| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| convoluted |
complex; intricate. |
| cyst |
a small pouch within body tissue that is filled with fluid or air. Some cysts are connected with serious disease, but most are not harmful at all. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| fungible |
interchangeable. |
| gossamer |
delicately fine, gauzelike, or filmy. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| imbricate |
overlapping in an even sequence, as roof tiles or fish scales. |
| innocuous |
not capable of causing damage; harmless. |
| inveigle |
to entice or ensnare by clever talk or flattery. |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |
| recessional |
a piece of music that accompanies the exit of participants in a program or religious ceremony. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |
| tyro |
one who is beginning to learn a business, trade, sport, or the like; novice; neophyte. |
| unadulterated |
unmixed with or undiluted by additives or extraneous elements; pure; complete. |