Firebird: A Memoir Glossary

Firebird: A Memoir Glossary

Chiaroscuro

A type of art which uses light and shade portrayed in blacks, whites, and grays rather than color.

Satyr

A figure of ancient myth portrayed as half-man, half-horse and representing unbridled lecherous sexuality

Blowsy

Slovenly in appearance with a reddened face and unkempt hair

Vestibule

A formal antechamber like a foyer or lobby

Misshapen

Twisted or deformed into a contorted and warped shape

Incinerate

To destroy by setting on fire and burning

Disdain

An expression of scorn and contempt toward another

Emphatically

Done with forceful insistence

Exasperation

A weary feeling of frustration and annoyance

Devour

To consume with a frenzied hunger

Subsume

To incorporate one entity into another

Fecundity

Richly fertile material for new growth and development

Hapless

Lacking in luck or positive interaction with fate

Anemic

Bloodlessly feeble and lackluster

Oblivious

In a state of ignorance of that which is taking place right before one’s eyes

Salutation

A greeting or welcome, usually in reference in something written

Inexplicable

Something that is not or cannot be explained

Sentimental

A feeling which produces nostalgic recollection and sappy emotional response

Vivacious

Bubbly and effervescent, lively and gay in the traditional meaning of the word

Recrimination

A reproachful accusation made by one person against another

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