| autopsy |
a medical examination of a dead body to find the cause of death. |
| composite |
made up of several parts. |
| contagion |
the spreading of a disease by contact or close association. |
| deficit |
The amount by which something is less than what is needed. A deficit of money is caused by spending more than has been taken in. |
| designate |
to choose for a particular job or purpose. |
| excoriate |
to denounce or criticize severely. |
| idolatry |
unquestioning or excessive devotion or adoration. |
| lithe |
characterized by light, graceful, flexible movements. |
| martinet |
a person who enforces very strict discipline, especially in the military. |
| mimicry |
an act, instance, or the art of imitating or copying the speech, behavior, or expressions of others. |
| pejorative |
acting or tending to create a negative impression; disparaging; demeaning. |
| prude |
someone who is extremely or overly concerned with modesty or proper conduct, speech, dress, or the like. |
| prudent |
showing good judgment and caution; sensible. |
| renounce |
to give up (a right or claim) usually by formal declaration or announcement; waive. |
| staunch2 |
unwaveringly firm or loyal. |