| atrophy |
a gradual wasting away of a body part, especially from insufficient use or nourishment. |
| caricature |
a depiction, in a drawing or verbal description, that deliberately exaggerates or distorts some features of the person or thing represented to produce a comic or grotesque appearance. |
| confection |
a sweetened candy or fruit. |
| diffidence |
reticence; shyness. |
| facile |
acting or working in an easy, effortless manner. |
| fallible |
capable of making mistakes; liable to error. |
| histrionic |
done in a theatrical, emotional, or affected manner; overly dramatic. |
| infamous |
having, deserving, or causing a bad reputation; notorious or shameful. |
| meditative |
disposed to, marked by, or indicating contemplation or reflection; deeply thoughtful. |
| quintessence |
that which most perfectly describes or typifies something; essence. |
| recourse |
that which may be turned to for assistance, protection, or a way out of a difficult situation. |
| stipend |
any periodic payment of money, such as a salary or allowance. |
| synopsis |
a short statement giving an overview, the main principles, or the sequence of events of a narrative, argument, article, or the like; summary; abstract. |
| touchstone |
a test or standard by which to evaluate the worth of something. |
| vagary |
an erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant occurrence, action, or idea; whim. |