| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| germane |
having relevance to a given matter; pertinent; significant. |
| goad |
something that spurs a person to action; stimulus. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| nostrum |
a favorite but unproven scheme or theory, offered as a remedy for social or political problems; panacea. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| recessional |
a piece of music that accompanies the exit of participants in a program or religious ceremony. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |