| balm |
a soothing, healing ointment, often fragrant. |
| coalition |
an alliance, especially a temporary one, of various factions, parties, or nations. |
| compound |
made up of two or more parts or elements. |
| construe |
to comprehend or explain the meaning or intention of; assign a meaning to; interpret. |
| degrade |
to bring down from a higher to a lower rank or degree by taking away a position or title. |
| drastic |
extreme or severe. |
| ecology |
the scientific study of the relationships between living things and their environments. |
| educational |
giving knowledge or skill. |
| excise1 |
a tax levied on the manufacture or sale of certain goods within a nation or state. |
| extremist |
a person who takes a radical stand and encourages radical action or thinking, especially in politics. |
| plentiful |
large in amount; more than enough. |
| seismic |
of, concerning, or resulting from an earthquake. |
| spangle |
a small, thin piece of shiny metal used for decoration on clothing. |
| spectacle |
an unusual or splendid sight or public show. |
| virtually |
practically; almost completely; very nearly. |