| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| contumely |
contemptuous insolence; rudeness. |
| curmudgeon |
an irritable or ill-tempered person. |
| hagiography |
an admiring and uncritical biography of anyone. |
| irrefragable |
impossible to refute or dispute; undeniable. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| limn |
to paint or draw. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| picayune |
having little value or significance; small; paltry. |
| profligate |
totally given over to immoral and shameful pursuits; dissolute. |
| quadrant |
any of the four parts that result when an area is divided by two lines, real or imaginary, that intersect each other at right angles. |
| redoubtable |
inspiring fear; formidable. |
| revetment |
a facing of stone, masonry, or the like to support or protect a wall, embankment, or mound of earth. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |