1. environ   establish validity or prove genuine.   surround or enclose.   cover with shiny glassy substance.   move faster or speed up.   Hint Half-n-half Clue   2. embed   set fire to or kindle.   place in surrounding mass.   increase toughness by gradual heat reduction.   infect or pollute.   Half-n-half Clue   3. encipher   form into grains.   encode a message.   issue or originate from.   refine or purify.   Half-n-half Clue   4. decipher   encode a message.   seal seams to make watertight.   decode an encrypted message or make out.   place in surrounding mass.   Half-n-half Clue   5. germinate   cause to shoot or sprout.   spread or scatter (like seeds).   dry up by removing moisture.   spend winter sleeping.   Half-n-half Clue   6. attenuate   hide or disguise.   slow down.   increase toughness by gradual heat reduction.   weaken or make slender.   Half-n-half Clue   7. impede   hinder or retard.   form into grains.   pour off leaving sediment behind.   go off in different directions.   Half-n-half Clue