| alluvium |
sand, soil, gravel, or the like deposited by moving water, as along a river bed. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| conclave |
a secret, private, or confidential meeting or gathering. |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| emote |
to express or simulate feelings, especially in an exaggerated or theatrical manner. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| lien |
a legal claim on a piece of property when the current owner is in default on a debt or obligation. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| 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. |
| sanguine |
having an optimistic temperament or outlook. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |
| unadulterated |
unmixed with or undiluted by additives or extraneous elements; pure; complete. |
| vitiate |
to harm the quality of; mar; spoil. |