genesis

an origin, creation, or beginning.


parthenogenesis (ˌpɑːθɪnəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]

— n
1. a type of reproduction, occurring in some insects and flowers, in which the unfertilized ovum develops directly into a new individual
2. human conception without fertilization by a male; virgin birth

strike a chord

Fig. to cause someone to remember something; to remind someone of something; to be familiar.

Eg:
The woman in the portrait struck a chord with me, and I realized that it was my grandmother.

His name strikes a chord, but I don't know why.

flimsy

adj. flim·si·er, flim·si·est
1. Light, thin, and insubstantial: a flimsy fabric.
2. Lacking solidity or strength: a flimsy table.
3. Lacking plausibility; unconvincing: a flimsy excuse.

n. pl. flim·sies
1. Thin paper usually used to make multiple copies.
2. Something written on this thin paper.


Easily damageable.

euthanize

— vb
( tr ) to kill (a person or animal) painlessly, esp to relieve suffering from an incurable illness

silhouette

n.
1. A drawing consisting of the outline of something, especially a human profile, filled in with a solid color.
2. An outline that appears dark against a light background. See Synonyms at outline

rummage

v.tr.
1. To search thoroughly by handling, turning over, or disarranging the contents of.
2. To discover by searching thoroughly.

reprimand

To reprove severely, especially in a formal or official way.

n.

A severe, formal, or official rebuke or censure.

ergonomic

— adj
1. of or relating to ergonomics
2. designed to minimize physical effort and discomfort, and hence maximize efficiency



ergonomics
"scientific study of the efficiency of people in the workplace," coined 1950 from Gk. ergon "work" (see urge (v.)) +

The science of people-machine relationships.

predicament

n.
1. A situation, especially an unpleasant, troublesome, or trying one, from which extrication is difficult. See Usage Note at dilemma.
2. Logic One of the basic states or classifications described by Aristotle into which all things can be placed; a category.


pre·dica·mental (-mntl) adj.
pre·dica·mental·ly adv.

Synonyms: predicament, plight1, quandary, jam1, fix, pickle
These nouns refer to a situation from which it is difficult to free oneself.
A predicament is a problematic situation about which one does not know what to do: "Werner finds himself suddenly in a most awkward predicament" (Thomas Carlyle).

A plight is a bad or unfortunate situation: The report examined the plight of homeless people.

A quandary is a state of perplexity, especially about what course of action to take: "Having captured our men, we were in a quandary how to keep them" (Theodore Roosevelt).
Jam and fix are less formal terms that refer to predicaments from which it is difficult to escape: kids who were in a jam with the authorities; "If we get left on this wreck we are in a fix" (Mark Twain).
An informal term, a pickle is a disagreeable, embarrassing, or troublesome predicament: "I could see no way out of the pickle I was in" (Robert Louis Stevenson).

scrutiny

n. pl. scru·ti·nies
1. A close, careful examination or study.
2. Close observation; surveillance.

Tow

To draw or pull behind by a chain or line: a tugboat towing a barge.
n.
1.
a. The act or an instance of towing.
b. The condition of being towed: a car with a trailer in tow.
2. Something, such as a tugboat, that tows.
3. Something, such as a barge or car, that is towed.
4. A rope or cable used in towing.
Idiom:
in tow
1. Under close guidance; in one's charge: The new student was taken in tow by a peer counselor.
2. As a companion or follower: came to dinner with a friend in tow.

unison

n.
1. Music
a. Identity of pitch; the interval of a perfect prime.

b The act or an instance of speaking the same words simultaneously by two or more speakers.
c. An instance of agreement; concord.
Idiom:
in unison
1. In complete agreement; harmonizing exactly.
2. At the same time; at once.