| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| coir |
the fiber made from coconut husks, used for matting, rope, or the like. |
| cravat |
a scarf or band of cloth tied loosely about the neck. |
| declivity |
a downward or descending slope. |
| divergence |
the act of separating and moving or leading in different directions. |
| duress |
intimidation or coercion. |
| eidetic |
pertaining to or designating the ability to recall images in almost perfect detail. |
| frangible |
easy to break; breakable; fragile. |
| imprimatur |
any official permission or sanction. |
| lattice |
a flat framework made with strips of wood or other material. The strips cross each other and have open spaces in between. A lattice is often used as a screen on a porch or in a garden. |
| rebarbative |
tending to irritate or repel; forbidding or unattractive. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| woebegone |
displaying or full of distress. |