| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| atavism |
the recurrence or reappearance of a particular trait, style, attitude, or behavior that seemed to have disappeared, or that which has recurred or reappeared after such an absence. |
| boorish |
rude; ill-mannered; crude. |
| chary |
not dispensing freely. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| germane |
having relevance to a given matter; pertinent; significant. |
| idyllic |
charmingly simple and natural, as a scene or experience; suggestive of peaceful countryside. |
| incumbent |
currently holding an office or position. |
| lambent |
glowing softly. |
| pinchbeck |
false, sham, or counterfeit. |
| quadrant |
any of the four parts that result when an area is divided by two lines, real or imaginary, that intersect each other at right angles. |
| quondam |
having been in the past; former. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |