Uncommon

petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr, pe-trahy-kawr]

a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather

beamish

[bee-mish]

beaming with happiness, optimism, or anticipation

prothalamion

[proh-thuh-ley-mee-on]

a song or poem celebrating an upcoming wedding

scunner

[skuhn-er]

an irrational dislike; loathing

cynosure

[sahy-nuh-shoor]

something that strongly attracts attention by its brilliance, interest, etc.

ebullient

[ih-buhl-yuhnt]

overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirited

orotund

[awr-uh-tuhnd]

(of the voice or speech) characterized by strength, fullness, richness, and clearness

perspicacious

[pur-spi-key-shuhs]

having a ready insight into and understanding of things

palfrey

[pawl-free]

a docile horse used for ordinary riding, especially by women

oligopoly

[ol-i-gop-uh-lee]

the market condition that exists when there are few sellers, as a result of which they can greatly influence price and other market factors

collywobbles

[kol-ee-wob-uhlz]

intestinal cramps or other intestinal disturbances due to anxiety

austere

[aw-steer]

severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance

svelte

[svelt]

slim; slender in figure or lithe

purl

[purl]

knitting; to knit with a reverse stitch

succedaneum

[suhk-si-dey-nee-uhm]

a substitute

platitude

[plat-i-tood]

a flat, dull, or trite remark, especially one uttered as if it were fresh or profound

diaphanous

[dahy-af-uh-nuhs]

very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent

meretricious

[mer-i-trish-uhs]

alluring by a show of flashy or vulgar attractions; tawdry

bastion

[bas-chuhn]

fortification; a projecting portion of a rampart or fortification that forms an irregular pentagon attached at the base to the main work

skerrick

[sker-ik]

a small piece or quantity; a bit

nadir

[ney-der]

the lowest point; point of greatest adversity or despair

arabesque

[ar-uh-besk]

fine arts; a sinuous, spiraling, undulating, or serpentine line or linear motif

sophistry

[sof-uh-stree]

a false argument; sophism

mawkish

[maw-kish]

having a mildly sickening flavor; slightly nauseating