| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| cyst |
a small pouch within body tissue that is filled with fluid or air. Some cysts are connected with serious disease, but most are not harmful at all. |
| effrontery |
shameless impudence; insolence. |
| emulous |
filled with the desire to equal or surpass. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| extrude |
to force out; expel. |
| frangible |
easy to break; breakable; fragile. |
| lambent |
glowing softly. |
| opprobrious |
expressing condemnation or scorn; accusing of shameful behavior. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| picayune |
having little value or significance; small; paltry. |
| rebarbative |
tending to irritate or repel; forbidding or unattractive. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| stipple |
a method of painting, drawing, or engraving by applying small points, dots, or dabs to a surface. |