| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| apotheosis |
a perfect or ideal example; epitome. |
| bibulous |
addicted to alcohol; alcoholic. |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| deter |
to stop or discourage from some action by creating doubt or fear. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| forswear |
to give up or renounce, often with an oath or pledge. |
| glean |
to gather or discover (facts, information, or the like) a little at a time. |
| impute |
to ascribe or attribute to a source or cause. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| meretricious |
appealing or attracting in a cheap, showy, or shallow way. |
| neophyte |
a beginner or novice at any activity. |
| picayune |
having little value or significance; small; paltry. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |