| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| centripetal |
forced or moving inward toward a center point or axis. |
| convoluted |
complex; intricate. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| facetious |
not serious; humorous or frivolous. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| macrocosm |
a large unit or entity that represents on a large scale one of its smaller components. |
| noisome |
offensive or disgusting, especially in smell; foul. |
| ostentation |
a showy display to impress others. |
| solecism |
a gross violation of convention in grammar, etiquette, or the like; impropriety. |
| topography |
the shape of the earth's surface across an area or region. The topography of an area includes the size and location of hills and dips in the land. |
| trabeated |
using horizontal beams or lintels as supports instead of arches. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |