| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| affidavit |
a written statement that is sworn in the presence of an authorized official to be true, used as legal evidence. |
| aggregate |
a sum, combination, or composite of separable elements. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| cavalier |
carefree and offhand; nonchalant. |
| credulous |
disposed to believe, especially on scanty evidence; gullible. |
| debauch |
to lead or seduce into immorality or intemperance; corrupt. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| dilatory |
used to cause a delay. |
| diurnal |
occurring or active during, or belonging to, the daytime rather than nighttime. |
| halcyon |
tranquil; peaceful; calm. |
| immaculate |
not dirty; completely clean. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| stipple |
a method of painting, drawing, or engraving by applying small points, dots, or dabs to a surface. |
| surcingle |
a girth or belt that wraps around the body of a horse to secure a saddle, pack, or the like to its back. |