alchemy
a legendary pseudoscience centered on the transformation of common metals into gold
assiduous
persistent and dedicated
cenotaph
a monument or memorial to honor those whose actual remains are buried elsewhere
choleric
relating to a personality singularly characterized by a bad temper; quickly and easily roused to anger
cipher
any secret, coded written message
execrable
deplorable, repugnant; almost unbearably awful
fjord
a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs
fortuitous
involving a fortunate happenstance; by a stroke of good luck
ignoramus
a breathtakingly ignorant person; a blockhead, a dimwit, or a numbskull
nymphet
a sexually desirable young woman
obdurate
stubborn
pell-mell
haphazardly done; performed with a reckless disregard for planning beforehand
phlegmatic
even-keeled and slow to action; not easily upset or ruffled
polyglot
someone who speaks many languages
prostrate
lying on the ground in a position of pleading or subordination
prudent
judicious, sensible, discreet; exhibiting sound judgment
quixotic
impractically romantic
recalcitrant
rebellious or contrary-minded; stubbornly resistant to the idea of bowing to authority
runic
pertaining to the translation of an ancient textual system called runes
sagacious
wise
surefooted
confident
tremulous
quaking with anxiety and shaking with fear
trepidation
a feeling of fear or worry
voracious
consuming vigorously or energetically; possessing a gluttonous desire that cannot be satisfied
