| atrophy |
a gradual wasting away of a body part, especially from insufficient use or nourishment. |
| bifurcation |
the act or result of dividing into two branches, or the state of being so divided. |
| endemic |
native to or restricted to a given place or population. |
| illicit |
not permitted by custom or law; illegitimate. |
| impale |
to pierce and hold fast with a sharp-pointed instrument such as a spear. |
| indict |
to formally accuse (someone) of a crime in a court of law after studying evidence. |
| malevolent |
wishing or doing evil to others; ill-willed; malicious. |
| migratory |
changing habitat or location periodically, as in response to changes in climate or job opportunities. |
| missive |
a message in writing; letter. |
| optic |
of or concerning the eye or the sense of sight. |
| ornamentation |
decoration; embellishment. |
| poignant |
deeply touching; arousing strong emotion, especially sadness or sympathy; piercing; penetrating. |
| precinct |
an area in a town or city that forms a separate district for voting or that is looked after by one police unit. |
| resonance |
ability to make a strong or lasting effect, especially because of an emotional association. |
| resurrection |
a return to life after death. |