| astringent |
a substance or drug that contracts body tissue and slows discharge or secretion. |
| curmudgeon |
an irritable or ill-tempered person. |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| eidetic |
pertaining to or designating the ability to recall images in almost perfect detail. |
| encomium |
a formal expression of praise. |
| flange |
a collar or rim that projects from a pipe, housing, or the like to provide strength, stability, or a place for attaching other parts. |
| froward |
unwilling to agree or obey; stubborn; perverse. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| idyllic |
charmingly simple and natural, as a scene or experience; suggestive of peaceful countryside. |
| macerate |
to soften (food or the like) by soaking, as in digestion. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| maunder |
to speak in an aimless or foolish way; babble. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| putrefaction |
the act or process of rotting or decomposing. |
| redoubtable |
inspiring fear; formidable. |