| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| asperity |
harshness or roughness, especially of tone or manner. |
| attune |
to adjust so as to be harmonious. |
| belabor |
to continue excessive efforts on or excessive discussion of. |
| curmudgeon |
an irritable or ill-tempered person. |
| emulous |
filled with the desire to equal or surpass. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| immiscible |
not able to be mixed or blended. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| insipid |
having a bland or uninteresting flavor; tasteless. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| mahatma |
(sometimes capitalized) in Buddhism and theosophy, any of a class of persons revered for their wisdom and love of humanity. |
| purvey |
to supply or provide (especially food, drink, or other provisions). |
| surcingle |
a girth or belt that wraps around the body of a horse to secure a saddle, pack, or the like to its back. |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |