| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| assail |
to attack with vigor or violence; assault. |
| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| avow |
to assert or affirm. |
| delectation |
enjoyment; delight; pleasure. |
| glean |
to gather or discover (facts, information, or the like) a little at a time. |
| impromptu |
without advance plan or preparation; spontaneously. |
| impugn |
to call into question; challenge or try to discredit. |
| laconic |
using very few words; succinct; terse. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| mendicant |
living on charity; begging. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| penury |
severe poverty; pennilessness. |
| pungent |
sharp and strong in taste or smell. |
| sudorific |
causing or increasing sweat, as a medication. |