ruse
A trick or deceptive maneuver intended to mislead.
platoon
A subdivision of soldiers; metaphorically, a group moving together.
conjunction
A word that connects clauses or sentences.
Abridging
Reducing or diminishing (e.g., citizens’ wages).
Perfunctory
Done out of routine or obligation, lacking enthusiasm
malevolent
Having or showing a wish to cause harm or evil to others.
tempered (pottery)
Strengthened by controlled heating or blending.
superseding
Replacing something previously in use.
Fungible
Interchangeable or identical in practical use (often used in economics, applied here to experimental materials).
Specious
Seemingly plausible but actually false or deceptive
functionaries
Individuals who perform official duties, often within a bureaucracy.
infinitesimal
Extremely small; incalculably minute.
delimiting
Setting boundaries or limits.
Ab initio
Latin for “from the beginning,” meaning fundamentally or from the outset
Polemic
A strong verbal or written attack
chef d’école
conjecture
A conclusion formed without sufficient evidence.
avowal
An open declaration or acknowledgment.
Ambit
The scope or range of something.
Lugubrious
Excessively mournful or gloomy
ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
thoroughfare
A main road or public highway.
dithyrambic
Wildly enthusiastic or emotional in expression.
Undergirding
The foundation or support of a system or argument.
Quixotic
Unrealistically idealistic