| alluvium |
sand, soil, gravel, or the like deposited by moving water, as along a river bed. |
| belabor |
to continue excessive efforts on or excessive discussion of. |
| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| castellated |
constructed with turrets and battlements like a castle. |
| chary |
not dispensing freely. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| expound |
to discuss or explain in detail (usually followed by "on" or "upon"). |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| impermeable |
not permitting passage or penetration. |
| liminal |
of or at the threshold of a physiological or psychological response or change of state. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| obtrusive |
aggressive and self-assertive, or inclined to be so. |
| surcingle |
a girth or belt that wraps around the body of a horse to secure a saddle, pack, or the like to its back. |
| travesty |
something so grotesque or inferior as to seem a parody. |