| abeyance |
temporary suspension or cessation. |
| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| apposite |
fitting; pertinent; appropriate. |
| 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. |
| cognomen |
a last name; surname. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| disingenuous |
not candid or sincere. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| impediment |
an obstacle or hindrance. |
| impinge |
to encroach. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| 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. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| recondite |
involving profound concepts and complexities; not easily understood. |