| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| cognoscente |
someone who has exceptional knowledge in a given area, especially of fashion, literature, or the fine arts; connoisseur. |
| dawdle |
to waste time; be slow. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| impediment |
an obstacle or hindrance. |
| impinge |
to encroach. |
| insularity |
the condition of being closed to new ideas or outside influences; narrow-mindedness. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| noisome |
offensive or disgusting, especially in smell; foul. |
| otiose |
having no purpose or use; unnecessary or futile. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| symbiosis |
a close association, usually a mutually beneficial relationship, between two dissimilar organisms. |