| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| 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. |
| demotic |
of or relating to the common people; popular. |
| derelict |
failing to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations; remiss. |
| epicure |
a person who has cultivated tastes, as in food or wine; connoisseur. |
| gossamer |
delicately fine, gauzelike, or filmy. |
| malinger |
to pretend illness or injury, especially in order to be excused from duty or work. |
| neophyte |
a beginner or novice at any activity. |
| opprobrious |
expressing condemnation or scorn; accusing of shameful behavior. |
| pandemic |
a widespread outbreak of disease that afflicts many people over different continents. |
| pneumatic |
of, using, or concerning air or other gases. |
| regicide |
the murderer of a king. |
| salacious |
excited by lust; lecherous. |
| sanguine |
having an optimistic temperament or outlook. |