Alchemy [al·che·my] n. 1. A power or process of transforming something common into something special. 2. An inexplicable or mysterious process by which paradoxical results are achieved with no obvious rational explanation.

Salacious adj. Treating sexual matters in an indecent way. Lustful; lecherous: “A salacious grin.”

Indolent; Indolence [in·do·lent] n. Having or showing a disposition to avoid exertion; slothful, lazy: “an indolent person.”

Caprice n. A sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior.

Existential adj. (1) Of or relating to existence. (2) Concerned with existence, esp. human existence as viewed in the theories of existentialism. “An existential threat.”

Facetious [fa·ce·tious] adj. Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.

Fractious adj. (1) Easily irritated; bad-tempered: “they fight and squabble like fractious kids.” (2) (of an organization) Difficult to control; unruly.

Abysmal adj. Extremely bad; appalling. “The results were pretty abysmal;” “Abysmal failure.”

Atrocious adj. Horrifyingly wicked: “Atrocious cruelties.” Of a very poor quality; extremely bad or unpleasant: “Atrocious weather.”

Endemic adj. Native to a specific region or environment and not occurring naturally anywhere else. “Malaria is endemic in tropical climates.” (n.) An endemic plant or animal.