| abstruse |
difficult to comprehend or understand; esoteric; arcane. |
| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| assuage |
to make less severe or more bearable; alleviate. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| disheveled |
not neat; messy. |
| emote |
to express or simulate feelings, especially in an exaggerated or theatrical manner. |
| expatiate |
to discuss something at great length; describe in great detail. |
| inchoate |
partially or imperfectly developed. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |