| acclivity |
a rising slope. |
| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| aleatory |
pertaining to or depending on luck, chance, or contingency. |
| deposition |
a sworn statement, usually in writing, for use as testimony by an absent witness in a court of law. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| extrude |
to force out; expel. |
| fracas |
a noisy disturbance or quarrel. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| inanition |
a state of exhaustion caused by a lack of nourishment. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| otiose |
having no purpose or use; unnecessary or futile. |
| proselytize |
to convert or try actively to convert (others) to one's own beliefs or religion. |
| pungency |
sharpness or bite in taste or smell. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |
| sequester |
to remove into protection and isolation; seclude. |