| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| appellation |
a name, title, or other designation. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| impermeable |
not permitting passage or penetration. |
| impromptu |
without advance plan or preparation; spontaneously. |
| ingenuous |
having or showing simplicity and lack of sophistication; artless. |
| kismet |
destiny, fortune, or fate. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| malapropism |
the humorous or ridiculous misuse of a word, especially by using a word that sounds similar to the correct word, but whose meaning is inappropriate. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| pretentious |
assuming or marked by an air of importance or superiority that is unwarranted. |
| rebarbative |
tending to irritate or repel; forbidding or unattractive. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| sylph |
a slender, graceful woman or girl. |