| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| adulteration |
the act or process of making worse or impure by adding unnecessary or inferior ingredients. |
| contumely |
contemptuous insolence; rudeness. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| effete |
marked by excessive refinement or delicateness of taste. |
| encomium |
a formal expression of praise. |
| ligature |
a band or tie. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| repine |
to express or feel unhappiness; complain; fret. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |
| scion |
an offspring or heir. |
| sere1 |
dried up or withered. |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |