| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| affidavit |
a written statement that is sworn in the presence of an authorized official to be true, used as legal evidence. |
| decedent |
in law, one who has died. |
| desiccate |
to remove the moisture in (food) so as to preserve it. |
| elide |
to leave out or slur, as a syllable or letter, in pronunciation. |
| exponent |
one that expounds or interprets. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| granulate |
to make into small particles or grains. |
| imbroglio |
a difficult, confused, or complicated situation, often involving a misunderstanding, disagreement, or quarrel. |
| maverick |
a person who thinks and behaves independently, especially one who refuses to adhere to the orthodoxy of the group to which he or she belongs. |
| pedagogy |
the act, process, or profession of teaching. |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |
| prolix |
wordy and boringly long. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |
| sequester |
to remove into protection and isolation; seclude. |