| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| disingenuous |
not candid or sincere. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| flagitious |
viciously or shamefully wicked; infamous. |
| gossamer |
delicately fine, gauzelike, or filmy. |
| ineptitude |
incompetence; lack of skill. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| limn |
to paint or draw. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| picayune |
having little value or significance; small; paltry. |
| stridulate |
to produce a shrill grating, creaking, or chirping sound by rubbing certain parts of the body together, as some insects do. |
| sylph |
a slender, graceful woman or girl. |