| atrophy |
a gradual wasting away of a body part, especially from insufficient use or nourishment. |
| cognate |
having a common origin, as languages. |
| gradation |
a gradual almost imperceptible change, especially from one tone or texture to another. |
| hone |
to make more effective or adept; perfect. |
| indigenous |
being the people or animals that originally lived and may continue to live in a particular country or region. |
| inviolable |
absolutely not to be breached, dishonored or profaned. |
| mediation |
the act or process of mediating between two disputing or disagreeing parties to bring about a resolution; arbitration. |
| novice |
a person with little or no experience at a particular job or activity. |
| penurious |
extremely needy or poor; poverty-stricken. |
| pillage |
to openly and forcefully seize goods from, as during a war; plunder. |
| shard |
a piece of a broken object, especially a fragment of pottery or glass. |
| synoptic |
forming a summary or overview. |
| tentative |
not yet fully developed or definitely decided; provisional. |
| usurp |
to take and hold (a right, position, office, or the like) illegally, wrongfully, or by force. |
| veneer |
a superficial outward appearance or show. |