| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| adulteration |
the act or process of making worse or impure by adding unnecessary or inferior ingredients. |
| assail |
to attack with vigor or violence; assault. |
| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| halcyon |
tranquil; peaceful; calm. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| macerate |
to soften (food or the like) by soaking, as in digestion. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |
| pungent |
sharp and strong in taste or smell. |
| risible |
provoking laughter; laughable or funny. |