| assumption |
something that is supposed or believed without questioning. For example, if you ask someone whether she is allowed to watch TV during dinner, you have made an assumption that there is a TV in her house. Assumptions are ideas people have that are not based on proven facts. An assumption can be correct or incorrect. |
| dismal |
full of gloom; sad. |
| enumeration |
the act or process of naming or listing one by one. |
| equivalent |
the same as or equal to another in force, value, measure, or meaning. |
| fad |
something that is liked by many people for a short amount of time. |
| genetics |
(used with a singular verb) the science that studies how characteristics are passed on from parent to offspring. Genetics is concerned with the influence of genes on the appearance, development, and evolution of plants and animals. |
| incidence |
the frequency with which something happens or the range over which it occurs. |
| liberal |
generous. |
| pioneer |
someone who is one of the first in a culture to explore or live in a place. |
| rendezvous |
a meeting that has been arranged ahead of time. |
| sterile |
free of live germs or bacteria. |
| surplus |
the amount that goes beyond what is needed or required; an extra amount. |
| uncertainty |
the condition or quality of being unsure or doubtful. |
| unnecessary |
not needed or required. |
| waive |
to forgo or give up (a right, claim, or privilege). |