| alluvium |
sand, soil, gravel, or the like deposited by moving water, as along a river bed. |
| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| belabor |
to continue excessive efforts on or excessive discussion of. |
| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| desideratum |
something that is needed or wanted. |
| devolve |
of a duty or the like, to be passed on to someone else. |
| facsimile |
an exact copy or duplicate of something printed or of a picture. |
| imbroglio |
a difficult, confused, or complicated situation, often involving a misunderstanding, disagreement, or quarrel. |
| laconic |
using very few words; succinct; terse. |
| laudatory |
expressing praise. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |