NSF nationals vocabulary X20

Question 1

pulsate

Answer 1

to vibrate or quiver, to expand and contract rythimatically

Question 2

punitive

Answer 2

inflicting punishment

Question 3

purview

Answer 3

the range of vision, or insight

Question 4

pussyfoot

Answer 4

to move in a stealthy manner

Question 5

pyrotechnic

Answer 5

the craft of making fireworks

Question 6

Pyrrhic victory

Answer 6

a victory or goal achieved at too great a cost

Question 7

quaff

Answer 7

to drink a beverage heartily

Question 8

quail

Answer 8

small gallinaceous game birds

Question 9

quandary

Answer 9

a state of uncertainty

Question 10

quantum

Answer 10

a amount or value

Question 11

queasy

Answer 11

nausea, about to vomit

Question 12

quibble

Answer 12

argue over petty things

Question 13

quid pro quo

Answer 13

one things in return for another

Question 14

quixotic

Answer 14

not sensible about practical matters; unrealistic

Question 15

quizzical

Answer 15

perplexed, confused

Question 16

radon

Answer 16

radioactive gaseous

Question 17

rail

Answer 17

a barrier, brace, or support

Question 18

raiment

Answer 18

clothing, apparel, attire

Question 19

rakish

Answer 19

like a rake, dissolute

Question 20

rancid

Answer 20

having a bad smell or taste

Question 21

rancor

Answer 21

a feeling of bitter anger

Question 22

rarefied

Answer 22

extremely high or elevated

Question 23

raucous

Answer 23

unpleasantly loud and harsh

Question 24

ravening

Answer 24

devouring or craving food

Question 25

ravish

Answer 25

to hold spellbound

Question 26

reappraisal

Answer 26

a new appraisal or evaluation

Question 27

recant

Answer 27

to formally reject or disavow

Question 28

recognizance

Answer 28

a security entered into before a court with a condition to perform some act required by law

Question 29

reconnoiter

Answer 29

to explore with a goal of finding something or somebody

Question 30

recrimination

Answer 30

mutual accusation

Question 31

recumbent

Answer 31

lying down, reclining

Question 32

redoubtable

Answer 32

inspiring fear

Question 33

referendum

Answer 33

a legislative act is referred for final approval to a popular vote by the electorate

Question 34

rejoinder

Answer 34

a response

Question 35

rend

Answer 35

tear or to be torn violently

Question 36

renegade

Answer 36

having deserted a cause or principle

Question 37

repair

Answer 37

to fix up

Question 38

repatriate

Answer 38

to return to a country whose citizenship has been restored

Question 39

repel

Answer 39

to drive back

Question 40

repose

Answer 40

to pose again