| 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. |
| alibi |
a way of defending oneself against criminal charges by showing that one was not at the scene of the crime when it happened. |
| aspect |
a part or element. |
| categorize |
to put into groups that have common characteristics; arrange by categories; classify. |
| confidentiality |
the state or condition of being kept private or communicated only in private. |
| descendant |
one who comes from a given ancestor or ancestors. |
| embroil |
to involve in conflict. |
| enthrall |
to hold the complete attention of; fascinate. |
| incidence |
the frequency with which something happens or the range over which it occurs. |
| membrane |
a thin layer of tissue found in living things. Some kinds of membranes cover the outside or inside of organs. Other membranes separate or connect different parts of the body. |
| obligate |
to make someone do something because of a law or moral principle. |
| organism |
an individual living thing, such as a plant, an animal, or a germ. |
| seminar |
a small class at a university, usually for advanced students, for study and discussion. |
| shun |
to keep away from or avoid on purpose. |
| somber |
sad, dismal, or full of gloom. |