| acute |
sharp; severe. |
| alchemy |
an ancient exploration and practice of chemistry which flourished particularly during medieval times. Practitioners used chemical processes in the hope of, for example, producing gold from base metals, finding the key to eternal life, and uncovering a single cure for all disease. |
| apprehend |
to catch and place under arrest. |
| argumentative |
given to quarrels, debate, or violent clashes of opinion, often without a cause; contentious. |
| arrogant |
having or showing too much pride; behaving as though one is more important than others. |
| comprehensive |
including everything or almost everything; wide in range. |
| forte1 |
a strong or exceptional point, such as a talent or skill. |
| inhibition |
the condition of being held back or prevented from acting, as by one's own fear or embarrassment. |
| mortgage |
a written agreement by which a bank or other institution agrees to lend money so that one can buy a property. The bank holds a claim to this property until the money is paid back. |
| mystify |
to confuse or puzzle, often on purpose. |
| physiological |
of or relating to the vital processes or functions of a living organism or its parts. |
| prolific |
producing young or new growth in abundance; fertile. |
| scrutiny |
a close and careful inspection. |
| snub |
to ignore as a way to show dislike, dissatisfaction, or contempt. |
| stench |
an unpleasant or foul odor; stink. |