aberration : wandering or staying away; in optics, failure of rays to focus

abettor : encourager

abeyance : suspended action

ablution : washing

abnegation : repudiation; self-sacrifice

abstinence : restraint from eating or drinking

accessory : additional object: useful but not essential thing

acclivity : sharp upslope of a hill

accolade : award of merit

accomplice : partner in crime

accord : agreement

accretion : growth: increase

acerbity : bitterness of speech and temper

acme : top: pinnacle

acoustics : science of sound: quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in

acquiescence : submission; compliance

acquittal : deliverance from a charge

acumen : mental keenness

adage : wise saying: proverb

addiction : compulsive, habitual need

adjunct : something attached to but holding an inferior position

adjuration : solemn urging

admonition : warning

adulation : flattery: admiration

adumbration : foreshadowing: outlining

advent : arrival

adversity : poverty: misfortune

aegis : shield; defense

aeon : long period of time; an age

affidavit : written statement made under oath

affiliation : joining: associating with

affinity : kinship

affirmation : solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath

afflatus : inspiration

affluence : abundance: wealth

affray : public brawl

agenda : items of business at a meeting

agglomeration : collection: heap

agility : nimbleness

agitation : strong feeling; excitement

agnostic : one who is skeptical of the existence or knowability of a god

agronomist : scientist engaged in the management of land

alacrity : cheerful pro