| atrophy |
a gradual wasting away of a body part, especially from insufficient use or nourishment. |
| epigram |
a short, pithy, often paradoxical sentence. |
| euphony |
a pleasing, harmonious quality of sounds, especially words. |
| habituate |
to make accustomed to. |
| myopia |
a visual defect in which distant images are focused in front of rather than on the retina; nearsightedness. |
| palatable |
acceptable or pleasing to the sense of taste. |
| palpitate |
of the heart, to pulsate rapidly; flutter; quiver. |
| perennial |
lasting throughout the year or for many years. |
| pessimist |
one who usually expects a bad outcome. |
| plebeian |
in ancient Roman society, of or belonging to the class of commoners; not patrician. |
| pretext |
a false reason or claim put forward to mask one's true motive or aim. |
| regale |
to entertain or delight, as with humorous tales. |
| stratum |
a level in a social hierarchy. |
| tribulation |
severe suffering or affliction; distress. |
| valediction |
a farewell speech, especially one given by a student of the highest honors at a graduation ceremony. |