Here is a list of 992 pretty words that I stumbled across on the internet. Here is my challenge everyday this summer from May 1st to August 13th, which is 105 days, just look at 10 words from this list that I will try to put up everyday for you. By the end of the summer you will have so many words floating around in your head that you will be able to create beautiful poetry, stories, or impress your friends with awesome words that you have to explain either way you are getting smarter.
Vignette: a sketch, brief literary or visual event, description, tableau
Ethereal: heavenly, airy in substance, spectral, insubstantial and light
Loquacious: characterized by talking, talking freely or too much, excessively talkative
Salient: prominent or conspicuous, most important
Balustrade: architectural term, series of balusters or parapet
Lustrous: having noticeable or vivid luster and sheen
Chauffer: a designated paid driver for formal occasions
Penumbra: partial shadow, space of partial illumination, limits of a shadow
Selenian: designating, relating to, pertaining to, or of the moon
Escarole: type of green chicory
Amethyst: deep purple, deep purple gemstone
Scilicet: to wit, that is, namely
Berceuse: lullaby, song used to put someone to sleep
Susurrus: a whisper, something which resembles a whisper
Vista: view, prospect, perspective, spectrum of peripheral boundaries
Aestival: pertaining to, relating, designating, or of Summer
Tranquility: peace, serenity, calmness, relaxation
Alluvium: unconsolidated sediments carried by water
Ensconce: establish or settle in a safe, secure, or comfy place
Astral: of or pertaining to the aster, stellar, star-shaped, pertaining to the stars
Chantpleure: to cry while singing, to cry and sing simultaneously
Vesuviate: to erupt, explode, fulminate
Effusive: gushing out or expressive, moving, cascading
Bezaleel: shadow of God, God’s shadow
Delenda: that which needs to be deleted, something that has been deleted
Obsequious: fawning, sycophantic, servile
Civility: formal or perfunctory politeness, state of being civil
Immure: to enclose with walls, ensconce
Resplendent: sublime, full of color, dazzling, splendid
Silhouette: picture as an outline, often a human profile, filled in by a solid color
Cynophilist: dog-lover, one who loves or appreciates dogs
Pristine: in primordial condition, untouched, belonging to the earliest period or state
Taciturn: reticent, quiet, not talkative, insouciant
Icicle: a sliver of tapered, frozen water, usually hanging
Meretricious: drawing attention in a vulgar manner, gaudy, tawdry, superficially attractive
Chatoyant: like or resembling a cat’s eye
Reverie: an idle daydream, a thought of idle desire, a surrendering to imagination
Tacenda: things to not be mentioned or things to be passed over in silence
Violin: stringed instrument played with a bow
Sequacious: pertaining to sequence or order, following
Celesta: ancient musical instrument
Redolent: piquant, aromatic, or memory-invoking
Evocative: that which evokes, something that reminds, inspires, or impresses
Aeviternal: eternal, endless, never-ending
Celeripedean: quick-footed, swift, fast-running
Effluvium: foul discharge or emanation, emission
Ailurophile: cat-lover, one who loves or appreciates cats
Soliloquy: dramatic monologue, intense speech with exposition but not addressed
Velleity: flimsy wish or desire, perfunctory hope or dream
Citadel: bulwark, a fortress or stronghold, refuge
Lagniappe: gift for extended patronage, gift or compensation for valued customers
Escalade: the act of scaling a wall, usually with a ladder or rope
Niveous: snowy or resembling snow, like, of, relating to, or made of snow
Veracity: truth, state of being true, trueness
Exuviate: to shed a shell, molt, unsheathe
Zyzzyva: a type of weevil
Cislunar: of or relating to the space between earth and the moon or the moon’s orbit
Acquiesce: to passively accept, to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively
Glyph: a sigil or specific insignia, a letter of language, an arcane mark
Wyvern: type of dragon, typically without legs
Vernal: pertaining to spring
Autumnal: pertaining to, like, relating, or evocative of Autumn
Demure: shy, modest, reserved in demeanor or behavior, having sedate reserve or sobriety
Lilt: cadence of voice, rhythm of language or sentences, good vocal or musical structure
Celadon: pale green
Vacillate: to waver between actions or decisions, to hesitate
Epiphany: revelation of thought, typically conceived after an eventful experience
Valance: an ornamental drapery hung across a top edge, as of a bed, table, or canopy
Effervesce: to bubble over, to boil with frothy bubbles, to excite
Scintilla: an infinitesimal item or mote, tiny thing
Deliquesce: to dissolve, transform into liquid from a solid
Aphelion: when the orbit of earth is furthest from the sun
Eidolon: ghost, specter, revenant, reappearing, continuously visiting or persisting image
Halcyon: legendary kingfisher, tranquil, calm, without strife, serene
Terpsichorean: pertaining, relating to, or referring to dancing or the art thereof
Emulsify: to pour liquid into another non-soluble, creating visible density
Chiaroscuro: composition of strong contrasts in light and dark
Tintinnabulation: ringing or sounding of bells, the sound of bells
Fuchsia: bright pinkish-purple
Peccadillo: insignificant sin or wrongdoing, trifling fault
Rhapsody: impassioned, inspired, or vibrant literature or music
Coalesce: to fuse, intersect, or entwine to create a unity
Novitiate: novice, the living place of a novice, the state of being a novice, neophyte
Amaranth: deep-hued purple, flower, metaphor for immortality
Lexiphanes: pretentious word user, bombastic or magniloquent person
Ephebe: young man, swain, young suitor
Asphodel: flower of the underworld
Syzygy: alignment or unity of specific objects, notably in space or literature
Ratatouille: French dish, vegetable stew
Odalisque: female servant, female servant in a harem
Aquiline: resembling an eagle’s beak, hooked like a beak
Lacuna: omission or empty space, gap in chronology
Nullibicity: state of non-existence, quality or state of being nowhere
Oeuvre: the corpus of an author, canon, or a collective symposium
Solstice: one of two times in the year when the sun is furthest from the equator
Psithurisma: whisper, sound of wind through the trees, sound of wind-rustled leaves
Myriad: multitude, litany, an amount of, usually large, collection in large numbers
Tolutiloquent: speech characterized by rapidity
Sorcerer: practitioner of sorcery, wizard, warlock, magician
Elation: quality or state of being elated, feeling or state of great joy or pride
Delineate: to describe, explain, or demonstrate
Boulevard: broad street, avenue, broad spectrum of something
Cumulonimbus: type of cloud that augurs, foretells, or indicates bad weather
Noctilucence: cloud phenomenon typified by lights at night, visible or glowing at night
Adumbrate: to explain faintly or opaquely outline, describe
Chevelure: head of hair, hair on the head, tresses, a nebulous envelop(as around a comet)
Seraphim: pl. six-winged angel
Largesse: the generous giving of gifts, a generous or courteous gift, charitable donation
Etude: a piece of music designed for didactic purposes
Cadenza: musical or literary improvisation
Selcouth: unusual, rare, unique, or strange
Tessellation: tile pattern sans gaps or extraneous spaces, mathematical pattern
Videlicet: to wit, that is, namely
Marasmus: protein deficiency, state of emaciation
Sempiternal: eternal, endless, lasting forever, ceaseless
Cistern: an underground reservoir
Rimulose: characterized by or having small chinks, fissures, or cracks
Vicissitudes: changes of circumstances of fortune
Stasis: equilibrium causing a peaceful inactivity via equal opposing forces
Mythopoeic: pertaining to the making of myths
Inure: to take effect, or to accustom to something, typically unpleasant
Risorgimento: a time of renewal or renaissance, revival
Marcescent: flower term, withering, but not falling off
Viola: like a violin, but with a lower pitch
Peccavi: admission of guilt, confession
Zitella: maiden, unmarried woman, bachelorette
Nepenthe: drug of forgetfulness, anti-depression drug, remedy for sorrow
Famulus: sorcerer’s apprentice or assistant
Crescendo: music, gradual increase of tempo, volume, or intensity
Evanescent: brief, transient, ephemeral
Demesne: a lord’s privately owned manor or section of land
Kaleidoscope: optical item that utilizes mirrors to create interior symmetrical visions
Pastiche: literary patchwork, hodgepodge, collision of genres used to create a new item
Cinquefoil: five-leaved, plant with limbs that are five-leaved, five-pointed leaves
Daedalian: intelligent, crafty, deft, practical, pertaining to Daedalus
Lixiviation: act of separating soluble from insoluble substances via water or solvent
Pasquinade: public farce, satire, or lampoon
Oubliette: dungeon with only opening at the top
Clavilux: machine that generates light via music
Lapis Lazuli: gemstone of intense blue
Esprit: brio, wit, vivacity, joie de vivre
Daphnean: shy, timid, demure, modest, bashful
Absinthe: wormwood liquor of a bright-green color
Convalesce: to recover or recuperate, recover from a serious injury
Sapphire: bright blue, valuable gemstone of a bright yet deep blue
Arabesque: ballet twirl, type of artistry involving a continuous, rotating design
Caesious: blue-gray
Isosceles: having two equal sides, of a triangle
Linoleum: type of floor covering
Sisyphean: pertaining to or involving endless labor, pertaining to Sisyphus
Amulet: a charm against evil or impurity, often a piece of jewelry
Ophidian: snake-like, like, shaped like, or relating to snakes
Hyacinth: tropical, American herb, red, transparent variety of zircon used as a gemstone
Lullaby: song or tune devised to lull something to sleep
Coelacanth: prehistoric fish still alive today
Labyrinth: maze, puzzling complex or circuitous plan
Quaquaversal: directed outward from a common center to all points, omnidirectional
Scialytic: dispersing shadows, typically with light
Cerulean: watery blue
Lilliputian: very small, tiny, pertaining to Lilliput
Emanation: emission, something that is issued by a source
Liaison: illicit sexual relationship, case of contact between two parties, usually a person
Azure: sky-blue or a light blue
Silver: shimmering gray color, type of metal
Empyreal: related to the empyrean, celestial
Conciliabule: secret meeting of conspirators
Quotidian: daily, mundane, occurring every day
Dilettante: one who dabbles in an occupation or hobby without serious intent
Soigné: elegant, sophisticated, well-groomed
Glimpse: brief, incomplete view or look, to glance at
Ennui: listlessness, weariness, discontent
Tapestry: heavy cloth woven with rich, varicolored designs or scenes, often hung on walls
Palatial: pertaining to a palace, grandiose, magnificent
Cenotaph: an unmarked grave
Sonata: music, series of three solos
Alleviate: to allay, to lessen in pain or negative occurrence or consequence
Diaspora: dissemination, dispersion, random or selective re-distribution
Salubrious: health-giving, healthy, healthful, relating to good health
Azoth: mythologized universal solvent, panacea
Lemniscate: the infinity symbol, any figure-eight symbol
Millennium: one thousand years, period of a thousand years
Sylph: graceful woman, fairy, air elemental
Symphony: extended orchestral movements
Orchestra: large group of musicians with a variety of instruments
Nemesis: source of harm or ruin, unconquerable foe or enemy, vengeful opponent
Felicity: state of happiness, joy, ecstasy
Lunacy: insanity, insanity with brief moments of clarity
Vitiate: impair, spoil, to the reduce quality of, to make worse
Chiasmus: rhetorical, inverse sentence, “One should eat to live, not live to eat”
Atelier: artist’s studio
Vicennial: happening every twenty years
Acervuline: aggregated, heaped up, bundled, collected or localized
Cynosure: that which garners great attention by calling to its brilliance, interest
Peninsula: piece of land mostly surrounded by water, except on one side
Eloquence: well-stated speech, flowing language, articulated speech and proper execution
Diaphanous: light, delicate, gossamer, translucent
Echelon: tier, level, rank in job, formation of soldiers
Vaticinate: prophesy, prognosticate, augur, foretell
Nebulae: pl. collection of astral gases
Litany: large amount, plethora, long and tedious address or recital
Asylum: refuge, a place to restore sanity or facilitate recovery
Midst: in the middle of, among
Imprimatur: a sign or mark of approval, insignia of approval
Nymph: seductive or lustful woman, fairy
Talisman: item marked with magic signs though to confer magical powers or repel evil
Ephemeral: brief, transient, evanescent
Moiety: one of two equal parts, half
Desuetude: state of disuse, state of uselessness
Pyrrhic: of a victory, having high levels of casualties or damage on both sides
Eunoia: normal mental health, beautiful thinking
Colophon: inscription at the end of a book, an identifying emblem for a book
Stiletto: high-heel with sharp point, small dagger
Esoterica: item or thing that is esoteric, obscure, rare, or valuable
Pirouette: ballet spin, ballet technique
Boeotian: marked by stupidity and philistinism, crudely obtuse, loutish
Zephyr: slight burst of gentle wind, gentle breeze
Czigany: gypsy, Hungarian gypsy
Porcelain: strong, vitreous, translucent ceramic with glazed colored material
Mephitic: poisonous, noxious, lethally dangerous, insidious, toxic, putrid
Sierra: ridge of a mountain or mountains
Lunula: white crescent at the base of the fingernail
Nacreous: iridescent, pearly, like mother-of-pearl or nacre
Philander: to womanize or entertain or elicit casual or wanton sex
Emission: discharge, emanation, chemical release
Lithosphere: outermost shell of a planet, the crust and uppermost mantle
Objet d’art: object of art, valuable or highly artistic piece or work
Bibelot: trinket, bauble, small object which is rare or valuable or beautiful, a small book
Cleanse: to free from dirt, defilement, or guilt, purge or clean
Ineffable: indescribable, impossible to describe, enchantingly amazing
Pellucid: translucently clear, limpid, ethereal
Chandelier: ceiling-mounted light fixture or glass structure
Sinecure: an easy occupation or one which requires almost no responsibility
Panacea: a cure-all, medicine, herb, or concoction designed or functioning as a cure-all
Girandole: a mirror having attached candle holders
Element: fundamental, essential, or irreducible constituent of a composite entity elements
Meniscus: anatomical term, the curve in a liquid when observed in a cylinder
Recherché: elegant, refined or tasteful, sophisticated
Souvenir: keepsake, memento, something of sentimental value
Aphesis: omission of sound or verbiage at the beginning of a word or phrase
Cadence: rhythmic flow of the sounds of language, lilt
Legerity: mental or physical agility, dexterity, or quickness
Symposium: conference for discussion of a particular topic
Resonance: quality of being resonant, extension of sound via sympathetic vibration
Parabola: mathematical term, looks akin to a “u” or “n”
Xenoglossy: language learned spontaneously and without prior knowledge
Elicit: to bring or draw out (something latent), educe, summon, to provoke a reaction
Synecdoche: a reference to a part as opposed to the whole, girl as “skirt” ship as “sail”
