Unit 8

1. assurance (n.) a pledge; freedom from doubt, self-confidence

2. asylum (n.) an institution for the care of children, elderly people, etc.; a place of safety

3. console (v.) to comfort; (n.) the keyboard of an organ; a control panel for an electrical or

mechanical device

4. dilate (v.) to make or become larger or wider; to expand upon

5. dross (n.) refuse, waste products

6. dwindle (v.) to lessen, diminish

7. flippant (adj.) lacking in seriousness; disrespectful, saucy

8. immunity (n.) resistance to disease; freedom from some charge or obligation

9. institute (v.) to establish, set up; (n.) an organization for the promotion of learning

10. liability (n.) a debt; something disadvantageous

11. preposterous (adj.) ridiculous, senseless

12. pugnacious (adj.) quarrelsome, fond of fighting

13. rabid (adj.) furious, violently intense, unreasonably extreme; mad; infected with rabies

14. realm (n.) a kingdom; a region or field of study

15. rejuvenate (v.) to make young again; to make like new

16. remunerate (v.) to reward, pay, reimburse

17. sparse (adj.) meager, scant; scattered

18. sterling (adj.) genuine, excellent; made of silver of standard fineness

19. venture (n.) a risky or daring undertaking; (v.) to expose to danger; to dare

20. warp (v.) to twist out of shape; (n.) an abnormality