| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| alluvium |
sand, soil, gravel, or the like deposited by moving water, as along a river bed. |
| ambidextrous |
able to use both the left and right hands with equal skill. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| crass |
lacking in sensitivity or refinement; crude. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| epicure |
a person who has cultivated tastes, as in food or wine; connoisseur. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| granulate |
to make into small particles or grains. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| insipid |
having a bland or uninteresting flavor; tasteless. |
| laureate |
one honored for achievement in a particular field or by a particular award, especially in the arts or sciences. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| pathos |
a quality in life or art that evokes pity, sadness, or compassion. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |