GLOSSARY

Key Terms and Definitions

“Speak, so that I may see you.”

— Socrates

Definitions

Terms

adjective

1: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of allegory [the expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths or generalizations about human existence; a symbolic representation]

2: having hidden spiritual meaning that transcends the literal sense of a sacred text

Allegorical


noun

1: the parts of the earth diametrically opposite

2: the exact opposite or contrary

Antipode


noun

biological diversity in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of plants and animals

Biodiversity


adjective

ˈthä-nik 

: of or relating to the underworld : infernal

Chthonic


noun

animal life, especially the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment

Fauna


noun

: plant, bacterial, or fungal life, especially such life characteristic of a region, period, or special environment

Flora


verb

1: to separate (a mixture) into different portions, especially by a fractional [relatively small : inconsiderable] process

2: to divide or break up

Fractionate


noun

1: the act or process of individuating: such as

a(1): the development of the individual from the universal

(2): the determination of the individual in the general

b: the process by which individuals in society become differentiated from one another

c psychology: the process in the analytical psychology of Carl Gustav Jung by which the self is formed by integrating elements of the conscious and unconscious mind

d embryology: regional differentiation along a primary embryonic axis

2: the state of being individuated, specifically : individuality

Individuation


adjective

1: having a smooth rich flow

2: filled with something (such as honey) that sweetens

Mellifluous


noun

: mental activity

Mentation


adjective

1: being in the state of dying : approaching death

2: being in a state of inactivity or obsolescence

Moribund


noun

1: the external world in its entirety

2: natural scenery

3a: disposition, temperament

b: the inherent character or basic constitution of a person or thing : essence

4a: humankind's original or natural condition

b: a simplified mode of life resembling this condition

5: a kind or class usually distinguished by fundamental or essential characteristics

6: the physical constitution or drives of an organism, especially : an excretory organ or function

—used in phrases like the call of nature

7: the genetically controlled qualities of an organism

8a: a creative and controlling force in the universe

b: an inner force (such as instinct, appetite, desire) or the sum of such forces in an individual

9: a spontaneous attitude (as of generosity)

‘Nature’


noun

1: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone : harmony

2: the color of the light reflected (as by a paint)

3: a secondary effect, quality, or meaning : suggestion, connotation

Overtone


adjective

1a: of, relating to, or composed of shepherds or herdsmen; devoted to or based on livestock raising

b: of or relating to the countryside : not urban

c: portraying or expressive of the life of shepherds or country people especially in an idealized and conventionalized manner

d: pleasingly peaceful and innocent : idyllic

2a: of or relating to spiritual care or guidance especially of a congregation

b: of or relating to the pastor of a church

Pastoral


noun

: refers to the act or process of deeply thinking or reflecting on something. It can imply prolonged, often repetitive contemplation of a subject, idea, or problem.

: from the verb ruminate, which originally refers to the way some animals chew their cud; to chew on an idea

Rumination


noun

1: a violent storm

2: tumult, uproar

verb

: transitive : to disturb, as by a tempest

Tempest


noun

1a: an object (such as an animal or plant) serving as the emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry; also: a usually carved or painted representation of such an object

b: a family or clan identified by a common totemic object

2: one that serves as an emblem or revered symbol

Totem


noun

1: belief in kinship with or a mystical relationship between a group or an individual and a totem

2: a system of social organization based on totemic affiliations

Totemism


noun

1: a low or subdued utterance or accompanying sound

2: a quality (as of emotion) underlying the surface of an utterance or action

3: a subdued color - specifically : a color seen through and modifying another color

Undertone


noun

: artistic use of contemporary everyday material in preference to the heroic or legendary especially in grand opera

Verism


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