| ambidextrous |
able to use both the left and right hands with equal skill. |
| antediluvian |
hopelessly old-fashioned; primitive; outdated. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| indolence |
the tendency to avoid exertion or effort; laziness. |
| indomitable |
too strong to be subdued or discouraged; unconquerable. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| nostrum |
a favorite but unproven scheme or theory, offered as a remedy for social or political problems; panacea. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |
| prolix |
wordy and boringly long. |
| remonstrate |
to say in opposition, protest, or objection. |
| Saturnalia |
an occasion of unrestrained revelry. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |