Evaporation is the process of a substance (usually water) disappearing into the air. When you pour a glass of water down the drain, it's evaporation that is responsible for taking the water away.
To heat something is to make it warm. You can heat something up by using heat or by putting it in a warm environment.
When something is colder, it is colder than usual. Things that are colder than usual usually have a lot of ice or snow on them.
A maelstrom is a chaotic and dangerous place. It can be a river, a sea, or even a room. In these places, it's very difficult to stay safe because everything is moving so quickly.
Pundits are people who are experts in a particular field. They often offer their opinions on political or economic issues, and they can be very influential.
When something is in a standstill, it's not moving or happening at all. Traffic is usually in a standstill when there is a traffic jam.
A crippled person is someone who has a physical disability. This can be anything from being blind to having a disability that prevents them from walking or talking.