| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| aggregate |
a sum, combination, or composite of separable elements. |
| benign |
causing little or no harm. |
| credulous |
disposed to believe, especially on scanty evidence; gullible. |
| declivity |
a downward or descending slope. |
| derision |
mockery or ridicule. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| exponent |
one that expounds or interprets. |
| laudatory |
expressing praise. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| profligate |
totally given over to immoral and shameful pursuits; dissolute. |
| sylph |
a slender, graceful woman or girl. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |