Unit 8

assurance

A pledge; freedom from doubt, self-confidence.

asylum

An institution for the care of children, elderly people, etc.; a place of safety.

console

To comfort; also refers to the keyboard of an organ or a control panel for an electrical or mechanical device.

dilate

To make or become larger or wider; to expand upon.

dross

Refuse, waste products.

dwindle

To lessen, diminish.

flippant

Lacking in seriousness; disrespectful, saucy.

immunity

Resistance to disease; freedom from some charge or obligation.

institute

To establish, set up; also refers to an organization for the promotion of learning.

liability

A debt; something disadvantageous.

preposterous

Ridiculous, senseless.

pugnacious

Quarrelsome, fond of fighting.

rabid

Furious, violently intense, unreasonably extreme; mad; infected with rabies.

realm

A kingdom; a region or field of study.

rejuvenate

To make young again; to make like new.

remunerate

To reward, pay, reimburse.

sparse

Meager, scant; scattered.

sterling

Genuine, excellent; made of silver of standard fineness.

venture

A risky or daring undertaking; to expose to danger; to dare.

warp

To twist out of shape; can also refer to an abnormality.