| berate |
to reproach or scold severely. |
| centripetal |
forced or moving inward toward a center point or axis. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| entreat |
to beg for something, or to do something. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| glabrous |
having no hair or fuzz; bald; smooth. |
| impermeable |
not permitting passage or penetration. |
| ligature |
a band or tie. |
| 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. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| perquisite |
a payment or benefit in addition to the wages or salary associated with a position. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| tamp |
to compress and pack tightly by repeated light taps. |