vocabulary #2

accouterments n.- An accessory item of equipment or dress. Often used in the plural
          Since accouterments were mandatory for the meeting I chose to wear a watch and a chain.


apogee n.- The farthest or highest point; the apex
           Becoming a millionaire is the apogee of most people in the world.


apropos adj.- Being at once opportune and to the point.
           He was apropos once he was able to obtain his promotion.


bicker intr.v- To engage in a petty, bad-tempered quarrel; squabble
           My siblings and I always bicker over small matters.


coalesce intr.v- To grow together; fuse
           To become more successful a group needs to coalesce as a unit.


contretemps n.- an awkward or difficult situation or mishap
           I was in a contretemps when I walked into the wrong classroom my first day of school>


convolution n.- A form or part that is folded or coiled
           That copper was in a convolution to make for extra room.


cull tr.v- To pick out from others; select
           The teacher culled Jerry because he believed that Jerry was best qualified for that specific demonstration.


disparate adj.- Fundamentally distinct or different in kind; entirely dissimilar
            It was evident that Tim was disparate from his brother when it came to schoolwork.


dogmatic adj.- based on assumption rather than empirical observation
           Many people feel that politics is dogmatic.


licentious adj.- Lacking moral discipline or ignoring legal restraint, especially in sexual conduct.
           Some people are licentious when it comes to the speed limit on a highway.


mete tr.v-  To distribute by or as if by measure; allot
           I was meted 100 thousand dollars for winning the lottery.


noxious adj.- Harmful to living things; injurious to health
           Inhaling helium from balloons is very noxious.


polemic n.- A controversial argument, especially one refuting or attacking a specific opinion or doctrine
            When dealing with the topic of abortion we deal with a polemic.


populous adj.- Containing many people or inhabitants; having a large population
            China is one of the most populous countries in the world.


probity n.- Complete and confirmed integrity; uprightness
            Many people believe in a policeman's probity.


repartee n.- A swift, witty reply
             Dr. Preston is known for his repartees.


supervene intr.v- To come or occur as something extraneous, additional, or unexpected
          When the class found out about the pop quiz the were supervened.


truncate tr.v- To shorten by or as if by cutting off
           Right before I was about to make my big announcement I was truncated.


unimpeachable adj.- unquestionable as to honesty, truth
          Many religious people believe that God's words are unimpeachable.