| alluvium |
sand, soil, gravel, or the like deposited by moving water, as along a river bed. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| cravat |
a scarf or band of cloth tied loosely about the neck. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| disheveled |
not neat; messy. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| insouciant |
having no cares or anxieties; light-hearted; carefree. |
| lanugo |
fine, soft hair, especially that with which a human fetus or newborn is covered. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| reprisal |
injury inflicted in retaliation for injury received, as in war; revenge. |
| risible |
provoking laughter; laughable or funny. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |