| abysmal |
of vast extent; unmeasurable; extreme. |
| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| avow |
to assert or affirm. |
| blithe |
indifferent or casual; unconcerned. |
| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| conduction |
the transmission or transfer, as of heat, electrical charges, or nervous impulses, through a medium. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| parlous |
full of dangers or risks; perilous. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| rapacious |
capable of capturing and eating live prey; predacious. |
| recidivism |
chronic return to bad habits, especially criminal relapse. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |