Advanced Vocabulary: Atrophy to Stratagem for Independent Learners

atrophy

(n.) The wasting away of a body organ or tissue; any progressive decline or failure; (v.) to waste away.

bastion

A fortified place, stronghold; a place or system in which certain attitudes or activities prevail.

concord

A state of agreement, harmony, unanimity; a treaty, pact, or covenant.

consummate

(adj.) Complete or perfect in the highest degree; (v.) to bring to a state of completion or perfection.

disarray

(n.) Disorder, confusion; (v.) to throw into disorder.

exigency

Urgency, pressure; urgent demand, pressing need; an emergency.

flotsam

Floating debris; homeless or impoverished people; useless or unimportant items.

frenetic

Frenzied, highly agitated; wildly excited or active.

glean

To gather bit by bit; to learn or discover little by little.

grouse

(n.) A type of game bird; a complaint; (v.) to complain or grumble.

incarcerate

To imprison, confine, jail.

incumbent

(adj.) Obligatory, required; (n.) one who currently holds a specific office.

jocular

Humorous, jesting, jolly, joking.

ludicrous

Ridiculous, laughable, absurd.

mordant

Biting or caustic in thought, manner, or style; sharply or bitterly harsh.

nettle

(n.) A prickly or stinging plant; (v.) to arouse displeasure, impatience, or anger; to irritate severely.

pecuniary

Consisting of or measured in money; of or related to money.

pusillanimous

Contemptibly cowardly or mean-spirited; lacking courage.

recumbent

In a reclining position, lying down, in the posture of one sleeping or resting.

stratagem

A scheme to outwit or deceive an opponent or to gain an end.