| civilian |
of or relating to the daily life of ordinary citizens, not of the military or police. |
| coalition |
an alliance, especially a temporary one, of various factions, parties, or nations. |
| contraption |
(informal) a mechanical device, sometimes of odd design or construction; gadget. |
| dimension |
size as measured in length, width, or depth. |
| exclude |
to leave out; keep out. |
| fortitude |
strength, endurance, and patience in the face of adversity or temptation. |
| genetics |
(used with a singular verb) the science that studies how characteristics are passed on from parent to offspring. Genetics is concerned with the influence of genes on the appearance, development, and evolution of plants and animals. |
| humanitarian |
characterized by concern for improving the welfare of people. |
| intercept |
to stop or take hold of; interrupt the movement or progress of. |
| misunderstand |
to fail to understand correctly; give the wrong meaning to. |
| ornery |
mean; stubborn. |
| persuasive |
having the ability to cause another to do or believe something. |
| reversal |
the act of turning in or taking an opposite direction or position. |
| rueful |
feeling, showing, or causing regret or sorrow. |
| speculate |
to make guesses or wonder about something (often followed by "on" or "about"). |