut up or grind (food, especially meat) into very small pieces, typically in a machine with revolving blades 2. walk with an affected delicacy or fastidiousness, typically with short quick steps

precipitous (adj)

1. dangerously high or steep - (of a change to a worse situation or condition) sudden and dramatic 2. (of an action) done suddenly and without careful consideration

duplicity (n)

1. deceitfulness; double-dealing 2. (archaic) doubleness

discursive (adj)

1. digressing from subject to subject - (of a style of speech or writing) fluent and expansive rather than formulaic or abbreviated 2. relating to discourse or modes of discourse 3. (archaic/philosophy) proceeding by argument or reasoning rather than by intuition

harrow (v)

1. draw a harrow (a farm tool) over (land) 2. cause distress to

incandescent (adj)

1. emitting light as a result of being heated - (of an electric light) containing a filament which glows white-hot when heated by a current passed through it 2. full of strong emotion; passionate - extremely angry

efface (v)

1. erase (a mark) from a surface 2. make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous

lucid (adj)

1. expressed clearly; easy to understand - showing ability to think clearly, especially in the intervals between periods of confusion or insanity - (psychology) (of a dream) experienced with the dreamer feeling awake, aware of dreaming, and able to control events consciously 2. (literary) bright or luminous

abysmal (adj)

1. extremely bad; appalling 2. (literary) very deep

repugnant (adj)

1. extremely distasteful; unacceptable 2. in conflict with; incompatible with - (archaic) given to stubborn resistance

abortive (adj)

1. failing to produce the intended result 2. (medicine) (of a virus infection) failing to produce symptoms - (of an organ or organism) rudimentary; arrested in development. 3. (rare) causing or resulting in abortion

bulbous (adj)

1. fat, round, or bulging 2. (of a plant) growing from a bulb

delicacy (n)

1. fineness or intricacy of texture or structure 2. susceptibility to illness or adverse conditions; fragility 3. tact and consideration - the quality of requiring discretion or sensitivity - accuracy of perception; sensitiveness 4. a choice or expensive food

panache (n)

1. flamboyant confidence of style or manner 2. (historical) a tuft or plume of feathers, especially as a headdress or on a helmet

parquet (n)

1. flooring composed of wooden blocks arranged in a geometric pattern 2. (north american) the ground floor of a theater or auditorium 3. (in France and French-speaking countries) the branch of the administration of the law that deals with the prosecution of crime

confer (v)

1. grant or bestow (a title, degree, benefit, or right) 2. have discussions; exchange opinions

florid (adj)

1. having a red or flushed complexion 2. elaborately or excessively intricate or complicated - (of language) using unusual words or complicated rhetorical constructions 3. (medicine) (of a disease or its manifestations) occurring in a fully developed form

desiccated (adj)

1. having had all moisture removed; dried out - (of food) dried in order to preserve it 2. lacking vitality or interest

incontinent (adj)

1. having no or insufficient voluntary control over urination or defecation. 2. lacking self-restraint; uncontrolled.

aeriform (adj)

1. having the nature of air; gaseous 2. lacking substance or real existence; intangible

dubious (adj)

1. hesitating or doubting 2. not to be relied upon; suspect - morally suspect - of questionable value

animus (n)

1. hostility or ill feeling. 2. motivation to do something 3. (psychoanalysis) Jung's term for the masculine part of a woman's personality 4. (historical, philosophy) the rational mind

insular (adj)

1. ignorant of or uninterested in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside one's own experience - lacking contact with other people 2. relating to or from an island - relating to the art and craftwork of Britain and Ireland in the early Middle Ages, especially a form of Latin handwriting - (of climate) equable because of the influence of the sea 3. (anatomy) relating to the insula of the brain

inert (adj)

1. lacking the ability or strength to move - lacking vigor - chemically inactive

subsist (v)

1. maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level - (archaic) provide sustenance for 2. (law) remain in being, force, or effect - be attributable to

ordain (v)

1. make (someone) a priest or minister; confer holy orders on 2. order or decree (something) officially - (especially of God or fate) prescribe; determine (something)

consolidate (v)

1. make (something) physically stronger or more solid - reinforce or strengthen (one's position or power) 2. combine (a number of things) into a single more effective or coherent whole - combine (a number of financial accounts or funds) into a single overall account or set of accounts - combine (two or more legal actions involving similar questions) into one for action by a court

burr (v)

1. make a whirring sound - speak with an accent in which the sound r is trilled 2. form a rough edge on (metal)

rag (v)

1. make fun of (someone) in a boisterous manner 2. rebuke severely

blanch (v)

1. make white or pale by extracting color - whiten (a plant) by depriving it of light 2. flinch or grow pale from shock, fear, or a similar emotion 3. briefly immerse (an item of food) in boiling water, especially as a technique for removing the skin from nuts or fruit or for preparing vegetables for further cooking

onanism (n) (formal)

1. masturbation 2. coitus interruptus

ignoble (adj)

1. not honorable in character or purpose 2. of humble origin or social status

supererogatory (adj)

1. observed or performed to an extent not enjoined or required 2. superfluous

procure (v)

1. obtain (something), especially with care or effort - obtain (someone) as a prostitute for another person 2. (law) persuade or cause (someone) to do something

substantial (adj)

1. of considerable importance, size, or worth. - strongly built or made - (of a meal) large and filling - important in material or social terms; wealthy 2. concerning the essentials of something 3. real and tangible rather than imaginary

inundate (v)

1. overwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt with 2. flood

gentry (n)

1. people of good social position, specifically (in the UK) the class of people next below the nobility in position and birth - (U.S.) people of a specified class or group

subsistence (n)

1. the action or fact of maintaining or supporting oneself at a minimum level - the means of maintaining or supporting oneself - denoting or relating to production at a level sufficient only for one's own use or consumption, without any surplus for trade 2. (law) the state of remaining in force or effect

attrition (n)

1. the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure - the gradual reduction of a workforce by employees' leaving and not being replaced rather than by their being laid off - wearing away by friction; abrasion 2. (christian theology) (in scholastic theology) sorrow, but not contrition, for sin

imposition (n)

1. the action or process of imposing something or of being imposed 2. a thing that is imposed, in particular an unfair or unwelcome demand or burden - a tax or duty - (Christian Church) the laying-on of hands, as in blessing or ordination 3. (printing) the imposing of pages of type - a particular arrangement of imposed pages

accreditation (n)

1. the action or process of officially recognizing someone as having a particular status or being qualified to perform a particular activity - official certification that a school or course has met standards set by external regulators 2. an acknowledgment of a person's responsibility for or achievement of something

antiquity (n)

1. the ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages - an object, building, or work of art from the ancient past 2. great age

cardamom (n)

1. the aromatic seeds of a plant of the ginger family, used as a spice and also medicinally 2. the Southeast Asian plant that bears cardamom seeds

proxy (n)

1. the authority to represent someone else, especially in voting - a person authorized to act on behalf of another - a document authorizing a person to vote on another's behalf 2. a figure that can be used to represent the value of something in a calculation

hermeneutics (n)

1. the branch of knowledge that deals with interpretation, especially of the Bible or literary texts 2. a method or theory of interpretation

ontology (n)

1. the branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being 2. a set of concepts and categories in a subject area or domain that shows their properties and the relations between them

gamut (n)

1. the complete range or scope of something 2. (music) a complete scale of musical notes; the compass or range of a voice or instrument - (historical) a scale consisting of seven overlapping hexachords, containing all the recognized notes used in medieval music, covering almost three octaves from bass G to treble E - (historical) the lowest note in the gamut scale

ridge pole (n)

1. the horizontal pole of a long tent 2. a horizontal beam along the ridge of a roof, into which the rafters are fastened

iota (n)

1. the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet ( Ι, ι ), transliterated as 'i.' - (astronomy) the ninth star in a constellation 2. an extremely small amount

parasitism (n)

1. the practice of living as a parasite in or on another organism - infestation by a parasite 2. (derogatory) habitual reliance on or exploitation of others

assimilation (n)

1. the process of taking in and fully understanding information or ideas 2. the absorption and digestion of food or nutrients by the body or any biological system

discretion (n)

1. the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information 2. the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation

languor (n)

1. the state or feeling, often pleasant, of tiredness or inertia 2. an oppressive stillness of the air

singularity (n)

1. the state, fact, quality, or condition of being singular - a peculiarity or odd trait 2. (physics/mathematics) a point at which a function takes an infinite value, especially in space-time when matter is infinitely dense, as at the center of a black hole 3. a hypothetical moment in time when artificial intelligence and other technologies have become so advanced that humanity undergoes a dramatic and irreversible change

ligation (n)

1. the surgical procedure of closing off a blood vessel or other duct or tube in the body by means of a ligature or clip 2. the joining of two DNA strands or other molecules by a phosphate ester linkage

zenith (n)

1. the time at which something is most powerful or successful 2. (astronomy) the point in the sky or celestial sphere directly above an observer - the highest point reached by a celestial or other object

peonage (n)

1. the use of laborers bound in servitude because of debt; the condition of a peon 2. a system of convict labor by which convicts are leased to contractors

fustian (n)

1. thick, durable twilled cloth with a short nap, usually dyed in dark colors 2. pompous or pretentious speech or writing

brood (v)

1. think deeply about something that makes one unhappy 2. (of a bird) sit on (eggs) to hatch them - (of a fish, frog, or invertebrate) hold (developing eggs) within the body

truss (v)

1. tie up the wings and legs of (a chicken or other bird) before cooking; tie up (someone) with their arms at their sides; dress (someone) in elaborate or uncomfortable clothing 2.support (a roof, bridge, or other structure) with a truss or trusses

patronize (v)

1. treat in a way that is apparently kind or helpful but that betrays a feeling of superiority 2. frequent (a store, theater, restaurant, or other establishment) as a customer

coddle (v)

1. treat in an indulgent or overprotective way 2. cook (an egg) in water below boiling point

ossify (v)

1. turn into bone or bony tissue 2. become rigid or fixed in attitude or position; cease developing

gratuitous (adj)

1. uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted. 2. given or done free of charge.

terra cotta (n)

1. unglazed, typically brownish-red earthenware, used chiefly as an ornamental building material and in modeling - a statuette or other object made of terra cotta - a strong brownish-red or brownish-orange color

torrid (adj)

1. very hot and dry - full of passionate or highly charged emotions arising from sexual love 2. (british) full of difficulty or tribulation

trenchant (adj)

1. vigorous or incisive in expression or style 2. (archaic,literary) (of a weapon or tool) having a sharp edge

indolent (adj)

1. wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy 2. (medicine) (of a disease or condition) causing little or no pain - (especially of an ulcer) slow to develop, progress, or heal; persistent

pandemonium (n)

1. wild and noisy disorder or confusion; uproar 2. the capital of hell (spelt Pandæmonium)

raj (n)

British sovereignty in India - (indian) rule; government

nook (n)

a corner or recess, especially one offering seclusion or security

mete (v)

dispense or allot justice, a punishment, or harsh treatment

aria (n)

In music, a self-contained piece for one voice, with or without instrumental or orchestral accompaniment, normally part of a larger work. This is a formal musical composition unlike its counterpart, the recitative.

acolyte (n)

a person assisting the celebrant in a religious service or procession - an assistant or follower

somnolence (n)

Strong desire for sleep and feeling of drowsiness

perspicacious (adj)

having a ready insight into and understanding of things

stevedore (n)

a person employed, or a contractor engaged, at a dock to load and unload cargo from ships

shire (n)

a county, especially in England - used in reference to parts of England regarded as strongholds of traditional rural culture, especially the rural Midlands

charlatan (n)

a person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill; a fraud

troubadour (n)

a French medieval lyric poet composing and singing in Provençal in the 11th to 13th centuries, especially on the theme of courtly love - a poet who writes verse to music

marabout (n)

a Muslim holy man or hermit, especially in North Africa - a shrine marking the burial place of a Muslim holy man or hermit

curmudgeon (n)

a bad-tempered person, especially an old one

brassard (n)

a band worn on the sleeve, typically having an identifying mark and worn with a uniform - (historical) a piece of armor for the upper arm

houri (n)

a beautiful young woman, especially one of the virgin companions of the faithful in the Muslim Paradise

parson (n)

a beneficed member of the clergy; a rector or a vicar - (informal) any member of the clergy, especially a Protestant one

perpetuity (n)

a bond or other security with no fixed maturity date; the state or quality of lasting forever

tome (n) (humorous)

a book, especially a large, heavy, scholarly one

pugilist (n) (dated) (humorous)

a boxer, especially a professional one

ramification (n)

a consequence of an action or event, especially when complex or unwelcome; a subdivision of a complex structure or process perceived as comparable to a tree's branches

earl (n)

a British nobleman ranking above a viscount and below a marquess

vane (n)

a broad blade attached to a rotating axis or wheel which pushes or is pushed by wind or water and forms part of a machine or device such as a windmill, propeller, or turbine - short for weathervane - the flat part on either side of the shaft of a feather - a broad, flat projecting surface designed to guide the motion of a projectile, such as a feather on an arrow or a fin on a torpedo

besom (n)

a broom made of twigs tied around a stick

confraternity (n)

a brotherhood, especially with a charitable or religious purpose.

scald (n & v)

a burn or other injury caused by hot liquid or steam

Reprieve (noun, verb)

a cancellation or postponement of a punishment

dalliance (n)

a casual romantic or sexual relationship - brief or casual involvement with something

tribulation (n)

a cause of great trouble or suffering - a state of great trouble or suffering

uhlan (n) (historical)

a cavalryman armed with a lance as a member of various European armies

vicissitude (n)

a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant - (literary) alternation between opposite or contrasting things

ablaut (n)

a change of vowel in related words or forms, e.g., in Germanic strong verbs (e.g., in sing, sang, sung )

flophouse (n) (informal)

a cheap hotel or rooming house

burgher (n) (archaic/humorous)

a citizen of a town or city, typically a member of the wealthy bourgeoisie

magistrates (n)

a civil officer or lay judge who administers the law, especially one who conducts a court that deals with minor offenses and holds preliminary hearings for more serious ones

scrivener (n) (historical)

a clerk, scribe, or notary

rapport (n)

a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well

crony (n) (informal/North American)

a close friend or companion

compendium (n)

a collection of concise but detailed information about a particular subject, especially in a book or other publication

menagerie (n)

a collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition - a strange or diverse collection of people or things

seminary (n)

a college that prepares students to be priests, ministers, or rabbis

farce (n)

a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations

microcosm (n)

a community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristic qualities or features of something much larger

panoply (n)

a complete or impressive collection of things - a splendid display - (historical/literary) a complete set of arms or suit of armor

solar plexus (n)

a complex of ganglia and radiating nerves of the sympathetic system at the pit of the stomach

lipogram (n)

a composition from which the writer systematically omits a certain letter or certain letters of the alphabet

proviso (n)

a condition attached to an agreement

stipulation (n)

a condition or requirement that is specified or demanded as part of an agreement

antimony (n)

a contradiction between two beliefs or conclusions that are in themselves reasonable; a paradox

catafalque (n)

a decorated wooden framework supporting the coffin of a distinguished person during a funeral or while lying in state

antipathy (n)

a deep-seated feeling of dislike; aversion

aberration (n)

a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome - (biology) a characteristic that deviates from the normal type - (optics) the failure of rays to converge at one focus because of limitations or defects in a lens or mirror - (astronomy) the apparent displacement of a celestial object from its true position, caused by the relative motion of the observer and the object

progeny (n)

a descendant or the descendants of a person, animal, or plant; offspring

need (n) (archaic)

a deserved share or reward

amenity (n)

a desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place

knave (n) (archaic)

a dishonest or unscrupulous man

rabble (n)

a disorderly crowd; a mob - (derogatory) ordinary people, especially when regarded as socially inferior or uncouth

dichotomy (n)

a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different

mongrel (n)

a dog of no definable type or breed - any animal resulting from the crossing of different breeds or types - (offensive) a person of mixed descent

chemise (n)

a dress hanging straight from the shoulders and giving the figure a uniform shape, popular in the 1920s - a woman's loose-fitting undergarment or nightdress, typically of silk or satin with a lace trim - a priest's alb or surplice - (historical) a smock

flue (n)

a duct for smoke and waste gases produced by a fire, a gas heater, a power station, or other fuel-burning installation - a channel for conveying heat

sophism (n)

a fallacious argument, especially one used deliberately to deceive

trepidation (n)

a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen

exasperation (n)

a feeling of intense irritation or annoyance

ennui (n)

a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement

exultation (n)

a feeling of triumphant elation or jubilation; rejoicing

discomfiture (n)

a feeling of unease or embarrassment; awkwardness

inhibition (n)

a feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way

gyve (n) (archaic)

a fetter or shackle

synecdoche (n)

a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa

nicety (n)

a fine detail or distinction, especially one regarded as intricate and fussy - accuracy or precision - a minor aspect of polite social behavior; a detail of etiquette

gossamer (n)

a fine, filmy substance consisting of cobwebs spun by small spiders, seen especially in autumn - used to refer to something very light, thin, and insubstantial or delicate

admonishment (n)

a firm warning or reprimand

rictus (n)

a fixed grimace or grin

pagan (n)

a person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions

quota (n)

a fixed share of something that a person or group is entitled to receive or is bound to contribute - a limited quantity of a particular product which under official controls can be produced, exported, or imported - a fixed minimum or maximum number of a particular group of people allowed to do something, such as immigrants to enter a country, workers to undertake a job, or students to enroll for a course - (in a system of proportional representation) the minimum number of votes required to elect a candidate - a person's share of a particular thing, quality, or attribute

gadfly (n)

a fly that bites livestock, especially a horsefly, warble fly, or botfly - an annoying person, especially one who provokes others into action by criticism

myrmidon (n)

a follower or subordinate of a powerful person, typically one who is unscrupulous or carries out orders unquestioningly

remonstrance (n)

a forcefully reproachful protest

polity (n)

a form or process of civil government or constitution - an organized society; a state as a political entity

cavalcade (n)

a formal procession of people walking, on horseback, or riding in vehicles

dictum (n)

a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source

trestle (n)

a framework consisting of a horizontal beam supported by two pairs of sloping legs, used in pairs to support a flat surface such as a tabletop - short for trestle table - an open cross-braced framework used to support an elevated structure such as a bridge - each of a pair of horizontal pieces on a sailing ship's lower mast supporting the topmast

Maecenas (n)

a friend and political advisor to Octavian, who later reigned as Augustus. He was also an important patron for the new generation of Augustan poets, including both Horace and Virgil - someone who is a generous patron, especially of literature or art

amity (n) (formal)

a friendly relationship

flibbertigibbet (adj)

a frivolous, flighty, or excessively talkative person

malaise (n)

a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify

apparition (n)

a ghost or ghostly figure; an unexplained or unusual appearance

pidgin (n)

a grammatically simplified means of communication that develops between two or more groups that do not have a language in common

patina (n)

a green or brown film on the surface of bronze or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period - a gloss or sheen on a surface resulting from age or polishing - the impression or appearance of something

retinue (n)

a group of advisers, assistants, or others accompanying an important person

archipelago (n)

a group of islands - a sea or stretch of water containing many islands

tableau (n)

a group of models or motionless figures representing a scene from a story or from history; a tableau vivant

phalanstery (n)

a group of people living together in community, free of external regulation and holding property in common

cacophony (n)

a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds

vizier (n) (historical)

a high official in some Muslim countries, especially in Turkey under Ottoman rule

miasma (n) (literary)

a highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapor - an oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere which surrounds or emanates from something

avocation (n) (formal)

a hobby or minor occupation

vassal (n) (historical)

a holder of land by feudal tenure on conditions of homage and allegiance - a person or country in a subordinate position to another

waif (n)

a homeless, neglected, or abandoned person, especially a child

lingua franca (n)

a language that is adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages are different - (historical) a mixture of Italian with French, Greek, Arabic, and Spanish, formerly used in the Levant

langue (n) (linguisitics)

a language viewed as an abstract system used by a speech community, in contrast to the actual linguistic behavior of individuals

flagon (n)

a large container in which drink is served, typically with a handle and spout - the amount of liquid held in a flagon - a container similar to a flagon used to hold the wine for the Eucharist - a large bottle in which wine or cider is sold, typically holding about 2 pints (1.13 liters)

ewer (n)

a large jug with a wide mouth, formerly used for carrying water for someone to wash in

dhow (n)

a lateen-rigged ship with one or two masts, used in the Indian Ocean

coeval (n)

a person of roughly the same age as oneself; a contemporary

Fata Morgana (n)

a mirage

amalgam (n)

a mixture or blend

idiosyncrasy (n)

a mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual; a distinctive or peculiar feature or characteristic of a place or thing

potentate (n)

a monarch or ruler, especially an autocratic one

piaster (n)

a monetary unit of several Middle Eastern countries, equal to one hundredth of a pound

apologue (n)

a moral fable, especially one with animals as characters

bier (n)

a movable frame on which a coffin or a corpse is placed before burial or cremation or on which it is carried to the grave

diegesis (n)

a narrative or plot, typically in a movie

runnel (n)

a narrow channel in the ground for liquid to flow through - a brook or rill - a small stream of a particular liquid

balistraria (n)

a narrow often cruciform opening in a wall (such as a tower or fortress) for discharging arrows (as from a crossbow)

warren (n)

a network of interconnecting rabbit burrows - a densely populated or labyrinthine building or district - (historical/british) an enclosed piece of land set aside for breeding game, especially rabbits

plexus (n) (anatomy)

a network of nerves or vessels in the body - an intricate network

neologism (n)

a newly coined word or expression - the coining or use of new words

altercation (n)

a noisy argument or disagreement, especially in public

lorgnette (n)

a pair of glasses or opera glasses held in front of a person's eyes by a long handle at one side

trichna (n)

a parasitic nematode worm of humans and other mammals, the adults of which live in the small intestine. The larvae form hard cysts in the muscles, where they remain until eaten by the next host.

madrigal (n)

a part-song for several voices, especially one of the Renaissance period, typically arranged in elaborate counterpoint and without instrumental accompaniment. Originally used of a genre of 14th-century Italian songs, the term now usually refers to English or Italian songs of the late 16th and early 17th c., in a free style strongly influenced by the text

parlance (n)

a particular way of speaking or using words, especially a way common to those with a particular job or interest

epoch (n)

a period of time in history or a person's life, typically one marked by notable events or particular characteristics - the beginning of a distinctive period in the history of someone or something - (geology) a division of time that is a subdivision of a period and is itself subdivided into ages, corresponding to a series in chronostratigraphy

leper (n)

a person suffering from leprosy - a person who is avoided or rejected by others for moral or social reasons

sycophant (n)

a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage

mediator (n)

a person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict come to an agreement; a go-between

dilettante (n)

a person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge

hewer (n) (dated)

a person who cuts wood, stone, or other materials - a miner who cuts coal from a seam

masochist (n)

a person who derives sexual gratification from their own pain or humiliation

polemicist (n)

a person who engages in controversial debate

swashbuckler (n)

a person who engages in daring and romantic adventures with bravado or flamboyance

gourmand (n)

a person who enjoys eating and often eats too much - a connoisseur of good food

Svengali (n)

a person who exercises a controlling or mesmeric influence on another, especially for a sinister purpos

scofflaw (n) (informal) (north american)

a person who flouts the law, especially by failing to comply with a law that is difficult to enforce effectively

prognosticator (n)

a person who foretells or prophesies a future event

idiot savant (n)

a person who has a mental or learning disability but is extremely gifted in a particular way, such as the performing of feats of memory or calculation

émigré (n)

a person who has left their own country in order to settle in another, typically for political reasons

miser (n)

a person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible

milksop (n) (informal)

a person who is indecisive and lacks courage

megalomaniac (n)

a person who is obsessed with their own power - a person who suffers delusions of their own power or importance

convalescent (n)

a person who is recovering after an illness or operation

probation (n)

a person who is serving a probationary or trial period in a job or position to which they are newly appointed - an offender on probation

teetotaler (n)

a person who never drinks alcohol.

arbiter (n)

a person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority in a matter - a person whose views or actions have great influence over trends in social behavior

spendthrift (n)

a person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way

flagellant (n)

a person who subjects themselves or others to flogging, either as a religious discipline or for sexual gratification

blatherskite (n) (north american)

a person who talks at great length without making much sense - foolish talk; nonsense

mettle (n)

a person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way

deportment (n)

a person's behavior or manners

visage (n)

a person's face, with reference to the form or proportions of the features - a person's facial expression - the surface of an object presented to view

physiognomy (n)

a person's facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of character or ethnic origin - the supposed art of judging character from facial characteristics - the general form or appearance of something

coiffure (n)

a person's hairstyle, typically an elaborate one

mien (n)

a person's look or manner, especially one of a particular kind indicating their character or mood

milieu (n)

a person's social environment

fogey (n)

a person, typically an old one, who is considered to be old-fashioned or conservative in attitude or tastes

will-o'-the-wisp (n)

a phosphorescent light seen hovering or floating at night over marshy ground, thought to result from the combustion of natural gases; ignis fatuus - a person or thing that is difficult or impossible to find, reach, or catch

hauberk (n) (historical)

a piece of armor originally covering only the neck and shoulders but later consisting of a full-length coat of mail or military tunic

quiff (n) (british)

a piece of hair, especially on a man, brushed upward and backward from the forehead

panacea (n)

a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases

repository (n)

a place, building, or receptacle where things are or may be stored - a place in which something, especially a natural resource, has accumulated or where it is found in significant quantities - (computing) a central location in which data is stored and managed - a person or thing regarded as a store of information or in which something abstract is held to exist or be found

itinerary (n)

a planned route or journey

bard (n) (archaic)

a poet, traditionally one reciting epics and associated with a particular oral tradition

promontory (n)

a point of high land that juts out into a large body of water; a headland - (anatomy) a prominence or protuberance on an organ or other structure in the body

stool pigeon (n)

a police informer - a person acting as a decoy

enclave (n)

a portion of territory within or surrounded by a larger territory whose inhabitants are culturally or ethnically distinct - a place or group that is different in character from those surrounding it

sinecure (n)

a position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit

klieg light (n)

a powerful light used in filming

maelstrom (n)

a powerful whirlpool in the sea or a river - a situation or state of confused movement or violent turmoil

predilection (n)

a preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something

bacchant (n)

a priest, priestess, or follower of Bacchus (god of wine)

seersucker (n)

a printed cotton or synthetic fabric that has a surface consisting of puckered and flat sections, typically in a striped pattern

conclave (n)

a private meeting

sage (n)

a profoundly wise man, especially one who features in ancient history or legend

courtesan (n) (literary)

a prostitute, especially one with wealthy or upper-class clients

adage (n)

a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth

orator (n)

a public speaker, especially one who is eloquent or skilled

panegyric (n)

a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something

marionette (n)

a puppet worked from above by strings attached to its limbs

curio (n)

a rare, unusual, or intriguing object

leitmotif (n)

a recurrent theme throughout a musical or literary composition, associated with a particular person, idea, or situation

clime (n) (literary)

a region considered with reference to its climate

neurosis (n)

a relatively mild mental illness that is not caused by organic disease, involving symptoms of stress (depression, anxiety, obsessive behaviour, hypochondria) but not a radical loss of touch with reality - (in nontechnical use) excessive and irrational anxiety or obsession

quit-rent (n) (historical)

a rent, typically a small one, paid by a freeholder or copyholder in lieu of services which might be required of them

schema (n) (technical)

a representation of a plan or theory in the form of an outline or model - (logic) a syllogistic figure - (in Kantian philosophy) a conception of what is common to all members of a class; a general or essential type or form.

peristyle (n) (architecture)

a row of columns surrounding a space within a building such as a court or internal garden or edging a veranda or porch - an architectural space such as a court or porch that is surrounded or edged by a peristyle

pasquinade (n)

a satire or lampoon, originally one displayed or delivered publicly in a public place

aspic (n)

a savory jelly made with meat stock, set in a mold and used to contain pieces of meat, seafood, or eggs

gradation (n)

a scale or a series of successive changes, stages, or degrees - a stage or change in a series of successive degrees - a minute change from one shade, tone, or color to another - (in historical linguistics) another term for ablaut

dearth (n)

a scarcity or lack of something

effigy (n)

a sculpture or model of a person - a roughly made model of a particular person, made in order to be damaged or destroyed as a protest or expression of anger

lycée (n)

a secondary school in France that is funded by the government

oubliette (n)

a secret dungeon with access only through a trapdoor in its ceiling

prig (n)

a self-righteously moralistic person who behaves as if superior to others

amour propre (n)

a sense of one's own worth; self-respect

phantasmagoria (n)

a sequence of real or imaginary images like those seen in a dream

litany (n)

a series of petitions for use in church services or processions, usually recited by the clergy and responded to in a recurring formula by the people - a tedious recital or repetitive series

lackey (n)

a servant, especially a liveried footman or manservant - (derogatory) a person who is obsequiously willing to obey or serve another person or group of people

scabbard (n)

a sheath for the blade of a sword or dagger, typically made of leather or metal - a sheath for a gun or other weapon or tool

bosun (n)

a ship's officer in charge of equipment and the crew

excursion (n)

a short journey or trip, especially one engaged in as a leisure activity

respite (n)

a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant

augury (n)

a sign of what will happen in the future; an omen - the work of an augur; the interpretation of omens

tableaux vivant (n)

a silent and motionless group of people arranged to represent a scene or incident

saraband (n)

a slow, stately Spanish dance in triple time - a piece of music written for the saraband

dinghy (n)

a small boat for recreation or racing, especially an open boat with a mast and sails - a small inflatable rubber boat

estaminet (n)

a small cafe in France that sells alcoholic drinks

cadre (n)

a small group of people specially trained for a particular purpose or profession - a group of activists in a communist or other revolutionary organization - a member of an activist group

coterie (n)

a small group of people with shared interests or tastes, especially one that is exclusive of other people

copse (n)

a small group of trees (shortened term for coppice)

covey (n)

a small party or flock of birds, especially partridge - a small group of people or things

grotto (n)

a small picturesque cave, especially an artificial one in a park or garden - an indoor structure resembling a cave

morsel (n)

a small piece or amount of food; a mouthful - a small piece or amount

hamlet (n)

a small settlement, generally one smaller than a village

bourn (n) (dialect)

a small stream, especially one that flows intermittently or seasonally

valise (n)

a small traveling bag or suitcase

fichu (n)

a small triangular shawl, worn around a woman's shoulders and neck

peccadillo (n)

a small, relatively unimportant offense or sin

cordite (n)

a smokeless explosive made from nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine, and petroleum jelly, used in ammunition

kernel (n)

a softer, usually edible part of a nut, seed, or fruit stone contained within its hard shell - the seed and hard husk of a cereal, especially wheat - the central or most important part of something - the most basic level or core of an operating system of a computer, responsible for resource allocation, file management, and security -(linguistic) denoting a basic unmarked linguistic string

sentry (n)

a soldier stationed to keep guard or to control access to a place

inculpate (v)

accuse or blame - incriminate

rollick (v)

act or behave in a jovial and exuberant fashion

impetuous (adj)

acting or done quickly and without thought or care; moving forcefully or rapidly

prudent (adj)

acting with or showing care and thought for the future

paternalism (n)

action that limits a person's or group's liberty or autonomy and is intended to promote their own good

append (v)

add (something) as an attachment or supplement

accoutrement (n)

additional items of dress or equipment, or other items carried or worn by a person or used for a particular activity

balmy (adj)

adj. (of the weather) pleasantly warm; extremely foolish; eccentric:

prodigious (adj)

remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree

obfuscate (v)

render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible - bewilder (someone)

abnegate (v) (formal)

renounce or reject (something desired or valuable)

adumbrate (v)

report or represent in outline

palatial (adj)

resembling a palace in being spacious and splendid

piquant (adj)

having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor - pleasantly stimulating or exciting to the mind

guise (n)

an external form, appearance, or manner of presentation, typically concealing the true nature of something

solicitous (adj)

characterized by or showing interest or concern

extemporize (v)

compose, perform, or produce something such as music or a speech without preparation; improvise

foppish (adj)

concerned with one's clothes and appearance in an affected and excessive way (typically used of a man)

tact (n)

adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues

posterity (n)

all future generations of people

jake (adj) (informal/North American)

all right; satisfactory

well-nigh (adv)

almost

in tandem

alongside each other; together

vacillate (v)

alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive

inter alia (adv)

among other things

mirth (n)

amusement, especially as expressed in laughter

rajah (n)

an Indian king or prince - a title extended to petty dignitaries and nobles in India during the British Raj - a title extended by the British to a Malay or Javanese ruler or chief

tabula rasa (n)

an absence of preconceived ideas or predetermined goals; a clean slate - the human mind, especially at birth, viewed as having no innate ideas

appurtenance (n)

an accessory or other item associated with a particular activity or style of living

recrimination (n)

an accusation in response to one from someone else

casus belli (n)

an act or situation provoking or justifying war

exhortation (n)

an address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something

epithet (n)

an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned

armistice (n)

an agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time; a truce

outlay (n)

an amount of money spent on something

seraph (n)

an angelic being, regarded in traditional Christian angelology as belonging to the highest order of the ninefold celestial hierarchy, associated with light, ardor, and purity.

spectroscope (n)

an apparatus for producing and recording spectra for examination

pragmatism (n)

an approach that assesses the truth of meaning of theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application

aspersion (n)

an attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something

nymphet (n)

an attractive and sexually mature young girl

injunction (n)

an authoritative warning or order - (law) a judicial order that restrains a person from beginning or continuing an action threatening or invading the legal right of another, or that compels a person to carry out a certain act, e.g., to make restitution to an injured party

ocher (n)

an earthy pigment containing ferric oxide, typically with clay, varying from light yellow to brown or red - a pale brownish yellow color

codger (adj) (derogatory) (informal)

an elderly man, especially one who is old-fashioned or eccentric

faux pas (n)

an embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation

foyer (n)

an entrance hall or other open area in a building used by the public, especially a hotel or theater - (north america) an entrance hall in a house or apartment

calamity (n)

an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster

conflagration (n)

an extensive fire which destroys a great deal of land or property

arraign (v)

call or bring (someone) before a court to answer a criminal charge - find fault with (someone or something); censure

discreet (adj)

careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage; intentionally unobtrusive

insouciance (adj)

casual lack of concern; indifference

descry (v)

catch sight of

espy (v) (literary)

catch sight of

extenuate (v)

cause (an offense) to seem less serious

engender (v)

cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition) - (archaic) (of a father) beget (offspring)

provocative (adj)

causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction, especially deliberately or arousing sexual desire or interest

grisly (adj)

causing horror or disgust

abominable (adj)

causing moral revulsion; very bad or unpleasant

contentious (adj)

causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial

injurious (adj)

causing or likely to cause damage or harm - (of language) maliciously insulting; libelous

vertiginous (adj)

causing vertigo, especially by being extremely high or steep - relating to or affected by vertigo

capitulate (v)

cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender

fickle (adj)

changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties, interests, or affection

roguish (adj)

characteristic of a dishonest or unprincipled person - playfully mischievous, especially in a way that is sexually attractive

recursive (adj)

characterized by recurrence or repetition - (mathematics/linguistics) relating to or involving the repeated application of a rule, definition, or procedure to successive results - relating to or involving a program or routine of which a part requires the application of the whole, so that its explicit interpretation requires in general many successive executions

ostentatious (adj)

characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice

ebullient (adj)

cheerful and full of energy

puerile (adj)

childishly silly and trivial

petulant (adj)

childishly sulky or bad-tempered

invoke (v)

cite or appeal to (someone or something) as an authority for an action or in support of an argument

vindicate (v)

clear (someone) of blame or suspicion

artifice (n)

clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others

adroit (adj)

clever or skillful in using the hands or mind

coalesce (v)

come together to form one mass or whole

doggerel (n)

comic verse composed in irregular rhythm - verse or words that are badly written or expressed

liaison (n)

communication or cooperation which facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations

analogous (adj)

comparable in certain respects

vie (v)

compete eagerly with someone in order to do or achieve something

vye (v)

compete eagerly with someone in order to do or achieve something

querulous (adj)

complaining in a petulant or whining manner

arrant (adj) (dated)

complete, utter

involuted (adj)

complicated or abstruse

remorse (n)

deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed

auspicious

conducive to success; favorable

sedition (n)

conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch

shrift (n) (archaic)

confession, especially to a priest - absolution by a priest

debonair (adj)

confident, stylish, and charming (typically used of a man)

modish (adj) (derogatory)

conforming to or following what is currently popular and fashionable

relegate (v)

consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position

corrugate (v)

contract or cause to contract into wrinkles or folds

proselytize (v)

convert or attempt to convert (someone) from one religion, belief, or opinion to another - advocate or promote (a belief or course of action)

imitable (adj)

copying or following a model or

commensurate (adj)

corresponding in size or degree; in proportion

expectorate (v)

cough or spit out (phlegm) from the throat or lungs

fortitude (n)

courage in pain or adversity

downy (adj)

covered with fine soft hair or feathers - filled with soft feathers - soft and fluffy

scrutiny (n)

critical observation or examination

revile (v)

criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner

denigrate (v)

criticize unfairly; disparage

anathematize (v)

curse; condemn

disembowel (v)

cut open and remove the internal organs of.

swarthy (adj)

dark-skinned

subterfuge (n)

deceit used in order to achieve one's goal

perfidy (n) (literary)

deceitfulness; untrustworthiness

kibosh (v)

decisively end or reject (something)

peter (v)

decrease or fade gradually before coming to an end

profundity (n)

deep insight; great depth of knowledge or thought

dismal (adj)

depressing; dreary - (of a person or a mood) gloomy - (informal) pitifully or disgracefully bad

defrock (v)

deprive (a person in holy orders) of ecclesiastical status - deprive (someone) of professional status or membership of a prestigious group

divest (v)

deprive (someone) of power, rights, or possessions - deprive (something) of a particular quality - rid oneself of something that one no longer wants or requires, such as a business interest or investment - (dated/humorous) relieve (someone) of something being worn or carried

ignominious (adj)

deserving or causing public disgrace or shame

didactic (adj)

designed or intended to teach

anomalous (adj)

deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected

wiles (n)

devious or cunning stratagems employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants

wayward (adj)

difficult to control or predict because of unusual or perverse behavior

abstruse (adj)

difficult to understand; obscure

bedraggled (adj)

dirty and disheveled

dank (adj)

disagreeably damp, musty, and typically cold

dissension (n)

disagreement that leads to discord

divine (v)

discover (something) by guesswork or intuition; discover (water) by dowsing

eviscerate (v) (formal)

disembowel (a person or animal) - deprive (something) of its essential content - (surgery) remove the contents of (a body organ)

cloy (v)

disgust or sicken (someone) with an excess of sweetness, richness, or sentiment

misanthropic (adj)

disliking humankind and avoiding human society

Gorgon (n) (Greek mythology)

each of three sisters, Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, with snakes for hair, who had the power to turn anyone who looked at them to stone - (derogatory) a fierce, frightening, or repulsive woman

truculent (adj)

eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively definitely

pugnacious (adj)

eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight

pliable (adj)

easily bent, flexible; easily influenced

malleable (adj)

easily influenced; pliable

pevish (adj)

easily irritated, especially by unimportant things

autarky (n)

economic independence or self-sufficiency - a country, state, or society which is economically independent

decrepit (adj)

elderly and infirm; worn out or ruined because of age or neglect

encyst (v)

enclose or become enclosed in a cyst

abet (v)

encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime or other offense - encourage or assist someone to commit (a crime)

interminable (adj)

endless (often used hyperbolically)

elan (n)

energy, style, and enthusiasm

conscript (v)

enlist (someone) compulsorily, typically into the armed services

ardor (n)

enthusiasm or passion

ardent (adj)

enthusiastic or passionate

variegated (adj)

exhibiting different colors, especially as irregular patches or streaks - (botany) (of a plant or foliage) having or consisting of leaves that are edged or patterned in a second color, especially white as well as green - marked by variety

primordial (adj)

existing at or from the beginning of time; primeval - (especially of a state or quality) basic and fundamental - (biology) (of a cell, part, or tissue) in the earliest stage of development

ulterior (adj)

existing beyond what is obvious or admitted; intentionally hidden - beyond what is immediate or present; coming in the future

immanent (adj)

existing or operating within; inherent - (of God) permanently pervading and sustaining the universe

subaqueous (adj)

existing, formed, or taking place underwater - lacking in substance or strength

concurrent (adj)

existing, happening, or done at the same time - (of two or more prison sentences) to be served - (mathematics) (of three or more lines) meeting at or tending toward one point

vicarious (adj)

experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person; acting or done for another

commiserate (v)

express or feel sympathy or pity; sympathize

expostulate (v)

express strong disapproval or disagreement

tendentious

expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of view, especially a controversial one

protrude (v)

extend beyond or above a surface

extrapolate (v)

extend the application of (a method or conclusion, especially one based on statistics) to an unknown situation by assuming that existing trends will continue or similar methods will be applicable

glean (v)

extract (information) from various sources - collect gradually and bit by bit - (historical) gather (leftover grain or other produce) after a harvest

supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (adj)

extraordinarily good; wonderful.

gaudy (adj)

extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless

avarice (n)

extreme greed for wealth or material gain

penury (n)

extreme poverty; destitution

ethereal (adj)

extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world

ravenous (adj)

extremely hungry - (of hunger or need) very great; voracious

infinitesimal (adj)

extremely small

asinine (adj)

extremely stupid or foolish

odious (adj)

extremely unpleasant; repulsive

frenetic (adj)

fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way

intrepid (adj)

fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect)

execrate (v)

feel or express great loathing for - (archaic) curse; swear

quail (v)

feel or show fear or apprehension

irate (adj)

feeling or characterized by great anger

jubilant (adj)

feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph

reverent (adj)

feeling or showing deep and solemn respect

harried (adj)

feeling strained as a result of having demands persistently made on one; harassed

consternation (n)

feelings of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected

pyretic (adj)

fevered, feverish, or inducing fever

vitriolic (adj)

filled with bitter criticism or malice

concupisent (adj)

filled with sexual desire; lustful

circumvent (v)

find a way around (an obstacle) - overcome (a problem or difficulty), typically in a clever and surreptitious way - (archaic) deceive; outwit

upbraid (v)

find fault with (someone); scold

glib (adj)

fluent and voluble but insincere and shallow

jocular (adj)

fond of or characterized by joking; humorous or playful

sustenance (n)

food and drink regarded as a source of strength; nourishment - the maintaining of someone or something in life or existence

cloddish (adj)

foolish, awkward, or clumsy

illicit (adj)

forbidden by law, rules, or custom

ratiocinate (v) (formal)

form judgments by a process of logic; reason

extricate (v)

free (someone or something) from a constraint or difficulty

inviolate (adj)

free or safe from injury or violation

dingy (adj)

gloomy and drab

viscid (adj)

glutinous; sticky

gallivant (v) (informal)

go around from one place to another in the pursuit of pleasure or entertainment

renege (v)

go back on a promise, undertaking, or contract - another term for revoke (sense 2) - (archaic) renounce or abandon (someone or something)

bullion (n)

gold or silver in bulk before coining, or valued by weight; ornamental braid or trimming made with twists of gold or silver thread

raillery (n)

good-humored teasing

kakistocracy (n)

government by the least suitable or competent citizens of a state - a state or society governed by its least suitable or competent citizens

atrophy (v)

gradually decline in effectiveness or vigor due to underuse or neglect

suffuse (v)

gradually spread through or over

valor (n)

great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle

zeal (n)

great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective

bravura (n)

great technical skill and brilliance shown in a performance or activity - the display of great daring

cupidity (n)

greed for money or possessions

sardonic (adj)

grimly mocking or cynical

antic (adj) (archaic)

grotesque or bizarre

hirsute (adj) (literary/humorous)

hairy

extradite (v)

hand over (a person accused or convicted of a crime) to the jurisdiction of the foreign state in which the crime was committed

fortuitous (adj)

happening by accident or chance rather than design

adventitious (adj)

happening or carried on according to chance rather than design or inherent nature - coming from outside; not native - (biology) formed accidentally or in an unusual anatomical position - (botany) (of a root) growing directly from the stem or other upper part of a plant

importune (v)

harass (someone) persistently for or to do something - approach (someone) to request or offer sexual services, especially as a prostitute

intractable (adj)

hard to control or deal with - (of a person) difficult or stubborn

drudgery (n)

hard, menial, or dull work

vulcanize (v)

harden (rubber or a similar material) by treating it with sulfur at a high temperature

opprobrium (n)

harsh criticism or censure - the public disgrace arising from someone's shameful conduct - (archaic) an occasion or cause of reproach or disgrace

asperity (n)

harshness of tone or manner - harsh qualities or conditions - a rough edge on a surface

cursory (adj)

hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed

hauteur (n)

haughtiness of manner; disdainful pride

glower (v)

have an angry or sullen look on one's face; scowl

impinge (v)

have an effect or impact, especially a negative one - advance over an area belonging to someone or something else; encroach - (physics) strike

copulate (v)

have sexual intercourse

stately (adj)

having a dignified, unhurried, and grand manner; majestic in manner and appearance

tinny (adj)

having a displeasingly thin, metallic sound; (of an object) made of thin or poor-quality metal

pernicious (adj)

having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way

capacious (adj)

having a lot of space inside; roomy

inveterate (adj)

having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change - (of a feeling or habit) long-established and unlikely to change

ululate (v)

howl or wail as an expression of strong emotion, typically grief

croon (v)

hum or sing in a soft, low voice, especially in a sentimental manner - say in a soft, low voice

deference (adj)

humble submission and respect

deference (n)

humble submission and respect

levity (n)

humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect

ape (v)

imitate the behavior or manner of (someone or something), especially in an absurd or unthinking way

iniquity (n)

immoral or grossly unfair behavior

prominent (adj)

important; famous; projecting from something; protuberant

foist (v)

impose an unwelcome or unnecessary person or thing on

inextricable (adj)

impossible to disentangle or separate; impossible to escape from

insatiable (adj)

impossible to satisfy - (of a person) having an *definition* appetite or desire for something, especially sex

inexorable (adj)

impossible to stop or prevent; (of a person) impossible to persuade by request or entreaty

indomitable (adj)

impossible to subdue or defeat

inscrutable (adj)

impossible to understand or interpret

overawe (v)

impress (someone) so much that they become silent or inhibited

incarcerate (v)

imprison or confine

durance (n) (archaic)

imprisonment or confinemen

gaily (adv)

in a cheerful or lighthearted way, without thinking of the consequences

quiescent (adj)

in a state or period of inactivity or dormancy

hermetically (adv)

in a way that is completely airtight - in a way that is insulated or protected from outside influences

incipient (adj)

in an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop - (of a person) developing into a specified type or role

despondent (adj)

in low spirits from loss of hope or courage

pell-mell (adv)

in mingled confusion or disorder; in confused haste

dissident (adj & n)

in opposition to official policy

ailing (adj)

in poor health

nebulous (adj)

in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy; unclear, vague, or ill-defined

innate (adj)

inborn; natural; (philosophy) originating in the mind

impish (adj)

inclined to do slightly naughty things for fun; mischievous

subsume (v)

include or absorb (something) in something else

incommode (v) (formal)

inconvenience (someone)

discrete (adj)

individually separate and distinct

smarmy (informal)

ingratiating and wheedling in a way that is perceived as insincere or excessive.

peremptory (adj)

insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a brusquely imperious way

effrontery (n)

insolent or impertinent behavior

contumely (n)

insolent or insulting language or treatment

abhorrent (adj)

inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant

formidable (adj)

inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable

lieu (n)

instead

inculcate (v)

instill (an attitude, idea, or habit) by persistent instruction - teach (someone) an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction

enjoin (v)

instruct or urge (someone) to do something - prescribe (an action or attitude) to be performed or adopted - (law) prohibit someone from performing (a particular action) by issuing an injunction

invective (n)

insulting, abusive, or highly critical language

esoteric (adj)

intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest

conciliatory (adj)

intended or likely to placate or pacify

expository (adj)

intended to explain or describe something

ingratiating

intended to gain approval or favor; sycophantic

throes (n)

intense or violent pain and struggle, especially accompanying birth, death, or great change

fervid (adj)

intensely enthusiastic or passionate, especially to an excessive degree - (literary) burning, hot, or glowing

intercede (v)

intervene on behalf of another

sordid (adj)

involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt - dirty or squalid

rudimentary (adj)

involving or limited to basic principles

arduous (adj)

involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring

insipid (adj)

lacking flavor

uncouth (adj)

lacking good manners, refinement, or grace

crass (adj)

lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence

penultimate (adj)

last but one in a series of things; second last

perennial (adj)

lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring

vox populi

latin for "voice of the people"

beleaguer

lay siege to - beset with difficulties

hegemony (n)

leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others

gaunt (adj)

lean and haggard, especially because of suffering, hunger, or age - (of a building or place) grim or desolate in appearance

sinewy (adj)

lean and muscular

omit (v)

leave out or exclude (someone or something), either intentionally or forgetfully

mutability (n)

liability or tendency to change

phosphorescence (n)

light emitted by a substance without combustion or perceptible heat - (physics) the emission of radiation in a similar manner to fluorescence but on a longer timescale, so that emission continues after excitation ceases

muslin (n)

lightweight cotton cloth in a plain weave - (British) a hemmed square of lightweight cotton cloth used to wipe up regurgitated milk when feeding or burping a baby

aquiline (adj)

like an eagle - (of a person's nose) hooked or curved like an eagle's beak

peart (dialect/US)

lively; cheerful

lugubrious (adj)

looking or sounding sad and dismal

acclamation (n)

loud and enthusiastic approval, typically to welcome or honor someone or something

strident (adj)

loud and harsh; grating - presenting a point of view, especially a controversial one, in an excessively and unpleasantly forceful way - (phonetics) another term for sibilant

staunch (adj)

loyal and committed

serendipity (n)

luck, finding good things without looking for them

verdure (n)

lush green vegetation - (literary) the fresh green color of vegetation - (literary) a condition of freshness

superincumbent (adj) (literary)

lying on something else

hempen (adj)

made from hemp fiber

ornate (adj)

made in an intricate shape or decorated with complex patterns - (of literary style) using unusual words and complex constructions - (of musical composition or performance) using many ornaments such as grace notes and trills

dilute (adj & v)

make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent to it

tousle (v)

make (a person's hair) untidy

expedite (v)

make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly

assuage (v)

make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense - satisfy (an appetite or desire)

elate

make (someone) ecstatically happy

abash (v)

make (someone) feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed

daunt (v)

make (someone) feel intimidated or apprehensive

oblige (v)

make (someone) legally or morally bound to an action or course of action - do as (someone) asks or desires in order to help or please them - be indebted or grateful

placate (v)

make (someone) less angry or hostile

befuddle (v)

make (someone) unable to think clearly

reify (v) (formal)

make (something abstract) more concrete or real

elucidate (v)

make (something) clear; explain

adjudicate (v)

make a formal judgment or decision about a problem or disputed matter - act as a judge in a competition - pronounce or declare judicially

indefensible (law/philosophy)

not able to be lost, annulled, or overturned

splutter (v)

make a series of short explosive spitting or choking sounds - say something rapidly, indistinctly, and with a spitting sound, as a result of anger, embarrassment, or another strong emotion - spit (something) out from one's mouth noisily and in small splashes (n) a short explosive spitting or choking noise

writhe (v)

make continual twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body - respond with great emotional or physical discomfort to (a violent or unpleasant feeling or thought)

divulge (v)

make known (private or sensitive information)

mitigate (v)

make less severe, serious, or painful

adorn (v)

make more beautiful or attractive

consecrate (v)

make or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose - (in Christian belief) make (bread or wine) into the body or blood of Christ - ordain (someone) to a sacred office, typically that of bishop - (informal) devote (something) exclusively to a particular purpose

pauperize (v)

make very poor; impoverish

conducive (adj)

making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible

tumultuous (adj)

making a loud, confused noise; uproarious; excited, confused, or disorderly

sanctimonious (adj)

making a show of being morally superior to other people

scurrilous (adj)

making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation - humorously insulting

ague (n) (archaic)

malaria or some other illness involving fever and shivering - a fever or shivering fit

malignant (adj)

malevolent; (of a disease) very virulent or infectious

multifarious (adj)

many and of various types - having many varied parts or aspects

malarkey (n) (informal)

meaningless talk; nonsense

rote (n)

mechanical or habitual repetition of something to be learned

opaque (adj)

not able to be seen through; not transparent

equanimity (n)

mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation

clemency (n)

mercy; lenience

diffident (adj)

modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence

remuneration (n)

money paid for work or a service

arrears (n)

money that is owed and should have been paid earlier

depravity (n)

moral corruption; wickedness.

lumber (v)

move in a slow, heavy, awkward way

oscillate (v)

move or swing back and forth at a regular speed

camaraderie

mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together

deft (adj)

neatly skillful and quick in one's movements - demonstrating skill and cleverness

irrevocable (adj)

not able to be changed, reversed, or recovered; final

irrepressible (adj)

not able to be controlled or restrained

somnambulant (adj)

resembling or characteristic of a sleepwalker; sluggish.

wiry (adj)

resembling wire in form and texture; (of a person) lean, tough, and sinewy

vinous (adj)

resembling, associated with, or fond of wine - (literary) of the reddish color of wine

demure (adj)

reserved, modest, and shy

ecumenical (adj)

representing a number of different Christian Churches - promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian Churches

reprove (v)

reprimand or censure (someone)

compulsory (adj)

required by law or a rule; obligatory - involving or exercising compulsion; coercive

steadfast (n)

resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering

obsequious (adj)

obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree

adulation (adj)

obsequious flattery; excessive admiration or praise

garish (adj)

obtrusively bright and showy; lurid

trivial (adj)

of little value or importance - (of a person) concerned only with trifling or unimportant things - (mathematics) denoting a subgroup that either contains only the identity element or is identical with the given group

yore (n)

of long ago or former times (used in nostalgic or mock-nostalgic recollection)

antediluvian (adj)

of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood; (humurous) ridiculously old-fashioned

miserly (adj)

of or characteristic of a miser - (of a quantity) pitiably small or inadequate

filial (adj)

of or due from a son or daughter

spectral (adj)

of or like a ghost

portentous (adj)

of or like portent - done in a pompously or overly solemn manner so as to impress

quotidian (adj)

of or occurring every day; daily - ordinary or everyday, especially when mundane - (medicine) denoting the malignant form of malaria

ecclesiastical (adj)

of or relating to the Christian Church or its clergy

ventral (adj) (anatomy/zoology)

of, on, or relating to the underside of an animal or plant; abdominal

vapid (adj)

offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging

antiquated (adj)

old-fashioned or outdated

elide (v)

omit (a sound or syllable) when speaking - join together; merge

faun (n) (Roman Mythology)

one of a class of lustful rural gods, represented as a man with a goat's horns, ears, legs, and tail

pertinent (adj)

relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite

wont (n & adj)

one's customary behavior in a particular situation

ken (n)

one's range of knowledge or sight

immemorial (adj)

originating in the distant past; very old

egregious (adj)

outstandingly bad; shocking

apoplectic (adj)

overcome with anger; extremely indignant - (dated) relating to or denoting apoplexy (stroke)

androgynous (adj)

partly male and partly female in appearance; of indeterminate sex

nympholepsy (n) (literary)

passion aroused in men by beautiful young girls - wild frenzy caused by desire for an unattainable ideal

forbearance (n)

patient self-control; restraint and tolerance

flummox (v) (informal)

perplex (someone) greatly; bewilder

importunate (adj)

persistent, especially to the point of annoyance or intrusion

harry (v)

persistently carry out attacks on (an enemy or an enemy's territory) - persistently harass

inveigle (v)

persuade (someone) to do something by means of deception or flattery - gain entrance to (a place) by persuading (someone) with deception or flattery

cajole (v)

persuade (someone) to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery

Pharisaical (adj)

pertaining to the Pharisees, who paid scrupulous attention to tradition; marked by hypocritical censorious self-righteousness

infirmity (n)

physical or mental weakness

crockery (n)

plates, dishes, cups, and other similar items, especially ones made of earthenware or china

frisky (adj)

playful and full of energy

schadenfreude (n)

pleasure derived by someone from another person's misfortune

agitprop (n)

political (originally communist) propaganda, especially in art or literature

grandiloquent (adj)

pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, especially in a way that is intended to impress

ware (n)

pottery, typically that of a specified type - manufactured articles of a specified type - articles offered for sale

puritanical (adj)

practicing or affecting strict religious or moral behavior

extol (v)

praise enthusiastically

ubiquitous (adj)

present, appearing, or found everywhere

exigent (adj)

pressing; demanding

feign (v)

pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury)

preclude (v)

prevent from happening; make impossible

stymie (v)

prevent or hinder the progress of

forestall (v)

prevent or obstruct (an anticipated event or action) by taking action ahead of time - act in advance of (someone) in order to prevent them from doing something - (historical) buy up (goods) in order to profit by an enhanced price

chintz (n)

printed multicolored cotton fabric with a glazed finish, used especially for curtains and upholstery

guttural (adj)

produced in the throat; harsh-sounding

lucrative (adj)

producing a great deal of profit

fecund (adj)

producing or capable of producing an abundance of offspring or new growth; fertile - (technical) (of a woman or women) capable of becoming pregnant and giving birth

protract (v)

prolong

promulgate (v)

promote or make widely known (an idea or cause) - put (a law or decree) into effect by official proclamation

tutelage (n)

protection of or authority over someone or something; guardianship - instruction; tuition

decry (v)

publicly denounce

retribution (n)

punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act

rectify (v)

put (something) right; correct

quell (v)

put an end to (a rebellion or other disorder), typically by the use of force - subdue or silence someone - suppress (a feeling, especially an unpleasant one)

propound (v)

put forward (an idea, theory, or point of view) for consideration by others

pathos (n)

quality that evokes pity or sadness

aquiver (adj)

quivering; trembling

peruse (v) (formal)

read (something), typically in a thorough or careful way - examine carefully or at length

docile (adj)

ready to accept control or instruction; submissive

due diligence (n) (law)

reasonable steps taken by a person in order to satisfy a legal requirement, especially in buying or selling something - a comprehensive appraisal of a business undertaken by a prospective buyer, especially to establish its assets and liabilities and evaluate its commercial potential

reprimand (v)

rebuke (someone), especially officially

ribald (adj)

referring to sexual matters in an amusingly coarse or irreverent way

ad nauseam (adv)

referring to something that has been done or repeated so often that it has become annoying or tiresome

disparage (v)

regard or represent as being of little worth

pathologize (v)

regard or treat (someone or something) as psychologically abnormal or unhealthy

venerate (v)

regard with great respect; revere

parochial (adj)

relating to a church parish - having a limited or narrow outlook or scope

gubernatorial (adj)

relating to a state governor or the office of state governor

pavlovian (adj)

relating to classical conditioning as described by I. P. Pavlov

cabalistic (adj)

relating to or associated with mystical interpretation or esoteric doctrine

scatological (adj)

relating to or characterized by an interest in excrement and excretion

atavistic (adj)

relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral

pecuniary (adj)

relating to or consisting of money

fratricidal (adj)

relating to or denoting conflict within a single family or organization

translunar (adj)

relating to or denoting the trajectory of a spacecraft traveling between the earth and the moon

penitensial (adj)

relating to or expressing penitence or penance

polemical (adj)

relating to or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech

pedagogical (adj)

relating to teaching

axillary (adj) (anatomy)

relating to the armpit - in or growing from an axil

somatic (adj)

relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind - (biology) relating to the soma

olfactory (adj)

relating to the sense of smell

vespertine (adj) (technical/literary)

relating to, occurring, or active in the evening

risible (adj)

such as to provoke laughter - (rare) (of a person) having the faculty or power of laughing; inclined to laugh

insinuate (v)

suggest or hint (something bad or reprehensible) in an indirect and unpleasant way; maneuver oneself into (a position of favor or office) by subtle manipulation

morose (adj)

sullen and ill-tempered

recapitulate (v)

summarize and state again the main points of - (biology) repeat (an evolutionary or other process) during development and growth

supplant (v)

supersede and replace

preeminent (adj)

surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way

circumambient (adj) (literary/formal)

surrounding

distend (v)

swell or cause to swell by pressure from inside

celerity (n) (archaic/literary)

swiftness of movement

turgid (adj)

swollen and distended or congested - (of language or style) tediously pompous or bombastic

maunder (v)

talk in a rambling manne - move or act in a dreamy or idle manner

rend (v)

tear (something) into two or more pieces - (archaic) wrench (something) violently - (literary) cause great emotional pain to (a person or their heart)

lachrymose (adj)

tearful or given to weeping - inducing tears; sad

confide (v)

tell someone about a secret or private matter while trusting them not to repeat it to others

protean (adj)

tending or able to change frequently or easily - able to do many different things; versatile

soporific (adj)

tending to induce drowsiness or sleep

inimical (adj)

tending to obstruct or harm

loquacious (adj)

tending to talk a great deal; talkative

basta (Spanish & Italian verb)

that's enough; stop it!

Eucharist (n)

the Christian ceremony commemorating the Last Supper, in which bread and wine are consecrated and consumed - the consecrated elements, especially the bread

savior faire (n)

the ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations

savior-faire (n)

the ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations; social competence

acumen (n)

the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain

efficacy (n)

the ability to produce a desired or intended result

bigamy (n)

the act of going through a marriage ceremony while already married to another person

expropriation (n)

the action by the state or an authority of taking property from its owner for public use or benefit - the action of dispossessing someone of property

supplication (n)

the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly

penitence (n)

the action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance

demarcation (n)

the action of fixing the boundary or limits of something - a dividing line

investiture (v)

the action of formally investing a person with honors or rank - a ceremony at which honors or rank are formally conferred on a particular person

perusal (v) (formal)

the action of reading or examining something

repentance (n)

the action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse

expenditure (n)

the action of spending funds

justiciary (n)

the administration of justice - (Scottish) an administrator of justice

fenestration (n) (architecture)

the arrangement of windows and doors on the elevations of a building - (botany/zoology) the condition of being fenestrate - (medicine) a surgical operation in which a new opening is formed, especially in the bony labyrinth of the inner ear to treat certain types of deafness

rhetoric (n)

the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques

horticulture (n)

the art or practice of garden cultivation and management

Occhiolism (n)

the awareness of the smallness of your perspective in the grandness of the vast scope of the Universe

clergy

the body of all people ordained for religious duties, especially in the Christian Church

semantic (n)

the branch of linguistics and logic concerned with meaning. There are a number of branches and subbranches of semantics, including formal semantics, which studies the logical aspects of meaning, such as sense, reference, implication, and logical form, lexical semantics, which studies word meanings and word relations, and conceptual semantics, which studies the cognitive structure of meaning - the meaning of a word, phrase, sentence, or text

interment (n)

the burial of a corpse in a grave or tomb, typically with funeral rites

ethos (n)

the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations

canaille (n) (derogatory)

the common people; the masses

dulcitude (n) (british)

the condition of being charming, sweet, or delightful

Occident (n) (literary)

the countries of the West, especially Europe and America

samsara (n) (Hinduism/Buddhism)

the cycle of death and rebirth to which life in the material world is bound

carrion (n)

the decaying flesh of dead animals

crux (n)

the decisive or most important point at issue - a particular point of difficulty

zeitgeist (n)

the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.

phrenology (n) (historical)

the detailed study of the shape and size of the cranium as a supposed indication of character and mental abilities

nomenclature (n)

the devising or choosing of names for things, especially in a science or other discipline - the body or system of names in a particular field - (formal) the term or terms applied to someone or something

antipode (n)

the direct opposite of something else

diaspora (n)

the dispersion of the Jewish people beyond Israel - Jewish people living outside Israel - the dispersion of any people from their original homeland - the people so dispersed

breadth (n)

the distance or measurement from side to side of something; width - wide range or extent - (dated) a piece of cloth of standard or full width - overall unity of artistic effect

Utilatarianism

the doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority

detente (n)

the easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries

regalia (n)

the emblems or insignia of royalty, especially the crown, scepter, and other ornaments used at a coronation. - the distinctive clothing worn and ornaments carried at formal occasions as an indication of status.

mores (n)

the essential or characteristic customs and conventions of a community

despotism (n)

the exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way - a country or political system where the ruler holds absolute power

dissent (n & v)

the expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially held

estrangement (n)

the fact of no longer being on friendly terms or part of a social group

volition (n)

the faculty or power of using one's will

bon ton (n)

the fashionable world

mutton (n)

the flesh of sheep, especially mature sheep, used as food

impetus (n)

the force or energy with which a body moves - the force that makes something happen or happen more quickly

hilt (n)

the handle of a weapon or tool, especially a sword, dagger, or knife

apotheosis (n)

the highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax - the elevation of someone to divine status; deification

recuperate (v)

to recover

abrogate (v)

to repeal or do away with; evade

ineffable (adj)

too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words - not to be uttered

tantalize (v)

torment or tease (someone) with the sight or promise of something that is unobtainable -excite the senses or desires of (someone)

devolve (v)

transfer or delegate (power) to a lower level, especially from central government to local or regional administration - (of duties or responsibility) pass to (a body or person at a lower level) - (formal) degenerate or be split into

pellucid (adj) (literary)

translucently clear - lucid in style or meaning; easily understood - (of music or other sound) clear and pure in tone

contemn (v) (archaic)

treat or regard with contempt

facetious (adj)

treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant

cozen (v) (literary)

trick or deceive - obtain by deception

candid (adj)

truthful and straightforward; frank

impregnable (adj)

unable to be captured or broken into

indissoluble (adj)

unable to be destroyed; lasting

implacable (adj)

unable to be placated - relentless; unstoppable

imperturbable (adj)

unable to be upset or excited; calm

suppurate (v)

undergo the formation of pus; fester

putrescent (adj)

undergoing the process of decay; rotting

intuit (v)

understand or work out by instinct

tacit (adj)

understood or implied without being stated

forbidding (adj)

unfriendly or threatening in appearance

fastidious (adj)

very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail

lurid (adj)