Metaphor n. A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate something else. Example: “She was drowning in money.”

Indigenous [in·dig·e·nous] adj. Originating and living or occurring naturally in an area or environment. “The cactus is indigenous to Arizona.”

Savant [sa·vant] n. A person of learning; wise or scholarly.

Progeny n.pl. 1. Something that originates or results from something else; outcome; issue. 2. A result of creative effort; a product.

Causative [caus·a·tive] adj. 1. Indicative that the subject causes an act to be performed or a condition to come into being. “A causative factor of war.”

Ambivalence n. 1. Uncertainty or indecisiveness as to which course to follow. 2. The coexistence of opposing attitudes or feelings, such as love and hate, toward a person, object, or idea.

Litigious [li·ti·gious] adj. Of, relating to, or characterized by litigation.
Tending to engage in lawsuits. A litigious celebrity.

Gratuitous adj. 1. Given or granted without return or recompense; unearned. 2. Unnecessary or unwarranted; unjustified: A gratuitousremark.

Aplomb [a·plomb] n.  Self-confident assurance, skill, and poise – especially in difficult or challenging circumstances.

Secular [sec·u·lar] adj. 1. Worldly rather than spiritual. 2. Not specifically relating to religion or to a religious body. “A secular book.”