| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| apotheosis |
a perfect or ideal example; epitome. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| asterisk |
a sign (*). It is used to show that there is other information on the page that explains the information where the sign is placed. |
| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| disquisition |
a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| malaise |
a state or condition of feeling generally unwell, mentally depressed, sluggish, or uneasy. |
| periphrasis |
an indirect or roundabout way of phrasing something; circumlocution. |
| revetment |
a facing of stone, masonry, or the like to support or protect a wall, embankment, or mound of earth. |
| stochastic |
of, or arising from chance or probability. |
| uxorial |
of, pertaining to, or befitting a wife. |