v. 1. To make a harsh metallic sound. To cause to make a harsh discordant sound. 2. To grate on the nerves.
Steffens took me to dinner and tried to calm my nerves, but even with several whiskeys in me, I jangled.
— Paula McLain, The Paris Wife
Leviathan
n. 1. Something unusually large of its kind, esp. a ship. 2. A very large animal, esp. a whale. 3. A monstrous sea creature mentioned in the Bible.
Tether
n. 1. A rope or chain for holding an animal in place, allowing it a short radius in which to move about. 2. The extent or limit of one’s resources, abilities, or endurance.
tr.v. To fasten or restrict with or as if with a tether.
Savage
n. 1. A primitive or uncivilized person. 2. A brutal, fierce, or vicious person. 3. A rude person; a boor.
tr.v. 1. To assault ferociously. 2. To attack without restraint or pity.
The most popular books are often savaged by critics for their writing style, yet these writers are clearly connecting with readers.
— Betsy Lerner, The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers
Concatenate
v. 1. To connect or link in a series or chain. 2. Comp. Sci. To arrange (strings of characters) into a chained list.
Ossify
v. intr. 1. To change into bone; become bony. 2. To become set in a rigid conventionalism.
Grit
n. 4. Informal. Indomitable spirit. Pluck.
Crucible
n. 1. A vessel made of a refractory substance such as graphite or porcelain, used for melting and calcining materials at high temperatures. 2. A severe test, as of belief.
Moxie
n. Slang. 1. The ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage. 2. Aggressive energy; initiative. 3. Skill; know-how.
Dromedary
n. The one-humped domesticated camel of northern Africa and western Asia.
Haberdasher
n. 1. A dealer in men’s furnishings. 2. (Chiefly British) A dealer in sewing notions and small wears.
