Presbyopia: when your eyes focus less on close-up objects like your Nokia and more on far objects like Ethiopia.

Inhume: to place in a grave or tomb.

Torrefy: to scorch with fire till it’s dry.

Volatile: describes when sudden change is probable.

Velleity: a wish without activity.

Panoply: of things or property, a complete and impressive potpourri; or, a suit of armor like on the knights who say “Ni!”

Transmogrify: in a way that’s a surprise, to transform and modify.

Codpieces: odd protect-the-crotch breeches.

Affluence: having plenty of money to dispense.

Expository: describes something intended to explain, like the first clause of a story.

Circuitous: describes a route longer than the most direct way – so long, in fact, that it seems the journeyer’s eluding us.

Foreboding: a feeling that something bad will happen, like a war exploding.

Warren: a network of tunnels that bunnies bore in.

Specious: seemingly feasible, but as misleading as telekinesis.

Prestige: the final act of a trick where one is deceived; or, widespread respect for someone based on what she’s achieved.

Artificer: a skilled worker or inventor, like the typewriter’s creator, Mister Christopher.

Usurp: to take control without authority, like a jerk; or, to infringe on people’s rights, which usually makes them go berserk.

Veracious: speaking the truth on an everyday basis.

Vanguard: in ideas or military forces, a stance in the foremost part.

Tetrazzini: spaghetti with mushrooms and sauce that is creamy.