1. isarithm — contour lines
The experienced map reader will imagine the elevation denoted by the isarithms, and will visualize the steep escarpments or gradually descending plains depicted by the chart.
2. selsyn — synchro, coordination of physical device to a monitor or control device by use of electric current
Transfer of position data through the use of selsyns dates back to early last century, when these nascent electrical systems were used to deliver analog information on gate positions for the Panama Canal.
3. duologue (also duolog) — dialogue between two persons
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” purports to be a duologue between two prospective romantic partners who first appear as if in opposition but change gradually to a perspective of warm fulfillment of mutual desires.
4. rumbustious — [British] roisterous, exuberantly unruly, troublesome
Though now in their sixth decades, the brothers became once more rumbustious children when watching football together, cheering the ‘Archies’ again in louder and louder voices while jumping about with increasingly extravagant gestures.
5. lazarine — back from the dead; of or related to a specific type of ulcerating leprosy
Through the power of intransigent lawyers and lobbyists, backed by a hidden coterie of strangely obsessed billionaires, the thrice defeated yet lazarine state proposition will once again be on the ballot in November.
6. genericide — [law] loss of trademark rights due to common usage of protected terms etc.
The Dryrobe company fought off genericide claims by the competition, despite convincing evidence of common household use of the name.
7. protopathic — of or related to sensation without determining location
Suddenly he was gripped by a vague yet overweening fear, a distrait protopathic sense warning him against … ‘something’ for which he could find no name no reason, but which feeling urgently told him he must quit the seemingly abandoned house immediately.
8. craquelure — tiny network of cracks on surface of old varnish or paint
The comfortable settee showed a weary craquelure along its leather arms where Benson had been used to prop up his head and feet.
9. escritoire — desk with drop-down surface for writing upon
Hampton sat at the escritoire and pulled out from a drawer some light blue paper upon which to compose his missive of love.
10. oofy — [British] loaded with money, rich, wealthy
Salvatore had a pretty oofy father-in-law, but he feared putting a touch upon the old man because of … well, I’m not sure exactly why, but he just did.
Bonus Vocabulary
(myth & witchery)
fairy doctor — ‘cunning’ man or woman supposed to have healing power over mystical ailments affecting people and beasts
Finally someone (I think it was Tomas) thought of calling that weird hermit Harold, the fairy doctor, who, once they found him in the Sinking Wood, came and spread a waxy gel all over the body of the afflicted calf, which almost immediately started breathing easier, and was able to stand and walk and take nourishment within the hour.