| astringent |
a substance or drug that contracts body tissue and slows discharge or secretion. |
| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| disquisition |
a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject. |
| emote |
to express or simulate feelings, especially in an exaggerated or theatrical manner. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| idyllic |
charmingly simple and natural, as a scene or experience; suggestive of peaceful countryside. |
| imprecation |
a curse, uttered or thought of. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| intransigence |
refusal to alter one's ideas or position in response to the wishes of others. |
| loll |
to hang down loosely; dangle. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| recrudesce |
to become active again or break out anew, as a disease or harmful condition. |
| stately |
dignified. |