| acclivity |
a rising slope. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| cession |
the act of formally giving up or signing over, as a territory; ceding. |
| declivity |
a downward or descending slope. |
| demotic |
of or relating to the common people; popular. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| erudite |
having or showing a high level of scholarly knowledge; learned. |
| extralegal |
not regulated or permitted by law; outside of legal authority. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| insipid |
having a bland or uninteresting flavor; tasteless. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| refulgent |
shining brilliantly; radiant. |
| reprise |
repetition of a musical phrase or theme in an identical or slightly altered way. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |