| alluvium |
sand, soil, gravel, or the like deposited by moving water, as along a river bed. |
| coalesce |
to grow together or unite to form a single body or organization; unify; fuse. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| eidetic |
pertaining to or designating the ability to recall images in almost perfect detail. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| gloaming |
late evening; dusk; twilight. |
| laconic |
using very few words; succinct; terse. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| pedagogy |
the act, process, or profession of teaching. |
| profligate |
totally given over to immoral and shameful pursuits; dissolute. |
| relict |
a plant, animal, or geological feature that has survived in a considerably changed environment. |
| stipple |
a method of painting, drawing, or engraving by applying small points, dots, or dabs to a surface. |