| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| antediluvian |
hopelessly old-fashioned; primitive; outdated. |
| avow |
to assert or affirm. |
| burgeon |
to start to grow; send forth shoots, leaves, buds, or the like (often followed by "out" or "forth"). |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| cyst |
a small pouch within body tissue that is filled with fluid or air. Some cysts are connected with serious disease, but most are not harmful at all. |
| devolve |
of a duty or the like, to be passed on to someone else. |
| epicene |
sharing the traits of both sexes. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| equipoise |
a state of balance or equal weight, importance, or the like; equilibrium. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| parvenu |
a person who has suddenly acquired wealth or status, without acquiring the tastes, manners, customs, or the like of his or her new station. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |