[ pet-ri-kawr, pe-trahy-kawr ]

a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather

[ vawd-vill ]

theatrical entertainment consisting of a number of individual performances, acts, or mixed numbers, as by comedians, singers, dancers, acrobats, and magicians

[ kruh-doo-li-tee ]

willingness to believe or trust too readily, especially without proper or adequate evidence; gullibility

[ uh-mawr-fuhs ]

without a clearly defined shape or form; lacking a clear structure or focus

[ spyoor-ee-uhs ]

(of offspring) illegitimate

[ uh-meel-yuh-reyt ]

make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better

[ vwah-yuh-ris-tik ]

relating to the enjoyment from seeing others in pain or upset

[ ob-doo-rit ]

unmoved by persuasion, pity, or tender feelings; stubborn; unyielding

[ ap-uh-loh-jee-uh ]

a defense especially of one's opinions, position, or actions