| 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. |
| cleanse |
to make clean; remove dirt from. |
| countenance |
facial expression or general appearance. |
| hostage |
someone held prisoner by a person or group trying to force another person or group to meet certain demands. |
| indulgence |
the act of yielding to or gratifying a desire or appetite. |
| ineffective |
producing little or none of the desired or intended impact. |
| inscribe |
to write by carving. |
| monopoly |
complete control over a service or product within a given area. |
| nevertheless |
however; still. |
| penalize |
to give penalty or punishment to. |
| picturesque |
as pleasing or interesting to look at as a picture or painting. |
| prolific |
producing young or new growth in abundance; fertile. |
| rapture |
great happiness, joy, or ecstasy; bliss. |
| refine |
to make pure or fine. |
| transmission |
the act of sending or carrying from one person, place, or thing to another. |