| 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. |
| amplify |
to make larger or greater. |
| attribution |
the act of identifying something as the work of a particular person or group. |
| collaborative |
characterized by or resulting from the activity of people or organizations working together for a common purpose. |
| hardheaded |
not easily moved, manipulated, or duped; shrewd; pragmatic. |
| hostage |
someone held prisoner by a person or group trying to force another person or group to meet certain demands. |
| insufficient |
not enough in number, degree, amount, or quality; not sufficient. |
| laden |
filled with a great weight. |
| lavish |
to give or spend a large amount or without limit. |
| literally |
word for word. |
| lure |
to attract with the promise of a reward. |
| maelstrom |
a turbulent or overpowering situation. |
| obsess |
to preoccupy the mind or emotions of (someone) excessively or abnormally. |
| parasite |
a plant, animal, or fungus that lives on or in another living thing, called the host. A parasite gets its food and energy from the host organism. |
| reliance |
the act of relying or depending. |