| adulteration |
the act or process of making worse or impure by adding unnecessary or inferior ingredients. |
| apotheosis |
a perfect or ideal example; epitome. |
| cyst |
a small pouch within body tissue that is filled with fluid or air. Some cysts are connected with serious disease, but most are not harmful at all. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| encomium |
a formal expression of praise. |
| heinous |
extremely wicked or despicable; atrocious. |
| lachrymose |
weeping, tending to weep readily, or being on the point of tears; tearful. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| pathos |
a quality in life or art that evokes pity, sadness, or compassion. |
| plaudit |
(often plural) an enthusiastic show of approval, such as a round of applause or a very favorable review. |
| rodomontade |
puffed-up boasting or bravado. |
| sanguine |
having an optimistic temperament or outlook. |
| surcingle |
a girth or belt that wraps around the body of a horse to secure a saddle, pack, or the like to its back. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |