 | Term | Definition |
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abyss |
1. An immeasurably deep chasm, depth, or void. 2. The primeval chaos out of which it was believed that the earth and sky were formed. 3. The abode of evil spirits; hell. |
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acrid |
1. Unpleasantly sharp, pungent, or bitter to the taste or smell. 2. Caustic in language or tone. |
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acuity |
Acuteness of vision or perception; keenness. |
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baleful |
1. Portending evil; ominous. 2. Harmful or malignant in intent or effect. |
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cataclysm |
1. A violent upheaval that causes great destruction or brings about a fundamental change. 2. A violent and sudden change in the earth's crust. 3. A devastating flood. |
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catharsis |
1. Medicine Purgation, especially for the digestive system. 2. A purifying or figurative cleansing of the emotions, especially pity and fear, described by Aristotle as an effect of tragic drama on its audience. 3. A release of emotional tension, as after an overwhelming experience, that restores or refreshes the spirit. 4. A technique used to relieve tension and anxiety by bringing repressed feelings and fears to consciousness. |
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dogma |
1. A doctrine or a corpus of doctrines relating to matters such as morality and faith, set forth in an authoritative manner by a church. 2. An authoritative principle, belief, or statement of ideas or opinion, especially one considered to be absolutely true. 3. A principle or belief or a group of them. |
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edifice |
1. A building, especially one of imposing appearance or size. 2. An elaborate conceptual structure. |
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enumerate |
1. To count off or name one by one; list. 2. To determine the number of; count. |
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grate |
1. To reduce to fragments, shreds, or powder by rubbing against an abrasive surface. 2. To cause to make a harsh grinding or rasping sound through friction. 3. To irritate or annoy persistently. 4. To rub or wear away. 5. To make a harsh rasping sound by or as if by scraping or grinding. 6. To cause irritation or annoyance. 7. A harsh rasping sound made by scraping or rubbing. |
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inertia |
1. The tendency of a body to resist acceleration; the tendency of a body at rest to remain at rest or of a body in straight line motion to stay in motion in a straight line unless acted on by an outside force. 2. Resistance or disinclination to motion, action, or change. |
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inordinate |
1. Exceeding reasonable limits; immoderate. 2. Not regulated; disorderly. |
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luminous |
1. Emitting light, especially emitting self-generated light. 2. Full of light; illuminated. 3.Easily comprehended; clear. 4. Enlightened and intelligent; inspiring. |
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maudlin |
Effusively or tearfully sentimental. |
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novice |
1. A person new to a field or activity; a beginner. 2. A person who has entered a religious order but has not yet taken final vows. |
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pique |
1. A state of vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; a feeling of wounded pride. 2. To cause to feel resentment or indignation. 3. To provoke; arouse. 4. To pride (oneself). |
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propensity |
An innate inclination; a tendency. |
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purse (v.) |
To gather or contract (the lips or brow) into wrinkles or folds; pucker. |
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refute |
1. To prove to be false or erroneous; overthrow by argument or proof 2. To deny the accuracy or truth of. |
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remuneration |
1. The act of remunerating. 2. Something, such as a payment, that remunerates. |
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soothsayer |
One who claims to be able to foretell events or predict the future; a seer. |
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supple |
1. Readily bent; pliant. 2. Moving and bending with agility; limber. 3. Yielding or changing readily; compliant or adaptable. 4. To make or become supple. |
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travail |
1. Work, especially when arduous or involving painful effort; toil. 2. Tribulation or agony; anguish. 3. The labor of childbirth. 4. To work strenuously; toil. 5. To be in the labor of childbirth. |
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understate |
1. To state with less completeness or truth than seems warranted by the facts. 2. To express with restraint or lack of emphasis, especially ironically or for rhetorical effect. 3. To state (a quantity, for example) that is too low. 4. To give an understatement. |
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vibrant |
1. Pulsing or throbbing with energy or activity. 2. Vigorous, lively, and vital. 3. Exhibiting or characterized by rapid, rhythmic movement back and forth or to and fro; vibrating. 4. Produced as a result of vibration; resonant or resounding. 5. Relatively high on the scale of brightness. |
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