| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| deadeye |
an expert shooter. |
| dearth |
a shortage or scarcity of something; lack. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| euphoria |
a strong feeling of well-being or elation, sometimes unrealistic or unwarranted, and able to be induced by certain drugs. |
| glean |
to gather or discover (facts, information, or the like) a little at a time. |
| hagiography |
an admiring and uncritical biography of anyone. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| prolix |
wordy and boringly long. |
| quiescence |
a state of inaction, rest, or stillness; dormancy. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |