| antediluvian |
hopelessly old-fashioned; primitive; outdated. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| 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. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| deter |
to stop or discourage from some action by creating doubt or fear. |
| erratic |
not expected or predicted; not regular. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| laureate |
one honored for achievement in a particular field or by a particular award, especially in the arts or sciences. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| munificent |
having or showing great generosity. |
| 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. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| stipple |
a method of painting, drawing, or engraving by applying small points, dots, or dabs to a surface. |