retaliation
action taken in return for an injury or offense
ergonomics
the branch of engineering science in which biological science is used to study the relation between workers and their environments
consumerism
the theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically beneficial
predatory
living by preying on other animals especially by catching living prey
obsolescence
the process of becoming obsolete; falling into disuse or becoming out of date
blasphemy
blasphemous language (expressing disrespect for God or for something sacred)
indignation
a feeling of righteous anger
contrite
feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
tsunami
a cataclysm resulting from a destructive sea wave caused by an earthquake or volcanic eruption
Sumatran
of or relating to the island of Sumatra or its inhabitants
pessimistic
expecting the worst possible outcome
philanthropy
voluntary promotion of human welfare
sabbatical
a leave usually taken every seventh year
decimate
kill one in every ten, as of mutineers in Roman armies
spew
eject or send out in large quantities, also metaphorical
Patagonia
region in southern South America between the Andes and the South Atlantic
hemp
any plant of the genus Cannabis; a coarse bushy annual with palmate leaves and clusters of small green flowers; yields tough fibers and narcotic drugs
hybrid
a composite of mixed origin
Bangladesh
a Muslim republic in southern Asia bordered by India to the north and west and east and the Bay of Bengal to the south; formerly part of India and then part of Pakistan; it achieved independence in 1971
Strauss
Austrian composer and son of Strauss the Elder; composed many famous waltzes and became known as the `waltz king' (1825-1899)
audit
examine carefully for accuracy with the intent of verification
rigorous
rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard
vulnerable
capable of being wounded or hurt
