| alluvium |
sand, soil, gravel, or the like deposited by moving water, as along a river bed. |
| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| augury |
the art or practice or an instance of predicting the future or obtaining hidden knowledge by interpreting omens. |
| barrage |
a great number of things coming one after another very quickly. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| indistinct |
not clearly perceived or perceiving. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| parsimonious |
excessively frugal; stingy. |
| pungent |
sharp and strong in taste or smell. |
| savor |
to give an impression; hint (usually followed by "of"). |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| travesty |
something so grotesque or inferior as to seem a parody. |
| tyro |
one who is beginning to learn a business, trade, sport, or the like; novice; neophyte. |