Vocabulary for Everything Matters!

# 1 pages 3-27

keen : make an eerie wailing sound

vasa previa : fetal blood vessels cross or run near the internal opening of the uterus. These vessels are at risk of rupture when the supporting membranes rupture, as they are unsupported by the umbilical cord or placental tissue.

Hematoma : a solid swelling of clotted blood within the tissues.

Omnipotent : having unlimited power; able to do anything.

Paradox : a situation, person, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities.

Prodigious : remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.

Burgeon : begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish.

Emasculate : deprive (a man) of his male role or identity.

Seismic : of enormous proportions or effect.

Amphitheater : a sloping, semicircular seating gallery

Undulate : move with a smooth wavelike motion.

Inexorable : impossible to stop or prevent.

Relinquish : voluntarily cease to keep or claim; give up.

Proposition : a suggested scheme or plan of action, especially in a business context.

Omniscient : knowing everything.

Specter : ghost, apparition

Twilight : the soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon, caused by the refraction and scattering of the sun's rays from the atmosphere.

Loquacious : tending to talk a great deal; talkative.

Composure : the state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself

Assimilate : cause (something) to resemble; liken.

Hoist : an act of raising or lifting something

Remora : a slender marine fish that attaches itself to large fish by means of a sucker on top of its head. It generally feeds on the host's external parasites.

Omnipresent : widely or constantly encountered; common or widespread.

Falsetto : a method of voice production used by male singers, especially tenors, to sing notes higher than their normal range.

Baritone: an adult male singing voice between tenor and bass.

Velocity : the speed of something in a given direction.

Stimuli : a thing that rouses activity or energy in someone or something; a spur or incentive.

Synapses: a junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter.

Vitriol: cruel and bitter criticism.

Monopolize : have or take the greatest share of.

Grimace : an ugly, twisted expression on a person's face, typically expressing disgust, pain, or wry amusement.

Shrapnel : fragments of a bomb, shell, or other object thrown out by an explosion.

Solace : comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.

#2 pages 28-51

Proclivity: a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing.

Nunchakus: a Japanese martial arts weapon consisting of two hardwood sticks joined together by a chain, rope, or thong.

Bewilder: cause (someone) to become perplexed and confused.

Vortex : a mass of whirling fluid or air, especially a whirlpool or whirlwind.

Cacophony : a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

Solace : comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.

Concede: admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it.

Gloat : contemplate or dwell on one's own success or another's misfortune with smugness or malignant pleasure.

Squall : a sudden violent gust of wind or a localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow, or sleet.

Acute: having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight: shrewd.

Smolder: burn slowly with smoke but no flame.

Frenetic : fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way.

Transfix : cause (someone) to become motionless with horror, wonder, or astonishment.

Languid : weak or faint from illness or fatigue.

Benign: gentle or kindly’ not harmful in effect: in particular, (of a tumor) not malignant.

Nauseous: affected with nausea; inclined to vomit.

Contusion : a region of injured tissue or skin in which blood capillaries have been ruptured; a bruise.

Scrim: strong, coarse fabric, chiefly used for heavy-duty lining or upholstery.

Enigma: a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

Lethargy: a lack of energy and enthusiasm.

Listless: lacking energy or enthusiasm.

Courtier: a person who attends a royal court as a companion or adviser to the king or queen.

Carouse: drink plentiful amounts of alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively way.

#3 pages 52-81

Prodigious: remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.

Exponential: (of an increase) becoming more and more rapid.

Morose: sullen and ill-tempered.

Exacerbate: make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.

Intangible: unable to be touched or grasped; not having physical presence.

Ineffable: too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.

Regal: of, resembling, or fit for a monarch, especially in being magnificent or dignified.

Comport: accord with; agree with.

Adjacent: next to or adjoining something else.

Amble: walk or move at a slow, relaxed pace.

Vigorous: strong, healthy, and full of energy.

#4 pages 82-100

Ascend: go up or climb

Cryptic : having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure

Monosyllabic : (of a person) using brief words to signify reluctance to engage in conversation.

Figurative : departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical.

Dormant : normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; in or as if in a deep sleep.

Catatonic : of or in an immobile or unresponsive stupor.

Daunting : seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating

Abide : accept or act in accordance with

Luxurious : extremely comfortable, elegant, or enjoyable, especially in a way that involves great expense

Cascade : a process whereby something, typically information or knowledge, is successively passed on.

Wry : using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor.

Overt : done or shown openly; plainly or readily apparent, not secret or hidden.

Retribution : punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.

Ponder : think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion

Permeate : spread throughout (something); pervade. "the aroma of soup permeated the air"

Balk : or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking--- refuse to go on.

Insincere : not expressing genuine feelings.

Indulgence: a thing that is indulged in; a luxury.

Delusion: an idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument, typically a symptom of mental disorder.

Epic : heroic or grand in scale or character

Indignation: anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.

#5 pages 101-126

ideation : the formation of ideas or concepts.

Illicit: forbidden by law, rules, or custom.

Ubiquitous: present, appearing, or found everywhere.

Perversion : the alteration of something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended.

Temperament : a person's or animal's nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior; the tendency to behave angrily or emotionally.

Tempo : the rate or speed of motion or activity; pace.

Benign : not harmful in effect: in particular, (of a tumor) not malignant.

Impervious : not allowing fluid to pass through.

Remiss : lacking care or attention to duty; negligent

Scuttle : un hurriedly or furtively with short quick steps.

Perfunctory : (of an action or gesture) carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.

Implode ; collapse or cause to collapse violently inward.

Rowdy : noisy and disorderly.

Mason : a builder and worker in stone.

Inexorable : impossible to stop or prevent.

Aficionado : a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime.

Paternal : of or appropriate to a father.

Ruminate : think deeply about something.

Convalescence : time spent recovering from an illness or medical treatment; recuperation.

Dissuade : persuade (someone) not to take a particular course of action.

Beacon : a fire or light set up in a high or prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration.

Chastise : rebuke or reprimand severely.

Integument : a tough outer protective layer, especially that of an animal or plant

Slalom : move or race in a winding path, avoiding obstacles.

Bovine : Placid relating to or affecting cattle.

Bacchanalia : the Roman festival of Bacchus. -- drunken revelry.

#6 pages 127-157

sic : used in brackets after a copied or quoted word that appears odd or erroneous to show that the word is quoted exactly as it stands in the original [sic]

disparage ; regard or represent as being of little worth.

Elaborate : involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and complicated in design and planning.

Delusion : an idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument, typically a symptom of mental disorder.

Hallmark : a distinctive feature, especially one of excellence.

Paranoid : unreasonably or obsessively anxious, suspicious, or mistrustful.

Vignette: a brief evocative description, account, or episode.

Unintelligible : impossible to understand.

Desolate : (of a place) deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness.

Feasible : possible to do easily or conveniently.

Leverage : the exertion of force by means of a lever or an object used in the manner of a lever.

Languish : of a person or other living thing) lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble.

Lobotomy a surgical operation involving incision into the prefrontal lobe of the brain, formerly used to treat mental illness.

Stipulation : a condition or requirement that is specified or demanded as part of an agreement

#7 pages 158-187

levity : humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect.

Penchant : a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something.

Transgression : an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense.

Oblivious : not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one.

Alabaster : ike alabaster in whiteness and smoothness.

Enigma : a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

Deity : deity

Oblivion : the state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening.

Amenable : (of a person) open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled.

Dubious : hesitating or doubting.

Guileless : devoid of guile; innocent and without deception

Tacit :

Studious: spending a lot of time studying or reading.

Methamphetamine : a synthetic drug with more rapid and lasting effects than amphetamine, used illegally as a stimulant and as a prescription drug to treat narcolepsy and maintain blood pressure.

Poise: be or cause to be balanced or suspended. -- graceful and elegant bearing in a person.

Brusque: abrupt or offhand in speech or manner.

Baffle : totally bewilder or perplex.

Effete : no longer capable of effective action.

Demoralized : cause (someone) to lose confidence or hope; dispirit.

Mercurial : (of a person) subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.

Insolence : rude and disrespectful behavior.

Solicit : ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone.

Stupor : a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility.

Posthaste : with great speed or immediacy.

Renegade : a person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles.

Taqueria : a Mexican restaurant specializing in tacos.

Listless : (of a person or their manner) lacking energy or enthusiasm.

Assurance: a positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise.

Ominous : giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening; inauspicious

Slog : work hard over a period of time.

#8 pages 188-221

euphemism : a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.

Dynamo : a machine for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy; a generator; or energetic person.

Obstinance ; Stubborn

ether : a pleasant-smelling, colorless, volatile liquid that is highly flammable. It is used as an anesthetic and as a solvent or intermediate in industrial processes.

Oncologist : a medical practitioner qualified to diagnose and treat tumors.

Incongruent : incongruous; incompatible.

Incredulous : (of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something.

Contention : an assertion, especially one maintained in argument.

Dissipate : (with reference to a feeling or other intangible thing) disappear or cause to disappear.

Admonish : warn or reprimand someone firmly.

Impudent : not showing due respect for another person; impertinent.

#9 pages 222-258

Redux: brought back; revived.

Meld : blend; combine.

Inequity : lack of fairness or justice.

Proximity : nearness in space, time, or relationship.

abject : of something bad) experienced or present to the maximum degree.

Amphibious: relating to, living in, or suited for both land and water.

Annihilation : complete destruction or obliteration.

Salient : most noticeable or important.

Butte : an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top (similar to but narrower than a mesa).

Bemuse : puzzle, confuse, or bewilder (someone).

Ambivalence : the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone

Exult : show or feel elation or jubilation, especially as the result of a success.

Paroxysm : a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity.

Trepidation : a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen.

Haphazard : lacking any obvious principle of organization.

Anomaly : something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

Demur : raise doubts or objections or show reluctance.

Ostensible : stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.

Butte : an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top (similar to but narrower than a mesa).

Tangible : perceptible by touch

#10 pages 261-302

pastiche : an artistic work consisting of a medley of pieces taken from various sources

philanthropist : a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.

Exacerbate : make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.

Acquiesce : accept something reluctantly but without protest.

Implacable : unable to be placated.

Gesticulate : use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasize one's words.

Abate : (of something perceived as hostile, threatening, or negative) become less intense or widespread.

Slough : a situation characterized by lack of progress or activity.

Matriarch a woman who is the head of a family or tribe.

Tepid : (especially of a liquid) only slightly warm; lukewarm.

Secular : denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis.

Lieu : instead.

Vex : make (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.

Placid : (of a person or animal) not easily upset or excited.

Recoil : suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust.

Zinger : a striking or amusing remark.

Bludgeons : a thick stick with a heavy end, used as a weapon.

Dysentery : infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhea with the presence of blood and mucus in the feces.

Evasive : ending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly.

Generic : characteristic relating to a class or group of things; not specific.

Dysentery : infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhea with the presence of blood and mucus in the feces.

Lucid : expressed clearly; easy to understand.

Palpate : examine (a part of the body) by touch, especially for medical purposes.

Buttress : a projecting support of stone or brick built against a wall.

Staunch : ) of strong or firm construction.

Mundane : of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one.

Precocious : (of a child) having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual.

inconsolable : (of a person or their grief) not able to be comforted or alleviated.

Incongruous : not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something.

Crescendo: a gradual increase in loudness in a piece of music.

Subterfuge : deceit used in order to achieve one's goal.

Jaundice : bitterness, resentment, or envy. dical condition with yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, arising from excess of the pigment bilirubin and typically caused by obstruction of the bile duct, by liver disease, or by excessive breakdown of red blood cells.

Emanates : (of something abstract but perceptible) issue or spread out from (a source).

Anarchy: a state of disorder due to absence or no recognition of authority.

Nauseous; affected with nausea; inclined to vomit.