| acumen |
superior insight; quickness and shrewdness of judgment, especially in practical matters. |
| arbitration |
the consideration and decision of an issue or dispute by someone who has the official authority to decide such matters. |
| cistern |
a tank or other receptacle for catching and storing water, especially rainwater. |
| compulsive |
driven by an obsession or compulsion. |
| diffuse |
in the physical sciences, to flow toward regions of lower concentration. |
| disconcert |
to upset the calm or self-assurance of; ruffle. |
| effervescence |
high spirits; excitement; liveliness. |
| inclusive |
comprising or covering a great deal; comprehensive. |
| mellifluous |
flowing and sweet, as though with honey. |
| modulate |
to vary the loudness, pitch, intensity, or tone of; especially soften or tone down. |
| pejorative |
acting or tending to create a negative impression; disparaging; demeaning. |
| perforate |
to make a hole in. |
| ravish |
to overwhelm with emotion or sensation; enrapture. |
| subterfuge |
a stratagem or artifice used to hide, avoid, or deceive. |
| zealot |
a person who is excessively and often intolerantly enthusiastic, especially about a cause or religious faith; fanatic. |