| colloquial |
characteristic of or suited to informal or familiar conversation or to writing that is imitative of conversational tone. |
| fodder |
feed for farm animals, such as stalks of corn cut and mixed with hay. |
| heretofore |
prior to this time; before now. |
| inconsequential |
having no significant effect or result; not important. |
| interplay |
the action or influence of two or more things on each other; reciprocal effect. |
| intone |
to recite in musical or lengthened tones, especially in a monotone; chant. |
| portend |
to serve as a sign or warning of; bode. |
| pseudonym |
a false name adopted by someone, especially an author, to conceal his or her identity; pen name. |
| refract |
to bend (rays or waves of light, heat, sound, or the like) in passing (them) obliquely from one medium into another which transmits them at a different speed. |
| spat1 |
a short, slight quarrel. |
| stodgy |
lacking the ability or inclination to act informally or to find humor or enjoyment in things that others might; stuffy; prim. |
| stoical |
showing little or no emotion in reaction to painful or pleasant experiences. |
| turbulence |
commotion, violent disorder, or unrest. |
| usurp |
to take and hold (a right, position, office, or the like) illegally, wrongfully, or by force. |
| valediction |
a farewell speech, especially one given by a student of the highest honors at a graduation ceremony. |