| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| agog |
highly excited and full of anticipation. |
| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| augury |
the art or practice or an instance of predicting the future or obtaining hidden knowledge by interpreting omens. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| diurnal |
occurring or active during, or belonging to, the daytime rather than nighttime. |
| doyen |
the senior or highest-ranking male member of a group. |
| duress |
intimidation or coercion. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| nonplus |
to cause (someone) to be unable to think of what to say, do, or decide; perplex; bewilder. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| pronate |
to turn or rotate (the hand or forearm) so that the palm of the hand faces down or backwards. |
| quondam |
having been in the past; former. |
| somatic |
of or pertaining to the body itself; corporeal. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |