| apotheosis |
a perfect or ideal example; epitome. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| cognomen |
a last name; surname. |
| denigrate |
to deny the worth of; sneer at; belittle. |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| facsimile |
an exact copy or duplicate of something printed or of a picture. |
| impinge |
to encroach. |
| lanugo |
fine, soft hair, especially that with which a human fetus or newborn is covered. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| panegyric |
a formal speech or piece of writing devoted to publicly praising a person or thing. |
| parvenu |
a person who has suddenly acquired wealth or status, without acquiring the tastes, manners, customs, or the like of his or her new station. |
| redoubtable |
inspiring fear; formidable. |
| stately |
dignified. |