| argot |
the vocabulary or jargon characteristic of a specific group or class, especially of criminals. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| centripetal |
forced or moving inward toward a center point or axis. |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| despoil |
to forcefully take belongings or goods from; plunder. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| idiosyncrasy |
a characteristic of temperament, habit, or physical structure particular to a given individual or group; peculiarity. |
| kismet |
destiny, fortune, or fate. |
| limn |
to paint or draw. |
| malapropism |
the humorous or ridiculous misuse of a word, especially by using a word that sounds similar to the correct word, but whose meaning is inappropriate. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| quadrant |
any of the four parts that result when an area is divided by two lines, real or imaginary, that intersect each other at right angles. |
| spurn |
to reject, refuse, or treat with scorn; disdain; despise. |