| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| arrant |
complete; unmitigated; downright. |
| benign |
causing little or no harm. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| coalesce |
to grow together or unite to form a single body or organization; unify; fuse. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| delectation |
enjoyment; delight; pleasure. |
| demotic |
of or relating to the common people; popular. |
| desiccate |
to remove the moisture in (food) so as to preserve it. |
| effete |
marked by excessive refinement or delicateness of taste. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| guttural |
articulated in the back of the mouth; velar. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| perquisite |
a payment or benefit in addition to the wages or salary associated with a position. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |