| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| consternation |
surprise and alarm, leading to panic, deep disappointment, or total confusion. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| corporeal |
having to do with a physical body; bodily. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| inadvertent |
not planned or intended; unintentional. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| peroration |
the concluding part of a speech in which there is a summing up of the principal points. |
| pungency |
sharpness or bite in taste or smell. |
| Saturnalia |
an occasion of unrestrained revelry. |
| spurn |
to reject, refuse, or treat with scorn; disdain; despise. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |