| attenuate |
to cause to be thin, rarefied, or fine. |
| benign |
causing little or no harm. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| electuary |
a drug mixed with honey, syrup, or the like to form a paste to be smeared on the teeth or gums of a sick animal. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| impute |
to ascribe or attribute to a source or cause. |
| inchoate |
partially or imperfectly developed. |
| lambent |
glowing softly. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| pneumatic |
of, using, or concerning air or other gases. |
| repose2 |
to put or place (confidence, hope, or the like) in someone or something. |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |