Definitions by Nathan
Proliferation
The rampant spread of something as seen with nuclear weapons or sexually transmitted diseases. Single celled organisms tend to proliferate rapidly and spyware has proliferated beyond control.
Proliferation by Nathan July 17, 2004
vicissitude
Quite literally change, or chaotic nature. Vicissitude would be used to describe the emotional state of mental patients or the chemical properties of nitro and glycerin.
Vicissitude is a word that is used mainly to belittle others in that very few people know it's meaning.
vicissitude by Nathan July 17, 2004
purgatory
A celestial waiting room where christians are punished so that they may atone for their sins before passing into heaven, as written in the Divine Comedy by Dante Algheri. Purgatory is very unlike hell in that it is simply temporary.