affinity
(n.) a natural attraction to a person, thing, or activity; a relationship, connection
bilious
(adj.) peevish or irritable; sickeningly unpleasant
cognate
(adj.) closely related in origin, essential nature, or function; (n.) such a person or thing
corollary
(n.) a proposition that follows from one already proven; a natural consequence or result; (adj.) resultant or consequent
cul-de-sac
(n.) a blind alley or dead-end street; any situation in which further progress is impossible; an impasse
derring-do
(n.) valor or heroism; daring deeds or exploits (often used to poke fun at false heroics)
divination
(n.) the art or act of predicting the future or discovering hidden knowledge
elixir
(n.) a potion once thought capable of curing all ills and maintaining life indefinitely; a panacea; a sweet liquid used as a vehicle in medicines
folderol
(n.) foolish talk, ideas, or procedures; nonsense; a trifle
gamut
(n.) an entire range or series
hoi polloi
(n.) the common people, the masses
ineffable
(adj.) not expressible in words; too great or too sacred to be uttered
lucubration
(n.) laborious study or thought, especially at night; the result of such work
mnemonic
(adj.) relating to or designed to assist the memory; (n.) a device to aid the memory
obloquy
(n.) public abuse indicating strong disapproval or censure; the disgrace resulting from such treatment
parameter
(n.) a determining or characteristic element; a factor that shapes the total outcome; a limit, boundary
pundit
(n.) a learned person; one who gives authoritative opinions
risible
(adj.) pertaining to laughter; able or inclined to laugh; laughable
symptomatic
(adj.) typical or characteristic; being or concerned with a symptom of a disease
volte-face
(n.) an about-face; a complete reversal