| agnostic |
one who believes it is impossible to know anything about the existence or nonexistence of God or about the essential nature of things beyond the material universe. |
| backlash |
a strong reaction against some prior development, especially political or social change. |
| cistern |
a tank or other receptacle for catching and storing water, especially rainwater. |
| crossfire |
a volley of projectiles, especially gunfire, directed at some central point from two separated positions. |
| diffident |
unsure of oneself; shy; demure. |
| dross |
anything that is worthless or useless; rubbish. |
| engulf |
to cover entirely, as if by a flood. |
| ethereal |
highly refined; unworldly. |
| hone |
to make more effective or adept; perfect. |
| incur |
to become liable for or bring upon oneself (usually some unwanted or harmful consequence). |
| mania |
an extreme desire or enthusiasm. |
| matriarch |
a woman who acts as head of a family, tribe, or other group of people. |
| quiescent |
in a state of inaction or rest; dormant. |
| repercussion |
(usually plural) a result or effect of an action or event, often occurring indirectly or unexpectedly. |
| transmute |
to change into another form, substance, state, or the like. |