Vocab Level H Unit 4

affinity

affinity

(n.) A natural attraction 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; such a person or thing

corollary

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

cul-de-sac

(n.) A blind alley or dead-end street; any situation in which further progress is impossible; an impasse Image: cul-de-sac

derring-do

(n.) Valor or heroism; daring deeds or exploits (often used to poke fun at 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 all 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.) 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 Image: parameter

pundit

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

risible

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

volte-face

(n.) An about-face; a complete reversal

symptomatic

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