| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| appose |
to place next to or side by side; juxtapose. |
| baleful |
threatening harm; full of malice; ominous. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| harrow |
to go over or break up with a harrow. |
| homily |
any discourse offering moral advice or admonitions. |
| immaculate |
not dirty; completely clean. |
| lanugo |
fine, soft hair, especially that with which a human fetus or newborn is covered. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |
| uxorious |
excessively or foolishly devoted to one's wife, and often thereby submissive to her. |