ornithologist
Someone who studies birds and all of their characteristics and behaviors
aloof
Standoffish, reserved and emotionally distanced from others, especially strangers.
molting
Shedding skin, hair, feathers or any outer layer.
hangdog
A physical expression of guilt and shame.
gilded
Literally meaning covered with a thin layer of gold, but also a metaphor to describe any location that affords isolation for the privileged from the less well-to-do.
compulsive
Obsessive to a neurotic degree; committed to habitual engagement of ritual.
arrogant
An exaggerated estimation of one’s self-worth; conceited; egotistic.
utilitarian
Practical, useful and without any sense of luxury
famished
A state of intense hunger.
caveat emptor
Latin phrase meaning “let the buyer beware.”
propriety
A demonstration of awareness of decorum and polite behavior according to specific situations.
possessive
A feeling of selfish entitlement to ownership or authority.
tipsy
slightly drunk, and on the way to becoming fully intoxicated; usually conveying a sense of playfulness stimulated by the effects of alcohol.
semantics
The study of how language is used to convey meaning.
prim
Old-fashioned, uptight and straight-laced.
peculiar
Out of the ordinary; very strange and unusual.
malcontent
Complaining and unhappy, disgruntled; restless and ready to rebel.
hysterical
An agitated reaction to finding oneself in a panic-stricken situation.
scavenger
A creature that forages among the remnants of other creatures meals for its food.
claustrophobic
A situation taking place within an enclosed location with seemingly limited opportunity for escape which increases anxiety and fear.
allocate
To distribute, the process of sharing among recipients; allotting proportions.
ambiguous
An indefinite meaning that is equally open to a number of logical interpretations.
