Vocab H1 Flashcards
adjunct
(n.) something added to something else as helpful or useful but not essential; an assistant or helper
The test manual was an adjunct that came free.
bellwether
(n.) the male sheep that leads the flock to the slaughterhouse; a leader
The bellwether of the mob
caterwaul
(v.) to howl or screech like a cat; to quarrel
The caterwaul of the wolves.
chimerical
(adj.) absurd; wildly fantastic
They had chimerical ideas.
effete
(adj.) lacking in wholesome vigor or energy; worn-out or exhausted
After school the students were effete.
fait accompli
(n.) an accomplished and presumably irreversible deed, fact, or action
The fall of the rebel stronghold was fait accompli.
hidebound
(adj.) narrow-minded and rigid, especially in opinions or prejudices
The hidebound administration is against new ideas.
hierarchy
(n.) any system of things or people arranged or graded one above another in order of rank, wealth, class, etc
The hierarchy of society.
liturgy
(n.) a religious service or rite
The pilgrims attended a liturgy.
mirage
(n.) something illusory, without substance, or without a basis in reality; an illusion
A mirage in the desert.
morass
(n.) a patch of low, soft, wet ground; a swamp; a confusing situation in which one is entrapped
A morass of consciousness.
noisome
(adj.) offensive or disgusting
The noisome comments made by protestors.
oblivious
(adj.) forgetful; unaware
They were oblivious to the oncoming traffic.
potroon
(n.) a base coward
The poltroon deserted the military.
proselyte
(n.) a convert; a disciple
The early Christians were proselytes.