| backwater |
any place that is seen as primitive, unchanging, or stagnant. |
| demean1 |
to lower in esteem, stature, or dignity; degrade. |
| endorse |
to give support to; approve of. |
| esoteric |
understood or known only by a few persons who have special training, access, or interests. |
| firmament |
the entire arch of the sky; heavens. |
| hitherto |
until this time; previously. |
| imperturbable |
not easily excited or disturbed; calm. |
| incantation |
the words or sounds that are uttered or chanted as part of a magical ritual or spell, or the act of uttering such words or sounds. |
| kinetic |
of, concerning, or caused by motion. |
| microcosm |
a small, complete whole; tiny world. |
| onus |
an unwanted but necessary task; burden. |
| perennial |
lasting throughout the year or for many years. |
| quibble |
an unimportant, petty, or trivial disagreement or objection. |
| squabble |
to quarrel over trivial matters; bicker. |
| winnow |
to sift through, or separate out the desired or worthwhile from the undesired or worthless part of, as by critical analysis. |