Uncommon

rapport

[ra-pohr]

relation; connection, especially harmonious or sympathetic relation

chomp

[ch-omp]

to chew something noisily or vigorously.

venal

[veen-l]

willing to sell one's influence, especially in return for a bribe; open to bribery; mercenary

overtop

[oh-ver-top]

to rise above or exceed in height or achievement

aberrant

[uh-ber-uhnt]

deviating from the ordinary, usual, or normal type; exceptional; abnormal

angst

[angkst]

a feeling of deep anxiety or dread

horticulture

[hor-ti-kuhl-cher]

the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants.

tarantism

[tar-uhn-tiz-uhm]

a mania characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance, especially as prevalent in southern Italy from the 15th to the 17th century, popularly attributed to the bite of the tarantula

obeisance

[oh-bey-suhns]

a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy, as before a superior; a bow, curtsy, or other similar gesture

expurgate

[ek-sper-geyt]

to amend by removing words, passages, etc., deemed offensive or objectionable

saponify

[suh-pon-uh-fahy]

to become converted into soap

convalesce

[kon-vuh-les]

to recover health and strength after illness; make progress toward recovery of health

skerrick

[sker-ik]

a small piece or quantity; a bit

supplant

[suh-plant]

to take the place of (another), as through force, scheming, strategy, or the like

post-mortem

[pohst-mawr-tuhm]

an examination of a body after death; occurring after death

maniac

[may-nee-ak]

a person exhibiting extreme enthusiasm or obsession

minacious

[mi-ney-shuhs]

menacing; threatening

adversary

[ad-ver-ser-ee]

one's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute

catalyze

[ca-tal-yze]

to charge, inspire

discordant

[dis-kor-dant]

harsh or jarring in sound; lacking harmony

procession

[pr-ok-eszhun]

a group of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion, often in a ceremony.

raconteur

[rak-uhn-tur]

a person who is skilled in relating stories and anecdotes interestingly.

wizened

[wiz-uhnd]

withered; shriveled

ember

[em-ber]

a small live piece of coal, wood, etc., as in a dying fire; the smoldering remains of a fire