adjective of or concerning a school or university.Colleges and universities are academic institutions. See the full entry

noun an essential, basic, crucial, or pivotal point.Despite our explanations of what is needed now, he failed to grasp the crux of the matter. See the full entry

intransitive verb to laugh in a sly, partly suppressed way.The kids snickered when they saw two of their teachers holding hands at the restaurant. See the full entry

transitive verb to shock, startle, or excite.The performer’s dramatic entrance electrified the audience. See the full entry

noun a quick raid or sudden advance, usu. military and often to take forage or plunder.The enemy’s last foray had weakened them considerably. See the full entry