Tuesdays With Morrie

Tuesdays With Morrie Glossary

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable disease of unknown causer where the body suffers from progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to atrophy and eventually complete paralysis of the voluntary muscles. Also referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Atrophy

The wasting away of the body or an organ, due to nerve damage or defective nutrition.

Biopsy

To remove a piece of tissue from the body for the purpose of a diagnostic study.

Cue

A hint, imitation, or guiding suggestion.

Disillusioned

To free from or deprive of illusion, belief, and idealism, or to disenchant.

Exuberance

The act of being effusively and uninhibitedly enthusiastic.

Foundation

The basis or groundwork of anything.

Hibiscus

A woody plant, also called China rose from the mallow family. The hibiscus has large, showy flowers and is the state flower of Hawaii.

Inconsequential

Something of little or no importance.

Inherent

A quality that exists in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element, quality, or attribute

Insidious

Operating or proceeding in a seemingly harmless way, but actually with grave effect.

Patriarch

The male head of a family or tribal line.

Peace Corps

A civilian organization, sponsored by the U.S. government, that sends volunteers to instruct citizens of underdeveloped countries in the execution of industrial, agricultural, educational, and health programs.

Prophet

A person who speaks for a god or deity, or by divine intervention.

Raspy

A harsh or grating voice.

Serene

A calm, peaceful, or tranquil state.

Sociology

The science or study of the origin, development, organization, and functioning of human society.

Subculture

The cultural values and behavioral patterns distinctive in a particular societal group.

Vengeance

The infliction of injury, harm, humiliation, or the like, on a person by another who has been harmed by that person; violent revenge.

Whimsical

To be extravagant, fanciful or excessively playful.