English English

by surprise; unexpectedly (usually in 'taken aback')

A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically an unwelcome one.

experienced to the maximum degree, especially something bad or miserable; completely hopeless

the natural shedding or detachment of parts of a plant, typically dead leaves or ripe fruit

not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking; moderate or sparing in consumption

Difficult to understand; obscure and profound.

The process of adapting to a new climate, altitude, or environment.

growth or increase by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matter

Great skill or proficiency at doing something; expertise.

Cleverness or skill, especially in handling situations or using the hands.

to render something poorer in quality by adding another substance, typically an inferior one

The act of making something poorer in quality by adding another substance; contaminating.

to increase the power, status, or wealth of a person or country

The study of ecological processes applied to agricultural production systems.

An ecosystem that is managed and shaped by agricultural activities, including all living and non-living components.

The science of soil management and crop production.

Brisk and cheerful readiness, eagerness, or willingness to do something.

A historic British environmental legislation passed in 1863 to regulate emissions of harmful gases from chemical factories.

to diminish or put to rest fear, suspicion, or worry

to combine or unite to form one organization or structure

The action, process, or resulting state of combining or uniting multiple things into a single whole.

the food of the gods in classical mythology; something very pleasing to taste or smell

to make something bad or unsatisfactory better

The action or process of gradually writing off the initial cost of an asset or paying off a debt through installments.

an ornament or small piece of jewelry thought to give protection against evil, danger, or disease

small aromatic seeds from Pimpinella anisum, with a sweet, licorice-like flavor used in cooking and herbal remedies

not likely to cause offense or controversy; bland and innocuous; also capable of soothing pain

belonging to the time before the biblical flood; ridiculously old-fashioned

a deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion

a concise, witty, and instructive saying or maxim

A food production system combining aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic environment.

The simultaneous buying and selling of securities, currency, or commodities in different markets to take advantage of differing prices.

Living in trees or relating to trees; tree-dwelling.

Showing great care, attention, and perseverance; diligent and hardworking.

to make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to relieve or ease

the recurrence in an organism of a trait or characteristic from an ancestral form

to reduce the force, effect, or value of something

difficult economic conditions created by government policies to cut public spending, or sternness and simplicity of living

self-evident or unquestionable; obviously true

characterized by or given to drunken revelry and riotous festivity