| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| distraught |
mentally or emotionally unbalanced; crazed. |
| glabrous |
having no hair or fuzz; bald; smooth. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| idiosyncrasy |
a characteristic of temperament, habit, or physical structure particular to a given individual or group; peculiarity. |
| impinge |
to encroach. |
| invidious |
tending to arouse feelings of resentment or animosity, especially because of a slight; offensive or discriminatory. |
| lanugo |
fine, soft hair, especially that with which a human fetus or newborn is covered. |
| ligature |
a band or tie. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| pungency |
sharpness or bite in taste or smell. |
| reprisal |
injury inflicted in retaliation for injury received, as in war; revenge. |
| seminal |
of critical importance; essential. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |