| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| disheveled |
not neat; messy. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| extempore |
without plan or preparation; impromptu or improvised. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| pandemic |
a widespread outbreak of disease that afflicts many people over different continents. |
| pneumatic |
of, using, or concerning air or other gases. |
| relict |
a plant, animal, or geological feature that has survived in a considerably changed environment. |
| reprise |
repetition of a musical phrase or theme in an identical or slightly altered way. |
| unadulterated |
unmixed with or undiluted by additives or extraneous elements; pure; complete. |
| vitiate |
to harm the quality of; mar; spoil. |