| abut |
to adjoin or press against; be next to; border on. |
| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| expatiate |
to discuss something at great length; describe in great detail. |
| idiosyncrasy |
a characteristic of temperament, habit, or physical structure particular to a given individual or group; peculiarity. |
| imprecation |
a curse, uttered or thought of. |
| lanugo |
fine, soft hair, especially that with which a human fetus or newborn is covered. |
| munificent |
having or showing great generosity. |
| oligarchy |
a government or state in which only a relatively few people or members of a family have real power. |
| precursory |
coming before and serving to indicate what will follow; premonitory. |
| pungent |
sharp and strong in taste or smell. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |