Lesson 42

a type of medicinal or healing ointment or salve applied to the skin

The doctor prescribed an unguent to soothe the patient's irritated skin.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

an external appearance or manner of presentation that often hides the true nature of something

The scammer approached under the guise of a bank representative, aiming to steal personal information.

the core or main idea of something, what makes it special or unique

Friendship is about trust, loyalty, and understanding; these qualities form the essence of true companionship.

a narrow and decorative border that has engravings or pictures on it, especially above the walls of a room or building

The ancient temple's frieze depicted scenes of mythological battles and heroic deeds.

a person's lineage or social background

a conical fishnet dragged through the water at great depths

a state of loud, chaotic noise or disorder caused by confusion or unrest

The stadium erupted into tumult as the winning goal was scored.

a small, exclusive group of people with shared interests

The literary coterie gathered regularly to discuss their favorite books and authors.

ornamental details added without much meaning or purpose

The new logo design was criticized for its unnecessary folderol, with excessive flourishes detracting from its simplicity.

the period of a woman's life before she is married

During her maidenhood, she focused on her education and career aspirations.

a long and formal piece of writing about a specific subject

Isaac Newton's "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy" is a famous treatise on physics.

a temporary alleviation from harm, difficulty, or discomfort

The cool breeze was a reprieve from the summer heat.

a sign or indication of what is to come, especially something unfortunate

The dark clouds gathering on the horizon were seen as a portent of an approaching storm.

a sudden overflow of a river

The village was threatened by a spate that swept through the valley.

a hot, dry wind from the Sahara Desert that blows across the Mediterranean, often bringing high temperatures and dust

The sirocco swept across the coastline, bringing sweltering heat to the region.

a series of lines in a poem, usually with recurring rhyme scheme and meter

The poem was structured with four stanzas, each following a different theme.

a person who holds strong opinions about race, religion or politics and is intolerable of differing views

The politician's speeches revealed him to be a bigot who refused to consider any perspectives other than his own.

a small stream or brook, typically characterized by its narrow size

The children delighted in playing by the streamlet, skipping stones and searching for tadpoles.

an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint