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Composition > WL 37 > Flashcards

WL 37 Flashcards

1
Q

palimpsest

A

n. parchment used for second time after original writing has been erased

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2
Q

palliation

A

n. act of making less severe or violent

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3
Q

panoply

A

n. full set of armor

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4
Q

paramour

A

n. illicit lover

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5
Q

paranoiac

A

n. mentally unsound person suffering from delusions

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6
Q

parapet

A

n. low wall at edge of roof or balcony

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7
Q

parity

A

n. equality close resemblance

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8
Q

parlous

A

adj. dangerous; perilous

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9
Q

parturition

A

n. delivery; childbirth

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10
Q

passé

A

adj. old-fashioned; past the prime

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11
Q

pastiche

A

n. imitation of another’s style in musical composition or in writing

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12
Q

pathological

A

adj. pertaining to disease

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13
Q

patina

A

n. green crust on old bronze works; tone slowly taken by varnished painting

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14
Q

patois

A

n. local or provincial dialct

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15
Q

peculation

A

n. embezzlement; theft

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16
Q

pedant

A

n. scholar who overemphasizes book learning or technicalities

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17
Q

pediment

A

n. triangular part above columns in Greek buildings

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18
Q

pejorative

A

adj. having a deteriorating or depreciating effect on the meaning of a word

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19
Q

pendulous

A

adj. hanging ; suspended

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20
Q

pennate

A

adj. having wings or feathers

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21
Q

peregrinations

A

n. journey

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22
Q

perigee

A

n. point of moon’s orbit when it is nearest the earth

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23
Q

peristyle

A

n. series of columns surrounding a building or yard

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24
Q

peroration

A

n. conclusion of an oration

25
Q

perquisite

A

n. any gain above stipulated salary

26
Q

personable

A

adj. attractive

27
Q

perspicuity

A

n. clearness of expression; freedom from ambiguity

28
Q

perspicuous

A

adj. plainly dressed

29
Q

pharisaical

A

adj. pertaining to the Pharisees; self-righteous; hypocritical

30
Q

phobia

A

n. morbid fear

31
Q

physiological

A

adj. pertaining to the science of the function of living organisms

32
Q

picaresque

A

adj. pertaining to rogues in literature

33
Q

piebald

A

adj. mottled; spotted

34
Q

plangent

A

adj. plaintive; resounding sadly

35
Q

platonic

A

adj. purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire

36
Q

plausible

A

adj. having a show of truth but open to doubt; specious

37
Q

plebicite

A

n. expression of the will of a people by direct election

38
Q

plentitude

A

n. abundance; commpleteness

39
Q

polemic

A

n. controversy; argument in support of point of view

40
Q

polity

A

n. form of government of nation or state

41
Q

porphyry

A

n. ingenious rock containing feldspar or quartz crystals

42
Q

postprandial

A

adj. after dinner

43
Q

potable

A

adj. suitable for drinking

44
Q

preciosity

A

n. over-refinement in art or speech

45
Q

preempt

A

v. appropriate beforehand

46
Q

prehensile

A

adj. capable of grasping or holding

47
Q

premonitory

A

adj. serving to warn

48
Q

preponderance

A

n. superiority of power, quantity, etc.

49
Q

prerogative

A

n. privilege; unquestionable right

50
Q

prestige

A

n. impression produced by achievements or reputation

51
Q

preternatural

A

adj. beyond that which is normal in nature

52
Q

primogeniture

A

n. seniority by birth

53
Q

probe

A

v. explore with tools

54
Q

prognathous

A

adj. having projecting jaws

55
Q

projectile

A

n. missile

56
Q

proletarian

A

n. member of the working class

57
Q

propellants

A

n. substances which propel or drive worward

58
Q

prophylactic

A

adj. used to prevent disease

Composition (26 decks)

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