| 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. |
| condense |
to make smaller or less in volume; make more closely packed together; concentrate. |
| crisis |
the point or moment just before a very important change in one direction or another. |
| domination |
the act of controlling or governing by the use of power or influence. |
| gauge |
to make an estimate of; judge. |
| heartland |
a central land area, especially one considered to be economically, politically, or militarily vital to a nation or region. |
| heckler |
one who disrupts a performance or public address with annoying remarks or questions. |
| investigative |
of or relating to a comprehensive process of searching for, uncovering, and examining information. |
| latter |
the second of two things mentioned. |
| pinpoint |
to find or explain exactly. |
| regional |
of or relating to a particular geographical area. |
| reliance |
the act of relying or depending. |
| rogue |
a person who is dishonest or mean. |
| selfless |
having or showing an unselfish lack of concern for oneself and one's interests. |
| subsist |
to stay alive or obtain the necessities of life (usually followed by "on"). |