Definitions by Your Grim Reaper

temporize 

to act to suit the time or occasion

The legislature was accused of temporizing while the budget deficit continued to worsen

temporize by Your Grim Reaper June 25, 2003

insouciance 

lighthearted unconcern

Amanda sauntered casually into the meeting room with an air of insouciance; if she was worried at all about her presentation, she certainly didn't show it

insouciance by Your Grim Reaper June 25, 2003

vinaceous

of the color wine

At the art museum, we saw a portrait of Mary II wearing a magnificent vinaceous dress befitting her royal splendor

vinaceous by Your Grim Reaper June 25, 2003

Beltane 

the Celtic May Day festival

Aunt Kat vividly described the huge bonfires and colorful rituals she had witnessed at the Beltane festival in Edinburgh as a girl.

Beltane by Your Grim Reaper June 24, 2003

paroxysm 

a fit, attack, or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms

In this violent paroxysm the whole top of the mountain is believed to have been swept away.

paroxysm by Your Grim Reaper June 24, 2003

pullulate 

germinate, sprout

The coastal resort town is quiet now, but with summer approaching it will soon be pullulating with tourists.

pullulate by Your Grim Reaper June 24, 2003

tempestuous 

of, relating to, or resembling a tempest

Sam and Rachel have always had a tempestuous relationship—one minute fast friends, the next snarling and at each other's throats.

tempestuous by Your Grim Reaper June 24, 2003