| ambidextrous |
able to use both the left and right hands with equal skill. |
| apropos |
appropriate; relevant; opportune. |
| contumely |
contemptuous insolence; rudeness. |
| cyst |
a small pouch within body tissue that is filled with fluid or air. Some cysts are connected with serious disease, but most are not harmful at all. |
| discomfit |
to upset or confuse. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| germane |
having relevance to a given matter; pertinent; significant. |
| pinchbeck |
false, sham, or counterfeit. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| stanch1 |
to cause (a liquid, especially blood) to stop flowing. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| tyro |
one who is beginning to learn a business, trade, sport, or the like; novice; neophyte. |