| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| centripetal |
forced or moving inward toward a center point or axis. |
| conduction |
the transmission or transfer, as of heat, electrical charges, or nervous impulses, through a medium. |
| corollary |
a readily drawn conclusion; deduction or inference. |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| doyen |
the senior or highest-ranking male member of a group. |
| Draconian |
(often lower case) harshly cruel or rigorous. |
| facetious |
not serious; humorous or frivolous. |
| heinous |
extremely wicked or despicable; atrocious. |
| impromptu |
without advance plan or preparation; spontaneously. |
| intersperse |
to place or scatter among other things. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |