| alluvium |
sand, soil, gravel, or the like deposited by moving water, as along a river bed. |
| atavism |
the recurrence or reappearance of a particular trait, style, attitude, or behavior that seemed to have disappeared, or that which has recurred or reappeared after such an absence. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| doggerel |
trivial, crudely constructed verse. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| guttural |
articulated in the back of the mouth; velar. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| meretricious |
appealing or attracting in a cheap, showy, or shallow way. |
| modular |
designed with standardized units that may be arranged or connected in a variety of ways. |
| profligate |
totally given over to immoral and shameful pursuits; dissolute. |
| recondite |
involving profound concepts and complexities; not easily understood. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |