| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| cravat |
a scarf or band of cloth tied loosely about the neck. |
| desiccate |
to remove the moisture in (food) so as to preserve it. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| expatiate |
to discuss something at great length; describe in great detail. |
| fracas |
a noisy disturbance or quarrel. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| glean |
to gather or discover (facts, information, or the like) a little at a time. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| malapropism |
the humorous or ridiculous misuse of a word, especially by using a word that sounds similar to the correct word, but whose meaning is inappropriate. |
| obviate |
to prevent or eliminate in advance; render unnecessary or irrelevant. |
| precursory |
coming before and serving to indicate what will follow; premonitory. |
| risible |
provoking laughter; laughable or funny. |
| triage |
a system of determining priority of medical treatment, on the basis of need, chances of survival, and the like, to victims on a battlefield or in a hospital emergency ward. |