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apogee 1. The point in its orbit when a planet or satellite (usually the moon) is farthest from the earth 2. The highest point; culmination; apex geocentric 1. Referring to the center of the earth in measurement or observation. 2. Considering the earth as the center of a planetary system. perigee The point in its orbit when a planet or a satellite (usually the moon) is nearest the earth. inter To bury; to place in a grave. terra cotta Ceramic clay used in pottery, statuary, and construction. terrestrial 1. Pertaining to the earth and its inhabitants. 2. Referring to land as distinct from water or air. exhume To dig out of the ground or from a grave; to disinter. humus Rich, dark organic material formed by decay of vegetable matter, essential to soil's fertility. mountebank A swindler; a charlatan; a trickster. paramount Of chief importance; primary; foremost. promontory A high ridge of land jutting into a body of water; a headland. pastoral 1. Pertaining to a Christian minister or the duties accompanying the office. 2. Referring to life in open country or to fields for farming or grazing. 3. Pertaining to an idealized rural life. rustic 1. Typical of country life and people; simple; rough. 2. A rural person. rusticate 1. to go to the country. 2. To cause to become rustic. animus 1. A powerful feeling of hostility or antagonism; hatred. 2. An animating spirit. equanimity Composure and calm in stressful conditions; equilibrium. pusillanimous Cowardly; fearful. ether 1. The regions of space beyond the earth's atmosphere; the heavens. 2. A highly flammable liquid anesthetic. ethereal 1. Spiritlike in lightness and delicacy. 2. Heavenly; celestial. diaphanous allowing light to show through; translucent; delicate. epiphany 1. A revelatory manifestation of a divine being. 2. A revelation; a flash of understanding of the true nature of something. 3. (capitalized) A Christian festival, Jan 6, celebrating the visit of the Wise Men to the Christ Child. phantasm A phantom; an apparition; something unreal, as in a dream or a vision. sycophant A flatterer seeking favors or gain; a servile self-seeker. aspiration 1. Strong desire for achievement; ambition toward a long-range goal. 2. Expulsion of breath in speaking. dispirited Dejected; discouraged; gloomy hyperbole An exaggeration; a figure expressing excess. hyperborean 1. Far north; Arctic. 2. Very cold; frigid. hyperventilation The condition of taking abnormally fast, deep breaths. vent 1. An outlet; an opening for passage of liquids, fumes, or sometimes air. 2. To utter; to express, especially in relieving strong feelings.