| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| attenuate |
to cause to be thin, rarefied, or fine. |
| boorish |
rude; ill-mannered; crude. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| despoil |
to forcefully take belongings or goods from; plunder. |
| equipoise |
a state of balance or equal weight, importance, or the like; equilibrium. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| halcyon |
tranquil; peaceful; calm. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| insinuate |
to suggest (something derogatory) subtly and indirectly. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| reprise |
repetition of a musical phrase or theme in an identical or slightly altered way. |
| seminal |
of critical importance; essential. |