1. carphology — plucking at bed linen while in a delirious state
While Ophelia’s plucking of flowers may seem only another version of carphology and a sign of underlying madness, her all-too-cogent comments in the language of flowers prove that there is more method than madness in the scene.
2. vesicant — blister producing substance
Certain chemotherapy drugs, such as Amsacrine, can cause tissue necrosis if vesicant extravasation occurs.
3. dactyloscopic — of or related to fingerprints
By this time, the files of the Sûreté boasted a huge collection of dactylscopic records.
4. diekplous (also diekplus) — ancient naval battle maneuver in which a line of galleys rows between ships in an opposing line so as to attack the enemy’s weaker stern and sides; sometimes thought to be a maneuver wherein a single war galley shipps oars on one side and turns at the last minute to shear off an opposing ship’s oars
Though the evolution was much lauded in ancient times, only three instances of a successful diekplous were ever recorded.
5. expectant — (in medical triage) expected to die
It is extremely unlikely for a BZ gas victim to present as an expectant patient.
6. obtund — to dull, to blunt
The rich food and fine wine obtunded my innate wariness, and I agreed too readily to his proposal.
7. mydriasis — overlarge pupil dilation
As I stared deeply into her brown eyes, I hoped her mydriasis was a side effect of love, and not of the dim lighting.
8. râle — crackling sound heard in unhealthy lungs during auscultation
The inventor of the stethoscope likened râles to the sound of crackling salt on a hot dish.
9. wharfinger — person in charge of a wharf
Everyone knew that Jack Callen, the wharfinger, was not entirely honest ready to look the other way for ready cash in hand.
10. pelisse — short fur-lined military jacket, often worn over one shoulder by light cavalry; long ladies coat with Empire waist
His lady descended from the carriage in her dark, velvet pelisse, one arm still in her fur muff as the other held the doorframe to assist her exit.