starisea

palimpsest

Pronunciation: 'pa-l&m(p)-"sest, p&-'lim(p)-
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin palimpsestus, from Greek palimpsEstos scraped again, from palin + psEn to rub, scrape; akin to Sanskrit psAti, babhasti he chews
1 : writing material (as a parchment or tablet) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased
2 : something having usually diverse layers or aspects apparent beneath the surface

funambulism

Pronunciation: fyu-'nam-by&-"li-z&m
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin funambulus ropewalker, from funis rope + ambulare to walk
1 : tightrope walking
2 : a show especially of mental agility

insouciance

Pronunciation: in-'s-sE-&n(t)s, an-ss-yns
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from in- + soucier to trouble, disturb, from Latin sollicitare
: lighthearted unconcern : nonchalance