| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| boudoir |
a woman's private sitting room or bedroom. |
| contumely |
contemptuous insolence; rudeness. |
| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| exponent |
one that expounds or interprets. |
| granulate |
to make into small particles or grains. |
| imbricate |
overlapping in an even sequence, as roof tiles or fish scales. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| modular |
designed with standardized units that may be arranged or connected in a variety of ways. |
| parlous |
full of dangers or risks; perilous. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| proselytize |
to convert or try actively to convert (others) to one's own beliefs or religion. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |
| stentorian |
extremely loud and powerful. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |