| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| astringent |
a substance or drug that contracts body tissue and slows discharge or secretion. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| duress |
intimidation or coercion. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| epicure |
a person who has cultivated tastes, as in food or wine; connoisseur. |
| intersperse |
to place or scatter among other things. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| omnibus |
concerning or including a large collection of things. |
| pinchbeck |
false, sham, or counterfeit. |
| redoubtable |
inspiring fear; formidable. |
| salacious |
excited by lust; lecherous. |
| stridulate |
to produce a shrill grating, creaking, or chirping sound by rubbing certain parts of the body together, as some insects do. |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |