| abut |
to adjoin or press against; be next to; border on. |
| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| cognomen |
a last name; surname. |
| cyst |
a small pouch within body tissue that is filled with fluid or air. Some cysts are connected with serious disease, but most are not harmful at all. |
| deracinate |
to pull up by or as if by the roots; uproot; isolate; exile. |
| effete |
marked by excessive refinement or delicateness of taste. |
| guttural |
articulated in the back of the mouth; velar. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| neophyte |
a beginner or novice at any activity. |
| noisome |
offensive or disgusting, especially in smell; foul. |
| obscurantism |
a deliberate lack of clarity or directness of expression, as in certain styles of art or literature. |
| obviate |
to prevent or eliminate in advance; render unnecessary or irrelevant. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |