Word of the Day Archive/November 2000
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perquisite:
a benefit in addition to a salary.
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exigency:
state of requiring immediate action; also, an urgent situation; also,
that which is required in a particular situation.
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succinct:
brief; concise.
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ineffectual:
without effect; weak; useless.
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sapient:
wise; sage; discerning.
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deus
ex machina: an agent who appears unexpectedly to solve an apparently
insoluble difficulty.
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circumspect:
cautious; prudent; wary.
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tutelage:
protection; also, instruction.
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visage:
the face; also, appearance; aspect.
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introspection:
the act or process of self-examination; reflection.
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missive:
a written message.
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expropriate:
to deprive of possession; also, to transfer (another's property) to
oneself.
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malcontent:
one who is discontented or dissatisfied.
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ukase:
an edict.
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derogate:
to deviate from expectation; also, to detract; also, to
disparage.
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raillery:
good-humored banter or teasing repartee.
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neologism:
a new word or expression; the use or creation of new words or expressions.
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malaise:
a condition of uneasiness or ill-being.
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raffish:
tawdry; also, rakish.
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querulous:
habitually complaining.
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cornucopia:
the horn of plenty; also, an abundance.
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sine
qua non: an indispensable thing.
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fractious:
tending to cause trouble; also, irritable.
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vim:
energy; vigor.
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perambulate:
to stroll; to walk through or over.
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wizened:
shriveled; withered.
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modicum:
a small or token amount.