Unusual and Intriguing Words

sam K.
50 words 4 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. nebbish
    (Yiddish) a timid unfortunate simpleton
  2. derby
    a felt hat that is round and hard with a narrow brim
  3. cloture
    a rule for limiting or ending debate in a deliberative body
  4. assoil
    pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
  5. gainsay
    take exception to
  6. seltzer
    naturally effervescent mineral water
  7. magnum opus
    a creator's greatest work of art or literature
  8. kvetch
    express complaints, displeasure, or unhappiness
  9. schlep
    pull along heavily, like a heavy load against a resistance
  10. estoppel
    a rule blocking someone from denying their past actions or claims in court
  11. eagre
    a high wave caused by tidal flow
  12. endue
    give qualities or abilities to
  13. alembic
    an obsolete kind of container used for distillation
  14. nadir
    the lowest point of anything
  15. obsidian
    glass formed by the cooling of lava without crystallization
  16. brad
    a small nail
  17. cataract
    disease that involves the clouding of the lens of the eye
  18. tarry
    leave slowly and hesitantly
  19. tope
    drink excessive amounts of alcohol; be an alcoholic
  20. ubiety
    the state of existing and being localized in space
  21. ambit
    an area in which something operates or has power or control
  22. sacrilegious
    grossly irreverent toward what is considered holy
  23. impregnable
    incapable of being attacked or tampered with
  24. mellifluous
    pleasing to the ear
  25. undulate
    move in a wavy pattern or with a rising and falling motion
  26. fartlek
    a workout that alternates lower- and higher-effort activity
  27. assize
    the regulation of weights and measures of articles offered for sale
  28. nevus
    a blemish on the skin that is formed before birth
  29. emptor
    a person who buys
  30. monopsony
    an economic market with several sellers but only one buyer
  31. demagogue
    a leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions
  32. feisty
    showing spirit and courage
  33. officious
    intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
  34. meed
    a fitting reward
  35. fen
    low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation
  36. lief
    in a willing manner
  37. baksheesh
    a relatively small amount of money given for services rendered (as by a waiter)
  38. honcho
    a manager or person who is in charge
  39. sequela
    any abnormality following or resulting from a disease or injury or treatment
  40. placebo
    an innocuous or inert medication
  41. indolent
    disinclined to work or exertion
  42. rapscallion
    one who is playfully mischievous
  43. scion
    a descendent or heir
  44. suppurate
    cause to fester and discharge pus
  45. sobriquet
    a familiar name for a person
  46. indite
    produce a literary work
  47. pentimento
    the reappearance in a painting of an underlying image that had been painted over (usually when the later painting becomes transparent with age)
  48. sciolist
    an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge
  49. depone
    make a deposition; declare under oath
  50. sang-froid
    great coolness and composure under strain
Created on Thu Jul 05 07:14:46 EDT 2012 (updated Thu Jul 05 07:52:05 EDT 2012)

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