| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| bibulous |
addicted to alcohol; alcoholic. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| effrontery |
shameless impudence; insolence. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| fungible |
interchangeable. |
| iatrogenic |
caused by a physician or medical treatment, especially from drugs or surgery. |
| insularity |
the condition of being closed to new ideas or outside influences; narrow-mindedness. |
| laureate |
one honored for achievement in a particular field or by a particular award, especially in the arts or sciences. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| otiose |
having no purpose or use; unnecessary or futile. |
| parsimonious |
excessively frugal; stingy. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| unadulterated |
unmixed with or undiluted by additives or extraneous elements; pure; complete. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |