obviate (en)

(verb) to anticipate and prevent (as a situation) or make unnecessary (as an action)

parlous (en)

(adjective) full of danger or uncertainty; precarious

protean (en)

(adjective) of or resembling Proteus in having a varied nature or ability to assume different forms / (adjective) displaying great diversity or variety; versatile

protean (en)

(adjective) of or resembling Proteus in having a varied nature or ability to assume different forms / (adjective) displaying great diversity or variety; versatile

semiotics (en)

the study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation (adj: semiotic)