| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| attenuate |
to cause to be thin, rarefied, or fine. |
| attune |
to adjust so as to be harmonious. |
| castellated |
constructed with turrets and battlements like a castle. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| euphoria |
a strong feeling of well-being or elation, sometimes unrealistic or unwarranted, and able to be induced by certain drugs. |
| fracas |
a noisy disturbance or quarrel. |
| fungible |
interchangeable. |
| inadvertent |
not planned or intended; unintentional. |
| inchoate |
partially or imperfectly developed. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| parsimonious |
excessively frugal; stingy. |
| salacious |
excited by lust; lecherous. |