Unit 4 Vocabulary

affinity

(n.) a natural inclination to a person, thing, or activity; a relationship, connection

bilious

(adj.) peevish or irritable; sickeningly, unpleasant

cognate

(adj.) closely related in origin, essential nature, or function; (n.) such a person or thing

corollary

(n.) a proposition that follows from one already proven; a natural consequence or result; (adj.) resultant or consequent

cul-de-sac

(n.) a blind alley or dead end street; any situation in which further progress is impossible; an impasse

derring-do

(n.) a valor or heroism; daring deeds or exploits (often used to poke fun of false heroics)

divination

(n.) the art or act of predicting the future or discovering hidden knowledge

elixir

(n.) a potion once thought capable of curing ills and maintaining life indefinitely; a panacea; a sweet liquid used as a vehicle in medicines

folderol

(n.) foolish talk, ideas, or procedures; nonsense; a trifle

gamut

(n.) an entire range or series

hoi polloi

(n.) the common people; the masses

ineffable

(adj.) not expressible in words; too great or too sacred to be uttered

lucubration

(n.) laborious study or thought, especially at night; the result of such work

mnemonic

(adj.) relating to or designed to assist the memory; (n.) a device to aid the memory

obloquy

(n.) a public abuse indicating strong disapproval or censure; the disgrace resulting from such treatment

parameter

(n.) a determining or characteristic element; a factor that shapes the total outcome; a limit, boundary

pundit

(n.) a learned person; one who gives authoritative opinions

risible

(adj.) pertaining to laughter; able or inclined to laugh; laughable

symptomatic

(adj.) typical or characteristic; being or concerned with a symptom of a disease

volte-face

(n.) an about face; a complete reversal