| atavism |
the recurrence or reappearance of a particular trait, style, attitude, or behavior that seemed to have disappeared, or that which has recurred or reappeared after such an absence. |
| boudoir |
a woman's private sitting room or bedroom. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| encomium |
a formal expression of praise. |
| glabrous |
having no hair or fuzz; bald; smooth. |
| ineptitude |
incompetence; lack of skill. |
| lenitive |
mitigating pain, discomfort, or distress; soothing. |
| misanthrope |
someone who hates or distrusts humanity. |
| oligarchy |
a government or state in which only a relatively few people or members of a family have real power. |
| pelf |
money or wealth, usually regarded with disapproval or contempt. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| risible |
provoking laughter; laughable or funny. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |
| voluble |
characterized by a steady flow of words; fluent; talkative. |