| astringent |
a substance or drug that contracts body tissue and slows discharge or secretion. |
| atavism |
the recurrence or reappearance of a particular trait, style, attitude, or behavior that seemed to have disappeared, or that which has recurred or reappeared after such an absence. |
| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| curmudgeon |
an irritable or ill-tempered person. |
| disquisition |
a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| glut |
a greater supply or amount than is needed. |
| hirsute |
covered with hair or stiff hairs; hairy or shaggy. |
| lacuna |
a gap or omitted part. |
| ligature |
a band or tie. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| salacious |
excited by lust; lecherous. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| stately |
dignified. |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |