| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| condone |
to pardon, disregard, or overlook voluntarily or without condemning. |
| convoluted |
complex; intricate. |
| distraught |
mentally or emotionally unbalanced; crazed. |
| froward |
unwilling to agree or obey; stubborn; perverse. |
| impediment |
an obstacle or hindrance. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| lugubrious |
sad or mournful, especially in an exaggerated way; gloomy. |
| misanthrope |
someone who hates or distrusts humanity. |
| munificent |
having or showing great generosity. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| prerogative |
an exclusive right or privilege derived from one's office, position, age, citizenship, birth, or the like. |
| relict |
a plant, animal, or geological feature that has survived in a considerably changed environment. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |