| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| extrinsic |
not inherent or essential; extraneous. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| gloaming |
late evening; dusk; twilight. |
| gossamer |
delicately fine, gauzelike, or filmy. |
| immiscible |
not able to be mixed or blended. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| obviate |
to prevent or eliminate in advance; render unnecessary or irrelevant. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| parvenu |
a person who has suddenly acquired wealth or status, without acquiring the tastes, manners, customs, or the like of his or her new station. |
| risible |
provoking laughter; laughable or funny. |
| seminal |
of critical importance; essential. |
| sententious |
using or marked by pompous, high-flown moralizing. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |