definitions Flashcards
free enterprise
an economic system in which private business operates in competition and largely free of state control.
chasm
a deep fissure in the earth’s surface.
fissure
a long, narrow opening or line of breakage made by cracking or splitting, especially in rock or earth.
fable
a short story that tells a general truth or is only partly based on fact, or literature of this type
bloviating
talk at length, especially in an inflated or empty way.
quaaludes
sedative-hypnotic drug (trade name Quaalude) that is a drug of abuse
anima
the soul, especially the irrational part of the soul as distinguished from the rational mind
ubiquitous
present, appearing or found everywhere
altruistic
showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish.
derelict
1) adjective:
in a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect.
2) noun:
a person without a home, job, or property.
trepidation
a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen.
irk
irritate; annoy
Eurocentric
focusing on European culture or history to the exclusion of a wider view of the world; implicitly regarding European culture as pre-eminent.
afrocentric
1) centered on or derived from Africa or the Africans.
2) emphasising or promoting emphasis on African culture and the contributions of Africans to the development of Western civilisation
rhapsody
an effusively enthusiastic or ecstatic expression of feeling.
erstwhile
former/past/old
prodigious
remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.
intrepid
fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect).
unflagging
tireless; persistent
maritime
1) connected with the sea, especially in relation to seaborne trade or naval matters.
2) living or found in or near the sea.
3) bordering on the sea.
verities
1) the quality or state of being true, real, or correct.
2) truth or fact.
salient
standing out conspicuously
idyllic
like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque
glen
a valley that’s narrow and secluded
alas
an expression of sadness or disappointment, especially when there is no hope that a situation will change
warren
a group of holes in the ground which are connected by tunnels and which rabbits live in
indomitable
impossible to subdue or defeat.
trivial
of little value or importance.
unobtrusive
not conspicuous or attracting attention.
atychiphobia
an intense fear of failure
vigintiquintuplets
one of 25 babies born from the same mother during the same birth
subjective
relates to personal viewpoints, experiences, or perspectives
objective
refers to factual data that is not influenced by personal beliefs or biases.
abhor
regard with disgust and hatred.
vestige
1) forming a very small remnant of something that was once greater or more noticeable.
2) a part or organ of an organism which has become reduced or functionless in the course of evolution. (vestigial structures)
sentimental
of or prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.
entropy
.lack of order or predictability; gradual decline into disorder.
opaque
not able to be seen through; not transparent.
verbatim
copied, quoted, or translated in exactly the same words as were used originally.
regurgitation
1) the action of bringing swallowed food up again to the mouth.
2) the repetition of information without analysis or comprehension.
lethargic
of, relating to, or characterized by laziness or lack of energy
mentalese
the language of thought
lest
with the intention of preventing (something undesirable); to avoid the risk of.
vagabond
1) a person who wanders from place to place without a home or job.
2) having no settled home.
3) wander about as or like a vagabond.
archaic
very old or old-fashioned.
contenance
an outward appearance.
