| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| contumely |
contemptuous insolence; rudeness. |
| disallow |
to refuse to allow or admit; reject. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| impute |
to ascribe or attribute to a source or cause. |
| knurled |
having small ridges. |
| laudatory |
expressing praise. |
| otiose |
having no purpose or use; unnecessary or futile. |
| parturient |
giving birth or about to give birth; in labor. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| pungent |
sharp and strong in taste or smell. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| vitiate |
to harm the quality of; mar; spoil. |