| cognoscente |
someone who has exceptional knowledge in a given area, especially of fashion, literature, or the fine arts; connoisseur. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| conversant |
familiar; acquainted; practiced (usually followed by "with" or "in"). |
| duress |
intimidation or coercion. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| halcyon |
tranquil; peaceful; calm. |
| imprecation |
a curse, uttered or thought of. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| pungent |
sharp and strong in taste or smell. |
| recondite |
involving profound concepts and complexities; not easily understood. |
| revetment |
a facing of stone, masonry, or the like to support or protect a wall, embankment, or mound of earth. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |
| topography |
the shape of the earth's surface across an area or region. The topography of an area includes the size and location of hills and dips in the land. |
| tort |
in law, any civil rather than criminal harm or injury that violates the implicit duty of each citizen not to harm others, and for which one may bring a civil suit and collect compensation. |