| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| adulteration |
the act or process of making worse or impure by adding unnecessary or inferior ingredients. |
| avow |
to assert or affirm. |
| berate |
to reproach or scold severely. |
| castellated |
constructed with turrets and battlements like a castle. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| disallow |
to refuse to allow or admit; reject. |
| epistolary |
established or continued through letters. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| lenitive |
mitigating pain, discomfort, or distress; soothing. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| quiescence |
a state of inaction, rest, or stillness; dormancy. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |
| stipple |
a method of painting, drawing, or engraving by applying small points, dots, or dabs to a surface. |