autonomous

adj

functioning independently without control by others

abeyance

n

temporary suspension, as of an activity or function

avert

v

to turn away; to keep from happening, ward off, prevent

contentious

adj

always ready to argue; quarrelsome

commiserate

v

to feel or show sorrow or pity for

discursive

adj

wandering from one topic to another; skimming over many apparently unconnected subjects; rambling; digressive

extricate

v

to set free, release, or disentangle

indigent

adj

in poverty; poor; needy

gaffe

n

a blunder; faux pas

livid

adj

grayish-blue, lead-colored ("livid with rage")

nepotism

n

favoritism shown to relatives especially in appointment to desirable positions

august

adj

inspiring awe and reverence; imposing and magnificent

perpetrator

n

to do or perform something evil, criminal, or offensive

queue

n, v

a line or file; to form a line

squalid

adj

foul or unclean as the result of unsanitary conditions; wretched; miserable

salient

adj

standing out from the rest; noticeable; conspicuous; prominent

tirade

n

a long, vehement speech--especially one of denunciation

tepid

adj

lukewarm; lacking warmth of feeling of enthusiasm

quidnunc

n

a busybody--means "what now?" in Latin

impervious

adj

incapable of being passed through or penetrated