1. degradation   device used to maintain equilibrium.   chemistry of changing baser metals into gold.   defect in eye or lens preventing proper focusing.   degeneration; humiliation.   Hint Half-n-half Clue   2. converse   sharp-edged tool used for cutting.   opposite statement or position turned round.   compulsion or repression.   secret code used to encrypt messages.   Half-n-half Clue   3. carat   mode of formation or origin.   unit for measuring weight of gems and purity of gold.   defect in eye or lens preventing proper focusing.   degeneration; humiliation.   Half-n-half Clue   4. equilibrium   exhalation affecting smell.   maker of maps.   balance.   absence of contradictions or uniformity.   Half-n-half Clue   5. aphasia   loss of speech.   halo or circle of light.   equal day and night; time at which sun crosses equator.   correspondence or harmonious relation.   Half-n-half Clue   6. dissertation   formal discourse or essay.   cutting for analysis or examination.   mold or device for stamping.   division into two classes.   Half-n-half Clue   7. fauna   ability of system to maintain stability.   decay; breaking into component parts.   animals of a region or era.   device used to maintain equilibrium.   Half-n-half Clue