| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| equipoise |
a state of balance or equal weight, importance, or the like; equilibrium. |
| granulate |
to make into small particles or grains. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| invidious |
tending to arouse feelings of resentment or animosity, especially because of a slight; offensive or discriminatory. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| picayune |
having little value or significance; small; paltry. |
| precursory |
coming before and serving to indicate what will follow; premonitory. |
| pungent |
sharp and strong in taste or smell. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |