1. of, possessing, or imparting a state of utmost bliss

A beatific smile spread across Grandmother’s face as she reminisced about her wedding day.

1. an order of a government prohibiting the departure of commercial ships from its ports

Because of the trade embargo against Cuba, certain items, such as Cuban cigars, are illegal in the United States.

to mask the true nature of : give a deceptively attractive appearance to -- often used with "over"

"His modesty and shyness were at any rate proverbial, and it does seem that he went out of his way to conceal or gloze over certain aspects of his career, his military exploits in particular." (Eleanor Perenyi, Green Thoughts)

very well suited or expressed : apt

The film’s score, at least, is felicitous, as it lends emotional intensity to the otherwise wooden acting.

: a loyal follower; especially : a subordinate who executes orders unquestioningly or unscrupulously

The boss was more likely to offer promotions to her myrmidons than to those workers who occasionally questioned her tactics or proposed alternate solutions.

an assembly at an educational institution usually including devotional exercises

The school required all of its students to attend chapel daily.

showing or suggesting nobility of feeling and generosity of mind

Rather than gloat about her victory in the race, Michelle chose to be magnanimous and congratulated her opponents on their strong showings.

: Chinese martial arts

Before becoming a martial arts film star, Jet Li was well-known as a champion in the Chinese sport of wushu.

: characterized by friendly goodwill : peaceable

“About a million couples divorce each year in the United States, and most, like my ex and me, start out striving to keep the split amicable.” (Annie Finnigan, Family Circle, October 17, 2008)

: to make (something unpleasant or ugly) superficially attractive

The authors of the legislation have cosmeticized it with tax breaks and tax cuts.

a temporary or second lodging

The couple owns a home in San Francisco and a pied-à-terre in Greenwich Village

to induce secretly to do an unlawful thing

"In the first place, a jury could not easily be suborned by any one." (Theodore Dreiser, The Financier)

: fear of the number 13

"Billy Hart suffers absolutely no triskaidekaphobia. The Salem Avalanche infielder has worn No. 13 for six years…." (Katrina Waugh, The Roanoke Times [Virginia], July 14, 2007)

1. a spell of listlessness or despondency
2. a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump

"A vacation on a tropical island could be just the thing you need to fight against the winter doldrums," said Christine as she handed me the resort's brochure.

1. lacking orderly continuity, arrangement, or relevance : inconsistent
2. lacking cohesion

I found myself unable to follow the movie’s rambling and incoherent plot.

: to become interlocked like the fingers of folded hands

"The edges [of bridge expansion joints] often are shaped like combs, the teeth of one interdigitating with teeth of the other." (The Washington Post, January 14, 1998)

1. the law in force in the part of England held by the Danes before the Norman Conquest

2. the part of England under the Danelaw

In the 11th and 12th centuries, the Danelaw between the Rivers Tees and Thames was governed much differently than areas to the south and west.

: of, relating to, or based on the intellect

Among the events sponsored by the neighborhood bar were monthly quiz nights, which Jeanne enjoyed attending because they satisfied her thirst for noetic stimulation.

: a card game for two played with 40 cards from which all games of rummy developed

The two friends whiled away the long summer days with endless games of conquian.

: a condition or place marked by great accumulation of filth or corruption

The presidency of Ulysses S. Grant was marred by his refusal to clean out the Augean stables of his own administration.

of, relating to, or resembling a snake

"By the time the music starts throbbing at 9, there will undoubtedly be a colubrine line slithering down Mass. Ave." (Christopher Muther, The Boston Globe, March 2002)

: one marked by prudish conventionality in personal conduct

After a barrage of complaints from Mrs. Grundys, the Web site's managers decided to remove the "objectionable" photos.

: a cable railway ascending a mountain; especially : one in which an ascending car counterbalances a descending car

"Situated in a gated community reachable by funicular, the resort's 181 guest rooms come with flat-screen TVs, nightly turndown service and, in suites, even a butler." (The New York Times, December 13, 2009)

: to brighten or freshen up : renovate

Bill and Marie bought the historic house with the intent of refurbishing it.

a place of honor, glory, or happiness : heaven

When the time comes, a lot of folks who vote people into baseball's Valhalla will make character a major qualification." (Sid Dorfman, The Star-Ledger [Newark, New Jersey], September 9, 2009)

: a large meteor : fireball; especially : one that explodes

Though probably no more than a foot in diameter, the bolide offered a brief and spectacular light show as it streaked across the sky.

1. a strict disciplinarian
2. a person who stresses a rigid adherence to the details of forms and methods

Spencer complained that his office manager was a power-hungry martinet who compelled him to follow ridiculous rules.

: a ballroom dance of Brazilian origin that resembles the two-step

n the 1920s, the maxixe took over the ballrooms of Rio de Janeiro." (The Toronto Star, September 20, 1998)

1. mean, contemptible
2. of or relating to opposition to trade unionism or a labor union

The workers were all bound under yellow-dog agreements, so they weren't able to appeal to any union forces to help renegotiate their contract.

: conspire, plot

The U.S. District Court has granted class-action status to a complaint that the retailer and manufacturer colluded to keep prices high.

: of the same or equal age, antiquity, or duration

"How old is this ancient town? One guess: It dates to 2600-2500 B.C. -- more or less coeval with nearby Stonehenge … which may date to 3100 B.C."