| alluvium |
sand, soil, gravel, or the like deposited by moving water, as along a river bed. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| epistemology |
the branch of philosophy dealing with the origin, nature, and limits of human knowledge. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| foible |
a minor flaw or weakness in personality, character, or behavior. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| lambent |
glowing softly. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| prerogative |
an exclusive right or privilege derived from one's office, position, age, citizenship, birth, or the like. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| stanch1 |
to cause (a liquid, especially blood) to stop flowing. |