| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| arrant |
complete; unmitigated; downright. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| exponent |
one that expounds or interprets. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| harrow |
to go over or break up with a harrow. |
| idiosyncrasy |
a characteristic of temperament, habit, or physical structure particular to a given individual or group; peculiarity. |
| kibbutz |
an Israeli farming settlement whose ownership is shared by those who live and work there. |
| lambent |
glowing softly. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| redoubtable |
inspiring fear; formidable. |
| symbiosis |
a close association, usually a mutually beneficial relationship, between two dissimilar organisms. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |