| adamantine |
firmly decided or fixed; unyielding. |
| coeval |
coinciding in time of origin or existence; contemporary. |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| disaffection |
an absence or loss of good will, faith, or loyalty, especially toward a government, principle, or the like. |
| effete |
marked by excessive refinement or delicateness of taste. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| germane |
having relevance to a given matter; pertinent; significant. |
| insinuate |
to suggest (something derogatory) subtly and indirectly. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| pastiche |
a work of visual art, music, or literature that consists mostly of materials and techniques borrowed from other works, sometimes done as an exercise to learn the technique of others. |
| surcingle |
a girth or belt that wraps around the body of a horse to secure a saddle, pack, or the like to its back. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |