n. The intellectual and moral tendencies that characterize any age or epoch.

adj. 1. Informal unpleasant and scornful. 2. Irritable or short-tempered.

adj. 1. Greater in power, influence, or force than another or others; predominant. 2. Genetics Of, having, or exhibiting _(-1)cy.

adj. Relating to priests or the priesthood; priestly. Relating to a doctrine that ascribes spiritual or supernatural powers to ordained priests.

adj. Attractive, charming, winning, engaging.

tr.v. To transfer(the young) from dependence on mother's milk to another form of nourishment.

adj. 1. marked by a ready flow of speech. 2. Having great fluency in speaking.

adj. Marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects.

adj. Uncertain how to act or proceed. _ describes someone who feels stuck. A decision must be made, a plan acted on, but the _ person just doesn't know what to do.

n. 1. Wing of a bird 2 A gear with a small number of teeth designed to mesh with a larger wheel or rack.

n. Someone who roams around looking for things to steal. You might hear news reports about a _ breaking into cars in your neighborhood.

adj. 1. Humorously sarcastic or mocking. 2 bent to one side.

v. To appease someone or make them happy by doing a particular thing. Handy strategy for lovers, too. One of the most common uses of _ historically was in the sense of appeasing the Gods, often with a gift in the form of an animal or human sacrifice

n. 1. An internal tax imposed on the production, sale, or consumption of a commodity or the use of a service within a country: _ on tobacco, liquor, and long-distance telephone calls. 2. A licensing charge or a fee levied for certain privileges. tr.v. T

adj. 1. (Chemistry) (of a substance) capable of readily changing from a solid or liquid form to a vapour; having a high vapour pressure and a low boiling point. 2. (of persons) disposed to caprice or inconstancy; fickle; mercurial. 3. (of circumstances

adj. 1. Of or exhibiting equality in dimensions or measurements. 2. Of or being a crystal system of three equal axes lying at right angles to each other. 3. (Physiology) Of or involving muscular contraction against resistance in which the length of the m

adj. 1. (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) Also _(3)piestic having equal atmospheric pressure. 2. (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) of or relating to _(6)s.

adj. 1. Not isotropic. 2. Physics Having properties that differ according to the direction of measurement.

adj. Identical in all directions; invariant with respect to direction.

adj. Making, given to, or marked by noisy and vehement outcry.

vb. To berate or rail (against) abusively; revile [from Latin vituperare to blame, from vitium a defect + parare to make]

tr.v. 1. To reduce the value or impair the quality of. 2. To corrupt morally; debase. 3. To make ineffective; invalidate. (sounds like"vishiate")

n. A loud talkative woman, strong statured woman.

n. A change, especially a complete change, of condition or circumstances, as of fortune.

n. 1. A visible trace, evidence, or sign of something that once existed but exists or appears no more. 2. Biology A rudimentary or degenerate, usually nonfunctioning, structure that is the remnant of an organ or part that was fully developed or function

n. 1. truthfulness or honesty, esp when consistent or habitual. 2. precision; accuracy. 3. something true; a truth.

adj. 1. habitually truthful or honest. 2. accurate; precise.

adj. 1. Easily excused or forgiven; pardonable: a _ offense. 2. Roman Catholic Church Minor, therefore warranting only temporal punishment.

n. 1. A thin surface layer, as of finely grained wood, glued to a base of inferior material. 2. Any of the thin layers glued together to make plywood. 3. A decorative facing, as of brick. 4. A deceptive, superficial show; a façade: a _ of friendliness

adj. 1. a. Open to bribery; mercenary: a _ police officer. b. Capable of betraying honor, duty, or scruples for a price; corruptible. 2. Marked by corrupt dealings, especially bribery: a _ administration. 3. Obtainable for a price.

n. The act or instance of serving or giving aid.

n. An instance of misfortune; a mishap.

n. The progeny resulting from the crossing of different breeds or varieties.

n. Any structure or sculpture in stone formed of a single piece.

n. A gaseous body of unorganized stellar substance.

n. 1. Any of numerous plants of the genus Urtica, having toothed leaves, unisexual apetalous flowers, and stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact. 2. Any of various hairy, stinging, or prickly plants. tr.v. _d,_(-1)ling, _s 1. To sting with

n. An advocate of the doctrine that nothing either exists or can be known.

n. A square shaft with pyramidal top, usually monumental or commemorative.

n. A practitioner of midwifery.

adj. 1. marked by intensity of feeling or conviction; emphatic. 2. (of actions, gestures, etc.) characterized by great energy, vigour, or force; furious.

adj. 1. Having streaks, marks, or patches of a different color or colors; varicolored: "If they recall the Colosseum . . . it is only as a showcase for cats more _ than any fevered artist's mind could imagine" (Michael Mewshaw). 2. Distinguished or chara

adj. 1. Lacking liveliness, animation, or interest; dull: _ conversation. 2. Lacking taste, zest, or flavor; flat: _ beer.

tr.v. To free from a falsehood or misconception: I must _ you of your feelings of grandeur.

n. 1. boastfulness or vanity. 2. ostentation.

n. 1. An erratic or outlandish notion or action; whim. 2. an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.) Half fainting from pain and exhaustion, D'Arnot watched from beneath half-closed lids what seemed

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GRE158

Winflash vocab GRE158

Question	Answer
Zeitgeist	n. The intellectual and moral tendencies that characterize any age or epoch.
snarky	adj. 1. Informal unpleasant and scornful. 2. Irritable or short-tempered.
prepotent	adj. 1. Greater in power, influence, or force than another or others; predominant. 2. Genetics Of, having, or exhibiting _(-1)cy.
sacerdotal	adj. Relating to priests or the priesthood; priestly. Relating to a doctrine that ascribes spiritual or supernatural powers to ordained priests.
winsome	adj. Attractive, charming, winning, engaging.
whimsical	adj. Capricious.
wean	tr.v. To transfer(the young) from dependence on mother's milk to another form of nourishment.
voluble	adj. 1. marked by a ready flow of speech. 2. Having great fluency in speaking.
pedantic	adj. Marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects.
armada	n. A large fleet.
irresolute	adj. Uncertain how to act or proceed. _ describes someone who feels stuck. A decision must be made, a plan acted on, but the _ person just doesn't know what to do.
pinion	n. 1. Wing of a bird 2 A gear with a small number of teeth designed to mesh with a larger wheel or rack.
marauder	n. Someone who roams around looking for things to steal. You might hear news reports about a _ breaking into cars in your neighborhood.
wry	adj. 1. Humorously sarcastic or mocking. 2 bent to one side.
propitiate	v. To appease someone or make them happy by doing a particular thing. Handy strategy for lovers, too. One of the most common uses of _ historically was in the sense of appeasing the Gods, often with a gift in the form of an animal or human sacrifice
excise	n. 1. An internal tax imposed on the production, sale, or consumption of a commodity or the use of a service within a country: _ on tobacco, liquor, and long-distance telephone calls. 2. A licensing charge or a fee levied for certain privileges. tr.v. T
volatile	adj. 1. (Chemistry) (of a substance) capable of readily changing from a solid or liquid form to a vapour; having a high vapour pressure and a low boiling point. 2. (of persons) disposed to caprice or inconstancy; fickle; mercurial. 3. (of circumstances
isometric	adj. 1. Of or exhibiting equality in dimensions or measurements. 2. Of or being a crystal system of three equal axes lying at right angles to each other. 3. (Physiology) Of or involving muscular contraction against resistance in which the length of the m
isobaric	adj. 1. (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) Also _(3)piestic having equal atmospheric pressure. 2. (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) of or relating to _(6)s.
anisotropic	adj. 1. Not isotropic. 2. Physics Having properties that differ according to the direction of measurement.
isotropic	adj. Identical in all directions; invariant with respect to direction.
vociferous	adj. Making, given to, or marked by noisy and vehement outcry.
vivify	v.tr. To imbue with life.
vituperate	vb. To berate or rail (against) abusively; revile [from Latin vituperare to blame, from vitium a defect + parare to make]
vitiate	tr.v. 1. To reduce the value or impair the quality of. 2. To corrupt morally; debase. 3. To make ineffective; invalidate. (sounds like"vishiate")
virago	n. A loud talkative woman, strong statured woman.
vicissitude	n. A change, especially a complete change, of condition or circumstances, as of fortune.
vestige	n. 1. A visible trace, evidence, or sign of something that once existed but exists or appears no more. 2. Biology A rudimentary or degenerate, usually nonfunctioning, structure that is the remnant of an organ or part that was fully developed or function
veracity	n. 1. truthfulness or honesty, esp when consistent or habitual. 2. precision; accuracy. 3. something true; a truth.
veracious	adj. 1. habitually truthful or honest. 2. accurate; precise.
venial	adj. 1. Easily excused or forgiven; pardonable: a _ offense. 2. Roman Catholic Church Minor, therefore warranting only temporal punishment.
veneer	n. 1. A thin surface layer, as of finely grained wood, glued to a base of inferior material. 2. Any of the thin layers glued together to make plywood. 3. A decorative facing, as of brick. 4. A deceptive, superficial show; a façade: a _ of friendliness
venal	adj. 1. a. Open to bribery; mercenary: a _ police officer. b. Capable of betraying honor, duty, or scruples for a price; corruptible. 2. Marked by corrupt dealings, especially bribery: a _ administration. 3. Obtainable for a price.
ministration	n. The act or instance of serving or giving aid.
misadventure	n. An instance of misfortune; a mishap.
misogamy	n. Hatred of marriage.
mongrel	n. The progeny resulting from the crossing of different breeds or varieties.
monolith	n. Any structure or sculpture in stone formed of a single piece.
nebula	n. A gaseous body of unorganized stellar substance.
necropolis	n. A city of the dead.
nettle	n. 1. Any of numerous plants of the genus Urtica, having toothed leaves, unisexual apetalous flowers, and stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact. 2. Any of various hairy, stinging, or prickly plants. tr.v. _d,_(-1)ling, _s 1. To sting with
nihlist	n. An advocate of the doctrine that nothing either exists or can be known.
obelisk	n. A square shaft with pyramidal top, usually monumental or commemorative.
obstetrician	n. A practitioner of midwifery.
vehement	adj. 1. marked by intensity of feeling or conviction; emphatic. 2. (of actions, gestures, etc.) characterized by great energy, vigour, or force; furious.
variegated	adj. 1. Having streaks, marks, or patches of a different color or colors; varicolored: "If they recall the Colosseum . . . it is only as a showcase for cats more _ than any fevered artist's mind could imagine" (Michael Mewshaw). 2. Distinguished or chara
vapid	adj. 1. Lacking liveliness, animation, or interest; dull: _ conversation. 2. Lacking taste, zest, or flavor; flat: _ beer.
valorous	adj. Courageous.
disabuse	tr.v. To free from a falsehood or misconception: I must _ you of your feelings of grandeur.
vainglory	n. 1. boastfulness or vanity. 2. ostentation.
vagary	n. 1. An erratic or outlandish notion or action; whim. 2. an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.) Half fainting from pain and exhaustion, D'Arnot watched from beneath half-closed lids what seemed
upbraid	tr.v. To reprove sharply; reproach.
lagniappe	n. US 1. a small gift, esp one given to a customer who makes a purchase. 2. something given or obtained as a gratuity or bonus. [Louisiana French, from American Spanish la ñapa, from Quechua yápa addition]
untoward	adj. 1. Causing annoyance or hinderance. 2. Not favorable. 3. Troublesome. 4. Unruly.
unctuous	adj. 1. Characterized by affected, exaggerated, or insincere earnestness: "the _, complacent court composer who is consumed with envy and self-loathing" (Rhoda Koenig). 2. Having the quality or characteristics of oil or ointment; slippery. 3. Containin
umbrage	n. 1. Offense; resentment: took _ at their rudeness. 2. a. Something that affords shade. b. Shadow or shade. See Synonyms at shade. 3. A vague or indistinct indication; a hint.
currant	(sounds like kûr-runt) n. 1. Any of various deciduous, spineless shrubs of the genus Ribes, native chiefly to the Northern Hemisphere and having flowers in racemes and edible, variously colored berries. 2. The fruits of any of these plants, used for jam
deciduous	adj. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) (of trees and shrubs) Shedding all leaves annually at the end of the growing season and then having a dormant period without leaves. 2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) (of antlers, wi
cordial	adj. 1. Warm and sincere; friendly: a _ greeting; _ relations. See Synonyms at gracious. 2. Strongly felt; fervent: a _ abhorrence of waste. 3. Serving to invigorate; stimulating. n. 1. A stimulant; a tonic. 2. A liqueur.
cassis	n. 1. A Eurasian currant (Ribes nigrum) bearing black berries. 2. A cordial made from the berries of this plant. [French, from Latin cassia, a kind of plant; see cassia.]
chiffon	n. 1. (Clothing, Personal Arts & Crafts / Textiles) A fine transparent or almost transparent plain-weave fabric of silk, nylon, etc. 2. (often plural) Now rare feminine finery. adj. 1. (Clothing, Personal Arts & Crafts / Textiles) made of such fabric
blanch	v.tr. To take the color from.
bilk	v.tr. To swindle; cheat.
bate	tr.v. 1. To lessen the force or intensity of; moderate: "To his dying day he _d his breath a little when he told the story" (George Eliot). 2. To take away; subtract.
finery	n. Elaborate or showy decoration, esp clothing and jewellery.
tureen	n. A broad, deep, usually covered dish used for serving foods such as soups or stews. [French terrine, from Old French, from feminine of terrin, earthen, from Vulgar Latin *terrnus, from Latin terra, earth; see ters- in Indo-European roots.]
lambent	adj. 1. (esp of a flame) Flickering softly over a surface. 2. Glowing with soft radiance. 3. (of wit or humour) Light or brilliant. [from the present participle of Latin lambere to lick]
mauve	n. A moderate grayish violet to moderate reddish purple. [French, from Old French mallow, from Latin malva; see mallow.]
autodidact	n. A self-taught person. [From Greek autodidaktos, self-taught : auto-, auto- + didaktos, taught; see didactic.]
portmanteau	n. 1. (formerly) a large travelling case made of stiff leather, esp one hinged at the back so as to open out into two compartments 2. (modifier) embodying several uses or qualities: the heroine is a _ figure of all the virtues. [from French: cloak
ubiquitous	adj. Omnipresent.
vigorish	n. _, or simply the _(-5), also known as juice or the take, is the amount charged by a bookmaker, or bookie, for his services. In the United States it also means the interest on a shark's loan. The term is Yiddish slang originating from the Russian word
tyro	n. A beginner in learning something. (sounds like pyro)
turpitude	n. 1. Depravity; baseness. 2. A base act.
turbid	adj. 1. Having sediment or foreign particles stirred up or suspended; muddy: _ water. 2. Heavy, dark, or dense, as smoke or fog. 3. In a state of turmoil; muddled: _ feelings.
truculent	adj. 1. Disposed to fight; pugnacious. 2. Expressing bitter opposition; scathing: a _ speech against the new government. 3. Disposed to or exhibiting violence or destructiveness; fierce.
truculence	n. Ferocity.
rumpus	n. A noisy clamor.
misandry	n. Hatred of men.
adipose tissue	_ or body fat or fat depot or just fat is loose connective tissue composed of _(-2)cytes. It is technically composed of roughly only 80% fat; fat in its solitary state exists in the liver and muscles.
vis a vis	prep 1. in relation to; regarding 2. face to face with; opposite adv & adj face to face; opposite 1. a person or thing that is situated opposite to another 2. a person who corresponds to another in office, capacity, etc.; counterpart 3. (Fine Arts & Visu
trenchant	adj. 1. Forceful, effective, and vigorous: a _ argument. 2. Caustic; cutting: _criticism. 3. Distinct; clear-cut.
travesty	n. A grotesque imitation.
travail	n. Hard or agonizing labor. intr.v. To work strenuously; toil.
tractable	adj. 1. Easily led or controlled; governable. 2. Malleable.
tortuous	adj. Marked by repeated bends or turns; circuitous; complex. (sounds like tort-u-ous)
torrid	adj. 1. Excessively hot. 2. Passionate; ardent. 3. Hurried; rapid.
torpid	adj. Dull; sluggish; inactive.
embolism	n. 1. Obstruction or occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus. 2. An embolus. embolus: n. pl. em·bo·li (-l) A mass, such as an air bubble, a detached blood clot, or a foreign body, that travels through the bloodstream and lodges so as to obstruct o
occlude	1. v.tr. to block or stop up (a passage or opening); obstruct 2. v.tr. to prevent the passage of 3. (Chemistry) (of a solid) to incorporate (a substance) by absorption or adsorption 4. (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) Meteorol to form or cause to for
out-and-out	adv. Genuinely.
outrigger	n. A part built or arranged to project beyond a natural outline for support.
pagan	n. 1. A worshiper of false gods.
paleontology	n. The branch of biology that treats of ancient life and fossil organisms.
palsy	n. Paralysis.
pantheism	n. 1. A doctrine identifying the Deity with the universe and its phenomena. 2. Belief in and worship of all gods.
papyrus	n. The writing-paper of the ancient Egyptians, and later of the Romans.
paramount	n. Of the greatest importance or significance; pre-eminent. n. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) Rare A supreme ruler.
patter	v. To mumble something over and over.
perambulate	v. To walk about.
perjure	v. To swear falsely to.
piccolo	n. A small flute.
piecemeal	adv. Gradually.
plaudit	n. Enthusiastic expression of praise or approval: a new play that opened to the _s of the critics.
plurality	n. 1. The state of being plural or numerous. 2. (Mathematics) A number greater than one. 3. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) the US and Canadian term for relative majority. 4. A large number. 5. The greater number; majority.
poise	v.tr. To carry or hold in equilibrium; balance. v.intr. To be balanced or held in suspension; hover. n. 1. A state of balance or equilibrium; stability. 2. Freedom from affectation or embarrassment; composure. 3. The bearing or deportment of the head or b
precursor	n. A forerunner or herald.
prerogative	n. 1. An exclusive right or privelage held by a person or group, especially a hereditary or official right. 2. The exclusive right and power to command, decide, rule, or judge: the principal's _ to suspend a student. 3. A special quality that confers su
priggish	adj. 1.conceited. 2. person who demonstrates an exaggerated conformity or propriety, especially in an irritatingly arrogant or smug manner.
prolific	adj. 1. Producing offspring or fruit in great abundance; fertile. 2. Producing abundant works or results: a _ artist. See Synonyms at fertile.
proviso	n. A clause in a contract, will, etc., by which its operation is rendered conditional.
prurient	adj. Inclined to lascivious thoughts and desires.
pulmonary	adj. Pertaining to the lungs.
purloin	v.tr. To steal, often in violation of trust. v.intr. To commit theft.
racy	adj. Exciting or exhilarating to the mind. 2. Slightly risque.
rapine	n. The act of seizing and carrying off property by superior force, as in war.
rapt	adj. Enraptured.
raptor	n. 1. A bird of prey, such as a hawk, eagle, or owl.
recidivate	intr.v. To return to a previous pattern of behavior, especially to return to criminal habits.
recreant	n. A cowardly or faithless person.
redound	vb 1. (intr; foll by to) to have an advantageous or disadvantageous effect (on) brave deeds redound to your credit 2. (intr; foll by on or upon) to recoil or rebound 3. (intr) Archaic to arise; accrue wealth _ing from wise investment
regalia	n.pl. The emblems of royalty.
regnant	adj. 1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (postpositive) reigning 2. prevalent; current
reliquary	n. A casket, coffer, or repository in which relics are kept.
repertory	n. A place where things are stored or gathered together.
requiem	n. A solemn mass sung for the repose of the souls of the dead.
retch	v.intr. 1. To try to vomit. 2. v.tr. To vomit.
retrograde	adj. 1. moving or bending backwards 2. (esp of order) reverse or inverse 3. tending towards an earlier worse condition; declining or deteriorating
rife	adj. Abundant.
salvo	n. A salute given by firing all the guns, as at the funeral of an officer.
sapid	adj. 1. having a pleasant taste 2. agreeable or engaging.
sapient	adj. Having great wisdom and discernment.
skiff	n. Usually, a small light boat propelled by oars.
solecism	n. 1. a. (Linguistics / Grammar) The nonstandard use of a grammatical construction. b. Any mistake, incongruity, or absurdity. 2. A violation of good manners.
sonata	n. An instrumental composition.
stanchion	n. 1. An upright pole, post, or support. 2. Two upright poles with a thick rope between as in movie theatres or wherever there are lines. 3. A framework consisting of two or more vertical bars, used to secure cattle in a stall or at a feed. tr.v. 1. T
steppe	n. One of the extensive plains in Russia and Siberia.
stultify	v.tr. Deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless “Their behavior _(-1)ed the boss's hard work” 2. To cause to appear stupid, inconsistent, or ridiculous. 3. Law To allege or prove insane and so not legally responsible.
stupendous	adj. Of prodigious size, bulk, or degree.
subvert	1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) to bring about the complete downfall or ruin of (something existing or established by a system of law, etc.). 2. To undermine the moral principles of (a person, etc.); corrupt
suffuse	(v.tr. usually passive) To spread or flood through or over (something) the evening sky was _d with red.
syllabus	n. Outline of a subject, course, lecture, or treatise.
sylph	n. A slender, graceful young woman or girl.
syndicate	n. 1. An association of people or firms authorized to undertake a duty or transact specific business. 2. An association of people or firms formed to engage in an enterprise or promote a common interest. 3. A loose affiliation of gangsters in control of o
tableau	n. 1. A vivid or graphic description: The movie was a _ of a soldier's life. 2. A striking incidental scene, as of a picturesque group of people: "New public figures suddenly abound in the hitherto faceless totalitarian _" (John McLaughlin). 3. An interl
tenacious	adj. Unyielding.
tincture	n. A solution, usually alcoholic, of some principle used in medicine.
transfigure	v. 1. To change or cause to change in appearance. 2. To become or cause to become more exalted.
trestle	ib 1. A horizontal beam or bar held up by two pairs of divergent legs and used as a support. 2. A framework consisting of vertical, slanted supports and horizontal crosspieces supporting a bridge.
undue	adj. 1. Excessive or unwarranted. 2. Unjust, improper, or illegal.
vernal	adj. Belonging to or suggestive of the spring.
viceroy	n. A ruler acting with royal authority in place of the sovereign in a colony or province.
volant	adj. Flying or able to fly.
votive	adj. Dedicated by a vow.
waif	n. 1. a. A homeless person, especially a forsaken or orphaned child. b. An abandoned young animal. 2. Something found and unclaimed, as an object cast up by the sea.
wampum	n. Beads strung on threads, formerly used among the American Indians as currency.
weal	n. Well-being.
wile	n. 1. A stratagem or trick intended to deceive or ensnare. 2. A disarming or seductive manner, device, or procedure: the _s of a skilled negotiator. 3. Trickery; cunning.
wizen	v. To become or cause to become withered or dry.
wrangle	v. To maintain by noisy argument or dispute.
putrescent	adj. Undergoing decomposition of animal or vegetable matter accompanied by fetid odors.
timorous	adj. Lacking courage; timid.
terse	adj. Pithy; concise; to the point.
temerity	n. Foolhardy disregard of danger; recklessness.
taciturn	adj. Habitually untalkative.
sybarite	n. A luxurious person. A person devoted to pleasure and luxury.
susceptibility	n. Sensitivity. Capacity to be affected by deep emotions.
surfeit	n. 1. (usually foll by of) an excessive or immoderate amount 2. overindulgence, esp in eating or drinking 3. disgust, nausea, etc., caused by such overindulgence vb. 1.(tr) to supply or feed excessively; satiate 2. (intr) Archaic to eat, drink, or be s
supplicate	v. 1. To beg. 2. To entreat humbly.
prepossess	vb(tr) 1. to preoccupy or engross mentally 2. to influence in advance for or against a person or thing; prejudice; bias 3. to make a favourable impression on beforehand
pillory	n. A wooden framework on a post, with holes for the head and hands, in which offenders were formerly locked to be exposed to public scorn as punishment. tr.v. 1. To expose to ridicule and abuse. 2. To put in a _ as punishment.
supercede.	v. To displace.
supercilious	adj. Exhibiting hauty and careless disdain / contempt.
sumptuous	adj. Suggesting great expense; lavish; costly.
subterfuge	n. Deceptive stratagem. Evasion.
stolid	adj. Being or appearing unemotional; impassive.
Huguenot	n. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the name of _s came to apply to members of the Protestant Reformed Church of France. Above all, _s became known for their fiery criticisms of worship as performed in the Roman Catholic Church, in particular the focus on
hyacinth	n. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any liliaceous plant of the Mediterranean genus Hyacinthus, esp any cultivated variety of H. orientalis, having a thick flower stalk bearing white, blue, or pink fragrant flowers5. (Myth & Legend / Cla
impunity	n. Exemption from punishment, penalty, or harm.
poltroon	n. Abject or contemptible coward.
jocose	adj. 1. Given to joking; merry. 2. Characterized by joking; humorous.
reproach	tr.v. 1. To express disapproval of, criticism of, or disappointment in (someone). 2. To bring shame upon; disgrace. n. 1. Blame; rebuke. 2. One that causes rebuke or blame. 3. Disgrace; shame.
a priori	adj. 1. Proceeding from a known or assumed cause to a necessarily related effect; deductive. 2. a. Derived by or designating the process of reasoning without reference to particular facts or experience. b. Knowable without appeal to particular experience
archipelago	n. 1. A large group of islands: the Philippine _.
ardor	n. 1. Fiery intensity of feeling. See Synonyms at passion. 2. Strong enthusiasm or devotion; zeal: "The dazzling conquest of Mexico gave a new impulse to the _ of discovery" (William Hickling Prescott). 3. Intense heat or glow, as of fire.
bagatelle	n. 1. An unimportant or insignificant thing; a trifle. 2. A short, light piece of verse or music. 3. A game played on an oblong table with a cue and balls.
bauble	n. 1. A small, showy ornament of little value; a trinket.
besot	v.tr. To muddle or stupefy, as with alcoholic liquor or infatuation.
bon ton	n. Literary The fashionable elite. [literally: good tone]
carpetbagger	n. 1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a politician who seeks public office in a locality where he has no real connections 2. (Business / Insurance) (Economics, Accounting & Finance / Banking & Finance) Brit a person who makes a short-term investment i
catalepsy	n. (Psychiatry) a state of prolonged rigid posture, occurring for example in schizophrenia or in hypnotic trances.
chrysalis	n. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) the obtect pupa of a moth or butterfly 2. anything in the process of developing.
cupola	n. 1. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) a roof or ceiling in the form of a dome 2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) a small structure, usually domed, on the top of a roof or dome.
doff	v. 1. To take off; remove: _ one's clothes. 2. To tip or remove (one's hat) in salutation. 3. To put aside; discard.
fandango	n. a. An animated Spanish or Spanish-American dance in triple time. b. A piece of music for this dance. 2. Informal Nonsense; tomfoolery.
fathom	v. As a unit of measurement, six feet. Also means to understand.
freemason	_ry is a fraternal organisation that arose from obscure origins in the late 16th to early 17th century. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million, including approximately 150,000 under th
morass	n. 1. An area of low-lying, soggy ground. 2. Something that hinders, engulfs, or overwhelms: a _ of details.
rubicund	adj. Inclined to a healthy rosiness; ruddy.
proffer	vb.tr. To offer for acceptance; tender n. the act of _ing
nonplus	v.tr. To put at a loss as to what to think, say, or do; bewilder. n. _ed A state of perplexity, confusion, or bewilderment.
stanch	tr.v. To stop the flowing of (usually blood or tears); check.
squalid	adj. Having a dirty, mean, poverty-stricken appearance.
aquiline	adj. 1. Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an eagle. 2. Curved or hooked like an eagle's beak: an _ nose.
annuity	n. 1. a. The annual payment of an allowance or income. b. The right to receive this payment or the obligation to make this payment. 2. A contract or agreement by which one receives fixed payments on an investment for a lifetime or for a specified numb
specious	adj. 1. Plausable but actually fallacious. 2. Deceptively attractive.
sordid	adj. Filthy; morally degraded.
soporific	adj. 1. Inducing sleep. 2. Drowsy.
sophistry	n. 1. (Philosophy) a. a method of argument that is seemingly plausible though actually invalid and misleading b. the art of using such arguments 2. subtle but unsound or fallacious reasoning. a deliberately invalid argument displaying ingenuity in r
sonorous	adj. 1. Full and loud and deep. 2. producing or capable of producing sound 3. (of language, sound, etc.) deep or resonant 4. (esp of speech) high-flown; grandiloquent [from Latin sonorus loud, from sonor a noise]
somnolent	adj. Sleepy.
somniferous	adj. Inducing sleep; soporific.
solvent	adj. Having sufficient funds to pay all debts.
sinuous	adj. 1. Curving in and out. 2. Not direct; devious.
sinecure	n. Any position having emoluments with few or no duties. (sounds like sign-a-cure)
emolument	n. Payment for an office or employment; compensation. (sounds syllabically like e-monument)
sedulous	adj. Persevering in effort or endeavour; assiduous.
scintilla	n. The faintest ray.
satyr	n. A very lascivious person.
lascivious	adj. Given to or expressing lust; lecherous.
sardonic	adj. Scornfully or bitterly sarcastic.
sanguine	adj. Cheerfully confident; optimistic.
malinger	vb.(intr) To pretend or exaggerate illness, esp to avoid work. [from French malingre sickly, perhaps from mal badly + Old French haingre feeble]
mote	n. A tiny spec.
obsidian	n. (Earth Sciences / Geological Science) a dark volcanic glass formed by very rapid solidification of lava Also called Iceland agate.
occident	n. A literary or formal word for west Compare orient. [via Old French from Latin occidere to fall, go down (with reference to the setting sun); see occasion]
pachyderm	n. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) Any very large thick-skinned mammal, such as an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus [from French pachyderme, from Greek pakhudermos thick-skinned, from pakhus thick + derma skin]
pastiche	n. 1. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) a work of art that mixes styles, materials, etc; a hogpodge 2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) a work of art that imitates the style of another artist or period, often with satirical intent. [Fren
patois	n. 1. (Linguistics) an unwritten regional dialect of a language without a literary tradition, esp of French, usually considered substandard 2. (Linguistics) the jargon of a particular group.
pell-mell	adv. 1. in a confused headlong rush the hounds ran pell-mell into the yard 2. in a disorderly manner the things were piled pell-mell in the room adj. disordered; tumultuous a pell-mell rush for the exit n. disorder; confusion.
Philistine	n. 1. a person who is unreceptive to or hostile towards culture, the arts, etc.; a smug boorish person 2. (Social Science / Peoples) a member of the non-Semitic people who inhabited ancient Philistia adj 1. (sometimes not capital) boorishly uncultured 2.
poultice	n. 1. (Medicine) Also called cataplasm a local moist and often heated application for the skin consisting of substances such as kaolin, linseed, or mustard, used to improve the circulation, treat inflamed areas, etc. 2. Australian slang a large sum of m
prehensile	adj. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) 1. adapted for grasping, esp by wrapping around a support; a _ tail. 2. Having keen intellect; insightful. [from French préhensile, from Latin prehendere to grasp]
gazette	n. 1. (Communication Arts / Journalism & Publishing) a. a newspaper or official journal b. (capital when part of the name of a newspaper) the Thame Gazette 2. (Communication Arts / Journalism & Publishing) Brit an official document containing public no
gentry	n. 1. persons of high birth or social standing; aristocracy 2. Brit persons just below the nobility in social rank 3. Informal, often derogatory people, esp of a particular group or kind; another commuter from the suburban gentry. [from Old French
hackles	pl n. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) the hairs on the back of the neck and the back of a dog, cat, etc., which rise when the animal is angry or afraid 2. anger or resentment (esp in the phrases get one's hackles up, make one's hackles
harry	vb.tr. 1. To harass; worry 2. (Military) to ravage (a town, etc.), esp in war
herpetology	n. The branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and amphibians.
igneous	adj. 1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of fire. 2. Geology a. Formed by solidification from a molten state. Used of rocks. b. Of or relating to rock so formed; pyrogenic.
immolate	v.tr. 1. To kill as a sacrifice. 2. To kill (oneself) by fire. 3. To destroy.
interregnum	n. 1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) an interval between two reigns, governments, incumbencies, etc. 2. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) any period in which a state lacks a ruler, government, etc. 3. a period of absence of some control, authority,
jaundice	n. 1. Yellowish discoloration of the whites of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes caused by deposition of bile salts in these tissues. It occurs as a symptom of various diseases, such as hepatitis, that affect the processing of bile. Also called icteru
ligneous	adj. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) Of or resembling wood. [from Latin ligneus, from lignum wood]
mealymouthed	adj. Hesitant to state facts or opinions simply and directly as from e.g. timidity or hypocrisy; a mealymouthed politician.
motile	adj. 1. Biology Moving or having the power to move spontaneously: _ spores. 2. Psychology Of or relating to mental imagery that arises primarily from sensations of bodily movement and position rather than from visual or auditory sensations.
niggle	intr.v. 1. To be preoccupied with trifles or petty details. 2. To find fault constantly and trivially; carp. See Synonyms at quibble.
predilection	n. a predisposition, preference, or bias.
progenitor	n. 1. A direct ancestor. See Synonyms at ancestor. 2. An originator of a line of descent; a precursor. 3. An originator; a founder: _s of the new music.
provender	n. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Agriculture) any dry feed or fodder for domestic livestock 2. (Cookery) food in general
puerile	adj. 1. Belonging to childhood; juvenile. 2. Immature; childish. See Synonyms at young.
pulchritude	n. Physical beauty.
purgatory	n. 1. (Christian Religious Writings / Theology) Chiefly RC Church a state or place in which the souls of those who have died in a state of grace are believed to undergo a limited amount of suffering to expiate their venial sins and become purified of the
quell	vb(tr) 1. to suppress or beat down (rebellion, disorder, etc.); subdue 2. to overcome or allay; to _ pain; to _ grief
ramshackle	adj. (esp of buildings) badly constructed or maintained so that disintegration is likely; rickety, shaky, or derelict
ravine	n. A deep narrow valley or gorge in the earth's surface worn by running water.
raze	vb(tr) 1. to demolish (a town, buildings, etc.) completely; level (esp in the phrase _ to the ground) 2. to delete; erase 3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Agriculture) Archaic to graze
recriminate	v.tr. To accuse in return. v.intr. To counter one accusation with another.
relegate	tr.v. 1. To assign to an obscure place, position, or condition. 2. To assign to a particular class or category; classify. See Synonyms at commit. 3. To refer or assign (a matter or task, for example) for decision or action. 4. To send to a place of exile
salutary	adj. Beneficial; wholesome.
salubrious	adj. Healthful.
salacious	adj. 1. Appealing to or stimulating sexual desire. 2. Lustful.
sagacious	adj. Showing keen discernment, sound judgement, and farsightedness.
risible	adj. Capable of exciting laughter or relating to laughter.
ribald	adj. Indulging in or manifesting coarse indecency or obscenity.
reverent	adj. Humble. Showing profound awe or respect.
bemuse	If you're _, you're muddled or preoccupied. It happens when you're lost in thought, dazed, or overwhelmed (say, on the first day of high school).
picayune	adj. 1. Of little value or importance; paltry. See Synonyms at trivial. 2. Petty; mean. n. 1. A Spanish-American half-real piece formerly used in parts of the southern United States. 2. A five-cent piece. 3. Something of very little value; a trifle:
retinue	n. A group of people who accompany an important person during travels.
restive	adj. 1. Uneasily impatient under restriction. 2. Resisting control.
respite	n. Interval of rest.
rescind	v.tr. To make void; repeal; annul.
requite	v.tr. 1. To repay either good or evil, as to a person. 2. To avenge.
scad	n. Informal A large number or amount. Often used in the plural: Scads of people are in the hall.
seine	n. (Capitalized) A river of northern France flowing about 772 km (480 mi) generally northwest to the Bay of the _, an inlet of the English Channel. n. A large fishing net made to hang vertically in the water by weights at the lower edge and floats at t
shyster	n. Informal chiefly US a person, esp a lawyer or politician, who uses discreditable or unethical methods.
skinflint	n. a selfish miserly person who will not give or spend.
skulduggery	n. Informal underhand dealing; trickery.
skulk	vb(intr) 1. to move stealthily so as to avoid notice 2. to lie in hiding; lurk 3. to shirk duty or evade responsibilities; malinger.
slag	n. 1. The vitreous mass left as a residue by the smelting of metallic ore.
slapdash	adj. Hasty and careless, as in execution: slapdash work. adv. In a reckless haphazard manner.
slipshod	adj. 1. Marked by carelessness(of an action); sloppy or slovenly. See Synonyms at sloppy. 2. Slovenly in appearance; shabby or seedy.
legato	adv.&adj. 1. (Music) Smooth and continuous without breaks between the notes. Used chiefly as a direction.
stalwart	adj. 1. strong and sturdy; robust 2. solid, dependable, and courageous _ citizens 3. resolute and firm n. a _ person, esp a supporter
stodgy	adj. 1. a. Dull, unimaginative, and commonplace. b. Prim or pompous; stuffy: "Why is the middle-class so _, so utterly without a sense of humor!" (Katherine Mansfield). See Synonyms at dull. 2. Indigestible and starchy; heavy: _ food.
strident	adj. 1. (of a shout, voice, etc.) having or making a loud or harsh sound 2. urgent,clamorous, or vociferous; strident demands.
stygian	adj. 1. a. Gloomy and dark. b. Infernal; hellish. 2. Of or relating to the river Styx. 3. Completely inviolable, as a vow sworn by the river Styx.
subsume	vb(tr) 1. to incorporate (an idea, proposition, case, etc.) under a comprehensive or inclusive classification or heading 2. to consider (an instance of something) as part of a general rule or principle.
ligature	n. 1. The act of tying or binding. 2. a. A cord, wire, or bandage used for tying or binding. b. A thread, wire, or cord used in surgery to close vessels or tie off ducts. c. Something that unites; a bond. 3. A character, letter, or type, such as æ, combi
symbiosis	n. 1. Biology A close, prolonged association between two or more different organisms of different species that may, but does not necessarily, benefit each member. 2. A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.
threadbare	adj. 1. (of cloth, clothing, etc.) having the nap worn off so that the threads are exposed 2. meagre or poor a threadbare existence 3. hackneyed a threadbare argument 4. wearing threadbare clothes; shabby.
tensile	adj. 1. Of or relating to tension. 2. Capable of being stretched or extended; ductile.
titter	intr.v. To laugh in a restrained, nervous way; giggle. n. A nervous giggle.
totter	v.intr. 1. a. To sway as if about to fall. b. To appear about to collapse: an empire that had begun to totter. 2. To walk unsteadily or feebly; stagger.
tribune	n. 1. An officer of ancient Rome elected by the plebeians to protect their rights from arbitrary acts of the patrician magistrates. 2. A protector or champion of the people. 3. A senior military officer. n. 1. A raised platform or dais from which a spea
basilica	n. 1. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) a Roman building, used for public administration, having a large rectangular central nave(center of church) with an aisle on each side and an apse(domed or vaulted recess usually with an altar) at the end 2.
bewail	vb. to express great sorrow over (a person or thing); lament
bona fide	adj. 1. real or genuine a bona fide manuscript 2. undertaken in good faith a bonafide agreement
clinch	v.tr. 1. a. To fix or secure (a nail or bolt, for example) by bending down or flattening the pointed end that protrudes. b. To fasten together in this way. 2. To settle definitely and conclusively; make final 3. Sports To secure (a divisional championshi
codify	v.tr. 1. To reduce to a code: _ laws. 2. To arrange or systematize.
caftan, kaftan	n. 1. A full-length garment with elbow-length or long sleeves, worn chiefly ineastern Mediterranean countries.2. A westernized version of this garmentconsisting of a loose, usually brightly colored waist-length or ankle-lngth tunic.
nave	n. The central part of a church, extending from the narthex to the chancel and flanked by aisles. [Medieval Latin nvis, from Latin, ship (from its shape); see nu- in Indo-European roots.]
tumid	adj. 1. Swollen; bulging. 2. Pompous.
tundra	n. A treeless area between the icecap and the tree line of Arctic regions, having a permanently frozen subsoil and supporting low-growing vegetation such as lichens, mosses, and stunted shrubs.
vanguard	n. 1. (Military) the leading division or units of a military force 2. the leading position in any movement or field, or the people who occupy such a position the vanguard of modern literature. [from Old French avant-garde, from avant- fore- + garde
vivisection	n. The act or practice of cutting into or otherwise injuring living animals, especially for the purpose of scientific research.
vixen	n. 1. A female fox. 2. A woman regarded as quarrelsome, shrewish, or malicious.
vulpine	adj. 1. Of, resembling, or characteristic of a fox. 2. Cunning; clever.
wanton	adj. 1. Immoral or unchaste; lewd. 2. a. Gratuitously cruel; merciless. b. Marked by unprovoked, gratuitous maliciousness; capricious and unjust: _ destruction. 3. Unrestrainedly excessive: _ extravagance; _ depletion of oil reserves. 4. Luxuriant; overa
wastrel	n. 1. One who wastes, especially one who wastes money; a profligate. 2. An idler or a loafer.
whit	n. The least bit; an iota: doesn't give a _ what was said; not a _ afraid.
yeoman	n. 1. a. An attendant, servant, or lesser official in a royal or noble household. b. A yeoman of the guard. 2. A petty officer performing chiefly clerical duties in the U.S. Navy. 3. An assistant or other subordinate, as of a sheriff. 4. A diligent, depe
sidle	v.intr. 1. To move sideways: sidled through the narrow doorway. 2. To advance in an unobtrusive, furtive, or coy way: swindlers who sidle up to tourists. v.tr. To cause to move sideways: We sidled the canoe to the riverbank.
apse	n. 1. Architecture A usually semicircular or polygonal, often vaulted recess, especially the termination of the sanctuary end(usually east) of a church.
reprobate	n. One abandoned to depravity and sin.
repine	v.intr. To be discontent and indulge in fretfulness. To yearn after something.
repast	n. A meal or the food provided at a meal. Figuratively, any refreshment.
remonstrate	v.tr. 1. To say in plead or protest, objection, or reproof. 2. To present a verbal or written protest to those who have power to right or prevent a wrong..
connubial	adj. Relating to marriage.
wily	adj. Sly or crafty.
brusque	adj. Abrupt and curt in manner or speech; discourteously blunt. See Synonyms at gruff.
Bacchanalia	n. pl. (with upper-case 1st letter) 1. The ancient Roman festival in honor of Bacchus. 2. (with lower-case 1st letter) A riotous, boisterous, or drunken festivity; a revel. (sounds like back-a-nail-ya)
ewe	n. Female sheep.
regale	v.tr. To provide with great enjoyment; entertain.
redoubtable	adj. Formidable; worthy of respect or honour.
recant	v.intr. To withdraw formally one's belief (in something previously believed or maintained). To make a formal retraction.
recalcitrant	adj. Marked by stubborn resistance.
semblance	n. 1. outward appearance, esp without any inner substance or reality. 2. a resemblance or copy
rebuff	n. A blunt or abrupt repulse or refusal, as to an offer. v.tr. 1. To reject bluntly, often disdainfully; snub. 2. To repel or drive back.
raucous	adj. 1. Harsh. 2. Boisterous and disorderly.
rapacious	adj. 1. Taking by force; plundering.
ramify	v. To divide or subdivide into branches or subdivisions (e.g. 'the problem merely (5)_ied after the unsucessful meeting').
raconteur	n. A skilled storyteller.
quotidian	adj. Of an everyday character; ordinary; commonplace.
quixotic	adj. 1. Idealistic but impractical. 2. Chivalrous or romantic to a ridiculous or extravagant degree. 3. Capricious; impulsive.
qualm	n. 1. An uneasy feeling about the rightness of something. 1. A sudden feeling of faintness, nausea, misgiving, or unease.
pyre	n. A heap of comubstibles arranged for burning a dead body.
pusillanimous	adj. Cowardly.
punctilious	adj. 1. Strictly attentive to minute details of form in action or conduct. 2. Precise; scrupulous.
prudence	n. Caution. Exercising cautious judgement.
provident	adj. 1. Anticipating and making ready for future needs. 2. Frugal; economical.
protuberent	adj. Bulging.
prosaic	adj. Unimaginative.
propitious	adj. 1. Presenting favorable circumstances. 2. Kindly; gracious.
propinquity	n. 1. Nearness. 2. Kinship. 3. Similarity in nature.
prolix	(accent on 2nd syllable) adj. Tediously prolonged; tending to speak or write at excessive length.
ontology	n. The branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of being.
consortium	n. 1. a. An association or a combination, as of businesses, financial institutions, or investors, for the purpose of engaging in a joint venture. b. A cooperative arrangement among groups or institutions: a library _. 2. An association or society. 3.
cadge	vb. To get (food, money, etc.) by sponging or begging. n. 1. Brit A person who _s. on the _ Brit informal engaged in _ing [of unknown origin]
magnum opus	n. 1. A great work, especially a literary or artistic masterpiece. 2. The greatest single work of an artist, writer, or composer. [Latin : magnum, neuter of magnus, great + opus, work.]
superlative	adj. 1. Of the highest order, quality, or degree; surpassing or superior to all others. 2. Excessive or exaggerated. 3. Grammar Of, relating to, or being the extreme degree of comparison of an adjective or adverb, as in best or brightest. n. 1. Somet
parricide	n. 1. The murdering of one's father, mother, or other near relative. 2. One who commits such a murder. [Latin parricda and parricdium : pri-, parri-, kin + -cda, -cdium, -cide.]
congenial	adj. 1. Having the same tastes, habits, or temperament; sympathetic. 2. Of a pleasant disposition; friendly and sociable: a _ host. 3. Suited to one's needs or nature; agreeable: _ surroundings. [Probably from con- + Latin genius, the personification
epigraph	n. 1. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) a quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc., suggesting its theme. 2. An inscription on a monument or building.
caliph	n. A leader of an Islamic polity, regarded as a successor of Muhammad and by tradition always male. [Middle English calife, from Old French, from Arabic alfa, successor (to Muhammad), caliph, from alafa, to succeed; see lp in Semitic roots.]
imam	n. Islam 1. (Non-Christian Religions / Islam) a leader of congregational prayer in a mosque. 2. (Non-Christian Religions / Islam) a caliph, as leader of a Muslim community. 3. (Non-Christian Religions / Islam) an honorific title applied to eminent docto
hornswaggle	v.tr. To bamboozle; deceive.
prodigious	adj. 1. Immense. 2. Extraordinary
prodigal	adj. Wasteful or extravagant.
fledgeling	adj. (of a young bird) having acquired its flight feathers.
probity	n. Virtue or intergrity tested and confirmed. Are there systems in place to ensure financial probity? All these initiative are having a major effect on the way directors view business probity. Are there systems in place to ensure financial probity? Pro
pristine	adj. 1. Pure; uncorrupted. 2. Primitive or original.
prevaricate	v.intr. To evade the truth; equivocate.
preternatural	adj. 1. Out of or beyond nature. Existing outside of or not in accordance with nature. Differing from the natural. 2. Surpassing the normal; extraordinary.
presage	v. 1. To portend. 2. To fortell.
precocious	adj. Having prematurely developed mental faculties.
polyglot	adj. Speaking, writing, or written in several languages. n. A person who speaks several tongues.
poignant	adj. 1.a. Profoundly moving. 1.b. Physically painful. 1.c Keenly distressing to the spirit 2. Piercing, incisive.
plenary	adj. 1. Entire. Complete in all respects. 2. Fully attended by all qualified members.
platitude	n. A trite or banal remark or statement.
pique	v. 1. To arouse resentment or indignation. 2. To provoke; arouse.
pious	adj. Religious; devout.
physiognomy	n. 1.a. The art of judging human character from facial features. 1.b. Divination based on facial features.
phlegmatic	adj. Not easily roused to feeling or action.
petulant	adj. Impatient, irritable, or ill-tempered.
persiflage	n. Banter.
cistern	n. 1. (Miscellaneous Technologies / Building) a tank for the storage of water, esp on or within the roof of a house or connected to a WC. 2. (Miscellaneous Technologies / Building) an underground reservoir for the storage of a liquid, esp rainwater.
pernicious	adj. Causing great harm; destructive.
peripatetic	adj. Walking about from place to place.
perfunctory	adj. Half-hearted. Done routinely with little interest.
perfidy	n. Treachery. Deliberate breach of faith.
peremptory	adj. 1. Putting an end to all debate or action: a _ decree. 2. Not allowing contradiction or refusal; imperative: The officer issued _ commands. 3. Having the nature of or expressing a command; urgent: The teacher spoke in a _ tone. 4. Offensively sel
peregrinate	v.intr. To journey or travel from place to place, especially on foot. v.tr. To travel through or over; traverse.
penury	n. Extreme want or poverty; destitution. (sounds like pen-your-ey)
penurious	adj. 1. Stingy. 2. Barren. 3. Destitute.
pellucid	adj. 1. Transparent or translucent. 2. Transparently clear in style or meaning.
peccadillo	n. A small sin or fault.
corset	n. 1. A close-fitting undergarment, often reinforced by stays, worn to support and shape the waistline, hips, and breasts. 2. A medieval outer garment, especially a laced jacket or bodice.
bustier	n. A formfitting sleeveless and usually strapless woman's top, worn as lingerie and often as evening attire. (sounds like 'boost-yay') [French, from buste, bust; see bust1.]
paucity	n. 1. Smallness in number. 2. Scarcity.
pathos	n. A quality that arouses feelings of pity or sorrow, or the feeling so aroused.
parsimonious	adj. Excessively sparing or frugal.
paroxysm	n. A sudden outburst of any emotion or action.
panoply	n. 1. A striking array. 2. Full ceremonial attire. 3. The complete armor & arms or a warrior.
lechery	n. gross lewdness; lustfulness;
laconic	adj. Brief and to the point; terse.
labile	adj. 1. Open to change; adaptable: an emotionally _ person. 2. Chemistry Constantly undergoing or likely to undergo change; unstable: a _compound. [Middle English labil, forgetful, wandering, from Old French labile, from Late Latin lbilis, apt to sl
knave	n. untrustworthy person; rogue; scoundrel; jack;
palatial	n. Magnificant.
palate	n. The roof of the mouth.
ostentation	n. A display dictated by vanity and intended to invite applause or flattery.
ossify	v. To convert into bone.
opprobrium	n. The state of being scronfully reproached or accused of evil.
determinism	n. The philosophical doctrine that every state of affairs, including every human event, act, and decision is the inevitable consequence of antecedent states of affairs.
bigamy	n. The criminal offense of marrying one person while still legally married to another.
officious	adj. 1. Unnecessarily or obtrusively ready to offer advice or services. Intermeddling with what is not one's concern.
odium	n. A feeling of extreme repugnance, or of dislike and disgust.
odious	adj. Arousing or meriting strong dislike, aversion, or intense displeasure.
obtrusive	adj. Tending to be pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence.
oblique	adj. Slanting.
obfuscate	v. To darken; obsure.
obdurate	adj. Impassive to feelings of humanity or pity.
nugatory	adj. 1. Of no importance. 2. Having no power or force.
fungible	adj. Interchangeable.
frangible	adj. Breakable.
noxious	adj. 1. Hurtful to living things; injurious to health. 2. Harmful to the mind or morals; corrupting.
nostrum	n. 1. Any scheme or recipe of a charlatan character. 2. A quack remedy.
noisome	adj. 1. (esp of smells) Offensive the point of arousing disgust; foul. 2. Harmful or noxious.
nefarious	adj. Wicked in the extreme.
nadir	n. The lowest point.
myriad	adj. 1. Constituting a very large, indefinite number; innumerable: the _ fish in the ocean. 2. Composed of numerous diverse elements or facets: the _life of the metropolis. n. 1. A vast number: the _s of bees in the hive. 2. Archaic Ten thousand.
munificent	adj. Extraordinarily generous.
multifarious	adj. Having great variety; diverse.
moribund	adj. On the point of dying.
mordant	adj. 1. a. Bitingly sarcastic. b. incisive and trenchant. 2. Bitingly painful. 3. Harshly or ironically sinister.
morbid	adj. 1. Characterized by preoccupation with unwholesome thoughts or feelings. 2. Gruesome; grisly.
monomania	n. The unreasonable pursuit of or passion for one idea.
molt	v. To cast off, as hair, feathers, etc.
mollify	v. To soothe.
modicum	(sounds like maude'-income) n. A small or token amount.
misnomer	n. Application of a wrong name.
miscreant	n. 1. A villain; evildoer. 2. Infidel; heretic.
infidel	n. 1. An unbeliever with respect to a particular religion, esp. Christian or Islam. 2. One with no religious beliefs. 3. An unbeliever.
mettle	n. Courage. Fortitude. Spirit.
mein	n. 1. The external appearance or manner of a person, especially as it reveals an inner state of mind. 2. How you present yourself, the impression you make
meticulous	adj. Extreemly careful and precise.
polemic	n. 1. A controversial argument, especially one refuting or attacking a specific opinion or doctrine. 2. A person engaged in or inclined to controversy, argument, or refutation. adj. also _al Of or relating to a controversy, argument, or refutation.
phylactery	n. 1. Judaism Either of two small leather boxes, each containing strips of parchment inscribed with quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures, one of which is strapped to the forehead and the other to the left arm; traditionally worn by Jewish men during mor
meretricious	adj. 1. Superficially or garishly attractive. 2. Plausable but flase or insincere; specious. 3. Archaic relating to a prostitute.
garish	adj. Marked by strident color or excessive ornamentation; gaudy.
diurnal	adj. 1. Relating to or occurring in a 24-hour period; daily. 2. Occurring or active during the daytime rather than at night: _ animals.
mendicant	(sounds like men-de-kint) n. A beggar.
mendacious	adj. Lying; Untrue.
mawkish	adj. 1. Overly sentimental. 2. Sickening or insipid.
turgid	adj. 1. swollen and distended; congested. 2. (of style or language) pompous and high-flown; bombastic. [from Latin turgidus, from turgere to swell]
insipid	adj. 1. Lacking flavor or taste. 2. Dull
maudlin	adj. Foolishly or tearfully sentimental or affectionate.
massacre	n. The unnecessary and indiscriminate killing of human beings.
malign	v. To speak evil of, especially falsely and severly.
malaise	n. A condition of discomfort, unease, or ill-being.
lustrous	adj. Shining or glowing.
luminary	n. 1. An object, such as a celestial body, that gives light. 2. A person who has achieved eminance in a specific field.
lugubrious	adj. 1. Indicating sorrow, often riduculously. 2. Mournful, gloomy, or dismal, esp. to an exaggerated degree.
loquacious	adj. Talkative; chatty; garrulous.
lithe	adj. 1. Readily bent; supple. 2. Marked by effortless grace.
listless	adj. 1. Lethargic. 2. Unattentive.
docket	n. 1. Law a. A calendar of the cases awaiting action in a court. b. A brief entry of the court proceedings in a legal case. c. The book containing such entries. 2. A summary or other brief statement of the contents of a document; an abstract. 3. A list o
lode	n. metal-bearing vein(long deposit of an ore)
lien	n. A legal claim or hold on a property, as scecurity for a debt or charge.
licentious	adj. 1. Lacking moral discipline, especially in sexual conduct. 2. Having no regard for accepted rules or standards.
libel	n. Defamation in print.
lexicon	n. A dictionary.
levity	n. Lightness in manner or speach, especially when inappropriate; frivolity.
laudatory	adj. Expressing or confering praise.
laudable	adj. Praiseworthy.
lassitude	n. Lack of vitality or energy.
languid	adj. Lacking energy, vigor, or spirit. Relaxed.
lachrymose.	adj. 1. Inclined to weep; tearful. 2. Causing or tending to cause tears.
junta	n. 1. A group of military officers ruling a country after siezing a country. 2. A council in government, especially in South America.
judicious	adj. Prudent.
jovial	adj. Merry.
jocular	adj. Inclined to joke.
itinerate	v. To wander from place to place.
itinerant	adj. Wandering.
niggardly	adj. 1. stingy or ungenerous 2. meagre a niggardly salary
irksome	adj. Causing annoyance, weariness, or vexation, in a tiring way.
depredation	n. 1. an act of plundering and pillaging and marauding. 2. Damage; loss.
amalgamate	v. 1. to bring or combine together or with something else.
reactionary	adj. Opposed to change, progress, or reform; extremely conservative. n. An opponent of change, progress, or reform.
pert	adj. 1. saucy, impudent, or forward 2. jaunty: a _ little hat.
jaunty	adj. _ combines ideas such as cheerful, spiffy, upbeat, and natty into one delightfully economical adjective that means all of those things at once!
aria	n. An elaborate song for solo voice.
rejoinder	n. 1. a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one); retort. 2. (Law)(in pleading) the answer made by a defendant to the claimant's reply.
spangle	n. Adornment consisting of a small piece of shiny material used to decorate clothing.
vestment	n. Gown (especially ceremonial garments) worn by the clergy.
defray	v. Bear the expenses of.
dictum	n. 1. a formal or authoritative statement or assertion; pronouncement 2. A popular saying or maxim.
dissimilate	v. 1. to make or become dissimilar 2. (Linguistics / Phonetics & Phonology) (usually foll by to) Phonetics to change or displace (a consonant) or (of a consonant) to be changed to or displaced by (another consonant) so that its manner of articulation bec
irascible	adj. Prone to anger.
iota	n. A small or insignificant mark or part.
invidious	adj. 1. Tending to arouse ill will. 2. Implying a slight. 3. Causing envy.
inverterate	adj. 1. Deep-rooted; Ingrained. 2. Habitual.
inveigh	v. To rail against; utter invective.
invective	n. Vehement accusation or denuciation, especially of a bitterly abusive or sarcastic kind.
intransigent	adj. Not capable of being swayed.
interdict	tr.v. 1. To prohibit or place under an ecclesiastical or legal sanction. 2. To forbid or debar, especially authoritatively. See Synonyms at forbid. 3. a. To cut or destroy (a line of communication) by firepower so as to halt an enemy's advance. b. To conf
injunction	n. A directive prohibiting a party from a specific course of action.
insurrection	n. The act or an instance of rebelling against a government in power or the civil authorities; insurgency.
insouciant	adj. Nonchalant.
innocuous	adj. Harmless.
ingenuous	adj. 1. Candid, frank, or open in character or quality. 2. Lacking in cunning, guile, or worldliness; artless.
babushka	n. In Russian, “old woman”; in English, a type of scarf commonly worn by _s.
Bolshevik	n. A revolutionary or radical, from name of the majority Communist faction in Tsarist Russia, ultimately from the Russian word for “majority”
glasnost	n. A policy of political openness and transparency, from the Russian word for “publicity”
gulag	n. Originally an acronym for a Soviet-era system of forced-labor camps; it now can refer to any repressive or coercive environment or situation.
Perestroika	n. The Soviet-era system of reform, from the Russian word for “restructuring”
keelhaul	v. 1. (Transport / Nautical Terms) to drag (a person) by a rope from one side of a vessel to the other through the water under the keel. 2. to rebuke harshly
ombudsman	n. 1. A man who investigates complaints and mediates fair settlements, especially between aggrieved parties such as consumers or students and an institution or organization. 2. A government official, especially in Scandinavian countries, who investigate
inexorable	adj. Unrelenting.
ineluctable	adj. Impossible to avoid.
ineffable	adj. 1. Undescribable. 2. Not to be uttered; Taboo.
indomitable	adj. Unconquerable.
indistinct	adj. Vague.
indigence.	n. Poverty; neediness.
incongruous	adj. Unsuitable for the occasion.
incipient	adj. 1. Beginning to exist or appear. 2. Just starting; beginning.
inane	adj. Silly. Lacking sense or substance.
impute	v. To attribute the fault or responsibility of.
impugn	v.tr. To attack as false or questionable; assail in argument. _ a political opponent's record.
improvident	adj. Lacking foresight or thrift.
scrum	n. 1. Sports a. A play in Rugby in which the two sets of forwards mass together around the ball and, with their heads down, struggle to gain possession of the ball. b. The mass or formation of players during such a play. 2. Chiefly British A disordered o
importune	v. To beset with insistent or repeated requests; entreat pressingly.
implacable	adj. Unplacateable.
impiety	adj. 1. Irreverence torward God. 2. Undutifulness.
impetuous	adj. 1. Impulsive and passionate; quick to act without thinking. 2. Having or marked by violent force.
eristic	adj. Given to disputation for its own sake and often employing specious arguments.
imperious	adj. 1. Domineering or overbearing. 2. Insisting on obedience.
impecunious	adj. Having no money.
imminent	adj. Dangerous and close at hand.
imbue	v. To dye; To instill profoundly.
meme	n. A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another. [Shortening (modeled on gene) of mimeme, from Greek mimma, something imitated, from mimeisthai, to
imbroglio	n. 1. A difficult or intricate situation; entanglement. 2. A confused or complicated disagreement.
ignominious	adj. Shameful. Marked by disgrace.
iconoclast	n. An image breaker.
hirsute	(her-suit) adj. Having a hairy covering.
heresy	n. A subversive opinion or doctrine with respect to settled beliefs or principals.
heinous	adj. Grossly wicked or reprehensible, abominable.
harbinger	n. One who or that which foreruns, foreshadows or announces the coming of any person or thing.
bowdlerize	vb.(tr) (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) To remove passages or words regarded as indecent from (a play, novel, etc.); expurgate.
arraign	v. Charge in court; indict.
harangue	vb to address (a person or crowd) in an angry, vehement, or forcefully persuasive way n a loud, forceful, or angry speech [from Old French, from Old Italian aringa public speech, probably of Germanic origin; related to Medieval Latin harenga; see harry
halcyon	adj. 1. Calm; tranquil. 2. Prosperous; golden. The word halcyon comes from a story in Greek mythology about the halcyon bird, which had the power to calm the rough ocean waves every December so she could nest. Like those calm waters, halcyon has come
atavism	n. A reappearance of an earlier characteristic
reprise	n. Repeat an earlier theme of a composition
antithesis	n. 1. the exact opposite 2. in contrast or opposition.
cachet	n. Having the respectability of certian high-end brands. People just know they are the finest of their kind. The word _ comes from the French _ meaning "seal affixed to a letter or document," and if something has _, it's as if it has a seal of approval
frippery	n. 1. ornate or showy clothing or adornment 2. showiness; ostentation 3. unimportant considerations; trifles; trivia.
heuristic	n. A commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem.
juxtapose	v. To place side by side.
kvetch	v. Express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness.
patina	n. 1. A thin greenish layer, usually basic copper sulfate, that forms on copper or copper alloys, such as bronze, as a result of corrosion. 2. A fine coating of oxide on the surface of a metal 3. Any fine layer on a surface; a _ of frost 4. The sheen on
quintessential	adj. most typically representative of a quality, state, etc.; perfect
sibilant	adj. 1. (Linguistics / Phonetics & Phonology) Phonetics relating to or denoting the consonants (s, z, ?, ?), all pronounced with a characteristic hissing sound 2. having a hissing sound: the _ sound of wind among the leaves
sobriquet	n. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) a humorous epithet, assumed name, or nickname.
sublime	adj. Of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style.
frond	n. A compound leaf — that is, a leaf with many fine and deep divisions — is a _, such as on ferns and palm trees. In parts of the United States and Canada, you may eat the _s of fiddlehead ferns, which are cooked and served as a vegetable.
talon	n. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a sharply hooked claw, esp of a bird of prey. 2. anything resembling a bird's claw.
deft	adj. Quick and neat in movement; nimble; dexterous.
plaintive	adj. Expressing sorrow.
distill	v. Undergo condensation; change from a gaseous to a liquid state and fall in drops.
tumult	n. A state of commotion and noise and confusion
asinine	adj. Devoid of intelligence
bylaw	n. A rule adopted by an organization in order to regulate its own affairs and the behavior of its members
rhetorical device	n. A use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance)
rhetorical question	n. A statement that is formulated as a question but that is not supposed to be answered.
palomino	n. A horse with a golden or tan coat and a white or cream-colored mane and tail, thought to have been developed from Arabian stock.
cowlick	n. A tuft of hair that grows in a different direction from the rest of the hair and usually will not lie flat.
shanghai	v. To take (someone) against their will for compulsory service, especially on board a ship.
grievous	adj. Causing grief, pain, or anguish.
gourmand	n. A connoisseur in the delicacies of the table.
gossamer	n. A soft, sheer, gauzy fabric.
fulminate	v. 1. To issue a thunderous attack or detonation. 2. To explode with noise and violence.
forswear	v.t. 1. To renounce upon oath. 2. To disavow under oath; deny. It was made a great favour of; and altogether it was more than I could bear; and so I never would finish it, to have it apologised over as an unfavourable likeness, to every morning visitor
forbear	v.t. 1. To refrain from; resist. 2. To desist from; cease. v.intr. 1. To hold back; refrain. 2. To be tolerant or patient in the face of provocation. Some _it, not upon negligence alone, but doubting to bring themselves into melancholy, in respect th
foppish	adj. Characteristic of one who is unduly devoted to dress and the niceties of manners.
foment	v. To nurse to life or activity. To encourage.
florid	adj. Flushed with red.
flippant	adj. Marked by disrespectful levity or casualness.
fervid	adj. Intense.
feint	n. Any sham, pretense, or deceptive movement.
fawn	n. A young deer.
fatuous	adj. Foolish or silly, esp in a smug or self-satisified way.
gild	v. Cover with a thin layer of gold.
histrionics	adj. 1. excessively dramatic, insincere, or artificial _ gestures. 2. Now rare dramatic n. 1. (plural) melodramatic displays of temperament 2. (Performing Arts / Theatre) Rare (plural, functioning as singular) dramatics [from Late Latin histrionicu
hinterland	n. 1. The land directly adjacent to and inland from a coast. 2.a. A region remote from urban areas; backcountry. b. A region situated beyond metropolitan centers of culture.
hapless	adj. Luckless; unfortunate.
flute	n. 1. Music a. A high-pitched woodwind instrument consisting of a slender tube closed at one end with keys and finger holes on the side and an opening near the closed end across which the breath is blown. Also called transverse _. b. Any of various simil
filigree	n. 1. Delicate and intricate ornamental work made from gold, silver, or other fine twisted wire. 2.a. An intricate, delicate, or fanciful ornamentation. b. A design resembling such ornamentation: _s of frosting on a cake.
fiat	n. 1. An arbitrary order or decree. 2. Authorization or sanction: government _.
factious	adj. Involving internal dissention.
facile	adj. Easy to do.
exuberant	adj. 1. Full of unrestrained joy. 2. Extravagent. 3. Plentiful.
extort	v. To secure (money, favors, etc.) by intimidation, violence, or misuse of influence or authority.
remand	tr.v. 1. To send or order back. 2. Law a. To send back to custody. b. To send back (a case) to a lower court with instructions about further proceedings.
estuary	n. 1. The part of the wide lower course of a river where its current is met by the tides. 2. An arm of the sea that extends inland to meet the mouth of a river.
extirpate	v. To root out; eradicate.
extenuate	v. To lessen the seriousness of.
extempore	adj. Done without preparation.
extant	adj. Still existing and known.
expropriate	v.tr. To deprive of possession; also to transfer (another's property) to oneself.
expostulate	v. To reason earnestly with.
explicate	v. To make clear the meaning of; explain.
expiate	v.tr.&intr. To make amends or reparations for; atone.
expedient	adj. Serving to promote one's interest.
expatiate	v. 1. To speak or write at length. 2. To wander freely. The verb _ means "to add details to in order to clear up." If your story is confusing to everyone who hears it, certain key parts must be missing. Better expatiate so that people can understand i
expository	adj. of, involving, or assisting in exposition; explanatory
exorbitant	adj. Exceeding usual or proper limits.
exigency	n. 1. The state or quality of requiring much effort or immediate action. 2. A pressing or urgent situation.
vig	n. US slang the interest on a loan that is paid to a moneylender.
sere	adj. Withered; dry: _ vegetation at the edge of the desert. n. The entire sequence of ecological communities successively occupying an area from the initial stage to the climax. (sounds like 'sear')
malefactor	n. Evildoer; criminal.
treatise	n. 1. A systematic, usually extensive written discourse on a subject. 2. Obsolete A tale or narrative. (sounds like treat-hiss)
vitner	n. 1. A wine merchant. 2. One who makes wine.
motif	n. Theme; recurrent thematic element in a musical or literary work; single or repeated pattern; figure.
infirmity	n. 1. The state or quality of being infirm. 2. Physical weakness or debility; frailty. 3. A moral flaw or failing.
badinage	(sounds like bat-in-ozj) n. Light, playful banter.
perigee	n. Point of moon's orbit when it is nearest the earth.
valediction	n. 1. An act of bidding farewell; a leave-taking. 2. A speech or statement made as a farewell. 3. A word or phrase of farewell used to end a letter or message.
conscript	n. (Military) a. A person who is enrolled for compulsory military service. b. (as modifier) A _ army. vb. (Military) (tr) To enroll (youths, civilians, etc.) for compulsory military service.
memento	n. Souvenir; keepsake.
factotum	n. An employee or assistant who serves in a wide range of capacities.
conjugal	adj. Relating to marriage.
rivulet	n. A small brook or stream; a streamlet.
motley	adj. 1. Having elements of great variety or incongruity; heterogeneous: "Most Ivy League freshman classes are chosen from a _ collection of constituencies . . . and a bare majority of entering students can honestly be called scholars" (New York Times). 2
taxonomy	n. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) a. the branch of biology concerned with the classification of organisms into groups based on similarities of structure, origin, etc. b. the practice of arranging organisms in this way 2. the science
comity	n. 1. An atmosphere of social harmony. 2. See _ of nations. 3. The principle by which the courts of one jurisdiction may accede or give effect to the laws or decisions of another.
clamber	v. Climb by crawling with difficulties; scramble. n. A difficult, awkward climb.
plebiscite	n. 1. A direct vote in which the entire electorate is invited to accept or refuse a proposal: The new constitution was ratified in a _. 2. A vote in which a population exercises the right of national self-determination.
malodorous	adj. Foul smelling. (sounds like mal-odor-us)
evince	v. 1. To make manifest or evident. 2. To show or indicate.
manifest	adj. Clearly apparent to the sight or understanding; obvious.
evanescent	adj. Fleeting.
euphonous, euphonious	adj. Pleasing to the ear.
errant	adj. Roving, esp. in search of adventure.
eugenic	adj. 1. Of or relating to _s. 2. Relating or adapted to the production of good or improved offspring.
equivocate	v. To use words of double meaning. To avoid making an explicit statement.
equivocal	adj. Ambiguous. Of uncertain significance or nature.
equable	adj. 1. Unvarying. 2. Free from extremes; even-tempered.
epithet	n. 1. A term used to characterize a person or thing i.e. "The Great" in "Catherine The Great". 2. A term used as a descriptive substitute for the name or title of a person, such as The Great Emancipator for Abraham Lincoln
assay	n. 1. a. Qualitative or quantitative analysis of a metal or ore to determine its components. b. A substance to be so analyzed. c. The result of such an analysis. 2. An analysis or examination. 3. A bioassay. 4. Archaic An attempt; an essay.
neologism	n. 1. A new word, expression, or usage. 2. The creation or use of new words or senses. 3. Psychology a. The invention of new words regarded as a symptom of certain psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. b. A word so invented. 4. Theology A new doct
epicurean	adj. Devoted to the pursuit of sensual pleasure, especially to the enjoyment of good food and comfort.
entreat	v.tr&intr. To ask for or request earnestly.
enmity	n. Deep seated, often mutual hatred.
engender	v. 1. Give rise to. 2. Bring or come into being.
endemic	adj. Peculiar to some specified locality or people.
encomium	n. 1. Warm, glowing praise. 2. A formal expression of praise.
emblazon	v.tr. To adorn with prominent markings.
embezzle	v.tr. To misappropriate secretly.
elegy	n. 1. A lyric poem lamenting the dead or a dead person. 2. A lamentful poem or song.
egress	n. Any place of exit.
egregious	adj. Conspiciously bad or offensive.
effulgence	n. 1. Splendor. 2. A brilliant radiance.
effrontery	n. Brazen boldness; presumptiousness.
efficacy	n. Power or capacity to produce a desired effect; effectiveness.
effete	n. 1. Exhausted. 2. Overrefined; effeminate. 3. No longer productive. _ is a disapproving term meaning decadent and self-indulgent, even useless. The stereotype of the rugged Westerner is just as false as the one of the _ East Coast liberal. The origin
educe	v.tr. 1. To draw out; elicit. 2. To construe; deduce.
ebullient	adj. Showing enthusiasm and or exhilaration of feeling.
duplicity	n. Double-dealing.
dogmatic	adj. 1. Making statements without arguments or evidence. 2. n. A statement of religious faith or duty formulated by a body claiming authority.
dissolution	n. 1. Decomposition into fragments. 2. Debauchery. 3. Annulment; termination; death.
disseminate	v. To sow or scatter abroad, as seed is sown.
dissemble	v. 1. To conceal (one's real motives, emotions, etc.) by pretence. 2. Make believe with the intent to deceive 3. Hide under a false appearance: He _d happiness at the news his ex was getting married; _ innocence; The politician tended to _ rather t
flotilla	n. A fleet of small craft.
despoil	v. 1. Steal goods; take as spoils. 2. Destroy and strip of its possession.
discomfit	v.tr. 1. To put into confusion; make uneasy or perplexed. 2. To thwart; frustrate.
dilatory	adj. Intended or tending to delay.
diffident	adj. Shy, distrustful, reserved.
diaphanous	adj. Of such fine texture as to be transparent.
desultory	adj. 1. Haphazard or random. 2. Moving from one thing to another; disconnected. _ fashion, went on. The book is not always dynamic or funny, and sometimes garcía márquez just narrates the rather _ days he just lived. After some time his output of tal
descry	v. To discern something difficult to see; detect.
remit	v. 1. (Business / Commerce) (also intr) to send (money, payment, etc.), as for goods or service, esp by post 2. (Law) (esp of an appeal court) to send back (a case or proceeding) to an inferior court for further consideration or action 3. (Law) to can
deprecate	v. 1. To express disapproval or regret for. 2. To belittle.
deprave	v.tr. To render bad, esp. morally bad.
deposition	n. Testimony legally taken & converted to writing for use in court.
denouement	n. The part of a play or story in which the mystery is cleared up; resolution; end result.
demagogue	n. A leader who obtains power through appealing to the prejudices and passions of the mob.
delineate	v. To sketch out; depict.
deign	v.tr. To deem worth of notice or account; condescend.
cupidity	n. Avarice; covetousness.
archaic	adj. 1. also _ Of, relating to, or characteristic of a much earlier, often more primitive period, especially one that develops into a classical stage of civilization: an _ bronze statuette; _ Greece. 2. No longer current or applicable; antiquated: _ law
arcane	adj. Requiring secret knowledge to be understood; mysterious; esoteric.
credulous	adj. Easily deceived; gullible.
crass	adj. Crude and unrefined; stupid.
countervail	v. To counteract; offset.
contumacious	adj. Rebellious; insubordinate.
convivial	adj. 1. Fond of feasting, drinking, and good company; sociable. 2. Merry; festive: a _ atmosphere at the reunion.
contrite	adj. Broken in spirit because of a sense of sin; pentinent.
consummate	v.tr. To bring to completion.
consternation	n. Anxiety, dismay, panic.
conjoin	v.tr&intr. To become joined.
concord	n. Harmony; peaceful relations.
compunction	n. Remorseful feeling; pangs of conscience.
complaisance	n. Politeness; amiability; inclination to comply with others.
connive	intr.v. 1. To cooperate secretly in an illegal or wrongful action; collude: The dealers _d with customs officials to bring in narcotics. 2. To scheme; plot. 3. To feign ignorance of or fail to take measures against a wrong, thus implying tacit encourag
effluvium	n. 1. A usually invisible emanation or exhalation, as of vapor or gas. 2.a. A byproduct or residue; waste. b. The odorous fumes given off by waste or decaying matter. 3. An impalpable emanation; an aura.
draconian	adj. Exceedingly harsh; very severe: a _ legal code; _ budget cuts.
comport	v.tr. To conduct or behave (oneself) in a particular manner: _ yourself with dignity. v.intr. To agree, correspond, or harmonize: a foreign policy that _s with the principles of democracy.
comestible	adj. Fit to be eaten.
conclave	n. 1. A secret or confidential meeting. 2. Roman Catholic Church a. The private rooms in which the cardinals meet to elect a new pope. b. The meeting held to elect a new pope. 3. A meeting of family members or associates.
consanguinity	n. 1. Relationship by blood or by a common ancestor. 2. A close affinity or connection.
continence	n. 1. Self-restraint; moderation. 2. Voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge. 3. Partial or complete abstention from sexual activity. See Synonyms at abstinence.
frock	n. 1. A woman's dress. 2. A long loose outer garment, as that worn by artists and craftspeople; a smock. 3. A woolen garment formerly worn by sailors; a jersey. 4. A robe worn by monks, friars, and other clerics; a habit.
diadem	n. 1. (Clothing, Personal Arts & Crafts / Jewellery) a royal crown, esp a light jewelled circlet 2. royal dignity or power
discursive	adj. 1. Covering a wide field of subjects; rambling. 2. Proceeding to a conclusion through reason rather than intuition.
disport	vb 1. (tr) to indulge (oneself) in pleasure 2. (intr) to frolic or gambol
indoctrinate	vb(tr) 1. to teach (a person or group of people) systematically to accept doctrines, esp uncritically 2. Rare to impart learning to; instruct.
doldrums	n the 1. a depressed or bored state of mind 2. a state of inactivity or stagnation 3. (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) a. a belt of light winds or calms along the equator b. the weather conditions experienced in this belt, formerly a hazard to sail
dowdy	adj (Clothing & Fashion) (esp of a woman's dress) drab, unflattering, and old-fashioned n (Clothing & Fashion) a _ woman.
emissary	n 1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a. an agent or messenger sent on a mission, esp one who represents a government or head of state b. (as modifier) an emissary delegation 2. an agent sent on a secret mission, as a spy
enfranchise	vb(tr) 1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) to grant the power of voting to, esp as a right of citizenship 2. to liberate, as from servitude 3. (Law) (in England) to invest (a town, city, etc.) with the right to be represented in Parliament 4. (Law) Eng
epoch	n. 1. a. A particular period of history, especially one considered remarkable or noteworthy. b. A notable event that marks the beginning of such a period. See Synonyms at period. 2. A unit of geologic time that is a division of a period. 3. Astronomy An
eulogy	n. a written or spoken passage conveying approval, praise, and laudation, often of someone who has just died.
faze	vb(tr) To disconcert; worry; disturb
collusion	n. A secret agreement for a deceitful purpose.
colloquial	adj. Pertaining to common speech as distinguished from literary.
cogitate	v.tr&intr. Ponder.
commodious	adj. 1. Spacious; roomy. See Synonyms at spacious. 2. Archaic Suitable; handy.
cog	n. A tooth projecting from a wheel.
cogent	adj. Appealing strongly to reason or conscience.
coddle	v. To treat indulgently; baby.
circumlocution	n. The use of evasive, indirect, roundabout language. 2. The overuse of language to explain something.
Occam's razor	n. (the law of parsimony, economy or succinctness), is a principle that generally recommends that, from among competing hypotheses, selecting the one that makes the fewest new assumptions usually provides the correct one, and that the simplest explanatio
chicanery	n. The use of trickery to deceive.
chagrin	n. Keen vexation, annoyance, or mortification, as at one's failures or errors.
centurion	n. The captain of a company of 100 from the ancient Roman army.
censure	n. 1. An expression of strong disapproval or harsh criticism. 2. An official rebuke, as by a legislature of one of its members. tr.v. 1. To criticize severely; blame. 2. To express official disapproval of: "whether the Senate will _ one of its memb
castigate	v.tr. 1. To punish. 2. To criticize severly.
limpid	adj. 1. Characterized by transparent clearness; pellucid. See Synonyms at clear. 2. Easily intelligible; clear: writes in a _ style. 3. Calm and untroubled; serene.
libretto	n. 1. The text of a dramatic musical work, such as an opera. 2. A book containing such a text.
captious	adj. 1. Hypercritical. 2. Intending to entrap or confuse, as in an argument.
calumny	n. Slander.
callow	adj. Without worldly experience; immature.
beleaguer	vb (tr) 1. To trouble persistently; harass. 2. (Military) To lay siege to.
burlesque	n. 1. A literary or dramatic work that ridicules a subject either by presenting a solemn subject in an undignified style or an inconsequential subject in a dignified style. 2. A ludicrous or mocking imitation; a travesty: The antics of the defense attor
debutante	n. A young woman making a formal debut into society.
cajole	v.tr. To impose on or persuade by flattering speech.
waiver	n. 1. (Law) The voluntary relinquishment, expressly or by implication, of some claim or right. 2. (Law) The act or an instance of relinquishing a claim or right. 3. (Law) A formal statement in writing of such relinquishment.
graven	adj. 1.
burnish	v. To polish. n. A glossy appearance; luster.
bumptious	adj. Offensively self-assertive and conceited.
broach	v.tr. 1. To mention for the first time. 2. To pierce in order to draw liquid.
boorish	adj. Rude, clumsy in behavior.
trellis	n. Latticework used to support climbing plants. v. 1. Train on a trellis, as of a vine. 2. Cause to grow in a certain way by tying and pruning it.
acolyte	n. 1. One who assists the celebrant in the performance of liturgical rites. 2. A devoted follower or attendant.
Olmec	n. (Social Science / Peoples) a member of an ancient Central American Indian people who inhabited the southern Gulf Coast of Mexico and flourished between about 1200 and 400 bc. adj. (Social Science / Peoples) of or relating to these people or their civ
levy	v.tr. 1. To impose or collect (a tax, for example). 2. To draft into military service. 3. To declare and wage (a war). v.intr. To confiscate property, especially in accordance with a legal judgment.
dragoon	n. 1. (Military) (originally) a mounted infantryman armed with a carbine 2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) (sometimes capital) a domestic fancy pigeon 3. (Military) a. a type of cavalryman vb(tr) 1. to coerce; force he was _ed into adm
elan	n. 1. Ardor 2. elegance 3. enthusiastic vigor.
interstice	n. 1. a small structural space between tissues or parts of an organ. 2. small opening between things.
languor	n. 1. Weariness 2. Feeling of dreaminess and relaxation. 3. Oppressive silence or stillnes.
lilt	n. 1. (Music, other) a jaunty rhythm 2. a buoyant motion vb(intr) 1. (Music, other) (of a melody) to have a _ 2. to move in a buoyant manner.
Lothario	n. A man who is a rake, libertine, or seducer.
misgiving	n. Feeling of uncertainty, apprehension, or doubt.
moxie	n. (Slang) Courage, nerve, or vigour.
nascent	adj. Emerging; coming into existence.
panache	n. 1. Dash; verve. 2. A bunch of feathers or plume, esp. on a helmet.
perdition	n. 1. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) a. final and irrevocable spiritual ruin b. this state as one that the wicked are said to be destined to endure for ever 2. (Christian Religious Writings / Theology) another word for hell 3. Archaic utter disa
russet	n. 1. A moderate to strong brown. 2. A coarse reddish-brown to brown homespun cloth. 3. A winter apple with a rough reddish-brown skin. adj. Moderate to strong brown.
mantle	n. 1. A loose wrap or cloak. 2. Such a garmet regarded as a symbol of someone's power or authority. 3. Anything that covers or envelopes.
Calliope	n. 1. (Capitalized, Greek Mythology) The Muse of epic poetry. 2. Non-capitalized A musical instrument fitted with steam whistles, played from a keyboard.
treacle	n. 1. Cloying speech or sentiment. 2. Chiefly British Molasses. 3. A medicinal compound formerly used as an antidote for poison.
limn	vb(tr) 1. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) to represent in drawing or painting 2. Archaic to describe in words 3. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) an obsolete word for illuminate.
expatriate	n. A person who is voluntarily absent from home or country. v. 1. Expel from a country. 2. To leave one's country of residence for a new one.
episodic	adj. 1. Resembling or relating to an episode. 2. divided into episodes. 3. irregular, occasional, or sporadic.
distrait	adj. Having the attention diverted especially because of anxiety.
declaim	vt 1. (Literature/Rhetoric) To make a speech or statement loudly and in a rhetorical manner. 2. To recite with eloquence. vit 1. To protest (against) loudly and publicly.
schizoid	adj. 1. (Psychology) Denoting a personality disorder characterized by extreme shyness and oversensitivity to others. 2. (Informal) charachterized by or showing conflicting or contradictory attitudes, ideas, etc.
baize	n. A bright green fabric napped to resemble felt; used to cover gaming tables.
oneiric	adj. Of or relating to or suggestive of dreams.
slattern	n. A slovenly woman or girl; slut.
precatory	adj. Expressing entreaty or supplication.
phrenetic	adj. Excessively agitated; distraught with fear or other violent emotion.
corvine	adj. Crow-like.
benignant	adj. 1. Pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence. 2. Characterized by kindness and warmth, especialy of a king to his subjects.
anodyne	adj. 1. Capable of soothing or eliminating pain. 2. Relaxing: _ novels about country life. n. 1. A medicine, such as aspirin, that relieves pain. 2. A source of soothing comfort.
warren	n. 1. a. An area where rabbits live in burrows. b. A colony of rabbits. See Synonyms at flock.
analgesic	n. A medication that causes insensitivity to pain.
stilted	adj. 1. (of speech, writing, etc.) formal, pompous, or bombastic. 2. Not flowing continuously or naturally: _ conversation. 3. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) having vertical piers between the impost and the springing.
clipper	n. A fast sailing vessel.
contravene	tr.v. 1. To act or be counter to; violate: _ a direct order. 2. To oppose in argument; gainsay: _ the proposal. See Synonyms at deny.
clangor	n. 1. A clang or repeated clanging. 2. A loud racket; a din.
clarion	adj. Loud and clear: a clarion call to resistance. n. Music 1. A medieval trumpet with a shrill clear tone. 2. The sound of this instrument or a sound resembling it.
bromide	n. 1. (Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) any salt of hydrobromic acid, containing the monovalent ion Br- (bromide ion) 2. (Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) any compound containing a bromine atom, such as methyl bromide 3. (Medicine) a dose of sodium or
codicil	n. 1. (Law) Law a supplement modifying a will or revoking some provision of it 2. an additional provision; appendix.
coeval	adj. Originating or existing during the same period; lasting through the same era. n. One of the same era or period; a contemporary.
chortle	vb (intr) to chuckle gleefully. n. a gleeful chuckle
malapropism	n. The comic misuse of a word.
blithe	adj. 1. Carefree and casual. 2. Joyous.
blandishment	adj. Flattery intented to pursuade.
berate	v.tr. To scold severly and at length.
benefactor	n. One that does charitable acts or gives aid, esp. financial aid.
bedaub	v.tr. 1. To smear over, as with something oily. 2.To ornament in a showy, vulgar fashion.
banal	adj. Commonplace.
avow	v. To declare openly.
aver	v. To affirm positively; assert.
austere	adj. 1. Stern or severe in disposition. 2. Grave; sober; serious. 3. Severly simple; unadorned.
auspicious	adj. Attended by favorable circumstances; marked by success.
augury	n. 1. The art or practice of divination 2. An omen; a sign of portent.
audacious	adj. Recklessly bold or daring.
assuage	v. 1. To cause to be less harsh or severe. 2. To satisfy or appease. 3. To pacify or calm.
ascetic	adj. Leading a life of self-denial for spiritual improvement. n. Such a person.
arrant	adj. Utter; out-and-out (often pejorative).
approbation	n. 1. Commendation; official recognition. 2. Sanction.
apposite	adj. Strikingly approriate and relevant. Something _ is fitting or relevant. It is _ that radio stations play Christmas carols on Christmas Eve, and that your tax accountant takes vacation after April 15th. It all makes sense.
appease	v.tr. To soothe by quieting anger.
apotheosis	n. Diefication. If your teacher says the term paper you handed in last week is a work of genius that sets a new gold standard for the school, he's telling you your work is the _ of term papers. The epitome. Perfection. Hidden in the middle of _ you'll
apostate	n. One who has abandoned one's faith or cause.
apocryphal	adj. Of doubtful authority or questionable authenticity.
natter	intr. v. To chatter;talk idly.
aplomb	n. Self-confidence; poise.
apercu	n. (pl _s) 1. A discerning perception; an insight: "Her schmoozy but magisterial _s inspired widespread emulation among the young" (Roy Blount, Jr.) 2. A short outline or summary; a synopsis. sounds like 'ahh-pair-sue'
vitreous	adj. 1. Of, relating to, resembling, or having the nature of glass; glassy. 2. Obtained or made from glass.
diaspora	n. 1. The dispersion of Jews outside of Israel from the sixth century b.c.,when they were exiled to Babylonia, until the present time. 2. often _ The body of Jews or Jewish communities outside Palestine or modern Israel. 3. _ a. A dispersion of a peopl
antediluvian	adj. Of the times before the great flood in the days of Noah.
anathema	n. 1. A detested person or thing. 2. A formal ecclesiastical curse or a person so cursed.
aloof	adj. Distant; not desiring to associate with others. Comes from sailing, in which ships keep clear of coastal rocks by holding the vessel "luff"—"to the windward"; so, to hold "a-luff" means to "keep clear."
alacrity	n. 1. Cheerful willingness. 2. Speed or quickness.
agog	adj. Eager, highly impatient.
aggrandize	v. 1. To make greater in power, influence, stature, or reputation. 2. To cause to seem greater; exaggerate.
affable	adj. Likeable; easily approachable; gentle and gracious.
adumbrate	v. 1. To represent beforehand in outline or by emblem. 2. To foreshadow. 2. To overshadow or obscure.
admonition	n. 1. Mild, kind, yet earnest reproof. 2. Cautionary advice or warning.
acrid	adj. 1. Harshly pungent or bitter to the smell or taste. 2. Caustic in language or tone.
acquiesce	v.tr. To comply; submit.
accede	v.intr. (usually foll by to) 1. to assent or give one's consent; agree 2. to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc.): the prince _d to the throne 3. (Law, International Law) to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc.), as by signing
abut	v.tr. To touch at the end or boundary line.
abstemious	adj. Characterized by abstinence or moderation, esp. in drink or food.
abscond	v.intr. To leave quickly and hide oneself to avoid prosecution, arrest, or punishment.
abrogate	v. To abolish, do away with, annul.
abjure	v. 1. To recant solemnly; renouce or repudiate. 2. To renounce under oath; forswear. 3. To formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure.
abeyance	n. The condition of being temporary suspended or inactive.
abet	v. To aid, promote, or encourage the commission of (an offense).
abberant	adj. Markedly different from an accepted norm.
semiotics	n. 1. (Linguistics) the study of signs and symbols, esp the relations between written or spoken signs and their referents in the physical world or the world of ideas See also semantics, syntactics, pragmatics. 2. (Medicine) the scientific study of the sy
Chimera	n. 1. Greek Mythology A fire-breathing she-monster usually represented as a composite of a lion, goat, and serpent. 2. An imaginary monster made up of grotesquely disparate parts. (sounds like kai-mera)
imprecate	v. To invoke evil upon; curse.
parochial	adj. 1. Of, relating to, supported by, or located in a parish. 2. Of or relating to schools of this type. 3. Narrowly restricted in scope or outlook; provincial: _ attitudes.
foible	n. 1. A minor weakness or failing of character. 2. The weaker section of a sword blade, from the middle to the tip.
palliate	v. 1. To make (an offense or crime) seem less serious; extenuate. 2. To make less severe or intense; mitigate: tried unsuccessfully to _ the widespread discontent. 3. To relieve the symptoms of a disease or disorder.
firmament	n. The vault or expanse of the heavens; the sky.
trammel	n. 1. A shackle used to teach a horse to amble. 2. Something that restricts activity, expression, or progress; a restraint. 3. A vertically set fishing net of three layers, consisting of a finely meshed net between two nets of coarse mesh. 4. An instrume
jetty	n. 1. A structure, such as a pier, that projects into a body of water to influence the current or tide or to protect a harbor or shoreline from storms or erosion. 2. A wharf. [Middle English getti, jettie, from Old French jetee, from feminine past p
lyceum	n. 1. A hall in which public lectures, concerts, and similar programs are presented. 2. An organization sponsoring public programs and entertainment. 3. A lycée.
pirouette	n. A full turn of the body on the point of the toe or the ball of the foot in ballet. intr.v. To execute a such an action.
provost	n. Abbr. Prov. 1. A university administrator of high rank. 2. The highest official in certain cathedrals or collegiate churches. 3. The keeper of a prison. 4. The chief magistrate of certain Scottish cities.
impertinent	adj. 1. Exceeding the limits of propriety or good manners; improperly forward or bold: _ of a child to lecture a grownup. 2. Not (-2)_; irrelevant. See Synonyms at irrelevant.
dyspeptic	adj. 1. Relating to or having dyspepsia(indigestion) 2. Of or displaying a morose disposition.
garland	n. 1. a wreath or festoon of flowers, leaves, etc., worn round the head or neck or hung up 2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) A representation of such a wreath, as in painting, sculpture, etc. 3. (Literature / Poetry) a collection of short literary
opprobrious	adj. 1. Expressing contemptuous reproach; scornful or abusive: _ epithets. 2. Bringing disgrace; shameful or infamous: _ conduct.
reprove	v. To scold, reprimand; to dress down.
coruscate	v. To sparkle or give off reflected flashes of light. Although coruscate means to glitter with light, you can also use the word, in a less literal way, to refer to someone with such great style or ability that they seem to sparkle. Your best frien
coquette	n. 1. a woman who flirts. 2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any hummingbird of the genus Lophornis, esp the crested Brazilian species L. magnifica. [from French, feminine of COQUET].
collocate	vb.(tr) To group or place together in some system or order. [from Latin collocare, from com- together + locare to place, from locus place]
smarmy	adj. Brit informal obsequiously flattering or unpleasantly suave.
invigilate	v. Watch over (students taking an exam, to prevent cheating)
viand	n. 1. (Cookery) a type of food, esp a delicacy 2. (Cookery) (plural) provisions [from Old French viande, ultimately from Latin vivenda things to be lived on,from vivere to live.
solicitous	adj. 1. showing consideration, concern, attention, etc. 2. keenly anxious or willing; eager from Latin sollicitus anxious; see solicit]
ineffectual	adj. 1. Too weak to produce an intended effect, or to function usefully. 2. Lacking power or ability.
feckless	adj. 1.a. Generally incompetent and ineffectual: _ attempts to repair the plumbing. 1.b. Not qualified or suited for a purpose. 2. Not fit to assume responsibility. The “feck” in feckless began as a short form of effect used in the Scots dialect.
excoriate	vb (tr) 1. to strip (the skin) from (a person or animal); flay 2. (Medicine) Med to lose (a superficial area of skin), as by scratching, the application of chemicals, etc. 3. to denounce vehemently; censure severely [from Late Latin excoriare to strip,
proselyte	n. A new convert to a doctrine or religion.
maladroit	adj. Marked by a lack of adroitness; inept. n. An inept person.
grandiloquent	adj. Pompous or bombastic in speech or expression.
magniloquent	adj. Lofty and extravagant in speech; grandiloquent.
Machiavellian	adj. Crafty; double-dealing; of the political doctrine of Machiavelli, which holds that craft and deceit are justified in pursuing political power.
maculate	tr.v. To spot, blemish, or pollute. adj. 1. Spotted or blotched. 2. Stained; impure. (sounds like mac-you-late)
inchoate	adj. 1. In an initial or early stage; incipient. 2. Imperfectly formed or developed: a vague, _ idea.
crepuscular	adj. 1. Of or like twilight; dim: "the period's _ charm and a waning of the intense francophilia that used to shape the art market" (Wall Street Journal). 2. Zoology Becoming active at twilight or before sunrise, as do bats and certain insects and birds.
acedia	n. Spiritual torpor and apathy; ennui. (personified as one of the deadly sins). (sounds like a-media)
ecumenical	adj. 1. Of worldwide scope or applicability; universal. 2. a. Of or relating to the worldwide Christian church. b. Concerned with establishing or promoting unity among churches or religions.
winnow	v.tr. 1. a. To separate the chaff from (grain) by means of a current of air. b. To rid of undesirable parts. 2. To blow (chaff) off or away. 3. To blow away; scatter. 4. To blow on; fan: a breeze _ing the tall grass. 5. To examine closely in order to
facetious	adj. Playfully jocular; humorous.
wend	v.tr. To proceed on or along; go: _ one's way home. v.intr. To go one's way; proceed.
arrogate	tr.v. 1. To take or claim for oneself without right; appropriate: Presidents who have _d the power of Congress to declare war. 2. To ascribe on behalf of another in an unwarranted manner.
begrudge	r.v. 1. To envy the possession or enjoyment of: She _d him his youth. See Synonyms at envy. 2. To give or expend with reluctance: _d every penny spent.
lurid	adj. 1. Causing shock or horror; gruesome. 2. Marked by sensationalism: a _ account of the crime. See Synonyms at ghastly. 3. Glowing or shining with the glare of fire through a haze: _ flames. 4. Sallow or pallid in color.
brackish	adj. 1. Having a somewhat salty taste, especially from containing a mixture of seawater and fresh water: "You could cut the _ winds with a knife/Here in Nantucket" (Robert Lowell). 2. Distasteful; unpalatable: a thin, _ gruel.
dulcet	adj. 1.a. Pleasing to the ear; melodious. b. Having a soothing, agreeable quality. 2. Archaic Sweet to the taste.
expurgate	tr.v. (Communication Arts / Journalism & Publishing) (tr) to amend (a book, text, etc.) by removing (obscene or offensive sections) [from Latin expurgare to clean out, from purgare to purify; see purge].
bailiwick	n. A person's specific area of interest, skill, or authority. See Synonyms at field. 2. The office or district of a bailiff. (sounds like baily-wick)
bugbear	n. 1. A thing that causes obsessive fear or anxiety. 2. (Myth & Legend / European Myth & Legend) (in English folklore) A goblin said to eat naughty children and thought to be in the form of a bear. [from bug2 + bear2; compare bugaboo]
bete noir	n. 1. Something especially hated or dreaded; a bugbear. (sounds like bet-new-are)
donnybrook	n. An uproar; a free-for-all. See brawl.
moiety	n. Archaic 1. a half 2. one of two parts or divisions of something. (sounds like 'hoity' in hoity-toity) [from Old French moitié, from Latin medietas middle, from medius].
artifice	n. 1. a clever expedient; ingenious stratagem 2. crafty or subtle deception 3. skill; cleverness 4. a skilfully contrived device 5. Obsolete craftsmanship [from Old French, from Latin artificium skill, from artifex one possessed of a specific skill, from
craven	adj. cowardly; mean-spirited n. a coward
chide	v.tr. a.To scold mildly so as to correct or improve; reprimand: _d the boy for his sloppiness. b.To goad into action. v.intr. To express disapproval.
fallow	def 1 adj. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Agriculture) (of land) left unseeded after being ploughed and harrowed to regain fertility for a crop 2. (of an idea, state of mind, etc.) undeveloped or inactive, but potentially useful n. (Life Sci
urbane	adj. Polite, refined, and often elegant in manner.
putative	adj. 1. Commonly regarded as so. 2. (prenominal) considered to exist or have existed; inferred 3. To be known as something by reputation, or assumed to be something, or generally accepted. else [from Late Latin putativus supposed, from Latin putare to c
malapropos	adj. Out of place; inappropriate. adv. In an inappropriate or inopportune manner. (sounds like mal'-a-pro-po')
sojourn	n. a temporary stay vb. (intr) to stay or reside temporarily [from Old French sojorner, from Vulgar Latin subdiurnare (unattested) to spend a day, from Latin sub- during + Late Latin diurnum day]
redress	vb. (tr) 1. to put right (a wrong), esp by compensation; make reparation for to _ a grievance 2. to correct or adjust (esp in the phrase _ the balance) 3. to make compensation to (a person) for a wrong n. 1. the act or an instance of setting right a wr
Pelican Case	n. grey reinforced shell case used for transporting electronics and other hardware. (_s have gery or brown plumage).
didactic	adj. 1. Intended to instruct. 2. Morally instructive. 3. Inclined to teach or moralize excessively.
proscribe	tr.v. 1. To denounce or condemn. 2. To prohibit; forbid. See Synonyms at forbid. 3. a. To banish or outlaw (a person). b. To publish the name of (a person) as outlawed.
peignoir	n. A woman's loose-fitting dressing gown. (sounds like pain-wah)
verisimilitude	n. 1. the appearance or semblance of truth or reality; quality of seeming true 2. something that merely seems to be true or real, such as a doubtful statement [from Latin verisimilitudo, from verus true + similitudo similitude]
cloying	adj. initially pleasurable or sweet but wearying in excess
disingenuous	adj. Not sincere; lacking candour.
impute	vb. (tr) 1. to attribute or ascribe (something dishonest or dishonourable, esp a criminal offence) to a person 2. to attribute to a source or cause I _ your success to nepotism 3. (Business / Commerce) To give (a notional value) to goods or services when
hale	adj. Strong and in good health.
dregs	n. 1. Sediment at the bottom of a liquid. 2. The small amount left.
ascendancy	n. Superiority or decisive advantage; domination.
bullion	n. Gold or silver bars in ingots.
askance	adv. 1. with an oblique glance 2. with doubt or mistrust
lancet	n. 1. Medicine A surgical knife with a short, wide, pointed double-edged blade, used especially for making punctures and small incisions. Also called lance. 2. Architecture a. A _ arch. b. A _ window.
hubris	n. 1. pride or arrogance. 2. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) (in Greek tragedy) an excess of ambition, pride, etc., ultimately causing the transgressor's ruin [from Greek]
chutzpa	n. (Yiddish) unbelievable gall; insolence; audacity.
dispassionate	adv. Devoid of passion, emotion, or bias.
rankle	v. To eat away at or aggravate to the point of causing anger
polity	n. A political group of any size or shape — it can be a government, a state, a country, or even a social group.
ingratiate	v. Make obvious efforts to gain someone's favor, in other words — to kiss up to someone.
declivity	n. A downward slope or bend.
revelry	n. Merrymaking.
incorrigible	adj. Impervious to correction by punishment.
purvey	v. Supply with provisions.
baleful	adj. 1. threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments 2. sinister or deadly.
overbearing	adj. 1. having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy 2. expecting unquestioning obedience
wheedle	v. 1. to persuade or try to persuade (someone) by coaxing words, flattery, etc. 2. (tr) to obtain by coaxing and flattery: she _d some money out of her father.
ungainly	adj. 1. lacking grace when moving 2. difficult to move or use; unwieldy
homily	n. A sermon on a moral or religious topic.
circumvent	tr.v. 1. To evade or go around 2. to outwit 3. (Military) to encircle (an enemy) so as to intercept or capture. tr.v. 1. to evade or go around 2. to outwit 3.(Military) to encircle (an enemy) so as to intercept or capture.
circumnavigate	v. To travel around.
syllogism	n. Deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises
collate	tr.v. 1. To examine and compare carefully in order to note points of disagreement. 2. To assemble in proper numerical or logical sequence. 3. Printing a. To examine (gathered sheets) in order to arrange them in proper sequence before binding. b. To verif
unction	n. 1. The act of anointing as part of a religious, ceremonial, or healing ritual. 2. An ointment or oil; a salve.
enjoin	v. 1. give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority. 2. strongly suggest. 3. issue an injunction.
disaffected	adj. Resentful and rebellious, especially against authority.
puissant	adj. powerful; mighty.
embroil	vb.tr. 1. to involve (a person, oneself, etc.) in trouble, conflict, or argument 2. to throw (affairs) into a state of confusion or disorder; complicate; entangle.
flail	n. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Agriculture) an implement used for threshing grain, consisting of a wooden handle with a free-swinging metal or wooden bar attached to it 2. (Military / Arms & Armour (excluding Firearms)) a weapon so shaped u
bandy	v. Discuss lightly; kick around.
benighted	adj. 1. lacking cultural, moral, or intellectual enlightenment; ignorant 2. (Archaic) Overtaken by night
libertine	n. Someone who lives life unencumbered by morals. Although it can be use neutrally, often if someone calls you _, they disapprove of your lack of morality.
trite	adj. Worn out to the point of being meaningless.
etymology	n. 1. (Linguistics) the study of the sources and development of words and morphemes.
sluice	n. Anything that resembles a water slide with a gate — a narrow channel that controls water flow. The word originally comes from an old English word meaning a narrow channel that controlled a flow of water, usually to a watermill, and it still has th
dapper	adj. 1. a. Neatly dressed; trim. b. Very stylish in dress. 2. Lively and alert.
gruel	n. A thin porridge or soup (usually oatmeal and water flavored with meat)
disapprobation	n. The state of total disapproval and condemnation. It is often used in conjunction with a moral or social offense
cameo	If your friend gives you a piece of jewelry that has a raised carving of a face in profile showing all the curves and shapes, that’s called a _. Often used to show a person’s head in profile, a _ typically has two layers of color: one color for the subje
inclement	adj. 1. _ usually referring to severe or harsh weather that is cold and wet; When packing for a trip to the Caribbean bring tank tops and shorts, but don't forget a raincoat in case of _ weather. 2. This adjective can also refer to a person or action
stricture	n. 1. Severe criticism 2. Abnormal narrowing of a bodily canal or passageway.
congeal	v. Become gelatinous
sublimate	v. Change or cause to change directly from a solid into a vapor without first melting
firebrand	n. A piece of wood that has been burned or is burning.
fiasco	n. Sudden and violent collapse
concomitant	adj. Following or accompanying as a consequence
apologist	n. A person who defends, in speech or writing, a faith, doctrine, idea, or action (usually an unpopular one).
buxom	adj. Healthily plump and vigorous
simper	v. To smile in an artificial, coy or self-conscious way.
lout	n. An awkward stupid person.
erstwhile	adj. Former.
careen	v. Pitch dangerously to one side
fawning	v. To seek favor or attention by flattery and obsequious behavior.
ambrosia	n. (Greek & Roman Mythology) The food of the gods, thought to confer immortality.
disgorge	v. Vomit.
filch	v. Pilfer.
pertinacious	adv. 1. Unyielding or perversely persistent. 2. doggedly resolute in purpose or belief; unyielding
peon	n. A laborer who is obliged to do menial work. Peon was a Mexican word originally, meaning an agricultural worker in servitude to his landlord. Today, peon has a more comic ring to it and is usually used in fun — though if you are a personal assistant
fanfare	n. A loud, proud burst of something to get attention. If you open up a carpet store with one of those sky-sweeping lights, lots of balloons, and a brass band, you’re doing it with great _. Originally fanfare meant a short burst of music played by trum
proclivity	n. A natural tendency to like something. _ comes from the Latin word _is, which literally means "sloping forward." You slide toward a _ — no effort is needed. You just give in to it, since you're headed in that direction naturally.
perspicuous	adj. (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable.
nonplussed	adj. To be _ by something is to be left confused, unsure, or baffled by it: the performance was so bizarre and meandering that it left me _.
spate	n. 1. A large number. 2. A sudden forceful flow.
madrigal	n. An unaccompanied (a capella) partsong for 2 or 3 voices; follows a strict poetic form
zephyr	n. A gentle breeze.
countermand	v. Issue an opposing command.
cognate	adj. 1. akin; related; _ languages 2. (Law) related by blood or descended from a common maternal ancestor. Compare agnate.
agnate	adj. 1. Related on or descended from the father's or male side. 2. Coming from a common source; akin. n. A relative on the father's side only.
largesse	n. Extreme generosity.
beatific	adj. Showing or producing exalted joy or blessedness: a _ smile.
factitious	adj. Fake; not produced by natural forces.
gestate	v. To develop in the womb.
traduce	v. To speak badly of; to cause humiliation or disgrace to by making malicious and false statements.
rococo	n. (often capital) 1. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) a style of architecture and decoration that originated in France in the early 18th century, characterized by elaborate but graceful, light, ornamentation, often containing asymmetrical motifs
psoriasis	n. (Medicine / Pathology) A skin disease characterized by the formation of reddish spots and patches covered with silvery scales: tends to run in families. [via New Latin from Greek: itching disease, from psora itch]
fructify	v. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) to bear or cause to bear fruit 2. to make or become productive or fruitful
nihilist	n. Someone who rejects all theories of morality or religious belief.
roil	v. To make turbid by stirring up the sediments of.
effervescence	n. The process of bubbling as gas escapes.
pendulous	adj. Having branches or flower heads that bend downward
viscious	adj. Having a high resistance to flow
pedagogue	n. Another name for "teacher," (usually of children) but one who is strict, stiff or old-fashioned, as in a _ who stands in the front of the room and lectures for the entire class period, boring the students to tears.
unimpeachable	adj. Describes someone or something that is totally, completely, without any doubt, innocent and good: an _ role model who avoids bad influences and sketchy situations.
immure	v. Lock or confine, as in a jail. You may recognize the -mur- in _ as the root for "wall," as in mural, which is a painting on a wall, or intramural, literally "inside the walls," as, for instance, the walls of a school — intramural sports are played
triumvirate	n. A group of three men responsible for public administration or civil authority.
jibe	n. An insulting remark or "dis." v. 1. “be compatible with or similar to.” 2 (Nautical) a particular manner of changing the course of a ship.
magistrate	n. A person who lays down the law — a judge or other civil authority who conducts a court. Minor offenses are often brought before a _.
obloquy	n. If you are on the receiving end of _, then society has turned against you and you are in a state of disgrace.
striation	n. Any of a number of tiny parallel grooves such as: the scratches left by a glacier on rocks or the streaks or ridges in muscle tissue
rarefied	adj. 1. Describes things that are so stylish, smart, or moral that they seem elevated above the ordinary: the _ conversation of brilliant scholars. 2. Current within a small group; esoteric or exclusive.
sleight	n. Refers to being able to use your hands with ease, especially when doing a trick. Often used in the phrase "_ of hand." 2. Refering to cunning or cleverness, especially when used to trick or deceitfully. The word sleight with its meaning as being s
rubric	n. 1. A heading or a category in a chart, or a rule of conduct. A teacher's grading _s may include participation, homework completion, tests, quizzes, and papers. 2. A rule or a procedure. 3. an explanation or definition of an obscure word in a text.
plenitude	n. an abundance; a fulll supply.
whorled	adj. in the shape of a coil.
indigent	adj. 1. so poor as to lack even necessities; very needy 2. (usually foll by of) Archaic lacking (in) or destitute (of) n. an impoverished person [from Latin indigere to need, from egere to lack]
inordinate	adj. 1. exceeding normal limits; immoderate 2. unrestrained, as in behaviour or emotion; intemperate 3. irregular or disordered [from Latin inordinatus disordered, from in-1 + ordinare to put in order]
malfeasance	n. Misconduct or wrongdoing, especially by a public official.
capacious	adj. Capable of holding much; roomy; spacious.
baroque	adj. 1. also capitalized Of, relating to, or characteristic of a style in art and architecture developed in Europe from the early 17th to mid-18th century, emphasizing dramatic, often strained effect and typified by bold, curving forms, elaborate ornam
cataclysm	n. 1. a violent upheaval, esp of a political, military, or social nature. 2. (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) a disastrous flood; deluge 3. (Earth Sciences / Geological Science) another name for catastrophe.
carrion	n. Dead and decaying flesh. adj. 1. Of or similar to dead and decaying flesh. 2. Feeding on such flesh.
categorical	adj. 1. Being without exception or qualification; absolute. 2.a. Of or relating to a category or categories. b. According to or using categories: a _arrangement of specimens
catechism	n. 1. A book giving a brief summary of the basic principles of Christianity in question-and-answer form. 2. A manual giving basic instruction in a subject, usually by rote or repetition.
capitulate	intr.v. 1. To surrender under specified conditions; come to terms. 2. To give up all resistance; acquiesce.
brooch	n. Ornamental clasp; pin.
alluvion	n. 1. See _ium. 2. The flow of water against a shore or bank. 3. Inundation by water; flood. 4. Law The increasing of land area along a shore by deposited _ium or by the recession of water. [Latin alluvi, alluvin-, from alluere, to wash against : a
arcadian	adj. 1. (Literature / Poetry) (Placename) (Social Science / Peoples) of or relating to the ancient Greek region of _(-1) or its inhabitants, esp the idealized _(-1) of pastoral poetry 2. rustic or bucolic a life of _ simplicity
astringent	adj. 1. severe; harsh 2. sharp or invigorating 3. (Medicine) causing contraction of body tissues, checking blood flow, or restricting secretions of fluids; styptic
contretemps	n. pl. 1. A minor short-term fight. 2. An awkward mishap. 3. An unforeseen event that disrupts the normal course of things; an inopportune occurrence. [French : contre-, against (from Latin contr-; see contra-) + temps, time (from Latin tempus).
diacritic	n. (Linguistics / Phonetics & Phonology) Also called _al mark a sign placed above or below a character or letter to indicate that it has a different phonetic value, is stressed, or for some other reason adj. (Linguistics / Phonetics & Phonology) anoth
aphasia	n. Partial or total loss of the ability to articulate ideas or comprehend spoken or written language, resulting from damage to the brain caused by injury or disease.
affidavit	n. A written declaration made under oath before a notary public or other authorized officer.
acuity	n. Acuteness of vision or perception; keenness.
acme	n. The culminating point, as of achievement or excellence; summit; peak.
effuse	v.b. 1. To pour or flow out. 2. To spread out; diffuse. 3. (intr) To talk profusely, esp in an excited manner. 4. (Physics / General Physics) To cause (a gas) to flow or (of a gas) to flow under pressure. adj. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Bo
foist	vb. (tr) 1. (often foll by off or on) to sell or pass off (something, esp an inferior article) as genuine, valuable, etc. 2. (Law) (usually foll by in or into) to insert surreptitiously or wrongfully
fulsome	adj. 1. Offensively flattering or insincere. See Synonyms at unctuous. 2. Offensive to the taste or sensibilities. 3. Usage Problem: Copious or abundant.[Middle English fulsom, abundant, well-fed, arousing disgust : ful, full; see full1 + -som, adj. suff.
gainsay	tr.v. 1. To declare false; deny. 2. To oppose, especially by contradiction. 3. Take exception to.
emetic	adj. Causing vomiting. n. An agent that causes vomiting.
hieratic	adj. also hieratical 1. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) of or relating to priests 2. (Communication Arts / Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) of or relating to a cursive form of hieroglyphics used by priests in ancient Egypt 3. (Fine Arts & Visu
ex parte	A Latin legal term meaning "from (by or for) one party" An _ decision is one decided by a judge without requiring all of the parties to the controversy to be present. In Australian, Canadian, U.K., Indian and U.S. legal doctrines, _ means a legal proceed
inimical	adj. 1. Injurious or harmful in effect; adverse: habits _ to good health. 2. Unfriendly; hostile: a cold, _ voice.
bon mot	n. A clever saying; a witticism. [French : bon, good + mot, word.]
obstreperous	adj. 1. Noisily and stubbornly defiant. 2. Aggressively boisterous. [From Latin obstreperus, noisy, from obstrepere, to make a noise against : ob-, against; see ob- + strepere, to make a noise (of imitative origin).]
Sisyphean	adj. 1. both extremely effortful and futile. 2. of or relating to _(-3)us.
interlocutor	n. Someone who participates in a discussion or conversation, sometimes as a go-between. If you and your friend are in an argument and aren't speaking, a third friend could act as an _, delivering messages back and forth. _ traces back to the Latin wor
parlous	adj. Fraught with danger: a _ journey on stormy seas. Note - 1st syllable is accented.
Atreus	n. (Greek mythology) the king of Mycenae and father of Agamemnon and of Menelaus. Atreus and his twin brother Thyestes were exiled by their father for murdering their half-brother Chrysippus in their desire for the throne of Olympia. They took refuge
brinkmanship	n. The practice, especially in international politics, of seeking advantage by creating the impression that one is willing and able to push a highly dangerous situation to the limit rather than concede.
internecine	adj. 1. mutually destructive or ruinous; maiming both or all sides: _ war 2. of or relating to slaughter or carnage; bloody 3. of or involving conflict within a group or organization
demarche	n. A move or step or maneuver in political or diplomatic affairs. (sounds like 'day-marsh')
schlerotic	adj. Relating to or having sclerosis; hardened.
renminbi	n. 1. Another name for the chinese currency, yuan.
cynosure	n. 1. a person or thing that attracts notice, esp because of its brilliance or beauty 2. something that provides guidance. (rhymes with 'sign of sure')
Manichaean	adj. of or relating to _(-2)ism, which is a religion founded by Manes in the third century; a synthesis of Zoroastrian dualism between light and dark and Babylonian folklore and Buddhist ethics and superficial elements of Christianity; spread widely in t
miscible	adj. (chemistry, physics) That can be mixed in all proportions. Used of liquids. Opposite is im_.
antebellum	adj. Before the Civil War.
adenoidal	adj. 1. Of or pertaining to the adenoids, which are a collection of lymphatic tissue in the throat behind the uvula (on the posterior wall and roof of the nasopharynx) 2. sounding as if the nose were pinched.
meta	n. Referring to a higher-order recursive abstraction.
litigious	adj. 1. (Law) excessively ready to go to law 2. (Law) of or relating to litigation 3. inclined to dispute or disagree.
solipsism	n. Comes from the Latin words for alone (sol) and self (ipse), and means that only the self is real. In metaphysical _, your mind is the only thing that's real, and everything else is just a representation.
phlogiston	n. A hypothetical substance once believed to be present in all combustible materials and to be released during burning. (sounds like 'flow just on')
sumptuary	adj. Regulating or controlling expenditure or personal behavior “_ laws discouraging construction of large houses on small plots” “_ laws forbidding gambling”
sui generis	adj. constituting a class of its own; unique. “a history book _” “_ works like Mary Chestnut's Civil War diary” (sounds like 'Sue eye generous')
peroration	n. 1.(rhetoric) the concluding section of an oration “he summarized his main points in his _” 1. A flowery and highly rhetorical oration. (rhymes with 'terror nation', 3rd syllable is accented)
jejune	adj. 1. lacking interest or significance or impact. 2. Displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity. 3. lacking in nutritive value.
mirabile dictu	adj. Wonderful to relate; amazing to say. sounds like (my robbery picked you)
creches	n. 1. a representation of the Nativity scene 2: day nursery 3: a foundling hospital 4: a group of young animals (as penguins or bats) gathered in one place for care and protection usually by one or more adults. (rymes with fresh)
abase	vb (tr) 1. to humble or belittle (oneself, etc.) 2. to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation. [C15 abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See base2]
abdicate	v.tr. To relinquish (power or responsibility) formally. v.intr. To relinquish formally a high office or responsibility. [Latin abdicre, abdict-, to disclaim : ab-, away; see ab-1 + dicre, to proclaim; see deik- in Indo-European roots.]
altiloquent	adj. 1.
anagram	n. 1. A word or phrase formed by reordering the letters of another word or phrase, such as satin to stain.
ratiometric	adj. In electronic or electromechanical systems, it refers to the output voltage as a ratio of the supply voltage. For example, if the input voltage is doubled, the output voltage is doubled.
shillelagh	n. A cudgel of oak, blackthorn, or other hardwood. [After _, a village of east-central Ireland.] (ordinance) _ - A United States weapon system including a gun launcher and a fire-control system mounted on the main battle tank and assault reconnaissance
aboriginal	adj. 1. Having existed in a region from the beginning: _ forests. See Synonyms at native. 2.a. Of or relating to _(-2)es. b. often _ Of or relating to the indigenous peoples of Australia.
affront	tr.v. 1. To insult intentionally, especially openly. See Synonyms at offend. 2. a. To meet defiantly; confront. b. Obsolete To meet or encounter face to face. n. 1. An open or intentional offense, slight, or insult: Such behavior is an _ to society. 2. O
aggrieve	vb (tr) 1. (often impersonal or passive) to grieve; distress; afflict it _d her much that she could not go 2. (Law) to injure unjustly, esp by infringing a person's legal rights [C14 agreven, via Old French from Latin aggravare to aggravate]
ancilliary	adj. 1. subsidiary 2. auxiliary; supplementary _ services n. a subsidiary or auxiliary thing or person the company has an _ abroad [from Latin ancillaris concerning maidservants, from ancilla, diminutive of ancula female servant]
artless	adj. 1. free from deceit, guile, or artfulness; ingenuous: an _ remark 2. natural, without artifice; unpretentious: _ elegance 3. without art or skill; crude
antipode	n. A direct or diametrical opposite. (sounds like 'ant-apode')
styptic	adj. (Medicine) contracting the blood vessels or tissues n. (Medicine / Pharmacology) a _ drug [via Late Latin, from Greek stuptikos capable of contracting; see stypsis]
equanimity	n. calmness of mind or temper; composure [from Latin aequanimitas, from aequus even, equal + animus mind, spirit]
bequest	n. 1.a. the act of bequeathing b. something that is bequeathed 2. (Law) Law a gift of property by will, esp personal property Compare devise [be- + Old English -cwiss degree; see bequeath]
accretion	n. 1.a. Growth or increase in size by gradual external addition, fusion, or inclusion. b. Something contributing to such growth or increase: "the _s of paint that had buried the door's details like snow" (Christopher Andreae). 2. Biology The growing toge
a la carte	adv. & adj. With a separate price for each item on the menu. [French : à, by + la, the + carte, menu.]
abnegate	v.tr. to deny to oneself; renounce (privileges, pleasure, etc.) [from Latin abnegare to deny]
acculturation	n. 1. The modification of the culture of a group or individual as a result of contact with a different culture. 2. The process by which the culture of a particular society is instilled in a human from infancy onward.
adduce	vb.(tr) To cite (reasons, examples, etc.) as evidence or proof. [from Latin adducere to lead or bring to]
admonish	vb (tr). 1. to reprove firmly but not harshly 2. to advise to do or against doing something; warn; caution. [via Old French from Vulgar Latin admonestare (unattested), from Latin admonere to put one in mind of, from monere to advise]
adulterate	v.tr. to debase by adding inferior material: to _ milk with water. adj. 1. _d; debased or impure 2. a less common word for _erous. [from Latin adulterare to corrupt, commit adultery, probably from alter another, hence to approach another, commit adult
anamorphosis	n. 1. a. An image that appears distorted unless it is viewed from a special angle or with a special instrument. b. The production of such an image. 2. Evolutionary increase in complexity of form and function. [New Latin anamorphsis, from Late Greek a
varlet	n. A deceitful and unreliable scoundrel.
apostasy	n pl -sies Abandonment of one's religious faith, party, a cause, etc. [from Church Latin apostasia, from Greek apostasis desertion, from apostanai to stand apart from, desert]
apportion	vb(tr) To divide, distribute, or assign appropriate shares of; allot proportionally to _ the blame.
appurtenance	n. 1. a secondary or less significant thing or part. 2. (plural) accessories or equipment. 3. (Law) Property law a minor right, interest, or privilege which passes when the title to the principal property is transferred. [from Anglo-French apurtenance,
apropos	adj. appropriate; pertinent adv. 1. appropriately or pertinently 2. by the way; incidentally _ of (preposition) with regard to; in respect of
armistice	n. (Military) an agreement between opposing armies to suspend hostilities in order to discuss peace terms; truce. [from New Latin armistitium, from Latin arma arms + sistere to stop, stand still]
atomistic	adj. 1. Of or having to do with _s or _ism. 2. Consisting of many separate, often disparate elements: an _ culture.
autocrat	n. 1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a ruler who possesses absolute and unrestricted authority. 2. a domineering or dictatorial person
balmy	adj. 1. Having the quality or fragrance of _(-1); soothing. 2. Mild and pleasant: a _ breeze.
balk	v.intr. 1. To stop short and refuse to go on: The horse _ed at the jump. 2. To refuse obstinately or abruptly: She _ed at the very idea of compromise.
kowtow	vb(intr) 1. to touch the forehead to the ground as a sign of deference: a former Chinese custom 2. (often foll by to) to be servile or obsequious (towards)
bane	n. 1. a person or thing that causes misery or distress (esp in the phrase _ of one's life) 2. something that causes death or destruction 3. a. A fatal poison. b. (in combination) rats_. 4. Archaic ruin or distress.
bastion	n. 1. (Military / Fortifications) a projecting work in a fortification designed to permit fire to the flanks along the face of the wall. 2. any fortified place 3. a thing or person regarded as upholding or defending an attitude, principle, etc. the last
beatify	v.tr. 1. (Christianity / Roman Catholic Church), RC Church (of the pope) to declare formally that (a deceased person) showed a heroic degree of holiness in his or her life and therefore is worthy of public veneration: the first step towards canonization
bereft	adj. (usually foll by of) deprived; parted (from) _ of hope
bootless	adj. Of little or no use; vain; fruitless: a _ search.
brazen	adj. 1. shameless and bold 2. made of or resembling brass 3. having a ringing metallic sound like that of a brass trumpet vb (tr) 1. (usually foll by out or through) to face and overcome boldly or shamelessly the witness _ed out the prosecutor's quest
cabal	n. 1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a small group of intriguers, esp one formed for political purposes 2. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a secret plot, esp a political one; conspiracy; intrigue 3. a secret or exclusive set of people; clique (Gov
cagey	adj. Informal not open or frank; cautious; wary.
canard	n. 1. (Communication Arts / Journalism & Publishing) A false report; rumour or hoax. A deliberately misleading story. 2. (Engineering / Aeronautics) an aircraft in which the tailplane is mounted in front of the wing.
capote	n. 1. A long, usually hooded cloak or coat. 2. also (kä-pt) A large, usually purple and yellow cape used in maneuvering the bull especially during the initial stage of a bullfight. [French, from Old French capote, capette, diminutive of cape, cloak, fro
chary	adj. 1. wary; careful 2. choosy; finicky 3. shy 4. sparing; mean [Old English cearig; related to caru care, Old High German charag sorrowful] (sounds like cherry)
choleric	adj. 1. bad-tempered 2. (Medicine / Pathology) bilious or causing biliousness
gambit	n. 1. An opening in chess in which a minor piece, or pieces, usually a pawn, is offered in exchange for a favorable position. 2. A maneuver, stratagem, or ploy, especially one used at an initial stage. 3. A remark intended to open a conversation.
precept	n. 1. A rule or principle prescribing a particular course of action or conduct. 2. Law An authorized direction or order; a writ.
writ	n. 1. Now Rare something written; writing; document 2. A formal legal document ordering or prohibiting some action.
penitent	adj. Feeling or expressing remorse for one's misdeeds or sins. n. 1. One who is as described. 2. A person performing penance under the direction of a confessor.
circumspect	adj. Cautious, prudent, or discreet. [from Latin circumspectus, from circum- + specere to look]
clemency	n. 1. mercy or leniency 2. mildness, esp of the weather from Latin clementia, from clemens gentle]
cloister	n. 1. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) a covered or enclosed walk, usually around a quadrangle in a religious institution, having an open arcade or colonnade on the inside and a wall on the outside 2. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) (someti
arcade	n. 1. a. A series of arches supported by columns, piers, or pillars, either freestanding or attached to a wall to form a gallery. b. A series of arches employed for decorative purposes. 2. A roofed passageway or lane, especially one with shops on one o
providence	n. 1. (Christian Religious Writings / Theology) a. Christianity God's foreseeing protection and care of his creatures b. such protection and care as manifest by some other force 2. (Christian Religious Writings / Theology) a supposed manifestation of
repudiate	vb (tr) 1. to reject the authority or validity of; refuse to accept or ratify: Congress _ the treaty that the President had negotiated 2. (Economics, Accounting & Finance / Banking & Finance) to refuse to acknowledge or pay (a debt) 3. to cast off or di
conservatory	n. A _ is a place to grow. It could be one of those glass greenhouses where rare and delicate plants can thrive. Or it could be a place to grow your artistic talent — like a music _. A _ can conserve more than just plants; it can conserve culture, too.
devolve	v. To get worse instead of better.
bluster	n. False confidence and bravado. Can also mean a strong wind. On a _y day, you'll see trees blowing and people holding onto their hats. When someone full of _ is talking about how they can do something that you think they can't, they're blowing a lot
august	adv. 1. Profoundly honored. 2. Esteemed or regal. (second syllable is accented). The month August was named for Augustus Caesar who was an important and regal person.
seemly	adj. You don't want to seem anything less than _, especially in the presence of the Queen. Only _ behavior is allowed when she's around. _ behavior is polite, decent, upright, and appropriate.
unseemly	Not in keeping with accepted standads of what is right or proper in polite society.
betrothed	adj. Formally engaged.
reverie	n. Pleasant daydream. There's nothing wrong with _, but if you follow its path into English, you'll see how closely it is connected to madness. The noun is from French rêverie, from a Middle French word meaning "wild speech, delirium," from rever "to
raiment	n. especially fine or decorative clothing. v. put on clothes.
veritable	n. _ comes from the Latin veritas which means true. But unlike true, it does not describe things like statements. It is often used to enhance the word that follows it. "A _ cornucopia of food" is a lot of food of different varieties.
stymie	v. To obstruct or hinder. Constantly texting with your friends will _ your effort to finish your homework. Stymie was first used on the golf course in Scotland, where it referred to an opponent's ball blocking your own ball’s path to the cup.
harrow	n. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Agriculture) any of various implements used to level the ground, stir the soil, break up clods, destroy weeds, etc., in soil. vb 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Agriculture) (tr) to draw a _ over (lan
sententious	adj. 1. Abounding in aphorisms. 2. Given to pompous moralizing.
pathogenic	adj. Causing disease.
miscegenate	v. To marry or cohabit with a person of another race.
pandemic	adj. 1. Widespread; general. 2. Medicine Epidemic over a wide geographic area and affecting a large proportion of the population: _ influenza.
decant	tr.v. 1. To pour off (wine, for example) without disturbing the sediment. 2. To pour (a liquid) from one container into another.
inamorata	n. pl. A woman with whom one is in love or has an intimate relationship.
condign	adj. Deserved; adequate: "On sober reflection, such worries over a man's _ punishment seemed senseless" (Henry Louis Gates, Jr.)
doleful	adj. Dreary; mournful.
dolor	n. (poetry) painful grief.
schlock	n. Something, such as merchandise or literature, that is inferior or shoddy. adj. Of inferior quality; cheap or shoddy.
cadre	n. 1. (Military) the nucleus of trained professional servicemen forming the basis for the training of new units or other military expansion 2. a basic unit or structure, esp of specialists or experts; nucleus; core 3. (Military) a group of revolutionari
dossier	n. A collection of papers giving detailed information about a particular person or subject. [French, from Old French, bundle of papers labeled on the back, from dos, back, from Latin dorsum.]
vox populi	n. Popular opinion or sentiment.
vicar	n. 1. a. The priest of a parish in the Church of England who receives a stipend or salary but does not receive the tithes of a parish. b. A cleric in charge of a chapel in the Episcopal Church of the United States. c. A cleric acting in the place of a re
provenance	n. 1. Where something originated or was nurtured in its early existence. 2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) (Social Science / Archaeology) a place of origin, esp that of a work of art or archaeological specimen: The _ of the ancient manuscript ha
potentate	n. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a person who possesses great power or authority, esp a ruler or monarch. [from Late Latin potentatus ruler, from Latin: rule, command, from potens powerful, from posse to be able]
contusion	n. (Medicine / Pathology) an injury in which the skin is not broken; bruise.
incubus	n. 1. An evil spirit supposed to descend upon and have sexual intercourse with women as they sleep. 2. A nightmare. 3. An oppressive or nightmarish burden.
physiology	n. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / _) the branch of science concerned with the functioning of organisms 2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / _) the processes and functions of all or part of an organism [from Latin physiologia, from Greek
husbandry	n. 1.a. The act or practice of cultivating crops and breeding and raising livestock; agriculture. b. The application of scientific principles to agriculture, especially to animal breeding. 2. Careful management or conservation of resources; economy.
interminable	adj. Endless or seemingly endless because of monotony or tiresome length.
Phrase: 'Gild The Lily'	Fig. To add ornament or decoration to something that is pleasing in its original state; to attempt to improve something that is already fine the way it is. (Often refers to flattery or exaggeration.) Your house has lovely brickwork. Don't paint it. That w
felicitous	adj. 1. Admirably suited; apt: a _ comparison. 2. Exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style: a _ writer. 3. Marked by happiness or good fortune: a _ life.
scuttle	n. 1. A small opening or hatch with a movable lid in the deck or hull of a ship or in the roof, wall, or floor of a building. 2. The lid or hatch of such an opening. tr.v. 1. Nautical a. To cut or open a hole or holes in (a ship's hull). b. To sink (a
nicety	n. pl -ties 1. a subtle point of delicacy or distinction a _ of etiquette 2. (usually plural) a refinement or delicacy the _s of first-class travel 3. subtlety, delicacy, or precision 4. excessive refinement; fastidiousness to a _with precision
fastidious	adj. 1. very critical; hard to please. 2. excessively particular about details 3. exceedingly delicate; easily disgusted
quay	n. A wharf or reinforced bank where ships are loaded or unloaded. [Middle English keye, from Old North French cai, of Celtic origin.]
verve	n. 1. great vitality, enthusiasm, and liveliness; sparkle 2. a rare word for talent [from Old French: garrulity, from Latin verba words, chatter]
ventral	adj. Abdominal.
dotage	n. 1. feebleness of mind, esp as a result of old age 2. foolish infatuation [from dote + -age]
demure	adj. 1. sedate; decorous; reserved. 2. affectedly modest or prim; coy [perhaps from Old French demorer to delay, linger; perhaps influenced by meur ripe, mature]
sanctimonious	adj. Affecting piety or making a display of holiness [from Latin sanctimonia sanctity, from sanctus holy]
colloquy	n. 1. A conversation, especially a formal one. 2. A written dialogue. (rymes with call-a-queen)
consign	vb(mainly tr) 1. To hand over or give into the care or charge of another; entrust. 2. To commit irrevocably he _ed the papers to the flames. 3. To commit for admittance to _ someone to jail. 4. (Business / Commerce) to address or deliver (goods) for s
prognosticate	tr.v. 1. To foretell (future events) according to present signs or indications; prophesy. 2. (tr) to foreshadow or portend. [from Medieval Latin prognosticare to predict]
avant garde	n. Group of artists whose work is based on the newest ideas and methods.
jurisprudence	n. 1. The philosophy or science of law. 2. A division or department of law: medical _. [Late Latin irisprdentia : Latin iris, genitive of is, law; see yewes- in Indo-European roots + Latin prdentia, knowledge (from prdns, prdent-, knowing; see prudent).]
martinet	n. A person who maintains strict discipline, esp in a military force. [from French, from the name of General Martinet, drillmaster under Louis XIV]
brocade	n. A heavy fabric interwoven with a rich, raised design. [Spanish or Portuguese brocado, from Italian brocato, from brocco, twisted thread, from Vulgar Latin *brocca, spike, from Latin brocchus, projecting, of Celtic origin.]
fresco	n. 1. The art of painting on fresh, moist plaster with pigments dissolved in water. 2. A painting executed in this way. tr.v. _ed, _·ing, _es To paint in _. [Italian, fresh (plaster), of Germanic origin.]
rostrum	n. 1. any platform, stage, or dais on which public speakers stand to address an audience 2. (Music / Classical Music) a platform or dais in front of an orchestra on which the conductor stands 3. (Transport / Nautical Terms) (Historical Terms) another wo
pall	n. 1. A cover for a coffin, bier, or tomb, often made of black, purple, or white velvet. 2. A coffin, especially one being carried to a grave or tomb. 3. a. A covering that darkens or obscures: a _ of smoke over the city. b. A gloomy effect or atmosphere
anthropomorphism	n. The attribution of human form or behaviour to a deity, animal, etc.
larder	n. A room or cupboard, used as a store for food. 2. a small storeroom for storing foods or wines. [from Old French lardier, from lard]
tremulous	adj. 1. vibrating slightly; quavering; trembling: a _ voice. 2. Showing or characterized by fear, anxiety, excitement, etc. [from Latin tremulus quivering, from tremere to shake]
Pollyanna	n. Someone who is blindly optimistic about every situation, sometimes to the point of foolishness. The term is typically used in a negative way, to describe someone who cannot think about the more serious ramifications of various situations. Someone who
gall	n. 1. See bile. 2. a. Bitterness of feeling; rancor. b. Something bitter to endure: the _ of defeat. 3. Outrageous insolence; effrontery. [Middle English, from Old English gealla, galla; see ghel-2 in Indo-European roots.
rancor	n. Malevolent anger. Deep-seated ill will.
eponym	n. 1. the name of a real or legendary person that has been applied to a thing, institution, etc, as atlas. 2. the name of a person that is used to describe a time or period, as the Augustan Age.
nubile	adj. 1. Ready for marriage; of a marriageable age or condition. Used of young women. 2. Sexually mature and attractive. Used of young women. [Latin nbilis, from nbere, to take a husband.]
cerulean	adj. Azure; sky-blue.
consecrate	vb (tr) 1. to make or declare sacred or holy; sanctify 2. to dedicate (one's life, time, etc.) to a specific purpose 3. (Christianity / Roman Catholic Church) to ordain (a bishop) 4. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) to sanctify (bread and wine) for
asunder	adv. & adj. (postpositive) In or into parts or pieces; apart : to tear _. [Old English on sundran apart; see sunder]
perturb	vb (tr; often passive) 1. to disturb the composure of; trouble 2. to throw into disorder 3. (Astronomy) Physics Astronomy to cause (a planet, electron, etc.) to undergo a _ation [from Old French pertourber, from Latin perturbare to confuse, from per
refractory	adj. 1. unmanageable or obstinate 2. (Medicine) Med not responding to treatment 3. (Physics / General Physics) (of a material) able to withstand high temperatures without fusion or decomposition n. pl -ries (Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) a material,
galleon	n. A large three-masted sailing ship with a square rig and usually two or more decks, used from the 15th to the 17th century especially by Spain as a merchant ship or warship. [Spanish galeon, from Old Spanish, augmentative of galea, galley, from O
galley	n. 1. (Transport / Nautical Terms) any of various kinds of ship propelled by oars or sails used in ancient or medieval times as a warship or as a trader 2. (Transport / Nautical Terms) the kitchen of a ship, boat, or aircraft 3. (Transport / Nautical Te
ingot	n. 1. A mass of metal, such as a bar or block, that is cast in a standard shape for convenient storage or shipment. 2. A casting mold for metal.
uxorious	adj. excessively attached to or dependent on one's wife [from Latin uxorius concerning a wife, from uxor wife]
impalpable	adj. 1. imperceptible, esp to the touch _ shadows 2. difficult to understand; abstruse
wrest	vb (tr) 1. to take or force away by violent pulling or twisting 2. to seize forcibly by violent or unlawful means 3. to obtain by laborious effort 4. to distort in meaning, purpose, etc. n. 1. the act or an instance of this being done. 2. (Music / Instr
laity	n. 1. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) laymen, as distinguished from clergymen. 2. all people not of a specific occupation.
myopic	n. 1. A visual defect in which distant objects appear blurred because their images are focused in front of the retina rather than on it; nearsightedness. Also called short sight. 2. Lack of discernment or long-range perspective in thinking or planning:
adventitious	adj. 1. added or appearing accidentally or unexpectedly 2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) (of a plant or animal part) developing in an abnormal position, as a root that grows from a stem [from Latin adventicius coming from outside, from
tautology	n. pl. 1.a. Needless repetition of the same sense in different words; redundancy. b. An instance of such repetition. 2. Logic An empty or vacuous statement composed of simpler statements in a fashion that makes it logically true whether the simpler state
encroach	intr.v. 1. To take another's possessions or rights gradually or stealthily: _ on a neighbor's land. 2. To advance beyond proper or former limits: desert _upon grassland. 3. Football To commit _ment. [Middle English encrochen, to seize illegally, fro
coiffure	n. (kwä-fyr) 1. (Clothing, Personal Arts & Crafts / Hairdressing & Grooming) a hairstyle 2. (Clothing & Fashion) An obsolete word for headdress vb. (Clothing, Personal Arts & Crafts / Hairdressing & Grooming) (tr) to dress or arrange (the hair).
cozen	vb. to cheat or trick (someone) [cant term perhaps related to cousin]
corpulent	adj. Very fat.
sectarian	adj. 1. of, belonging or relating to, or characteristic of sects or sectaries 2. adhering to a particular sect, faction, or doctrine 3. narrow-minded, esp as a result of rigid adherence to a particular sect n. a member of a sect or faction, esp one who
piquant	adj. 1. having an agreeably pungent or tart taste 2. lively or stimulating to the mind (sounds like peek-int) [from French (literally: prickling), from piquer to prick, goad; see pique1]
alms	pl n. charitable donations of money or goods to the poor or needy. [Old English ælmysse, from Late Latin eleemosyna, from Greek eleemosune pity; see eleemosynary]
mincing	adj. Affectedly refined or dainty. _·ly adv.
execrable	adj. 1. Deserving of being cursed or loathed; hateful. 2. Extremely inferior; very bad: an _meal.
pettifoger	n. 1. (Law) a lawyer of inferior status who conducts unimportant cases, esp one who is unscrupulous or resorts to trickery 2. any person who quibbles or fusses over details
leonine	adj. Lion-like.
junket	n. 1. an excursion, esp one made for pleasure at public expense by a public official or committee 2. (Cookery) a sweet dessert made of flavoured milk set to a curd with rennet 3. a feast or festive occasion vb. 1. (intr) (of a public official, committ
cull	tr.v. 1. To pick out from others; select. 2. To gather; collect. 3. To remove rejected members or parts from (a herd, for example). n. Something picked out from others, especially something rejected because of inferior quality.
parvenu	n. (Sociology) a person, esp a man, who, having risen socially or economically, is considered to be an upstart or to lack the appropriate refinement for his or her new position adj. (Sociology) of or characteristic of _ [from French, from parvenir
bedraggle	v.tr. to make (hair, clothing, etc.) limp, untidy, or dirty, as with rain or mud
ingenue	n. 1. A naive, innocent girl or young woman. 2. a. The role of an _ in a dramatic production. b. An actress playing such a role. [French, feminine of ingénu, guileless, from Latin ingenuus, ingenuous; see ingenuous.]
extrude	v.tr. 1. To push or thrust out. 2. To shape (a plastic, for instance) by forcing it through a die. v.intr. To protrude or project. [Latin extrdere : ex-, ex- + trdere, to thrust; see treud- in Indo-European roots.]
eidetic	adj. Of, relating to, or marked by extraordinarily detailed and vivid recall of visual images.
misapprehend	vb. To misunderstand.
elysian	adj. 1. Greek Mythology Of or relating to _(-2)um. 2. Blissful; delightful.
espouse	vb (tr) 1. to adopt or give support to (a cause, ideal, etc.) to _ socialism. 2. Archaic (esp of a man) to take as spouse; marry.
apoplexy	n. 1. Stroke; loss of consciousness caused by too much blood in the brain. 2. Fit of rage.
fete	n. A festival or feast. (sounds like 'feet')
fracas	n. A noisy, disorderly fight or quarrel; a brawl. See Synonyms at brawl. [French, from Italian fracasso, from fracassare, to make an uproar.]
anneal	v.tr. 1. To subject (glass or metal) to a process of heating and slow cooling in order to toughen and reduce brittleness. 2. To strengthen or harden. v. intr. To become strengthened or hardened: "the time she needed for opinion to _ around her policy" (
tantamount	adj. Equivalent in effect or value: a request _ to a demand.
promontory	n. 1. A high ridge of land or rock jutting out into a body of water; a headland. 2. Anatomy A projecting part. [Latin prmontorium, alteration (influenced by mns, mont-, mount) of prmunturium, probably from prominre, to jut out; see prominent.]
potable	adj. Fit to drink.
redolent	adj. Suggestive of (used w/ odor).
protean	adj. Able to take on many forms; versatile; CF. Proteus: sea god to change his shape at will
anomie	n. 1. (Sociology) Lack of social or moral standards in an individual or society. 2. personal state of isolation and anxiety resulting from a lack of social control and regulation A person who feels alone and anxious because there doesn't seem to be anyo
disquisition	n. (Social Science / Education) a formal written or oral examination of a subject.
samizdat	n. 1. a. The secret publication and distribution of government-banned literature in the former Soviet Union. b. The literature produced by this system. 2. An underground press.
hauteur	n. Haughtiness in bearing and attitude; arrogance. [French, from Old French, from haut, high; see haughty.] (sounds like 'haw-tear')
jabberwocky	n. Nonsensical speech or writing. [After "_," a nonsense poem by Lewis Carroll.]
haughty	adj. Scornfully and condescendingly proud.
superannuated	adj. 1. Retired or ineffective because of advanced age: "Nothing is more tiresome than a _ pedagogue" (Henry Adams)." 2. Outmoded; obsolete: _ laws.
omerta	n. A conspiracy of silence. Usually as practiced by the Mafia; a refusal to give evidence to the police about criminal activities.
precipitous	adj. 1. (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) 1. resembling a precipice or characterized by precipices 2. very steep 3. hasty or precipitate
quasar	n. 1. (Astronomy & Space / Celestial Objects) any of a class of extragalactic objects that emit an immense amount of energy in the form of light, infrared radiation, etc., from a compact source. They are extremely distant and their energy generation is t
legerdemain	n. An illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers. 2. (Figuratively) some other kind of trickery or deceit.
recognizance	n. (law) A security entered into before a court with a condition to perform some act required by law; on failure to perform that act a sum is forfeited.
realpolitic	n. politics based on practical considerations of power rather than moral or ideological considerations. A usually expansionist national policy having as its sole principle advancement of the national interest.
dint	n. Means; effort; Ex. by _ of hard work
artisan	n. A skilled manual worker; a craftsperson.
parquet	n. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Forestry) (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) a floor covering of pieces of hardwood fitted in a decorative pattern; _ry 2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) Also called _ floor a floor so covered 3. (Pe
succor	n. 1. Assistance in time of distress; relief.
privation	n. 1. loss or lack of the necessities of life, such as food and shelter 2. hardship resulting from this 3. the state of being deprived 4. (Philosophy / Logic) Obsolete the absence from an object of what ordinarily or naturally belongs to such objects [
bulkhead	n. 1. a. One of the upright partitions dividing a ship into compartments and serving to add structural rigidity and to prevent the spread of leakage or fire. b. A partition or wall serving a similar purpose in a vehicle, such as an aircraft or spacecraf
bulwark	n. 1. A wall or embankment raised as a defensive fortification; a rampart. 2. Something serving as a defense or safeguard: "We have seen the necessity of the Union, as our _ against foreign danger" (James Madison). 3. A breakwater. 4. The part of a shi
parapet	n. 1. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) a low wall or railing along the edge of a balcony, roof, etc. 2. (Military / Fortifications) Also called breastwork a rampart, mound of sandbags, bank, etc., in front of a trench, giving protection from fire
rampart	n. 1. (Military / Fortifications) the surrounding embankment of a fort, often including any walls, parapets, walks, etc., that are built on the bank 2. anything resembling a rampart in form or function, esp in being a defense or bulwark.
trope	n. 1. A figure of speech using words in nonliteral ways, such as a metaphor. 2. A word or phrase interpolated as an embellishment in the sung parts of certain medieval liturgies. 3. A common figure of speech: "Not that there's anything wrong with that".
expound	v. (when intr, foll by on or about) to explain or set forth (an argument, theory, etc.) in detail to _ on one's theories; he _ed his reasoning
eke	v. To accomplish with great effort (also used to mean "increase" or "also")
exhort	v. To urge or persuade (someone) earnestly; advise strongly
ballyhoo	n. 1. a noisy, confused, or nonsensical situation or uproar 2. (Business / Marketing) sensational or blatant advertising or publicity.
confabulate	vb (intr) 1. to talk together; converse; chat 2. (Psychiatry) Psychiatry to replace the gaps left by a disorder of the memory with imaginary remembered experiences consistently believed to be true.
chateau	n. A large rural house; also refers to a wine-country estate.
hermitage	n. A residence or vacation home in a secluded place.
gestalt	n. (Psychology) (sometimes not capital) a perceptual pattern or structure possessing qualities as a whole that cannot be described merely as a sum of its parts See also _ psychology.
egalitarian	adj. Affirming, promoting, or characterized by belief in equal political, economic, social, and civil rights for all people.
dross	n. (metallurgy) An impurity, usually an oxide, formed on the surface of a molten metal.
glower	intr.v. To look or stare sullenly or angrily.
credenza	n. 1. A buffet, sideboard, or bookcase, especially one without legs. 2. A piece of office furniture having a long flat top and usually file drawers.
cinema verite	n. A movie that shows ordinary people in actual activities without being controlled by a director.
indemnify	tr.v. 1. To protect against damage, loss, or injury; insure. 2. To make compensation to for damage, loss, or injury suffered.
floe	n. A mass or sheet of floating ice.
ford	n. (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) a shallow area in a river that can be crossed by car, horseback, etc. vb(tr) to cross (a river, brook, etc.) over a shallow area
forensic	adj. (Law) relating to, used in, or connected with a court of law: _ science
fritter	vb(tr) 1. (usually foll by away) to waste or squander: to _ away time 2. to break or tear into small pieces; shred
gadfly	n. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any of various large dipterous flies, esp the horsefly, that annoy livestock by sucking their blood 2. a constantly irritating or harassing person
vacuous	adj. 1. Devoid of matter; empty. 2.a. Lacking intelligence; stupid. b. Devoid of substance or meaning; inane: a _ comment. c. Devoid of expression; vacant: "The narrow, swinelike eyes were open, no more _ in death than they had been in life" (Nicholas Pr
wan	adj. 1. Unnaturally pale, as from physical or emotional distress. 2. Suggestive or indicative of weariness, illness, or unhappiness; melancholy: a _expression. intr.v. To become pale.
rakish	1 adj. dissolute; profligate 2 adj. 1. dashing; jaunty: a hat set at a _ angle 2. (Transport / Nautical Terms) Nautical (of a ship or boat) having lines suggestive of speed
profligate	adj. 1. shamelessly immoral or debauched 2. wildly extravagant or wasteful n. a person with these characteristics.
lissome (also lissom)	adj. 1. Easily bent; supple. 2. Having the ability to move with ease; limber. (sounds like rhymes with missing)
stagflation	n. Sluggish economic growth coupled with a high rate of inflation and unemployment.
paean	(sounds like 'pay-in') n. 1. A song of joyful praise or exultation. 2. A fervent expression of joy or praise: "The art . . . was a _ to paganism" (Will Durant). 3. An ancient Greek hymn of thanksgiving or invocation, especially to Apollo.
saturnine	adj. 1. Having the temperament of one born under the supposed astrological influence of _(-3). 2. a. Melancholy or sullen. b. Having or marked by a tendency to be bitter or sardonic: a _ expression on his face. 3. Produced by absorption of lead.
stripling	n. An adolescent youth.
redoubt	n. 1. A small, often temporary defensive fortification. 2. A reinforcing earthwork or breastwork within a permanent rampart. 3. A protected place of refuge or defense.
escarpment	n. 1. A steep slope or long cliff that results from erosion or faulting and separates two relatively level areas of differing elevations. 2. A steep slope in front of a fortification.
quash	v. 1 Declare invalid. 2. Put down by force or intimidation.
reconnoiter	v. Explore, often with the goal of finding something or somebody, or inspecting.
compatriot	n. A person from your own country.
cetacean	n. Large aquatic carnivorous mammal with fin-like forelimbs no hind limbs, including: whales; dolphins; porpoises; narwhals. (sounds similar to 'citation')
bouillabaisse	n. highly seasoned Mediterranean soup or stew made of several kinds of fish and shellfish with tomatoes and onions or leeks and seasoned with saffron and garlic and herbs. (sounds like bool-ya-base)
palisade	n. fortification consisting of a strong fence made of stakes driven into the ground Type of: fortification, munition defensive structure consisting of walls or mounds built around a stronghold to strengthen it. v. Surround with a wall in order to forti
peppercorn	n. Pungent seasoning from the berry of the common pepper plant of East India; use whole or ground.
cumulous	adj. Thrown together in a pile. Resembling a pile. Heaped up.
ablate	v. 1.a. Wear away through erosion or vaporization. 1.b. Deteriorate through use or stress. 2. Remove an organ or bodily structure
whelp	n. young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf.
slough	n. 1. A hollow filled with mud. 2. a stagnant swamp (especially as part of a bayou) 3. necrotic tissue; a mortified or gangrenous part or mass 4. any outer covering that can be shed or cast off (such as the cast-off skin of a snake). v. 1. cast off hair
braggadocio	n. Vain and empty or exaggerated boasting.
scupper	n. Drain that allows water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard Type of: drain, drainpipe, waste pipe. v. 1. put in a dangerous, disadvantageous, or difficult position 2. wait in hiding to attack
bilge	n. 1. Where the sides of the vessel curve in to form the bottom. 2. water accumulated in this part of a ship
sheaf	n. A package of several things tied together for carrying or storing; a tied bundle.
sallow	n. unhealthy in appearance––often yellow in color––and is almost invariably used to describe someone's complexion.
Aeschylus	n. Greek tragedian; the father of Greek tragic drama (525-456 BC)
querulous	adj. Habitually complaining.
quaver	adj. 1. Give off unsteady sounds, alternating in amplitude or frequency waver. 2. Utter with vibrating vocal chords v. sing or play with trills, alternating with the half note above or below Synonyms: trill, warble n 1. A tremulous sound Type of: sound
haunch	n. 1. the loin and leg of a quadruped; the part of an animal that corresponds to the human buttocks. 2. The hip and buttock and upper thigh in human beings.
chattel	n Personal as opposed to real property; any tangible movable property (furniture or domestic animals or a car etc).
steatophygia	n. (Medicine) excessive fatness of the buttocks.
prate	v. speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly; prattle. n. idle or foolish and irrelevant talk
gridiron	n. A cooking utensil of parallel metal bars; used to grill fish or meat. 2.
smelt	To _ metal, you have to heat the rock, which is called ore, until the metal inside it melts or liquefies. That metal is the part that has use and value, but hard work is needed to extract it.
festoon	n. A decorative string of flowers that you drape across a room, dropping in curves between support points. Strictly speaking it does not always have to be flowers. _ probably comes from the Italian word festone, for "feast,
titillate	v. 1. Excite pleasurably or erotically; “A _(-1)ing story appeared in the usually conservative magazine” 2. Touch (a body part) lightly so as to excite the surface nerves and cause uneasiness, laughter, or spasmodic movements
touchstone	n. 1. A criterion or standard by which judgment is made 2. (Earth Sciences / Minerals) a hard dark siliceous stone, such as basalt or jasper, that is used to test the quality of gold and silver from the colour of the streak they produce on it.
buccaneer	n. Pirate
beneficent	adj. Doing or producing good.
brimstone	n. An old name for sulfur.
inveigle	v. influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
cockle	n. Common edible European bivalve 2. v. Stir up (water) so as to form ripples
plucky	adj. 1. Showing courage 2. Displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness adj. marked by courage and determination in the face of difficulties or danger; robust and uninhibited.
tarry	v.(intr) 1. to delay in coming or going; linger 2. to remain temporarily or briefly 3. to wait or stay 4. (tr) Archaic or poetic to await
febrile	adj. Related to fever.
Dionysis	n. (Greek mythology) god of wine and fertility and drama; the Greek name of Bacchus.
acclivity	n. an upward slope or grade (as in a road)
disconsolate	adj. 1. Sad beyond comforting; incapable of being consoled. 2. Causing dejection.
cicerone	n. A guide who conducts and informs sightseers.
hector	n. A blustering bully. v. To bully or torment.
fugacious	adj. 1. Passing away quickly; evanescent. 2. Botany Withering or dropping off early.
omnibus	n. 1. A long motor vehicle for passengers; a bus. 2. A printed anthology of the works of one author or of writings on related subjects. adj. Including or covering many things or classes: an _ trade bill.
alluvium	n. Sediment deposited by flowing water, as in a riverbed, flood plain, or delta. Also called _on. pl. alluviums or alluvia
maelstrom	n. 1. A violent or turbulent situation: caught in the _ of war. 2. A whirlpool of extraordinary size or violence.
cudgel	n. A short heavy stick; a club
rhapsody	n. 1. Exalted or excessively enthusiastic expression of feeling in speech or writing. 2. A literary work written in an impassioned or exalted style. 3. A state of elated bliss; ecstasy. 4. Music A usually instrumental composition of irregular form that of
ultramarine	n. 1. a. A blue pigment made from powdered lapis lazuli. b. A similar pigment made synthetically by heating clay, sodium carbonate, and sulfur together. 2. A vivid or strong blue to purplish blue. adj. 1. Of the color _. 2. Of or from a place beyond the
obtrude	v.tr. 1. To impose (oneself or one's ideas) on others with undue insistence or without invitation. 2. To thrust out; push forward. v.intr. To impose oneself on others.
disenchant	tr.v. To free from illusion or false belief; undeceive.
stentorian	adj. Extreemly loud.
reprieve	tr.v. 1. To postpone or cancel the punishment of. 2. To bring relief to. n. 1. a. Postponement or cancellation of a punishment. b. A warrant for such an action. 2. Temporary relief, as from danger or pain.
collateral	adj. 1. Situated or running side by side; parallel. 2. Coinciding in tendency or effect; concomitant or accompanying. 3. Serving to support or corroborate: _ evidence. 4. Of a secondary nature; subordinate: _ target damage from a bombing run. 5. Of, rela
goad	n. 1. a sharp pointed stick for urging on cattle, etc. 2. anything that acts as a spur or incitement v.tr. to drive with or as if with a _; spur; incite.
wont	adj. (postpositive) accustomed (to doing something) he was _ to come early n. a manner or action habitually employed by or associated with someone (often in the phrases as is my _, as is his _, etc.) vb. (when tr, usually passive) to become or cause to
gambol	intr.v. To leap about playfully; frolic. n. A playful skipping or frolicking about. (sounds like gam-bull)
coppice	n. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Forestry) a thicket or dense growth of small trees or bushes, esp one regularly trimmed back to stumps so that a continual supply of small poles and firewood is obtained vb. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applicat
copse	n. A thicket of small trees or shrubs; a coppice.
thicket	n. A dense growth of small trees, shrubs, and similar plants; a copse.
stout	adj. 1. Bold and resolute. 2. Sturdy, solid, substantial. 3. Bulky, thickset, or corpulent. 4. Powerful; forceful.
zoetrope	n. (Group Games / Games, other than specified) a cylinder-shaped toy with a sequence of pictures on its inner surface which, when viewed through the vertical slits spaced regularly around it while the toy is rotated, produce an illusion of animation
peckish	adj. 1. Ill-tempered; irritable. 2. Chiefly British Somewhat hungry
peccant	adj. 1. Sinful; guilty.2. Violating a rule or an accepted practice; erring. [Latin peccns, peccant-, present participle of peccre, to sin; see ped- in Indo-European roots.]
inviolate	adj. 1. free from violation, injury, disturbance, etc. 2. a less common word for inviolable
sacrosanct	adj. Regarded as sacred and inviolable.
refulgent	adj. Shinging radiantly; resplendent.
copacetic	adj. Very satisfactory or acceptable; fine: "You had to be a good judge of what a man was like, and the English was _" (John O'Hara).
gauche	adj. Lacking social polish; tactless.
macerate	v.tr. 1. To make soft by soaking or steeping in a liquid. 2. To separate into constituents by soaking. 3. To cause to become lean, usually by starvation; emaciate.
variegate	tr.v. 1. To change the appearance of, especially by marking with different colors; streak. 2. To give variety to; make varied.
consort	n. 1. A husband or wife, especially the spouse of a monarch. 2. A companion or partner. 3. A ship accompanying another in travel. 4. Partnership; association: governed in _ with her advisers. 5. A group; a company: a _ of fellow diplomats. 6. Music
sortie	n. 1. An armed attack, especially one made from a place surrounded by enemy forces. 2. A flight of a combat aircraft on a mission. intr.v. -ied, _ing, _ies To go on a _.
tendentious	adj. Marked by a strong implicit point of view; partisan: a _ account of the recent elections.
obtuse	adj. 1. a. Lacking quickness of perception or intellect. b. Characterized by a lack of intelligence or sensitivity: an _ remark. c. Not distinctly felt: an _ pain. 2. a. Not sharp, pointed, or acute in form; blunt. b. Having an angle greater than 90
insidious	adj. 1. Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner: _ rumors; an _ disease. 2. Intended to entrap; treacherous: _ misinformation. 3. Beguiling but harmful; alluring: _ pleasures.
elocution	n. 1. The art of public speaking in which gesture, vocal production, and delivery are emphasized. 2. A style or manner of speaking, especially in public.
heterodox	adj. 1. Not in agreement with accepted beliefs, especially in church doctrine or dogma. 2. Holding unorthodox opinions.
apartheid	n. 1. An official policy of racial segregation formerly practiced in the Republic of South Africa, involving political, legal, and economic discrimination against nonwhites. 2. A policy or practice of separating or segregating groups. 3. The condition
welter	n. 1. A confused mass; a jumble: a _ of papers and magazines. 2. Confusion; turmoil. intr.v. 1. To wallow, roll, or toss about, as in mud or high seas. 2. To lie soaked in a liquid. 3. To roll and surge, as the sea.
epigram	n. 1. A short, witty poem expressing a single thought or observation. 2. A concise, clever, often paradoxical statement. See Synonyms at saying. 3. _matic discourse or expression.
fusillade	n. 1. A discharge from a number of firearms, fired simultaneously or in rapid succession. 2. A rapid outburst or barrage: a _ of insults. tr.v. To attack with a _.
proselytize	v.intr. 1. To induce someone to convert to one's own religious faith. 2. To induce someone to join one's own political party or to espouse one's doctrine.v.tr. To convert (a person) from one belief, doctrine, cause, or faith to another.
avocation	n. 1. An activity taken up in addition to one's regular work or profession, usually for enjoyment; a hobby. 2. One's regular work or profession. 3. Archaic A distraction or diversion.
burgeon	intr.v. 1.a. To put forth new buds, leaves, or greenery; sprout. b. To begin to grow or blossom. 2. To grow or develop rapidly.
reprisal	n. 1. Retaliation for an injury with the intent of inflicting at least as much injury in return. 2. Forcible seizure of an enemy's goods or subjects in retaliation for injuries inflicted. 3. The practice of using political or military force without act
adjure	tr.v. 1. To command or enjoin solemnly, as under oath: "_ing her in the name of God to declare the truth" (Increase Mather). 2. To appeal to or entreat earnestly. adjure - The verb _ is a heavy-duty synonym of the word "ask," with more of a demanding
disquiet	tr.v. To deprive of peace or rest; trouble. n. Absence of peace or rest; anxiety. adj. Archaic Uneasy; restless.
belie	tr.v. 1. To give a false representation to; misrepresent: "He spoke roughly in order to _ his air of gentility" (James Joyce). 2. To show to be false; contradict: Their laughter _ their outward grief.
insensible	adj. 1. a. Imperceptible; inappreciable: an _ change in temperature. b. Very small or gradual: _ movement. 2. a. Having lost consciousness, especially temporarily; unconscious: lay _ where he had fallen. b. Not invested with sensation; inanimate: _ cla
Kafkaesque	adj. 1. relating to or in the manner of Franz Kafka or his writings 2. characterized by surreal distortion and a sense of impending danger;"the _terror of the endless interrogations"
impassive	adj. 1. not revealing or affected by emotion; reserved. 2. calm; serene; imperturbable. 3. Rare unconscious or insensible.
revile	v.tr. To assail with abusive language; vituperate. See Synonyms at scold. v.intr. To use abusive language.
effigy	n. 1. A crude figure or dummy representing a hated person or group. 2. A likeness or image, especially of a person.
conciliate	v.tr. 1. To overcome the distrust or animosity of; appease. 2. To regain or try to regain (friendship or goodwill) by pleasant behavior. 3. To make or attempt to make compatible; reconcile. v.intr. To gain or try to gain someone's friendship or goodwil
vilify	tr.v. To make vicious and defamatory statements about. Synonyms: malign. [Middle English vilifien, from Late Latin vlificre, to hold cheap : Latin vlis, cheap; see wes-3 in Indo-European roots + Latin -ficre, -fy.]
cavil	v.intr. To find fault unnecessarily; raise trivial objections. Synonyms: quibble. v.tr. To quibble about; detect petty flaws in. n. A carping or trivial objection. (sounds like ravel)
convoke	v. To call together.
tenable	adj. 1. Capable of being maintained in argument; rationally defensible: a _theory. 2. Capable of being held against assault; defensible: a _ outpost.
estimable	adj. 1. Possible to estimate: _ assets; an _ distance. 2. Deserving of esteem; admirable: an _ young professor.
minatory	adj. Of a menacing or threatening nature; minacious. (sounds like bin-uh-torrie)
subjugate	tr.v. 1. To bring under control; conquer. See Synonyms at defeat. 2. To make subservient; enslave.
dour	adj. 1. Sullen; gloomy. 2. Hard or obstinate.
euphemism	n. The act or an example of substituting a mild, indirect, or vague term for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive: "_s such as 'slumber room' . . . abound in the funeral business" (Jessica Mitford).
fractious	adj. 1. Inclined to make trouble; unruly. 2. Having a peevish nature; cranky.
culvert	n. 1. (Engineering / Civil Engineering) a drain or covered channel that crosses under a road, railway, etc. 2. (Electronics) a channel for an electric cable. 3. (Engineering / Civil Engineering) a tunnel through which water is pumped into or out of a
decorum	n. 1. Appropriateness of behavior or conduct; propriety: "In the Ireland of the 1940's ... the stolidity of a long, empty, grave face was thought to be the height of _ and profundity" (John McGahern).
decry	tr.v. 1. To condemn openly. 2. To depreciate (currency, for example) by official proclamation or by rumor.
unconscionable	adj. 1. Not restrained by conscience; unscrupulous: _ behavior. 2. Beyond prudence or reason; excessive: _ spending.
percipient	adj. Having the power of perceiving, especially perceiving keenly and readily. n. One that perceives.
daunt	vb (tr; often passive) 1. to intimidate 2. to dishearten
desuetude	n. A state of disuse or inactivity. (rhymes with destitute)
equipoise	n. 1. Equality in distribution, as of weight, relationship, or emotional forces; equilibrium. 2. A counterpoise; a counterbalance
aseptic	adj. 1.a. Free of pathogenic microorganisms: _ surgical instruments. b. Using methods to protect against infection by pathogenic microorganisms: _ surgical techniques. 2. Lacking animation or emotion: an _ smile.
droll	adj. Amusingly odd or whimsically comical. n. Archaic A buffoon.
fallible	adj. 1. Capable of making an error: Humans are only _. 2. Tending or likely to be erroneous: _ hypotheses.
preen	v.tr. 1.a. To smooth or clean (feathers) with the beak or bill. b. To trim or clean (fur) with the tongue, as cats do. 2. To dress or groom (oneself) with elaborate care; primp. 3. To take pride or satisfaction in (oneself); gloat. v. intr. 1. To dre
primp	v.tr. To dress or groom (oneself) with meticulous or excessive attention to detail. v.intr. To dress or groom oneself with elaborate care; preen.
exiguous	adj. Extremely scanty; meager.
epistle	n. 1. A letter, especially a formal one. See Synonyms at letter. 2. A literary composition in the form of a letter. 3. (capitalized) Bible a. One of the letters included as a book in the New Testament. b. An excerpt from one of these letters, read as pa
louche	adj. shifty or disreputable [from French, literally: squinting]
surreptitious	adj. 1. Obtained, done, or made by clandestine or stealthy means. 2. Acting with or marked by stealth. See Synonyms at secret.
churlish	adj. 1. Boorish or vulgar. 2. Having a bad disposition; surly: "as valiant as the lion, _ as the bear" (Shakespeare). 3. Difficult to work with, such as soil; intractable.
dissolute	adj. Lacking moral restraint; indulging in sensual pleasures or vices. [Middle English, from Latin dissoltus, past participle of dissolvere, to dissolve; see dissolve.]
machination	n. 1. The act of plotting. 2. A crafty scheme or cunning design for the accomplishment of a sinister end.
discountenance	tr.v. 1. To view or treat with disfavor. 2. To put out of countenance; disconcert. n. Disfavor or disapproval.
exemplar	n. 1. a person or thing to be copied or imitated; model 2. a typical specimen or instance; example 3. (Library Science & Bibliography) A copy of a book or text on which further printings have been based.
abbot	n. The superior of an abby of monks in a monestary.
abscess	n. A localized collection of pus formed as the product of inflammation and usually caused by bacteria.
abcission	1. The act of cutting off. 2. The separation of a leaf, flower, or fruit from a plant as a result of natural structural and chemical changes. The _ zone is a layer of weak, thin-walled cells that form across the base of the plant part where the break e
acetic acid	n. The acid in vinegar.
aide-de-camp	n. An officer who receives and transmits the orders of the general.
gypsum	n. A widespread colorless, white, or yellowish mineral, CaSO4•2H2O, used in the manufacture of plaster of Paris, various plaster products, and fertilizers,cement, paint, chalk.
alderman	n. 1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (in England and Wales until 1974) One of the senior members of a local council, elected by other councillors. 2. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (in the US, Canada, Australia, etc.) a member of the governing bo
auburn	adj. Reddish-brown, said usually of the hair.
augur	v. To predict.
aural	adj. Of or pertaining to the ear.
azalea	n. A flowering shrub.
bedlam	n. 1. a noisy confused place or situation; state of uproar his speech caused _.
bibulous	adj. Fond of drinking.
blase	adj. 1.
bolero	n. A Spanish dance, illustrative of the passion of love, accompanied by castinets and singing.
brogue	n. Any dialectic pronunciation of English, especially that of the Irish people.
cantata	n. A choral composition.
conjugate	adj. Joined together in pairs
coronet	n. Inferior crown denoting, according to its form, various degrees of noble rank less than sovereign.
corrigible	adj. Capable of reformation.
crag	n. A rugged, rocky projection on a cliff or ledge.
crevasse	n. A deep crack or fissure in the ice of a glacier.
canter	n. A smooth gait, especially of a horse, that is slower than a gallop but faster than a trot.
carp	vb(intr) (oft followed by 'at') To complain or find fault; nag pettily.
catcall	n. a shrill whistle or cry expressing disapproval, as at a public meeting, etc.
cavalcade	n. 1. a procession of people on horseback, in cars, etc. 2. any procession; a _of guests
crockery	n. Earthenware made from baked clay.
malediction	n. 1. The utterance of a curse against someone or something 2. Slanderous accusation or comment.
defraud	v.tr. To take something from by fraud; swindle: _ed the immigrants by selling them worthless land deeds.
deism	n. The belief, based solely on reason, in a God who created the universe and then abandoned it, assuming no control over life, exerting no influence on natural phenomena, and giving no supernatural revelation.
denizen	n. Inhabitant.
denude	v.tr. To strip the covering from.
derrick	n. An apparatus for hoisting and swinging great weights.
detrude	v. To push down forcibly.
dipthong	n. The sound produced by combining two vowels in to a single syllable or running together the sounds.
gerund	n. 1. In Latin, a noun derived from a verb and having all case forms except the nominative. 2. 2. In other languages, a verbal noun analogous to the Latin _, such as the English form ending in -ing when used as a noun, as in singing in We admired the ch
disallow	v. 1. To withhold permission or sanction. 2. to reject as untrue or invalid 3. to cancel.
dispossess	v.tr. To take away possession of something, esp property; expel: he was _ed from all his lands.
dowry	n. The property which a wife brings to her husband in marriage.
dyne	n. The force which, applied to a mass of one gram for 1 second, would give it a velocity of 1 cm/s.
emeritus	adj. Retired from active service but retained to an honorary position.
endue	v.tr. 1. (usually foll by with) to invest or provide, as with some quality or trait. 2. Rare (foll by with) to clothe or dress (in)
bangle	n. 1. A rigid bracelet or anklet, especially one with no clasp. 2. An ornament that hangs from a bracelet or necklace.
esquire	n. 1. Chiefly Brit a title of respect, usually abbreviated _., placed after a man's name 2. (Historical Terms) (in medieval times) The attendant and shield bearer of a knight, subsequently often knighted himself.
faun	n. One of a class of deities of the woods and herds represented as half human, with goats feet.
federate	v. To league together.
fiducial	adj. 1. Based on or relating to faith or trust. 2. Relating to or characteristic of a legal trust; fiduciary. 3. Regarded or employed as a standard of reference, as in surveying.
equinox	n. 1. (Astronomy) either of the two occasions, six months apart, when day and night are of equal length See vernal _, autumnal _.
fiduciary	n. (Law) a person bound to act for another's benefit, as a trustee in relation to his beneficiary adj. (Law) a. having the nature of a trust b. of or relating to a trust or trustee
flection	n. The act of bending.
folio	n. 1. (Communication Arts / Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) A sheet of paper folded in half to make two leaves for a book or manuscript. 2. (Communication Arts / Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) a book or manuscript of the largest common size ma
forfend	v.intr. 1. a. To keep or ward off; avert. b. Archaic To forbid. 2. To defend or protect.
garrison	n. The military force stationed in a fort, town, or other place for its defense.
genteel	adj. Well-bred or refined.
gibe	vb. To make jeering or scoffing remarks (at); taunt. n. A derisive or provoking remark.
glutinous	adj. Gluelike; sticky.
gourd	n. A melon, pumpkin, squash, or some similar fruit having a hard rind.
gratuitous	adj. 1. Given or granted without return or recompense; unearned. 2. Given or received without cost or obligation; free. 3. Unnecessary or unwarranted; unjustified: gratuitous criticism.
grenadier	n. A member of a regiment composed of men of great stature.
gumption	n. Informal 1. Boldness of enterprise; initiative or aggressiveness. 2. Guts; spunk. 3. Common sense.
happy-go-lucky	adj. Improvident.
hibernal	adj. Pertaining to winter.
huckster	n. 1. One who sells wares or provisions in the street; a peddler or hawker.
impel	v.tr. To drive or urge forward.
impolitic	adj. Not wise or expedient; not politic: an _ approach to a sensitive issue.
incontrovertible	adj. Indisputable.
indict	v. To find and declare chargeable with crime.
indiscreet	adj. Lacking wise judgment.
inestimable	adj. 1. Impossible to estimate or compute: _ damage. 2. Of immeasurable value or worth; invaluable: "shared all the _ advantages of being wealthy, good-looking, confident and intelligent"(Doris Kearns Goodwin).
inglorious	adj. 1. Without courage or glory; dishonourable, shameful, or disgraceful 2. unknown or obscure.
inquisition	n. A court or tribunal for examination and punishment of heretics.
inroad	n. 1. A hostile invasion; a raid. 2. An advance, especially at another's expense; an encroachment. Often used in the plural: Foreign products have made _ into the American economy.
intercede	v. To mediate between persons.
interlocutor	n. 1. a person who takes part in a conversation 2. Also called middleman the man in the centre of a troupe of minstrels who engages the others in talk or acts as announcer.
intramural	adj. 1. Existing or carried on within the bounds of an institution, especially a school: _ athletics. 2. Anatomy Occurring or situated within the wall of a cavity or organ.
itinerary	n. 1. A route or proposed route of a journey. 2. An account or record of a journey. 3. A guidebook for travelers. adj. 1. Of or relating to a journey or route. 2. Traveling from place to place.
knight errant	n. One of the wandering knights who in the middle ages went forth in search of adventure.
ligature	n. Anything that constricts, or serves for binding or tying.
liniment	n. A liquid preparation for rubbing on the skin in cases of bruises, inflammation, etc.
loam	n. A non-coherent mixture of sand and clay, and silt and straw, used for making bricks or foundry molds.
louse	n. A small insect parasitic on and sucking the blood of mammals.
mealy-mouthed	adj. Afraid to express facts or opinions plainly.
menagerie	n. A collection of wild animals, especially when kept for exhibition.
mete	v. Apportion.
countenance	v.t. 1. To support or encourage; sanction. 2. To tolerate; endure.
coy	adj. 1. Tending to avoid people and social situations; reserved. 2. Affectedly and usually flirtatiously shy or modest. 3. Annoyingly unwilling to make a commitment.
savoir-faire	n. The ability to do the right / graceful thing in any situation. (sounds like have whua-aire) [French, literally: a knowing how to do]
doggerel	n. Crudely or irregularly fashioned verse, often of a humorous or burlesque nature.
knell	.intr. 1. To ring slowly and solemnly, especially for a funeral; toll. 2. To give forth a mournful or ominous sound. v.tr. To signal, summon, or proclaim by tolling. n. 1. The sound of a bell making this sound; a toll. 2. A signal of disaster or dest
sepulcher	n. 1. A burial vault. 2. A receptacle for sacred relics, especially in an altar. tr.v. To place into a _; inter.
loll	v.intr. 1. To move, stand, or recline in an indolent or relaxed manner. 2. To hang or droop laxly: a pennant _ing from the mast. v.tr. To permit to hang or droop laxly: _ed his head on the armrest. n. Archaic An act or attitude of _ing. Something t
execrate	tr.v. 1. To declare to be hateful or abhorrent; denounce. 2. To feel loathing for; abhor. 3. Archaic To invoke a curse on.
arable	adj. Fit for cultivation, as by plowing. n. Land fit to be cultivated.
exegesis	n. Critical explanation or analysis, especially of a text, esp. The Bible.
aureole	n. 1. A circle of light or radiance surrounding the head or body of a representation of a deity or holy person; a halo. 2. Astronomy See corona.
impenitent	adj. Not penitent; unrepentant.
dappled	adj. Spotted; mottled.
scion	n. 1. A descendant or heir. 2. also _ A detached shoot or twig containing buds from a woody plant, used in grafting.
plait	n. 1. A braid, especially of hair. 2. A pleat. tr.v. 1. To braid. 2. To pleat. 3. To make by braiding.
ecclesiastic	adj. 1. Of or relating to a church, especially as an organized institution. 2. Appropriate to a church or to use in a church: _al architecture.
etiology	n. The cause or origin of a disease, condition, or constellation of symptoms or signs, as determined by medical diagnosis or research.
muddle	v.tr. 1. To make turbid or muddy. 2. To mix confusedly; jumble. 3. To confuse or befuddle the mind), as with alcohol. See Synonyms at confuse. 4. To mismanage or bungle. 5. To stir or mix (a drink) gently. v.intr. To think, act, or proceed in a confused
psychosis	n. A mental state caused by psychiatric or organic illness, characterized by a loss of contact with reality and an inability to think rationally. A (-3)_ person often behaves inappropriately and is incapable of normal social functioning.
paltry	adj. 1. insignificant; meagre. 2. worthless or petty.
orthography	n. 1. (Linguistics) a writing system. 2. (Linguistics) a. spelling considered to be correct. b. the principles underlying spelling 3. (Linguistics) the study of spelling 4. (Engineering / General Engineering): _ projection.
ornithology	n. The branch of biology that deals with the study of birds.
"dime me out"	v. To tell on. Reference to using a pay phone to rat on someone.
meniscus	n. 1. (Physics / General Physics) the curved upper surface of a liquid standing in a tube, produced by the surface tension. 2. a crescent or half-moon-shaped body or design. 3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) a crescent-shaped fibrous ca
chartreuse	n. A strong to brilliant greenish yellow to moderate or strong yellow green.
hagiography	n. 1. Biography of saints. 2. A worshipful or idealizing biography.
circadian	adj. Biology Relating to or exhibiting approximately 24-hour periodicity. [Latin circ, around; see circa + Latin dis, day; see dyeu- in Indo-European roots.]
auteur	(sounds like oh-turn) n. A filmmaker, usually a director, who exercises creative control over his or her works and has a strong personal style.
flout	v.tr. To show contempt for; scorn: _ a law; behavior that _ed convention. v.intr. To be scornful. n. A contemptuous action or remark; an insult.
filial	adj. 1. of, resembling, or suitable to a son or daughter _ affection. 2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Genetics) Genetics designating any of the generations following the parental generation. Abbrev.: F; F1 indicates the first _ generation, F2
staid	adj. 1. Of a settled, sedate, and steady character. 2. (Now rare) Permanent.
bellwether	n. One that serves as a leader or as a leading indicator of future trends: "The degree to which the paper is censored is a political _" (Justine De Lacy). Literally: (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Breeds) a sheep that leads the herd, often bea
watershed	n. 1. A ridge of high land dividing two areas that are drained by different river systems. Also called water parting. 2. The region draining into a river, river system, or other body of water. 3. A critical point that marks a division or a change of cour
braggadocio	n. 1. A braggart.
valise	(rhymes with 'police') n. A small piece of luggage that can be carried by hand, used to hold clothing, toilet articles, etc.; suitcase; traveling bag
uncouth	adj. Lacking in good manners, refinement, or grace.
maestro	n. A master in an art, especially a composer, conductor, or music teacher.
nabob, nawab	n. 1. A governor in India under the Mogul Empire. 2. A person of wealth and prominence.
grist	n. 1. Grain or a quantity of grain for grinding. 2. Ground grain. Idiom: _ for one's)/the mill: Something that can be used to advantage.
hutch	n. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a cage, usually of wood and wire mesh, for small animals 2. Informal, derogatory a small house 3. (Mining & Quarrying) a cart for carrying ore 4. (Mining & Quarrying) a trough, esp one used for kneadi
gelid	adj. Very cold; icy: _ ocean waters. See Synonyms at cold.
fait accompli	n. Something already done and beyond alteration.
extrinsic	adj. 1. not contained or included within; extraneous 2. originating or acting from outside; external
efflorescence	n. 1. a bursting forth or flowering 2. the period of greatest prosperity or productivity. 3. (Chemistry) Chem Geology a. the process of _(-4)ing b. the powdery substance formed as a result of this process, esp on the surface of rocks 4. (Medicine / Path
escrow	n. 1. (Law) money, goods, or a written document, such as a contract bond, delivered to a third party and held by him pending fulfilment of some condition 2. (Law) the state or condition of being an _ (esp in the phrase in _) vb(tr) l(Law) to place (mone
curio	n. A curious or unusual object of art or piece of bric-a-brac.
calico	n. 1. a. A coarse cloth with a bright print. b. Chiefly British A plain white cotton cloth, heavier than muslin. 2. Artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers. 3. An animal, such as a cat, having a coat tha
benison	n. A blessing; a benediction.
albatross	n. 1. Any of several large web-footed birds constituting the family Diomedeidae, chiefly of the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere, and having a hooked beak and long narrow wings. 2. a. A constant, worrisome burden. b. an obstacle to success.
trounce	v.tr. 1. To thrash; beat. 2. To defeat decisively.
viaduct	n. a bridge, esp for carrying a road or railway across a valley, etc., consisting of a set of arches supported by a row of piers or towers. [from Latin via way + ducere to bring, on the model of aqueduct]
tine	n. 1. a slender prong, esp of a fork2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) any of the sharp terminal branches of a deer's antler. [Old English tind; related to Old Norse tindr, Old High German zint]
vale	n. A valley, often coursed by a stream; a dale
dale	n. A valley.
savannah	n. A flat grassland of tropical or subtropical regions. [Obsolete Spanish çavana, from Taino zabana.]
opus	n. 1. an artistic composition, esp a musical work 2. (Music / Classical Music) (often capital) (usually followed by a number) a musical composition by a particular composer, generally catalogued in order of publication Beethoven's _ 61 is his violin con
neocolonialism	n. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (in the modern world) political control by an outside power of a country that is in theory sovereign and independent, esp through the domination of its economy.
voluptuary	n. Someone devoted to sensory pleasure and luxury; a sybaritye.
supplant	tr.v. 1. To usurp the place of, especially through intrigue or underhanded tactics. 2. To displace and substitute for (another): The word processor has largely _ed electric typewriters.
stupefy	v. 1. To dull the senses. 2. Astound.
serendipity	n. 1. The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident. 2. The fact or occurrence of such discoveries. 3. An instance of making such a discovery.
seminal	adj. 1. Of, relating to, containing, or conveying semen or seed. 2. Of, relating to, or having the power to originate; creative. 3. Highly influential in an original way; constituting or providing a basis for further development: a _idea in the develo
scourge	n. 1. Something causing misery or death 2. Someone who inspires fear or dread. 3. a whip used for punishment or torture vb (tr) 1. to whip; flog 2. to punish severely
scurrilous	adj 1. grossly or obscenely abusive or defamatory 2. characterized by gross or obscene humour.
saccharine	adj. Overly sweet.
revel	v. To enjoy.
remiss	adj. Negligent, exhibiting carelessness.
quid pro quo	n. 1. a reciprocal exchange 2. something given in compensation, esp an advantage or object given in exchange for another.
purport	vb.tr. 1. to claim (to be a certain thing, etc.) by manner or appearance, esp falsely 2. (esp of speech or writing) to signify or imply n. 1. meaning; significance; import 2. purpose; object; intention.
presentiment	n. A sense that something is about to occur; a premonition.
preponderance	n. 1. A great amount or frequency. 2. Superiority in weight, force, importance, or influence.
predestination	n. The concept of destiny or fate.
poach	v. To hunt or fish illegally.
iniquity	n. 1. Lack of justice or righteousness; wickedness; injustice. 2. A wicked act; sin.
inextricable	adj. Hopelessly confused or tangled.
impudent	adj. rude, improper.
hiernal	adj. Wintery, relating to winter.
hail	v. To come from.
gape	intr.v. 1. To open the mouth wide; yawn. 2. To stare wonderingly or stupidly, often with the mouth open. See Synonyms at gaze. 3. To open wide: The curtains _d when the wind blew. n. 1. The act or an instance of _ing. 2. A large opening.
forestall	v. To delay, impede.
fey	adj. 1. interested in or believing in the supernatural 2. attuned to the supernatural; clairvoyant; visionary 3. Chiefly Scot fated to die; doomed 4. Chiefly Scot in a state of high spirits or unusual excitement, formerly believed to presage death [Ol
extol	v. To praise.
daft	adj. Insane; foolish.
brash	adj. Hasty or lacking in sensitivity.
allay	v. 1. To relieve. 2. To passify or set to rest.
akimbo	adv. With hands on hips.
agoraphobia	n. An abnormal fear of open or public places.
accost	v. 1. to approach or confront aggressively as with a demand. 2. To solicit for sex.
dauphin	n. 1. The eldest son of the king of France from 1349 to 1830. 2. Used as a title for such a nobleman. (sounds like dolphin)
synesthesia	n. 1. A condition in which one type of stimulation evokes the sensation of another, as when the hearing of a sound produces the visualization of a color. 2. A sensation felt in one part of the body as a result of stimulus applied to another, as in refe
declamation	n. 1. (Literature / Rhetoric) a rhetorical or emotional speech, made esp in order to protest or condemn; tirade 2. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) a speech, verse, etc., that is or can be spoken 3. (Literature / Rhetoric) the act or art of declaimin
adjudicate	v.tr. 1. To hear and settle (a case) by judicial procedure. 2. To study and settle (a dispute or conflict): The principal _ our quarrel. v.intr. To act as a judge.
paddock	n. 1. A fenced area, usually near a stable, used chiefly for grazing horses. 2. Sports a. An enclosure at a racetrack where the horses are assembled, saddled, and paraded before each race. b. An area of an automobile racetrack where cars are prepared be
whet	(vb tr) 1. (Engineering / General Engineering) To sharpen, as by grinding or friction. 2. To increase or enhance (the appetite, desire, etc.); stimulate.
rheology	n. The study of the deformation and flow of matter.
Rubicon	n. A limit that when passed or exceeded permits of no return and typically results in irrevocable commitment. [Latin Rubic, Rubicn-, Rubicon, a short river of north-central Italy, the crossing of which by Julius Caesar and his army in 49 b.c. began a ci
ad hominem	adj. Appealing to personal considerations rather than to logic or reason: Debaters should avoid _ arguments that question their opponents' motives.
bloviate	v. To discourse at length in a pompous or boastful manner: "the rural Babbitt who _s about 'progress' and 'groth' " (George Rebeck).
glockenspiel	n. A percussion instrument with a series of metal bars tuned to the chromatic scale and played with two light hammers. Synonyms: orchestral bells Usage: She was always capricious in her tastes, but even her close friends were surprised when she dismissed
pogrom	n. An organized, often officially encouraged massacre or persecution of a minority group, especially one conducted against Jews. (sounds like, puh-'grum, where grum rhymes with strum)
alder	n. Any of various deciduous shrubs or trees of the genus Alnus, native chiefly to northern temperate regions and having alternate simple toothed leaves and tiny fruits in woody, conelike catkins. 2. The wood of these plants, used in carvings and for maki
ocular	adj. Relating to the eye.
brig	n. 1. (Transport / Nautical Terms) Nautical a two-masted square-rigger 2. (Military) Chiefly US a prison, esp in a navy ship
agrestic	adj. 1. rural; rustic 2. unpolished; uncouth [from Latin agrestis, from ager field]
browbeat	v.tr to discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner; intimidate
easement	n. 1. (Law) Property law the right enjoyed by a landowner of making limited use of his neighbour's land, as by crossing it to reach his own property 2. the act of easing or something that brings ease.
perquisite	n. An incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (esp. if it is regarded as a right. 2. A right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (esp. a hereditary or official right).
foreland	n. 1. (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) a headland, cape, or coastal promontory 2. land lying in front of something, such as water
draper	n. Chiefly British A dealer in cloth or clothing and dry goods.
sartorial	adj. 1. of or relating to a tailor or to tailoring 2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) Anatomy of or relating to the _(-3)ius. [from Late Latin sartorius from sartor]
sub rosa	adv. In secret; privately or confidentially: held the meeting _.
nib	n. 1. the writing point of a pen, esp an insertable tapered metal part with a split tip 2. a point, tip, or beak
succubus	n. A female evil spirit or demon thought in medieval times to descend upon and have sexual intercourse with sleeping men.
alight	vb (intr) 1. (usually foll by from) to step out (of) or get down (from): to _ from a taxi 2. to come to rest; settle; land: a thrush _ed on the wall adj (postpositive) adv 1. burning; on fire 2. illuminated; lit up. [Old English âlîht lit up, from
inter	vb(tr) To place (a body) in the earth; bury, esp with funeral rites. [from Old French enterrer, from Latin in-2 + terra earth]
consanguine	adj. Of the same lineage or origin; having a common ancestor.
Seder	n. The ceremonial night on the first night (or both nights) of Passover.
clavicle	n. 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) either of the two bones connecting the shoulder blades with the upper part of the breastbone Nontechnical name collarbone 2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) the corresponding structure
bugaboo	n. 1. An object of obsessive, usually exaggerated fear or anxiety: "Boredom, laziness and failure: These _s, magnified by imagination, keep [the workaholic] running (Dun's Review). 2. A recurring or persistent problem: the _s that have plagued vision s
luthier	n. One that makes or repairs stringed instruments.
buffet	v. 1. v. to strike against forcefully and/or repeatedly; batter: winds that _ed the tent. 3. To drive or force this way: was _ed about from job to job by the vagaries of the economy. 4. To force (one's way) with difficulty. [Middle English, from Ol
tawny	adj. A light brown to brownish orange.
brindled	adj. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Colours) brown or grey streaked or patched with a darker colour: a _ dog [changed from C15 brended, literally: branded, probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse bröndottr; see brand]
apothegm, apophthegm	n. A terse, witty, instructive saying; a maxim.
aurora	n. 1. A luminous atmospheric phenomenon appearing as streamers or bands of light sometimes visible in the night sky in northern or southern regions of the earth. It is thought to be caused by charged particles from the sun entering the earth's magnetic f
apiculture	n. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Agriculture) the breeding and care of bees [from Latin apis bee + culture]
anthropoid	adj. 1. resembling man 2. resembling an ape; apelike 3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) of or relating to the suborder _ea n. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any primate of the suborder _ea, including monkeys, apes, and m
animus	n. 1. intense dislike; hatred; animosity 2. motive, intention, or purpose 3. (Psychology) (in Jungian psychology) the masculine principle present in the female unconscious.
anemia	n. A pathological deficiency in the oxygen-carrying component of the blood, measured in unit volume concentrations of hemoglobin, red blood cell volume, or red blood cell number.
adjutant	n. 1. (Military) an officer who acts as administrative assistant to a superior officer adj. 2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) short for _ bird.
accord	n. 1. agreement; conformity; accordance (esp in the phrase in _ with) 2. consent or concurrence of opinion with one accord unanimously 4. pleasing relationship between sounds, colours, etc.; harmony 5. a settlement of differences, as between nations; com
accouchement	n. (Medicine / Gynaecology & Obstetrics) childbirth or the period of confinement. [from accoucher to put to bed, to give birth. See couch]
strumpet	n. A woman prostitute. [Middle English.]
allotrope	n. (Chemistry) any of two or more physical forms in which an element can exist: diamond and graphite are _s of carbon
selenium	n. a toxic nonmetallic element related to sulfur and tellurium; occurs in several allotropic forms; a stable grey metallike allotrope conducts electricity better in the light than in the dark and is used in photocells; occurs in sulfide ores (as pyrite).
multitudinous	adj. too numerous to be counted.
stoichiometry	n. 1. Calculation of the quantities of reactants and products in a chemical reaction. 2. The quantitative relationship between reactants and products in a chemical reaction.
exult	vb(intr) 1. to be joyful or jubilant, esp because of triumph or success; rejoice 2. (often foll by over) to triumph (over); show or take delight in the defeat or discomfiture (of) [from Latin exsultare to jump or leap for joy, from saltare to leap]
abscission	n. The separation of a leaf, flower, or fruit from a plant as a result of natural structural and chemical changes. The _ zone is a layer of weak, thin-walled cells that form across the base of the plant part where the break eventually occurs. A corky lay
accouter, accoutre	v.tr (Military) (usually passive) to provide with equipment or dress, esp military.
adjoin	v.tr. 1. To be next to; be contiguous to: property that _s ours. 2. To attach: "I do _ a copy of the letter that I have received" (John Fowles). v.intr. To be contiguous.
aeon	In many Gnostic systems, the various emanations of God, who is also known by such names as the One, the Monad, _ teleos (a??? t??e?? "The Broadest _"), Bythos ("depth or profundity", Greek ß????), Proarkhe ("before the beginning", Greek p??a???), the Ar
aerie	n. The nest of an eagle, hawk, falcon, or other bird of prey. Often built on a cliff or other high place. 2. A house or stronghold perched on a height.
QED	n. abbreviation for 1. (Philosophy / Logic) (Mathematics) quod erat demonstrandum [Latin: which was to be shown or proved] 2. (Physics / Atomic Physics) quantum electrodynamics
pro forma	adj. 1. Done as a formality; perfunctory. 2. Provided in advance so as to prescribe form or describe items: a _ copy of a document. [New Latin pr frm : pr, for the sake of + frm, ablative of frma, form.]
ziggurat	n. (Social Science / Archaeology) a type of rectangular temple tower or tiered mound erected by the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians in Mesopotamia. The tower of Babel is thought to be one of these [from Assyrian ziqqurati summit, height]
oxidize	vb. 1. (Chemistry) to undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction with oxygen, as in formation of an oxide 2. (Chemistry) to form or cause to form a layer of metal oxide, as in rusting 3. (Chemistry) to lose or cause to lose hydrogen atoms 4. (Chemis
laissez faire	n. 1. An economic doctrine that opposes governmental regulation of or interference in commerce beyond the minimum necessary for a free-enterprise system to operate according to its own economic laws. 2. Noninterference in the affairs of others.
benediction	n. 1. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) an invocation of divine blessing, esp at the end of a Christian religious ceremony 2. (Christianity / Roman Catholic Church) a Roman Catholic service in which the congregation is blessed with the sacrament 3. t
Erebus	n. Greek myth 1. (Myth & Legend / Classical Myth & Legend) the god of darkness, son of Chaos and brother of Night 2. (Myth & Legend / Classical Myth & Legend) the darkness below the earth, thought to be the abode of the dead or the region they pass throu
otiose	adj. 1. Serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being. 2. Lazy; indolent. 3. Producing no result or effect. sounds like "oh-she-is"
piffle	intr.v. To talk or act feebly or futilely. n. Foolish or futile talk or ideas; nonsense.
mise en scene	n. Arrangement of scenery and properties to represent the place where a play or movie is enacted.
anoint	tr.v. 1. To apply oil, ointment, or a similar substance to. 2. To put oil on during a religious ceremony as a sign of sanctification or consecration. 3. To choose by or as if by divine intervention. [Middle English enointen, from Old French enoint,
unabashed	adj. 1. Not disconcerted or embarrassed; poised. 2. Not concealed or disguised; obvious: _ disgust.
abhorrent	adj. 1. repugnant; loathsome
coriander	n. 1. a. An aromatic annual Eurasian herb in the parsley family, having parsleylike leaves and umbels of tiny white to pinkish flowers. It is cultivated for its edible fruits, leafy shoots, and roots.US and Canadian name: cilantro
vizier	n. A high officer in a Muslim government, especially in the Ottoman Empire.
irenic	adj. Promoting peace; conciliatory.
Sheherazade	A legendary Persian queen and the storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights. The frame tale goes that every day Shahryar (Persian: ???????, "king") would marry a new virgin, and every day he would send yesterday's wife to be beheaded. This was done in a
acquisitive	adj. 1. Characterized by a strong desire to gain and possess. 2. Tending to acquire and retain ideas or information: an acquisitive mind.
altruism	n. 1. Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness. 2. Zoology Instinctive behavior that is detrimental to the individual but favors the survival or spread of that individual's genes, as by benefiting its relatives.
affray	n. A noisy brawl.
abulia, aboulia	n. Loss or impairment of the ability to make decisions or act independently.
pathological, pathologic	adj. 1. Of or relating to _(-4)y. 2. Relating to or caused by disease. 3. Of, relating to, or manifesting behavior that is habitual, maladaptive, and compulsive: a pathological liar.
bawdy	adj. 1. Humorously coarse; risqué. 2. Vulgar; lewd.
bedevil	vb 1. to harass or torment 2. to throw into confusion 3. to possess, as with a devil.
beset	v. 1. (esp of dangers, temptations, or difficulties) to trouble or harass constantly 2. to surround or attack from all sides 3. Archaic to cover with, esp with jewels.
bowl over	v. 1. To take by surprise. 2. To make a powerful impression on; overwhelm.
chaste	adj. 1. not having experienced sexual intercourse; virginal 2. abstaining from unlawful or immoral sexual intercourse 3. (of conduct, speech, etc.) pure; decent; modest 4. (of style or taste) free from embellishment; simple; restrained
cheeky	adj. Impertinently bold; impudent and saucy.
codependent	adj. 1. Mutually dependent. 2. Of or relating to a relationship in which one person is psychologically dependent in an unhealthy way on someone who is addicted to a drug or self-destructive behavior, such as chronic gambling.
crotchety	adj. 1. Informal cross; irritable; contrary
crotchet	n. 1. (music) A quarternote. 2. A small hook or hooklike device 3. a perverse notion.
debauchery	n. 1. a. Extreme indulgence in sensual pleasures; dissipation. b. _(-3)s Orgies.
dysphoria	n. An emotional state characterized by anxiety, depression, or unease.
efface	v. 1. To rub or wipe out; erase. 2. To make indistinct as if by rubbing: "Five years' absence had done nothing to efface the people's memory of his firmness" (Alan Moorehead). 3. To conduct (oneself) inconspicuously: "When the two women went out together
etiolate	vb 1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) to whiten (a green plant) through lack of sunlight 2. to become or cause to become pale and weak, as from malnutrition.
crestfallen	adj. Dispirited and depressed; dejected.
flimflam	n. 1. Nonsense; humbug. 2. A deception; a swindle. tr.v. To swindle; cheat.
gamy, gamey	adj. 1. a. Having the flavor or odor of _(-1), especially _(-1) that is slightly spoiled. b. Ill-smelling; rank. 2. Showing an unyielding spirit; plucky: a _ little mare that loved to run. 3. a. Corrupt; tainted: "those considerable forces in America tha
mumpish	adj. Sullen, sulky
mugwump	n. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) US a neutral or independent person, esp in politics.
mollycoddle	vb(tr) to treat with indulgent care; pamper.
lubricious	adj. 1. Having a slippery or smooth quality. 2. Shifty or tricky. 3. a. Lewd; wanton. b. Sexually stimulating; salacious
jaundiced	adj. 1. Affected with _(-1). 2. Yellow or yellowish. 3. Affected by or exhibiting envy, prejudice, or hostility.
lambaste	v. 1. To give a thrashing to; beat. See Synonyms at beat. 2. To scold sharply; berate.
Limerent	n. A cognitive and emotional state of being infatuated or obsessed with another person.
lionhearted	adj. Extraordinarily courageous.
namby pamby	A term for affected, weak, and maudlin speech/verse.
homologous	n. 1. Corresponding or similar in position, value, structure, or function. 2. (Biology) Similar in structure and evolutionary origin, though not necessarily in function, as the flippers of a seal and the hands of a human. adj. Similar in evolutionary o
foie gras	n. A pate made from goose liver (marinated in Cognac) and truffles.
pate	n. liver or meat or fowl finely minced or ground and variously seasoned.
claque	n. 1. (Performing Arts / Theatre) a group of people hired to applaud 2. a group of fawning admirers.
conflate	v. To combine or blend (two things, especially two versions of a text) so as to form a whole.
deus ex machina	n. 1. (Performing Arts / Theatre) (in ancient Greek and Roman drama) a god introduced into a play to resolve the plot 2. (Performing Arts / Theatre) any unlikely or artificial device serving this purpose.
demotic	adj. 1. (Sociology) of or relating to the common people; popular 2. (Linguistics / Languages) of or relating to a simplified form of hieroglyphics used in ancient Egypt by the ordinary literate class outside the priesthood Compare hieratic n. (Linguistic
edacity	adj. Characterized by voracity; devouring.
eldrich	adj. Strange or unearthly; eerie.
epigone	n. A second-rate imitator or follower, especially of an artist or a philosopher.
esurient	adj. hungry, greedy.
exfoliate	v.tr. 1. To remove (a layer of bark or skin, for example) in flakes or scales; peel. 2. To cast off in scales, flakes, or splinters. v.intr. To come off or separate into flakes, scales, or layers.
fane	n. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) Archaic or poetic a temple or shrine.
fata morgana	n. (Physics / General Physics) a mirage, esp one in the Strait of Messina attributed to the sorcery of Morgan le Fay.
frisson	n. a shudder or shiver; thrill (French)
gyre	n. 1. a circular or spiral movement or path 2. a ring, circle, or spiral vb(intr) to whirl.
homunculus	n. 1. a small man or midget. 2. formerly, the microcosmic human form believed to be present in spermatozoon.
hors de combat	adj. out of action, disabled.
ipso facto	adv. By that very fact or act.
jeremiad	n. 1. A literary work or speech expressing a bitter lament or a righteous prophecy of doom. 2. A long mournful lamentation or complaint.
lethe	n. Greek Mythology The river of forgetfulness, one of the five rivers in Hades - the souls of the dead have to drink from it. 2. A condition of forgetfulness; oblivion.
liminal	n. The threshold of a physiological or psychological response.
litotes	n. (Literature / Rhetoric) understatement for rhetorical effect, esp when achieved by using negation with a term in place of using an antonym of that term, as in "She was not a little upset'' for "She was extremely upset.''
manque	adj. Unfulfilled or frustrated in realizing an ambition.
tenebrous	adj. Dark, gloomy, shadowy.
synecdoche	n. (Linguistics) a figure of speech in which a part is substituted for a whole or a whole for a part, as in 50 head of cattle for 50 cows, or the army for a soldier.
billet-doux	n. A love letter.
numinous	adj. 1. Of or relating to a _(-5)en; supernatural. 2. Filled with or characterized by a sense of a supernatural presence: a numinous place. 3. Spiritually elevated; sublime.
numen	n. 1. A presiding divinity or spirit of a place. 2. A spirit believed by animists to inhabit certain natural phenomena or objects. 3. Creative energy; genius.
lummox	n. A clumsy or stupid person.
promethean	adj. Boldly creative; defiant; audacious. n. A person who is boldly creative or defiantly original.
Dionysian	adj. Uninhibited; undisciplined; spontaneous; wild; orgiastic. After the god of wine and fertility in Greek mythology.
jubilee	n. 1. A special anniversary of an event, especially a 50th anniversary. 2. Rejoicing or celebration.
shambolic	adj. Chaotic, disorganized, or confused.
groundswell	n. 1. A surge of opinion or feeling about someone or something. 2. A broad deep swell of the ocean, caused by a distant storm or an earthquake.
riposte	n. 1. A quick, clever reply. 2. In fencing, a quick return thrust. v.tr. To make a quick, clever reply.
foursquare	adj. 1. Firm; unyielding. 2. Frank; forthright. 3. Square in shape. adv. In a firm or forthright manner.
brass ring	n. A prize or an opportunity for a prize, especially a prestigious one.
brass-collar	adj. Unwaveringly loyal to a political party; always voting a straight party ticket.
iron curtain	n. An impenetrable barrier to communication, marked by censorship, secrecy, and isolation. Popularized in a speech by Winston Churchill in 1946 referring to the separation between the Soviet Bloc and the West. Earliest documented use: 1794.
suasion	n. The act of urging: per_. (Often used in the phrase 'moral _')
gest	n. A tale, especially of someone's notable adventures or exploits.
dun	v.tr To make persistent demands for payment, especially for a debt. n. 1. Someone who _s. 2. A demand for payment. II: n. 1. A dull grayish brown color. 2. A horse in _ color. adj. Of _ color.
kip	n. 1: Sleep; a place to sleep; a bed. 2: v.i. To sleep or nap. 3: n. The hide of a young or small animal or a bundle of such hides.
betide	v.tr. To happen to. v.intr. To take place, befall.
inosculate	v.tr. 1. To unite (blood vessels, nerve fibers, or ducts) by small openings. 2. To make continuous; blend. v.intr. 1. To open into one another. 2. To unite so as to be continuous; blend.
caitiff	n. A cowardly and despicable person. adj. cowardly, despicable.
corniche	n. A coastal road, especially one cut into the side of a cliff.
beau geste	n. A gracious, but often meaningless in substance, gesture.
soubrette	n. 1. A maidservant or lady's maid in a play or an opera, especially one who displays coquetry and engages in intrigue. 2. A young woman regarded as flirtatious. 3. A soprano who sings supporting roles in comic opera.
pantywaist	n. noun: A weak or effeminate man. adj. Weak; cowardly; effeminate.
jezebel	n. A shameless, wicked, or immoral woman. After the wife of King Ahab in the old testament.
jehu	n. 1. A fast driver. 2. A driver of a cab. After King _ of the Old Testament.
concupiscent	adj. Lustful; libidinous.
hircine	adj. 1. Of or relating to a goat. 2. Having a strong odor. 3. Lustful; lewd.
porcine	adj. 1. Of or related to swine. 2. Piggish: greedy; sloppy; boorish.
anserine	adj. 1. Of or relating to a goose. 2. Stupid; silly.
pavonine	adj. 1. Of or resembling a peacock. 2. Vain; showy.
billet	v. 1. To lodge or to be quartered. noun: n. 2. A civilian place (as a private home) where soldiers are lodged temporarily. 3. An official order directing someone to provide lodging for soldiers. 4. A short letter or a note. 5. A job appointment. 6. A ch
quisling	n. (Military) a traitor who aids an occupying enemy force; collaborator
schlemiel	n. An inept, clumsy person: a habitual bungler.
picaresque	adj. 1. Of or relating to humorous or satiric fiction describing, in a series of episodes, the adventures of a roguish hero. 2. Of or relating to rogues or scoundrels. Via french from Spanish _(-5)o.
fool's errand	n. An absurd or futile undertaking.
eremite	n. A recluse or hermit, especially for religious reasons, often in the desert.
vatic	adj. Of or related to a prophet or a prophecy: prophetic. Oraculur.
defalcate	v. To misuse funds, embezzle.
oenophile	n. Someone who enjoys wine, especially as a connoisseur.
surcease	v. To bring or come to an end; stop. n. Cessation.
corolla	n. The petals of a flower as a group.
St. Elmo's Fire	n. An electrical discharge visible at the surface of a conductor, as a ship's mast or an airplane's wing. After a mispronounced saint who is regarded as the patron saint of sailors and an electrical discharge on the mast of a ship is believed to be a si
Morton's Fork	n. A situation involving choice between two equally undesirable outcomes.
Occam'srazor	n. The maxim that the simplest of explanations is more likely to be correct than any other.
Hobson's Choice	n. An apparently free choice that offers no real alternative: take it or leave it
Paper Tiger	n. A nation, institution, etc. which is outwardly strong and powerful but is in fact powerless and ineffectual.
God's Acre	n. A cemetary.
Bread and Circuses	n. Things intended to keep people happy and to divert their attention from problems.
Methuselah	n. 1. An extremely old man (biblical reference). 2. An oversized wine bottle holding approx. 6 liters.
persnickety	adj. 1. Fussy about minor details. 2. Snobbish, pretentious.
stenosis	n. A narrowing of a passage, vessel, or an opening in the body.
nebbish	n. A pitifully timid or ineffectual person.
drumlin	n. A long, narrow, whale-shaped hill of gravel, rock, and clay debris, formed by the movement of a glacier.
fjord	n. A long, narrow inlet of the sea, bordered by steep cliffs, and carved by glacial action.
orison	n. A prayer.
enfant terrible	n. A person, especially someone famous or successful, whose unconventional lifestyle, work, or behavior appears shocking.
fatwa	n. A ruling on a point of law given by an Islamic religious leader. 2. A severe denunciation.
sashay	n. 1. A square dance figure; partners circle each other taking sideways steps. 2. (ballet) quick gliding steps with one foot always leading. 3. Journey taken for pleasure. 4. A type of folk dance in which couples are arranged in sets or face one another
coiffure	n. The arrangement of hair, esp. a woman's hair.
bouffant	n. 1. Of hair, having extra height and width through back-combing; puffed out. 2. Of sleeves or skirts: puffed out.
hospice	n. 1. Lodging for travelers, esp. one kept by a monastic order. 2. A program of medical and emotional care for the terminally ill.
auspice	n. 1. (usually plural) patronage or guidance (esp in the phrase under the _s of) 2. (often plural) a sign or omen, esp one that is favourable.
confer	v. 1. To bestow (an honor, for example): _ed a medal on the hero; _red an honorary degree on her. 2. To invest with (a characteristic, for example): a carefully worded statement that _red an aura of credibility. v.intr. To conference or consult.
telemetry	n. The science and technology of automatic measurement and transmission of data by wire, radio, or other means from remote sources, as from space vehicles, to receiving stations for recording and analysis.
hobnail	n. A short nail with a thick head used to protect the soles of shoes or boots.
transom	n. 1. a horizontal member that separates a door from a window over it 2. the window itself. 3. a. a surface forming the stern of a vessel, either vertical or canted either forwards (reverse transom) or aft at the upper side b. any of several transverse
idolatry	n. Self-worship.
bathetic	adj. Effusively or insincerely emotional.
commissary	n. 1. A retail store that sells equipment and provisions (usually to military personnel) 2. A snack bar in a film studio.
cotilion	n. 1. A lively dance originating in France in the 18th century. 2. A ball at which young ladies are presented to society.
check kiting	It is commonly defined as intentionally writing a check for a value greater than the account balance from an account in one bank, then writing a check from another account in another bank, also with non-sufficient funds, with the second check serving to c
righteous	adj. 1. Characterized by or proceeding from accepted standards of morality or justice. 2. Morally justified. 3. Concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles.
rectitude	n. Righteousness as a consequence of being honorable and honest.
sagamore	n. A subordinate chief among the Algonquians of North America.
coptic	n. 1. The liturgical language of the Coptic Church used in Egypt and Ethiopia; written in the Greek alphabet. 2. The ancient and now extinct language of Egypt under the Pharaohs; written records date back to 3000 BC. adj. Of or relating otthe Copts or
joist	n. (civil engineering) A steel or wood beam providing direct support for a floor or ceiling, in turn supported by larger beams.
divest	vb. 1. (Clothing & Fashion) to strip (of clothes); to _ oneself of one's coat 2. to deprive or dispossess 3. (Law) Property law to take away an estate or interest in property vested (in a person). 4. To sell off or otherwise dispose of (a subsidiary com
barnstorm	v.tr. 1. (Performing Arts / Theatre) to tour rural districts putting on shows, esp theatrical, athletic, or acrobatic shows 2. (Literature / Rhetoric) (Chiefly US and Canadian) to tour rural districts making speeches in a political campaign.
gastronomy	n. 1. The art of good eating. 2. (Cookery) the type of cookery of a particular region; the _ of Proven.
artistry	n. 1. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) artistic workmanship, ability, or quality 2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) artistic pursuits 3. great skill.
burke	v.tr. 1. To suppress or extinguish quietly; stifle. 2. To avoid; disregard. 3. (Law) To murder by suffocation so as to leave the body intact and with no marks.
catachresis	n. 1. The misapplication of a word or phrase, as the use of blatant to mean "flagrant." 2. The use of a strained figure of speech, such as a mixed metaphor.
catechesis	n. A method of oral instruction involving question and answer techniques.
allegory	n. 1. a. The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form. b. A story, picture, or play employing such representation. 2. A symbolic representation: The blindfolded figure wit
parable	n. A simple story illustrating a moral or religious lesson.
"sholem aleykham"	expression (Yiddish) "Hello, peace be with you."
liturgy	n. 1. A prescribed form or set of forms for public religious worship. 2. (Christianity) The sacrament of the Eucharist.

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