Birds of Paradise
A tropical Australasian bird with colorful plumage. Used to describe a variety of birds, including peacocks.
Bridle
The headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached.
Buttresses
Support beams used to hold a cathedral ceiling up.
Cannabis
The plant from which marijuana is extracted
Canned
Colloquial word for being fired from a job.
Conniving
Conspire to do something considered immoral, illegal, or harmful.
Contrôleur
French word for train official/controller
Drying-out Facility
A colloquial phrase for an alcoholics rehab facility.
Freon
A chemical refrigerant solvent used to produce cooling in appliances, like refrigerators or air-conditioners.
Fresco
A painting done on walls or ceilings, very popular in European painting.
Glucose
A simple sugar, sometimes used to replenish sugar in sick patients.
Hairline Fracture
A fracture without separation of the fragments; a very thin fracture.
Malign
Evil in nature or effect
Neurologist
A medical specialist in the nervous system and the disorders affecting it.
Occlusion
The blockage or closing of a blood vessel or hollow organ.
Pap smear
A medical screening test used to detect possibly cancerous processes in the female reproductive system.
Peat bog
Wet spongy ground of decomposing vegetation, with poorer drainage than a swamp.
Pleasantries
Remarks made in polite conversation
Plumes
A long, soft feather or arrangement of feathers on a bird or worn for ornament.
Radiology
The science of X-rays and other high end radiation
Scuttle
Run hurriedly or furtively with short quick steps
Shakes
A slang term for the delirium tremens, a psychotic condition typical of withdrawal in chronic alcoholics, involving tremors, hallucinations, anxiety, and disorientation.
Spade
A relatively rare racial slur for African-Americans.
