| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| convoluted |
complex; intricate. |
| dearth |
a shortage or scarcity of something; lack. |
| derision |
mockery or ridicule. |
| erudite |
having or showing a high level of scholarly knowledge; learned. |
| expatiate |
to discuss something at great length; describe in great detail. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| hagiography |
an admiring and uncritical biography of anyone. |
| inculcate |
to cause to accept an idea or value; imbue. |
| malaise |
a state or condition of feeling generally unwell, mentally depressed, sluggish, or uneasy. |
| malingerer |
one who pretends to be ill or injured, especially in order to avoid work or duty. |
| pneumatic |
of, using, or concerning air or other gases. |
| quondam |
having been in the past; former. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |