| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| declivity |
a downward or descending slope. |
| despoil |
to forcefully take belongings or goods from; plunder. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| idiosyncrasy |
a characteristic of temperament, habit, or physical structure particular to a given individual or group; peculiarity. |
| innocuous |
not capable of causing damage; harmless. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| pastiche |
a work of visual art, music, or literature that consists mostly of materials and techniques borrowed from other works, sometimes done as an exercise to learn the technique of others. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| prolix |
wordy and boringly long. |
| risible |
provoking laughter; laughable or funny. |
| sepsis |
infection, especially by pus-forming bacteria in the blood or tissues. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |