a sound formed by the combination of two vowels in a single syllable, in which the sound begins as one vowel and moves toward another (as in coin, loud, and side)

gloomily dark; shadowy; dimly lighted

to irritate, annoy, or exasperate

work or activity that is wasteful or pointless but gives the appearance of having value

not to be disputed or contested

of the present time; modern

a badly confused or ridiculously muddled situation

to make valid; substantiate; confirm