| alluvium |
sand, soil, gravel, or the like deposited by moving water, as along a river bed. |
| calumny |
a harmful statement, known by the maker to be false. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| eidetic |
pertaining to or designating the ability to recall images in almost perfect detail. |
| expatiate |
to discuss something at great length; describe in great detail. |
| extempore |
without plan or preparation; impromptu or improvised. |
| extirpate |
to get rid of completely, as if by pulling up the roots; root out. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| humanism |
a doctrine or mode of thought that gives highest importance to human dignity, values, potentials, and achievements. |
| otiose |
having no purpose or use; unnecessary or futile. |
| pedantic |
making or characterized by an excessive display of learnedness, or overly insistent on scholarly details and formalities. |
| rapacious |
capable of capturing and eating live prey; predacious. |
| refulgent |
shining brilliantly; radiant. |
| shyster |
a person, usually a lawyer, who uses underhanded, unethical methods. |