Amphora: ceramic, two-handled vase with a narrow neck, usually contains alcohol
Essence: intrinsic or indispensable properties that serve to typify or identify something
Belle-lettres: “beautiful letters” aesthetic literature, as opposed to didactic
Andante: music, moderately slow
Pallid: pale, wan, deficient in color
Oasis: fertile, vibrant, or green spot in a desert or wasteland
Aubade: poem or song about or evocative dawn or morning, opposite of nocturne
Literati: intelligentsia, the educated class, clerisy, a group of litterateurs
Colliquate: to change from solid to liquid, to liquefy
Vincible: able to be harmed, vulnerable, susceptible, vulnerable
Coloratura: elaborate or technical vocal music with florid ornamentation
Grandeur: splendor, magnificence, quality or state of being grand
Vivisepulture: the act of being buried alive or burying alive
Succinct: briefly stated, laconic, terse
Emerald: deep, dark green, dark green gemstone
Sojourn: brief visit, stopover, jaunt
Revenant: specter, ghost, one who returns after a long absence
Stillicide: water falling from the roof of a house or a gutter
Quisquose: something which is difficult to deal with
Morceau: a small literary or musical composition
Pianissimo: musical direction, very softly
Marmoreal: of, like, made of, or related to marble
Coracle: small rounded boat made of waterproof material stretched over a frame
Lavadero: laundry room, place to wash gold
Capriccio: music, improvisation, without adherence to rules
Nickelodeon: nickel theater
Mimosa: plant, cocktail drink
Azalea: type of plant, a common garden plant
Lacquer: varnish that dries via evaporation
Evaporation: the act of liquid dissipating or drying due to humidity or exposure
Aesthete: person who appreciates art or beauty
Regalia: the emblems and symbols of royalty, such as the crown and scepter, jewelry
Clinquant: glittering as gold, glittering with tinsel, showily ornate
Mezzanine: partial story between two main stories of a building, lowest balcony of theater
Coquelicot: plant, red poppy
Jejune: naïve, juvenile, simplistic, uninteresting, superficial
Laconic: brief in speech, matter-of-fact, terse, using few words
Dyslexia: disorder in which lexical figures are perceived in a chaotic order
Swain: a young man, suitor, ephebe
Epithelium: type of body tissue
Apocope: omission of sound or verbiage at the end of a word or phrase
Memento: an item of special significance
Prairillon: a small meadow or tract of grassland, heath, plain
Vespertine: crepuscular, pertaining to, of, or related to the evening
Warble: trill, croon, purr, chirrup
Sforzando: music, suddenly or strongly accented
Miasma: atmosphere of disease, fine mist of effluvium or bacteria, noxious emanation
Violet: shade of deep purple
Athanasy: quality of being deathless, immortality
Ventriloquist: puppeteer utilizing vocal techniques and manipulations
Coruscate: sparkle, reflect brightly, shimmer
Sangfroid: composure or coolness as shown in danger, imperturbability
Vivify: to invigorate, revive, energize, galvanize
Novella: short prose tale often characterized by moral teaching or satire
Adroit: quick or skillful or adept in action or thought
Transience: brevity, briefness, evanescence, shortness, the state of being temporary
Redivivus: revived, come back to life, resurrected, resuscitated
Emollient: substance that softens and soothes the skin, lotion
Delitescent: hidden, concealed, kept secret
Recidivism: act of repeating punished act, chronic tendency to repeat crimes
Malleable: moldable, able to be modified, easily reshaped, having the ease of form
Constellation: specific arrangement of stars to form an image
Eclipsareon: a device for illustrating and demonstrating eclipses
Influenza: acute contagious viral infection, commonly called the “flu”
Nephew: the son of a brother or sister in relation to you
Mantelletta: sleeveless vestment worn by cardinals
Triste: sad, mournful, dismal, depressed
Tilt: to cause to slope, as by raising one end, incline
Cyaneous: deep blue, cerulean
Decrescendo: gradual lowering of tempo in music or in a situation
Thylacine: Extinct Tasmanian Tiger
Melisma: the stretching of a syllable over a series of notes
Roué: a rake, rouge, philanderer, lothario
Cosmopolitan: pertaining to the world at large, without localized prejudices
Equipoise: equal distribution of weight or balance, balanced
Façade: affected aura or mannerisms to beguile or deceive
Imbroglio: extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation
Capriccioso: music, lively and free of restraint, restriction, or direction
Umbrage: offense, affront, the shade beneath a tree, shade, suspicion, reason for doubt
Theophany: religious epiphany or appearance of God to a person
Sobriquet: nickname, moniker, adopted name
Clemency: mercy, an act of mercy, showing mercy
Abattoir: slaughterhouse
Punchinello: short, fat clown or clown puppet
Alloquy: speaking to another, an address
Opalescent: milky and iridescent, shimmering with the colors of an opal
Perennial: lasting throughout the year
Vigesimal: based on, pertaining to or related to 20
Bijouterie: general plural of trinkets or jewelry, gallery thereof, display thereof
Lochetic: lying in wait for prey, used especially of insects
Verisimilitude: the appearance or semblance of truth or reality in a fictional medium
Quintessence: fifth element, perfect embodiment
Zenith: point on the celestial sphere that is above the observer, highest point, maximum
Aeolian: pertaining to, of, related to, caused by or like the wind or Aeolus
Tregetour: juggler, mummer, conjurer
Lavender: light purple
Naïveté: inexperience, quality of being naïve, artlessness
Clandestine: kept secretly or done secretively
Marionette: a puppet bound by strings and controlled with wooden bars
Epistle: a formal letter, letter with a cachet
Dulcet: sweet-sounding, mellisonant
Emaciate: to make abnormally thin or weak, typically due to illness
Paradigm: clearly defined archetype, typical example or pattern of something
Suicide: the act of murdering oneself
Cygnet: a baby swan, young swan
Philtrum: subtle curve beneath the nose and on the upper lip, palate
Cancrizans: backwards movement, crab walking, music moving backwards
Apropos: appropriate of, appropriate
Efflux: something that flows out or forth, effluence, passing or an expiration, as of time
Preterlabent: flowing beside or by, especially of a river or stream
Eviscerate: to disembowel, exenterate, to remove the viscera of something
Minutiae: pl, tiny, precise details, vestiges, trifles
Bellicose: inclined or eager to fight, aggressively hostile, belligerent, pugnacious
Visurient: hungry for visual stimuli, pertaining to the desire evoked from vision
Humiliate: to enervate or embarrass through specific actions or events
Turquoise: blue-green color
Esurient: hungry, greedy, hedonistic in pursuit of things
Moue: pouting face or grimace, upset facial expression
Apoplexy: stroke, impairment or neuralgia from cerebral hemorrhage
Calypso: rare orchid, a tribal and fervid dance
Métier: forte, niche in which a person excels, occupation, profession
Portfolio: portable case for carrying documents
Celestial: heavenly, of a higher plane, empyreal, of space
Illustrate: to clarify or explain with examples or comparisons
Lassitude: weariness, lack of energy or motivation
Scythe: agricultural implement with a long, curving blade fastened to a long handle
Caballero: skilled horseman, gentleman, cavalier
Excelsior: fine, curled wood shavings
Medallion: jewelry or object worn from a necklace
Blellum: an idle, indiscreet talker, noisy fainéant
Eloign: to move away a distance, to move a distance with something concealed
Cabaret: a restaurant with live entertainment
Vivacity: brio, esprit, alacrity
Imbue: to embed with a quality, to inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality
Heliotrope: light purple, type of flower
Gambol: to skip or jump merrily
Lambent: glowing, gleaming, or flickering with a soft radiance, of humor or fire
Sable: black, type of animal with a deep, black pelt
Nepheliad: cloud nymph, nymph designated or of the clouds
Gloom: sadness, melancholy, depression
Mestizo: a person of mixed racial ancestry
Etiolate: to stunt growth, deprive of strength , to whiten by blocking sunlight exposure
Ancestry: the inception or origin of a phenomenon, object, idea, or style, lineage
Esssse: pl. archaic plural of ashes
Marmalade: jellylike preserve made from the pulp of fruits, especially citrus fruits
Lugubrious: gloomy or dismal, especially exaggerated
Concupiscence: lasciviousness, lewdness, ardent lust
Equinox: when the sun reaches a height, night and day equalize, annual event
Oeillade: an amorous glance, ogle
Neophyte: a novice, tyro, beginner
Material: secular, worldly, the substance(s) of which a thing is made of or composed
Epergne: table centerpiece, object designated as a centerpiece
Oleander: type of flower
Shimmer: to shine with a subdued, flickering or wavering light
Vetanda: taboo or forbidden things or topics
Levitation: the act of floating, supernatural floating
Sardonyx: type of stone(onyx) with sandy bands
Cello: large, stringed instrument that generates deep tones
Relinquish: voluntarily cease to keep or claim, surrender
Mormorando: musical direction, murmuring or with a murmuring sound
Phoenix: mythical bird of fire which rises from it’s ashes in a cycle of rebirth
Novae: pl. collapsing or dying star
Epitome: a perfect example of a particular quality or type
Viridian: blue-green pigment
Belladonna: poisonous plant
Facsimile: copy or reproduction of an item, typically a book
Mannequin: articulated human figure used for design
Patois: dialect other than the usual or literary dialect, uneducated or provincial language
Caliginous: misty, dim, obscure, dark, gloomy, tenebrous
Helix: a spiral, spiral-shaped object or string
Incarnadine: pinkish, flesh-colored, blood-red
Elusive: difficult to find, catch, or achieve, avoiding
Murmur: low, indistinct, continuous sound, to utter such a sound
Symbiosis: mutual biological synergy between two dissimilar organisms
Circuitous: having a circular or winding course, indirect, roundabout
Swerve: to abruptly turn or deviate from an otherwise straight course
Liquid: a state of matter, compare gas and solid, readiness to flow, type of sound
Vociferous: loud, stentorian, vehement, angrily impassioned
Aerial: of, in, or caused by the air, existing or living in the air
Hue: gradation or variety of a color
Inoccuity: the quality or state of being harmless, trifling, or insipid
Vestigial: of, relating to, or constituting a vestige(trace, mark, or sign left by something)
Cursive: flowing, effusive, wavy, type on handwriting in English
Mauve: pinkish purple
Colloquial: informal, as in speech, conversationally informal
Echolalia: immediate and involuntary repetition of words or phrases just spoken by others
Incisive: penetrating, clear, and sharp, as in operation or expression
Caress: touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner
Incunabula: pl. book printed before 1501
Mica: thin layers of specific, transparent minerals
Xenodochial: friendly or especially kind to strangers or foreigners
Nirvana: a place or state of rest, harmony, or pleasure
Tourmaline: multifarious gemstone of grossly differing colors
Syllable: unit of spoken language consisting of a single uninterrupted sound
Dapple: a spot or mottled marking, usually occurring in clusters, different tones and hues
Prismatic: refractive light of a spectrum, brilliantly colored
Layer: single thickness of a material covering a surface
Maraschino: cordial made from the fermented juice of the marasca cherry
Sotto voce: soft-voiced, emphasis on quiet speech
Vanilla: ordinary, conventional, flavored with vanilla, flavor extracted from vanilla bean
Sommelier: a waiter expertly trained in alcoholic beverages, wine steward
Medley: heterogeneous mixture of typically complementing elements
Cicada: loud, locust-like insect that chirrups
Aphotic: devoid of light, especially of areas where no light naturally occurs
Inglenook: a nook or corner beside an open fireplace, chimney corner
Burnish: to polish, the shine of a polished surface
Rapture: ecstasy, felicity, state of sheer happiness, happiness to the point of delirium
Craquelure: fine pattern of dense cracking formed on the surface of paintings
Maquette: scale model of a large item
Phantasm: something apparently seen but having no physical reality, illusion
Oscillate: to swing in an uninterrupted motion
Ambivalence: simultaneous, conflicted feelings towards a thing, person, etc
Numismatics: study or collection or currency, coins, paper money, etc
Hazel: light brown or light yellow
Esculent: edible, able or safe to be eaten
Vellum: mammal skin prepared for writing or printing on
Semblance: apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different
Ingénue: a naive, innocent girl or young woman
Gossamer: delicate, light, flimsy, transparent and thin, like a spider’s silk
Eiderdown: down of a duck used as stuffing for quilts or pillows
Chartreuse: swampy green
Veranda: open, roofed porch or portico on the outside of a building
Limn: to delineate via depictions or suffuse things with light
Blossom: billowing, period or condition of flowering or growth
Galaxy: collection of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity
Champagne: bubbling alcohol with fruity taste
Epicurean: hedonistic, gastronomical, pertaining to good taste
Panoply: a full collection or array, full set of armor
Inoculate: introduce an idea or view into the mind of, inculcate, inject a serum or vaccine
Euphonious: nice-sounding, sounding pretty
Surreptitious: stealthy, kept secret, hidden
Cedilla: diacritic beneath word to alter pronunciation “façade”
Foudroyant: dazzling, scintillating, sudden and overwhelming
Dissemble: disguise or conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs, to mislead
Canticle: a song, poem, or hymn, usually of a church choir
Indolence: laziness, extreme ease or comfort
Epée: fencing sword or blade without a cutting edge
Inertia: tendency of a body to resist acceleration, a body at rest wants to stay at rest
Mellisonant: wonderful-sounding
Eleven: eleventh integer in a series
Crystal: mineral with many possible permutations, gemstone-like
Languid: characterized by disinclination for physical exertion
Aeonian: continuing forever, eternal
Callipygian: having a beautiful, admirable, or sexy butt
Senescence: state of being old or growing old, cellular decomposition, studies thereof
Ocelot: undomesticated cat, like a small leopard
Prosody: the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech
Concinnity: harmony in the arrangement or fitness of parts with respect to a whole
Palisade: a fence of pales or stakes set firmly in the ground
Svelte: suave, urbane, savvy, slender, lithe, polished, sophisticated
Threnody: song, hymn, or poem reflecting on mourning or a tribute to the deceased
Encomium: formal, enthusiastic praise, abundant, exuberant expression of admiration
Melody: a series or pattern of notes
Tellurian: terrestrial, inhabiting the earth, pertaining to the earth, earthen
Sibilant: hissing, making a sound that resembles hissing
Panoramic: unbroken view of an entire surrounding area, inclusive presentation, survey
Limerence: extended infatuation or crush, contrast love
Cathismata: pl. one of the 20 divisions in a Greek Psalter
Menagerie: collection of animals in cages or enclosures, diverse hodgepodge, gallery, zoo
Reciprocity: the quality or state of requiting, mutual dependence
Bouleversement: reversal of fortunes, overturning, tumult
Amber: light brown, light yellow
Forte: niche in which a person excels
Lemonade: beverage typically consisting of lemon juice, sugar, and water
Aeipathy: continued passion, unyielding disease
Seizure: act, condition, or instance of seizing or being seized, fit, spasm, convulsion
Prelude: preceding event or action, music term, preliminary, preambulate
Cithara: ancient Greek instrument, like a lyre
Mithril: fictional, very light, silvery steel
Visceral: pertaining to the viscera, relating to deep feelings as opposed to the intellect
Baccalaureate: bachelor’s degree, valedictory speech
Velvet: soft type of material used in clothing
Avarice: extreme greed for wealth or material gain
Limpid: unclouded, clear, lucid, defined and deep
Solace: comfort or consolation in a time of sadness or distress
Ember: small, glowing fleck of aflame wood or coal
Catena: closely linked series, connected series of related things, especially of writing
Gracile: gracefully slender or thin, graceful
Sublime: noble, exalted, majestic, empyreal
Azuline: light blue, similar to a light blue
Foliage: plant leaves or greenery, as a collective
Delphic: brotherly, oracular
Vaudeville: bygone slapstick era
Cessation: pause, interruption, ceasing, ending
Innocent: without sin, pure, free from legal or specific wrong, guiltless, naïve, simple
Mizzle: fine rainfall, drizzle, mist
Lattice: open framework of material, typically in a crisscross pattern
Ambrosia: food of the gods, something overpoweringly delicious or fragrant
Borasca: squall, usually accompanied by thunder and lightning
Sentient: aware, characterized by the ability to feel or perceive, conscious
Fusillade: salvo, rapid discharge of firearms
Wan: pallid, of a sickly complexion
Numeral: symbol used to represent, denote, or symbolize a number
Bivouac: temporary military or squad encampment
Splice: to infuse, join, interweave, unite
Fainéant: sluggard, do-nothing, ne’er-do-well , idle and ineffectual
Mercurial: fickle, erratic, ingenious, changeable, eloquent
Avenue: wide street or thoroughfare, roadway lined with tress
Sibyl: prophetess, fortune-teller, female prognosticator
Escritoire: writing desk, desk designed for studies
Celerity: speed, alacrity, briskness
Athenaeum: institution for the promotion of literary or scientific learning, phrontistery
Ivory: pure white color, material derived from elephant tusks
Copse: thicket of small trees or shrubs, a coppice, small wood, a tree
Gaucherie: awkwardness, inexperience, embarrassments
Sidle: walk in a furtive or timid manner, especially obliquely or roundabout
Pluvial: characterized or relating to rainfall
Mimsy: flimsy and miserable, someone who excels at what they do
Lissom: supple, easily bent, lithe, flexible
Elapse: to pass or go by, to happen
Whilom: formerly, former, erstwhile
Swoon: fainting spell, collapse from ecstasy
Reliquary: receptacle, such as a coffer or shrine, for keeping or displaying sacred relics
Analemma: sundial, figure-8 indicating sun’s declination
Elliptical: of, relating to, or having the shape of an ellipse, with a word or words omitted
Rariora: pl. unusual collector’s items, outstanding items, prize pieces
Grazioso: a direction in music, graceful, smooth, or elegant in style
Maudlin: overly sentimental, saccharine, mawkish, self-pitying
Esper: a being of advanced mentality or with psychic abilities
Specious: superficially plausible, but actually wrong, misleading in appearance
Cordillera: group of mountain ranges forming a mountain system of great linear extent
Acoustic: of or relating to sound, the sense of hearing, or the science of sound
Masquerade: festive gathering characterized by participants wearing masks
Suffuse: gradually spread through or over, with light, color, music, or liquid
Elucidate: explain further, clarify, to elaborate upon
Silence: state or quality of soundlessness, lack of sound
Paramour: lover, especially one in an adulterous relationship, lover, illicit lover
Curlicue: fancy curl or twist, flourish of writing
Shiver: a tremble, to tremble, shudder, or shake
Lascivious: lewd, lustful, prurient
Dulcimer: stringed instrument having three or four strings and a fretted fingerboard
Slither: to glide or slide like a reptile
Milieu: surroundings or environment, especially of a social or cultural nature
Luscious: delicious, sexy, cloying, alluring
Seven: seventh integer in a series
Chariot: two or four-wheeled, horse-drawn war or procession vehicle
Promethean: boldly creative, defiantly original, deviating genius
Ashlar: a squared block of building stone and dressed for outward placement
Tableaux: pl. deliberate picture, arrangement , vivid, graphic description
Patina: natural tarnish from wear of usage and passage of time, verdigris
Enhalo: to affix with a halo, to cause to wear a halo, to encircle, surround
Acolyte: ranked clergy member, assistant in liturgical rites
Veneer: thin surface layer, superficial layer as an enhancement to inferior material
Afflatus: strong creative impulse, especially as a result of divine inspiration, inspiration
Jaunt: short excursion for pleasure, brief stay
Sidereal: of, related, pertaining to, or determined by the stars or constellations
Incalescent: becoming hotter or growing more ardent, boiling
Ebon: black, made of ebony
Cosmology: study of the physical universe considered a mass of phenomena in spacetime
Illusion: erroneous mental representation, false image made by outside force or the mind
Dell: small, usually wooded valley, vale
Brio: joie de vivre, vivacity, alacrity, gusto, esprit
Sluice: artificial channel for conducting water, with a valve or gate to regulate the flow
Pococurante: nonchalant, indifferent, lukewarm in opinion, insouciant
Comestibles: items suitable to be eaten, edible sundries, articles of food, victuals
Portmanteaux: pl. large suitcase, merging of two words to form a new one, often a pun
Malady: sickness, illness, ague, ictus, ailment
Sough: a soft, gentle sigh, murmuring, purling, or rustling sound
Auburn: moderate reddish-brown
Opaque: impenetrable to light, not reflecting light, difficult to explain or understand
Emissary: an agent sent on a mission to represent or advance the interests of another
Ascertain: to understand specific facts, to ferret out information
Idyllic: Like an idyll, extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque
Linguistics: pl. the study of human speech, languages, and writing
Epigone: inferior imitator, disciple, second-rate replica, counterfeit
Aeneous: brassy, golden-green
Permeate: to pervade, to spread or flow throughout, to diffuse through
Circlet: ring-shaped ornament or piece of jewelry, especially for the head
Echo: a repetition of sound produced by the reflection of sound
Nenuphar: a water lily, especially an Egyptian lotus
Synchronicity: theory of, coincidence of two or more curiously similar events
Pantomime: communication through gestures and facial movements
Eleemosynary: of, relating to, or dependent on charity, contributed as an act of charity
Tenuous: long and thin, slender, flimsy, without great substance, diluted
Malaise: bodily weakness, nondescript illness, vague feeling of discomfort
Swath: width of a scythe-stroke, strips or radii made by something
Clerisy: the well-educated or learned class, intelligentsia, cognoscenti
Satellite: celestial body that orbits a planet, a moon, object designed to orbit a planet
Mellifluous: flowing with sweetness or honey, smooth and sweet
Philosophy: discipline comprising aesthetics, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology, etc.
Victuals: food to be eaten, provisions, food cache, pabulum, comestibles, nutrients
Leitmotif: musical passage associated to a specific situation, character, or idea
Emulate: to strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation
Anemone: flowery marine creature
Succor: to aid or assist in a time of need, assistance
Mien: air or bearing especially as expressive of attitude or personality, demeanor, aura
Lithium: silvery, soft, highly-reactive metal
Dalliance: flirtation, dawdling, procrastination, frivolous action
Myrrh: fragrant resin gum from a type of tree, used chiefly for perfume
Blithe: carefree, nonchalant, heedless, lacking concern, joyous
Kismet: fate, fortune, chance, faith thereof
Slender: long and thin, tall
Lesbian: female sexually attracted to other women, exclusively
Cylinder: long, tubular geometric shape rendered in three dimensions
Solecism: an impropriety, nonstandard grammatical construction, violation of etiquette
Pensive: brooding, reflecting, involving, or engaged in deep or serious thought
Nimiety: excess, overabundance, superfluity
Candelabra: pl. branched candlestick with several candles
Whimsy: quaint or fanciful idea, a whim, capricious humor or playful disposition
Delirium: state of mental disarray and unstable consciousness from intoxication or fever
Placid: sedate, calm, peaceful
Serenity: calmness, tranquility, relaxation
Aura: distinctive and pervasive quality or character, air, atmosphere, emanation
Hubris: excessive pride, overbearing arrogance
Opusculum: minor work of literature
Pizzicato: music term, played by plucking rather than bowing
Miniscule: very small, diminutive, when compared to a normal counterpart
Elysian: blissful, delightful, pertaining to the Elysian Fields or Elysium
Psittacism: automatic speech without thought of the meaning of the words spoken
Ultramarine: intense bluish-purple
Mausoleum: large, stately tomb or building housing several tombs
Dissimulate: to conceal or disguise, to hide with the intent of deceit
Torrential: resembling, flowing in, or forming torrents
Lorgnette: a pair of eyeglasses or opera glasses with a handle
Nymphet: pubescent girl regarded as sexually desirable, young, sexually precocious girl
Auxiliary: additional, supplementary, reserve, acting as a subsidiary
Mist: mass of fine droplets of liquid
Seraglio: harem, harem house, brothel, living quarters thereof
Viceroy: governor, representative of a sovereign
Winnow: to filter out, to remove unnecessary or undesirable parts
Callow: immature, green, lacking experience, naïve
Tête-à-tête: private conversation between two people
Spinal: pertaining to, relating to, of, or using the spine
Marginalia: notes in the margin or margins of a book
Vestibule: a small entryway between the outer door and the interior of a building
Periphery: line that forms the boundary, limited circumference of sight, perimeter
Obsidian: volcanic glass of a black shade
Sfumato: definition or form without hasty outline by mild gradation from light to shadow
Lineaments: pl. the distinguishing or characteristic features of something immaterial
Denouement: final resolution or clarification of a dramatic or narrative plot
Piquant: aromatic, appetizing, appealingly provocative
Isinglass: thin sheet of translucent mica
Chamois: goatlike antelope, type of cloth for cleaning
Mere: being nothing more nor better than, small, lowly
Bellwether: leader or indicator of future trends, trendsetter
Tercet: group of three lines of verse, often rhyming together or with another triple
Aqueous: of, relating to, or resembling water, made from, with, or by water
Saline: salty, pertaining to salt
Elysium: section of the underworld, resting place of heroes and the virtuous
Lucent: shining, gleaming, brilliantly
Shrivel: wither due to lack of moisture, cause to contract, lose momentum
Gale: a harsh gust of wind, a strong current of wind
Tryst: an agreement, as between lovers, to meet at a certain time and place, a date
Solemn: serious, dignified, formal, stern
Whisper: soft speech produced without full voice, something uttered very softly
Dulcinea: sweetheart, lovely person, one whom a person loves or cares about
Sussurous: pertaining to whispering, whispering
Intaglio: an engraving or incised figure in stone or other hard material
Effulgent: marked by as if by brightly shining light, coruscating, shimmering
Cellulite: fatty deposit causing a dimpled appearance, as around the thighs or buttocks
Opacity: opaqueness, obscurity, impenetrability
Smolder: burn without flame, to undergo slow and compressed combustion
Paucity: scarcity, lack of presence, fewness, a small number
Ameliorate: to make better, improve, enhance
Epileptic: pertaining to epilepsy, flickering rapidly, seizing
Cloister: monastatic establishment, convent of living
Parvenu: noveau-riche, person risen to new status, but lacks the social skills necessary
Bloviate: to make pompous or arrogant discourse
Inundate: deluge, to fill quickly beyond capacity, to cover with water, drench, overwhelm
Lavish: expended, bestowed, or occurring in profusion, using or giving in great amounts
Precocious: manifesting or characterized by unusually early development or maturity
Epitaph: inscription on a tombstone
Allegretto: music term, moderately fast tempo
Scepter: rod or wand, usually adorned in regalia
Braggadocio: arrogant person, braggart, arrogant or boastful behavior
Cellular: pertaining to cells or their structure, containing cells
Simulacrum: image or representation, false, unreal, or vague simulation or semblance
Purlicue: space between the thumb and forefinger
L’esprit de l’escalier: “staircase wit” usage of a witty retort after the moment has passed
Cartesian: of or relating to the philosophy of Descartes
Sigil: seal, signet, glyph, sign or image considered magical
Aileron: small moveable platforms on the back of plane wings that alter air movements
Existential: of, relating to, or dealing with existence, pertaining to existentialism
Breviloquence: speech characterized by brevity, shortness, briefness
Labial: pertaining to lips, vaginal or facial
Apostasy: abandonment of one's religious faith, political party, one's principles, or a cause
Portico: porch or walkway with a roof supported by columns, often leads into an entrance
Isthmus: narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land
Yowl: to utter a loud long cry of grief, pain, or distress, wail
Dawn: daybreak, first light of day, the onset of an idea, enlightenment
Incense: to induce rage, infuriate, aromatic element designed to induce relaxation
Sleep: state of slumber, position of rest for the physical and mental being of a living being
Elasticity: quality or state of being elastic, tendency to keep shape after stretching
Meridian: of or at noon, imaginary line that extends form the North to South poles
Lubricious: slippery with oil or lubricant, offensively lewd or intending to be lewd
Salve: remedial lotion or substance to soothe or allays
Teleology: the study of the philosophical concept of the telos
Mimesis: imitation or representation of the world, mostly in literature and art, mimicry
Bardiglio: finely-grained, multi-gray, Italian marble
Escadrille: a small squadron, usually of six, a small team, typically of six airplanes
Tiramisu: dessert made with cake and espresso
Antebellum: before or existing before a war, especially the American civil war
Vale: the world, life, mortal or earthly life
Ubiquitous: being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time, omnipresent
Élan: esprit, brio, gusto, ardor, vivacity
Sequester: to relegate to a small space, to cause to withdraw into seclusion
Cymbal: percussive instrument, usually attached to a drum kit
Limousine: slender car used for formal occasions, notably expensive
Thionine: artificial red or violet dyestuff, usually for microscopic stains
Bourgeoisie: the middle class, the middle class in Communist theory
Verve: energy, brio, élan, vigor, joie de vivre
Coterie: tightly-knit group of persons having a common purpose or interest, cadre, clique
Laodicean: indifferent or lukewarm in politics and or religion
Heath: plain, tract of wasteland, uncultivated land
Vinyl: type of multi-use plastic resin
Spiral: helix, string in a successively concentric pattern
Cavil: to object or criticize adversely for trivial reasons, flimsy objection or qualm
Matriculate: to become admitted to membership in a body, society, or institution
Soothe: to allay, alleviate, relax, pacify
Galleria: spacious passageway, court, or indoor mall, usually with a vaulted roof, gallery
Luminary: one who is an inspiration to others, one who attained success in a chosen field
Palliate: to alleviate, reduce or remove pain
Elixir: solution of alcohol and water, substance believed to maintain life indefinitely
Spool: cylinder with ridges that has spirals string around it
Fumarole: hole in an area of volcanic activity from which gases and hot smoke escape
Communiqué: an official announcement, bulletin board, a dispatch, an official report
Tremulous: marked by trembling, quivering, or shaking
Venial: pardonable, easily excused or pardoned, trivial
Bethesda: a hallowed, sanctified, or holy place, a chapel, holy ground
Umbrella: apparatus used as a personal rain repellant
Circular: of, like, related to, or resembling a circle
Allure: attraction, temptation, to attract with something desirable
Scarlet: bright-red color
Hegemony: predominant influence, dominance, supremacy, preeminence
Sclera: the whites of the eyes
Palliasse: mattress consisting of a thin pad filled with straw, sawdust, or hay
Vavasor: superior vassal with other vassals beneath
Trillium: type of flower
Enceinte: pregnant, carrying a baby, gravid, line of fortification enclosing a town or castle
Cuvette: a small, transparent, often tubular laboratory vessel
Silkscreen: stencil method of printing, in which a design is put on silk or other fine mesh
Tristiloquy: speech characterized by sadness or gloominess
Realm: region, kingdom, plane, domain, territory
Vacivity: vacuity, emptiness, absence, space with a lack of matter
Fleur-de-lys: stylized insignia of a lily
Sittella: small, gregarious songbird
Amphisbaena: Greek mythological being, two-headed snake, a head on each end
Corinthian: pertaining to Corinth or its culture, architecture
Libeccio: southwest wind occurring in Italy
Perpetuity: the quality or condition of being perpetual, ceaseless, or continual
Knell: to ring slowly and solemnly, funeral bell-ring
Illusory: produced by, based on, or having the nature of an illusion, deceptive
Diablerie: dealing with the devil or devils, witchcraft, sorcery, consorting with demons
Epicede: dirge, requiem, funeral song or ode
Brevity: briefness, swiftness, evanescence
Henna: reddish-brown dye used in tinting the hair, skin, or nails
Alabaster: dense translucent, white or tinted fine-grained gypsum
Frescade: a cool, breezy walk, a shady place, a relaxing place with ample shade
Villain: dramatic or fictional character who is typically at odds with the hero
Cellophane: thin, flexible, transparent cellulose material used as moisture-proof wrapping
Simplicity: state or quality of being simple, freedom of complexity or intricacy
Bliss: joy, rapture, elation, felicity
Laminate: to beat or compress into a thin plate or sheet, to divide into thin layers
Cinnabar: bright red, glowing red
Nocive: harmful, injurious
Cinder: burned substance, one which is no longer capable of combustion
Sapience: rationality, compare sentience, wisdom or sagacity
Mirror: surface able of reflect enough undiffused light to form an image of an object
Sesquipedalian: having many syllables, long, given to or typified by the use of long words
Quiver: shiver, shake, quaver, tremble
Breeze: gentle push of the wind
Amnesia: partial or total loss of memory
Sirocco: hot, humid south or southeast wind of southern Italy
Furrow: to wrinkle, a wrinkle, a rut, groove, or trench
Querencia: the area of the bull-ring where the bull makes its stand
Cortical: of, relating to, derived from, or consisting of cortex
Immaculate: spotless, free of sin, without blemish or impurity
Weather: state of the atmosphere at a given time and place
Apotheosis: deification, quintessence, exaltation to divine rank or stature
Vicious: having the nature of vice, evil, immoral, or depraved
Prurient: having, relating to, or typified by lascivious or lustful thoughts or desires
Vis-à-vis: “face to face” opposite to, in relation to, in regard to, a meeting
Belvedere: roofed structure, on top of another building, which commands a large view
Capricious: impulsive, whimsical, unpredictable
Milquetoast: timid, unassertive, spineless person, one who is easily intimidated
Anxiolytic: preventing or reducing anxiety, antianxiety medication, tranquilizer
Jacqueminot: crimson rose
Soubrette: saucy, coquettish woman in comedies
Nugacious: trifling, trivial, insignificant, unimportant, worthless
Philanthropy: the effort or drive to further the well-being of humankind, generosity
Enamel: vitreous, usually opaque, protective or decorative coating or shell
Cerumen: yellow, wax-like secretion from the external ears, “earwax”
Apostolicity: being of or contemporary with the Apostles in character
Malapropos: out of place, inappropriate, in an inopportune or inappropriate manner
Caesura: a pause in a line of verse
Hacienda: the main building of a farm or ranch
Sienna: yellowish-brown, type of clay
Leviathan: very large animal, especially a whale, something of unusually large size
Dulciloquy: speech characterized by sounding soft or sweet
Renaissance: rebirth or revival, renewal of cultural and intellectual thought
Cyan: greenish-blue
Brecciate: to form rock into breccia(rocks made of sharp fragments set in a grainy matrix)
Fuliginous: having the color of soot, dark, dusky, charcoal-colored
Listless: lacking energy or disinclined to exert effort, lethargic
Sequence: succession, an arrangement, related or continuous series
Cuneiform: wedge-shaped, Sumerian language
Virtuoso: ace, someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field, especially music
Iris: the colored portion of the eye that encircles the pupil
Psyche: the mind or self as a functional entity, center of thought, feeling, and motivation
Miscellany: collection of various items, parts, or ingredients
Luminal: of or pertaining to the lumen (the measure of light perceived by the human eye)
Sylvan: relating to or characteristic of woods or forest regions, forest sprite
Degringolade: a rapid decline or deterioration, as in strength, position, or condition
Matutinal: of, relating to, or occurring in the morning, early
Leveret: baby rabbit, a young rabbit
Aperitif: alcoholic drink taken as an appetizer before a meal
Macedoine: mixture of diced fruits and vegetables, medley, mixture
Sanguine: of a healthy reddish color, ruddy, blood-red, of the color of blood
Divisi: music term, divided, separated
Ossuary: place, container or receptacle for holding the bones of the dead
Clithridiate: keyhole-shaped, resembling a keyhole
Sonnet: fourteen-line poem with specific rhyme scheme
Esclavage: a necklace having several rows of chains, beads, or jewels
Palladian: of or relating to wisdom or learning
Slice: a thin section of something, to slash or remove a small section of
Lithe: readily bent, supple, flexible, marked by effortless grace
Falciform: falcate, curved, convex, sickle-shaped
Loom: the art of weaving, to come into view as a massive, distorted, or indistinct image
Acidulous: somewhat acidic or sour in taste or manner, somewhat sarcastic
Facility: building made or used for convenience, ease of moving or doing, aptitude
Calico: coarse, brightly printed cloth, a type of pattern
Aquarelle: painting done in transparent watercolors, watercolor, watercolor painting
Scion: an heir or descendant, a twig or shoot used for grafting
Proscenium: Greek or Roman theater stage, the part of a stage in front of the curtain
Xysti: pl. covered portico of a gymnasium
Clavicle: the collarbone of a human
Puree: rub through a strainer or process in an electric blender
Eglantine: European rose, sweetbrier
Mystique: the special, esoteric skill or mysterious faculty essential in a calling or activity
Amelus: individual exhibiting Amelia (the congenital absence of one or more limbs)
Sweven: dream, vision, premonition
Celluloid: transparent, colorless, synthetic plastic used to manufacture photographic film
Aposiopesis: abrupt stop of a thought in a sentence, as if the speaker could not continue
Siphon: to suck through, absorb through an appendage
Gallery: raised area, often having a stepped or sloping floor, in a public building
Centennial: of or relating to a period of 100 years, occurring once every 100 years
Elision: omission of a vowel, consonant, or syllable in pronunciation
Trinity: group consisting of three closely related members, unity of three special objects
Numina: pl. presiding divinity or spirit of a place, creative energy, genius
Memorabilia: pl. things remarkable and worthy of remembrance or record
Replica: copy or reproduction of a work of art, especially one made by the original artist
Chalice: cup for consecrated wine, goblet
Lathe: machine for shaping a piece of material by rotating it rapidly along its axis
Traipse: walk, to wander without destination, gad, aimlessly or blithely walk
Roseate: rose-colored, rosy, optimistic, cheerful and bright, promising
Expatiate: to speak or write at length or in considerable detail, expound, elaborate
Demarche: course of action, maneuver, specific movement
Propinquity: nearness in place, approximate location, proximity, vicinity
Gloaming: dusk, twilight, evening, vesper
Calliope: musical instrument fitted with steam whistles, played from a keyboard
Aliment: something that nourishes, food, to supply with sustenance or food
Sestina: poem of six six-line stanzas and a three-line envoy
Blaze: bright flame of fire, bright steady light or glare, hot gleam
Solipsism: philosophical idea that only one's own mind is sure to exist
Artemisia: type of plant, genus of aromatic shrubs or herbs
Cypress: swampy tree or plant, plant or tree occurring in swamps
Lethe: condition of forgetfulness, oblivion
Shallow: lacking physical depth, lacking depth of intellect, emotion, or knowledge
Ponceau: a strong red to reddish orange
Frost: hoarfrost, degree or state of coldness, covering of minute ice needles
Soufflé: light, fluffy baked dish
Valiant: possessing valor, brave, marked by or done with valor
Eclipse: any obscuration of light, reduction or loss of splendor, status, or reputation
Alienate: to estrange, to cause to become unfriendly or hostile
Basilica: large, public building the Romans used, usually as a courtroom or meeting hall
Vacuity: emptiness, vacivity, absence, lack of matter in a space, vacuum
Ilium: upper part of the bony femur at the hip joint
Oblivion: condition or quality of being completely forgotten, void, forgetfulness
Aria: air or song, a melody, solo in an opera accompanied by instrumentation
Conciliate: to win over from a state of hostility or distrust, appease
Magisterial: of, relating to, or having the features of a master or teacher, authoritative
Bayonet: blade adapted to fit the muzzle-end of a rifle and as a weapon in close combat
Nucleus: central part about which other parts are grouped or gathered
Eristic: characterized by disputatious, often subtle and specious reasoning
Perforate: to pierce, punch, or bore a hole or holes in, stab through, penetrate
Vexation: the act of annoying, irritating, or vexing, quality or condition of being vexed
Dislodge: to remove or force out from a position or dwelling previously occupied
Impetus: a drive or compelling force, motivation, a reason to do something
Vaccinate: to inoculate with a vaccine of prepared medicine
Cytherean: pertaining to beauty or the goddess, Aphrodite
Fumulus: a thin cloud resembling a veil and forming at any level
Percolate: to filter, to cause to filter, to cause to pass through pores or small holes
Apophenia: the perception of or belief in connectedness among unrelated phenomena
Coriander: aromatic herb, herb used in a variety of perfumes
Iscariotic: traitorous, treacherous, given to betrayal, having committed betrayal
Lacerate: to cut or tear irregularly, to distress, mangle
Bordereau: a detailed note or memorandum of account
Hallucinate: to affect or be affected with visions or imaginary perceptions
Semiotician: one who studies, applies, or explains the theories of semiotics
Marble: highly-polished building material, irregularly colored
Congelifraction: splitting or disintegration of rocks as a result of the freezing of the water
Acedia: ennui, state of torpor of listlessness, spiritual apathy
Estuary: inlet or arm of the sea, an open river that connects to the sea
Scoliosis: abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, affliction thereof
Austere: severe or stern in disposition, discipline, or appearance, somber and grave
Orbital: of, pertaining to, or relating to an orbit
Nimbus: dark, grey cloud bearing rain, splendid atmosphere or aura, cloudy radiance
Bricolage: something made or put together using any materials that happen are available
Litterateur: literary-minded person, one devoted to the study or writing of literature
Shadow: shade within clear boundaries
Effleurage: a light, stroking movement used in massage, a soft caress
Coquette: woman who makes teasing sexual or romantic overtures, a flirt or tease
Famished: extremely hungry, ravenous, starved
Sussurant: whispering, making a continuous, low, and indistinct sound
Otiose: indolent, lazy, serving no useful purpose, futile, being a leisure
Poignant: profoundly moving, touching, physically or emotionally painful
Ingravescent: gradually becoming more severe, worsening, usually of a medical condition
Dioscuric: describing a twin, whether person or event, of a twin, of a duplicate
Bibliophile: someone who loves (and usually collects) books, book collector
Palaver: conference or discussion, idle chat, chat with flattery of cajolery involved
Glacial: slow, staggering, of or pertaining to glaciers or ice sheets
Opulence: wealth, affluence, great abundance, profusion, pretentiousness
Naiad: a nymph, a river, lake, fountain, or spring nymph or spirit
Euphoria: feeling of great happiness or well-being, felicity
Cheilion: the corner of the mouth or oral cavity
Frolic: to behave playfully and candidly, romp, to engage in flirting, joking, or teasing
Radii: pl. any line segment from the center of a circle or sphere to its perimeter
Provocative: tending or serving to provoke, inciting, stimulating, irritating, or vexing
Deign: to condescend to do something thought to be slightly beneath one's dignity
Mewl: whimper, cry like an infant, meow like a kitten, to weakly cry
Clarion: medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones, clear and shrill, loud burst of sound
Escamotage: juggling, hand trickery, sleight of hand, legerdemain
Plumage: entire feathery covering or portion of a bird, feathers collectively
Fissure: long narrow opening, a crack or cleft, process of splitting or separating, division
Choreography: the art of creating and arranging dances or ballets
Impluvium: of a Roman house, rectangular pool in an atrium used to gather rain water
Bastille: imprisonment, jail, prison
Mizzenmast: third mast or the mast aft the mainmast on a ship having 3 or more masts
Equestrian: of, relating to, or featuring horseback riding
Impedimenta: pl. things that hinder growth or movement
Repartee: swift, witty reply, conversation marked by the exchange of witty retorts Palimpsest: erased parchment, which is then reused, manuscript written over earlier ones
Coercion: the act of coercing, the use of pressure, threats, blackmail, or intimidation
Formulaic: being of no special quality or type, average, routine, undistinguished
Serenade: courtesy performance given to honor or express love for someone, to serenade
Ellipsis: omission of a word or phrase necessary for a complete syntactical construction
Incipient: in or at an initial stage, beginning to exist or appear
Glisten: to shine by reflection with a sparkling luster, coruscate, shimmer
Ambience: atmosphere, a particular environment or surrounding influence, aura
Insipid: lacking flavor or zest, lacking excitement, stimulation, or interest, dull, vapid
Cascarilla: West Indian shrub with aromatic bark, typically used in incense or tonics
Paraph: a flourish at the end of a signature, may be used as a safeguard against forgery
Embarcadero: a landing place, especially a landing place on an island waterway
Fuselage: central body of an aircraft, to which the wings and tail assembly are attached
Nullifidian: a person having no faith, religion, convictions, or beliefs
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