| berate |
to reproach or scold severely. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| condone |
to pardon, disregard, or overlook voluntarily or without condemning. |
| conduction |
the transmission or transfer, as of heat, electrical charges, or nervous impulses, through a medium. |
| crass |
lacking in sensitivity or refinement; crude. |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| duress |
intimidation or coercion. |
| extralegal |
not regulated or permitted by law; outside of legal authority. |
| halcyon |
tranquil; peaceful; calm. |
| malapropism |
the humorous or ridiculous misuse of a word, especially by using a word that sounds similar to the correct word, but whose meaning is inappropriate. |
| mirabile dictu |
(Latin) wonderful to say or relate. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| precursory |
coming before and serving to indicate what will follow; premonitory. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |