A

................................ aberration (brayshn) n.

................................ abeyance (bayns) n.

As the violent storm abated, we began to survey the damage it caused.

................................ deviation from what is normal, distortion.

His new scientific theory was deemed an aberration by his very conservative colleagues.

................................ suspension, being temporarily suspended or set aside.

Construction of the highway is in abeyance until we get agency approval. abhor (abhohr) v.

................................ abjure (abjoor) v.

................................ abrogate (abrgayt) v. to regard with horror or repugnance; to detest.

I know Carlos abhors politics, but he should still get out and vote.

................................ 1. to repudiate or renounce under oath.
2. to give up or reject.

When Joseph became a citizen, he had to abjure his allegiance to his country of origin.

................................ to abolish, do away with, formally revoke.

The dictator abrogated agreements that no longer suited his purposes. abscond (abskond) v.

................................ absolution (abslooshn) n.

................................ abstain (abstayn) v. to go away secretly and hide oneself, especially after wrongdoing to avoid prosecution.

He threw down his gun and absconded from the scene of the crime.

................................ 1. to absolve or clear of blame or guilt.
2. a formal declaration of forgiveness, redemption.

The jury granted Alan the absolution he deserved.

................................ 1. to choose to refrain from an action or practice.
2. to refrain from voting.

I have decided to abstain on this issue. abstemious (absteemees) adj.

................................ abstruse (abstroos) adj.

................................ abysmal (bizml) adj. 1. using or consuming sparingly; used with temperance or restraint.
2. eating and drinking in moderation; sparing in the indulgence of appetites or passions.

After Vadeem gained 30 pounds, he decided he needed a more abstemious diet.

................................ difficult to comprehend; obscure.

Albert Einsteins abstruse calculations can be understood by only a few people.

................................ 1. extreme, limitless, profound.
2. extremely bad.

It was not surprising that the movie was a flop, as the reviews were abysmal. accolade (ak layd) n.

................................ accretion (kreesh n) n.

................................ acquiesce (akweees) v. 1. praise or approval. [most common]
2. a ceremonial embrace in greeting.
3. a ceremonious tap on the shoulder with a sword to mark the conferring of knighthood.

He received accolades from his superiors for finding ways to cut costs and increase productivity.

................................ 1. growth or increase by gradual, successive addition; building up.
2. (in biology) the growing together of parts that are normally separate.

The accretion of sediment in the harbor channel caused boats to run aground.

................................ to comply, give in, or consent without protest.

After the police officer explained why the street was closed to pedestrian traffic, I acquiesced and walked to the next street. acrid (akrid) adj.

................................ acrimonious (akr mohnees) adj.

................................ acumen (kyoom n) n. 1. having an unpleasantly bitter, sharp taste or smell.
2. bitter or caustic in language or manner.

The burning tires in the junkyard gave off an acrid odor.

................................ bitter and sharp in language or tone.

Jasleen did not like her new neighbors; it was obvious in the acrimonious way she spoke to them.

................................ quickness, keenness, and accuracy of perception, judgment, or insight.

With Jonelles acumen, she would make an excellent trial lawyer. ad hoc (ad hok) adj.

................................ adamant (admnt) adj.

................................ addle (ad l) v. for a specific, often temporary, purpose; for this case only.

An ad hoc committee will be formed to investigate Stellas allegations.

................................ 1. unyielding to requests or appeals.
2. firm, inflexible.

The senator was adamant that no changes would be made to the defense budget.

................................ 1. to muddle or confuse.
2. to become rotten, as in an egg.

The prosecuting attorneys questions addled the defendant. ado ( doo) n.

................................ adroit (droit) adj.

................................ agrarian (graireen) adj. fuss, trouble, bother.

Without much ado, she completed her book report.

................................ skillful, clever, or adept in action or in thought; dexterous, deft.

Priya is a very adroit seamstress; she should have your trousers fixed in no time.

................................ relating to or concerning land and its ownership or cultivation.