compunction \kuhm-PUHNK-shuhn\ (noun) - 1 : Anxiety or deep unease proceeding from a sense of guilt or consciousness of causing pain. 2 : A sting of conscience or a twinge of uneasiness; a qualm; a scruple.

"If they ...Read More

spurious \SPYUR-ee-uhs\ (adjective) - 1 : Not proceeding from the true or claimed source; not genuine; false. 2 : Of illegitimate birth.

"She knew, with the perfect cynicism of cruel youth, that to rise in the world meant...Read More

waylay \WAY-lay\ (transitive verb) - 1 : To lie in wait for and attack from ambush. 2 : To approach or stop (someone) unexpectedly.

"He returned to her night after night, until his brother, Frank, waylaid him one evening ...Read More

sough \SAU; SUHF\ (intransitive verb) - To make a soft, low sighing or rustling sound, as the wind.

(noun) - A soft, low rustling or sighing sound.

"In the dark of winter, tin roofs sough with rain." -- Les A. Murray, '...Read More

oneiric \oh-NY-rik\ (adjective) - Of, pertaining to, or suggestive of dreams; dreamy.

"The danger of oneiric overproduction had been noted since the time of the founders, and could also, more simply, be explained by the ...Read More

patina \PAT-n-uh; puh-TEEN-uh\ (noun) - 1 : The color or incrustation which age gives to works of art; especially, the green rust which covers ancient bronzes, coins, and medals. 2 : The sheen on any surface, produced by ...Read More