| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| desiccate |
to remove the moisture in (food) so as to preserve it. |
| erudite |
having or showing a high level of scholarly knowledge; learned. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| insularity |
the condition of being closed to new ideas or outside influences; narrow-mindedness. |
| 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. |
| maverick |
a person who thinks and behaves independently, especially one who refuses to adhere to the orthodoxy of the group to which he or she belongs. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| omnibus |
concerning or including a large collection of things. |
| opprobrious |
expressing condemnation or scorn; accusing of shameful behavior. |
| putrefaction |
the act or process of rotting or decomposing. |
| remonstrate |
to say in opposition, protest, or objection. |
| sagacious |
possessing or characterized by good judgment and common sense; wise. |