gentleness

n[U].

vigorous

adj

(a) strong, active or energetic 强壮的; 积极的; 有力的

    avoid vigorousexercise, exertion, etc 避免强度大的锻炼、 劳动等

close-run

adj [usu attrib 通常作定语]

(of a race, competition, etc) won by a very small margin （指竞赛、 竞争等）险胜

    The election was a ,close-run `thing. 这次竞选仅获险胜.

revulsion

n[U, sing]

1 ~ (against/at/from sth) feeling of disgust or horror 厌恶; 憎恶

    feel a sense of revulsion at the bloodshed 对伤害人的行为深恶痛绝

cruciform

adj

cross-shaped 十字形的.

seasoning

n[U, C]

herb, spice, etc used to season food 调味品; 作料

    not enough seasoning in the stew 炖菜里作料不够

elastic band

(US) = rubber band (rubber).

contrary to

prep in opposition to (sth); against 违反（某事物）; 对抗

    be contrary to the law, rules, etc 违反法律、 规则等

    The results were contrary to expectation. 结果与预期的相反.

press cutting

(also esp US `press clipping), paragraph, article, etc cut out from a newspaper or periodical 剪报.

forced labour

compulsory hard work, usu under harsh conditions 强迫劳动.

patella

n

(pl -lae ) (anatomy 解) kneecap 髌骨; 膝盖骨. =>illus at skeleton 见 skeleton 插图.

candytuft

n

plant with clusters of white, pink or purple flowers 屈曲花.

re-lay

v

(pt, pp re-laid ) [Tn]

lay (a cable, carpet, lawn, etc) again 重新铺设（电缆、 地毯、 草坪等）.

mastic

n[U]

1 gum or resin from the bark of certain trees, used in making varnish 乳香树脂.

2 type of pliable cement used for waterproofing joints in window-frames, roofs, etc 胶合铺料, 胶粘水泥（作窗框、 屋顶等填缝防水用的）.

frizzy

adj (of hair) tightly curled; frizzed （指毛发）鬈紧的, 鬈曲的.

lethally

adv.

undersell

v

(-ll-; pt, pp undersold /- 5sEUld; -`sold/) [Tn]

sell (goods) at a lower price than (one´s competitors) 以低於（竞争者）的价格出售（货物）

praiseworthy

adj

deservingpraise; commendable 值得称赞的; 值得表扬的

    a very praiseworthy achievement 值得大大夸奖的成绩.

inspired

adj (approv 褒)

1 filled with creative power 有创作力的

    an inspired poet, artist, etc 有创作力的诗人、 艺术家等.

berate

v[Tn]

(fml 文) scold sharply 严厉责备; 痛斥.