Lacuna is a formal word that refers to a gap or blank space in something—in other words, a missing part. When used with respect to biology, lacuna also refers to a small cavity, pit, or discontinuity in an anatomical structure.
// The absence of hemlock pollen from one stretch of the fossil record is a notable lacuna that suggests the tree may have once suffered from some type of blight that nearly wiped out the species.
// An osteocyte is a cell that is isolated in a lacuna of bone.
Cordial describes someone or something that is politely pleasant and friendly.
// All the guests were assembled and given a cordial greeting by the host.
To vindicate someone is to show that they are not guilty. Vindicate can also mean “to show that someone or something that has been criticized or doubted is correct, true, or reasonable.”
// A series of testimonies helped vindicate the defendant.
// Their much-maligned approach to the problem has now been vindicated by these positive results.
Tortuous describes something that has many literal or figurative twists and turns.
// The tortuous mountain path rewards climbers with a stunning view of the town below.
// Getting approval for a project of this magnitude is a tortuous process.
Imbroglio is a formal word that refers to a complex dispute or argument.
// Much of the sisters’ text thread involves the the latest imbroglios on their favorite reality show—who’s mad at who for what, and why.
1. suggested though not directly expressed
2. being without doubt or reserve
Catercorner is used to describe two things that are located across from each other on opposite corners. It is a less common variant of kitty-corner.
// The store is catercorner from the park, making it the perfect location to grab snacks for our picnic.
Paragon is a formal word that refers to a person or thing that is perfect or excellent in some way and should be considered a model or example to be copied.
// In Arthurian legend, Sir Galahad is depicted as a paragon of virtue.
To gallivant is to go or travel to many different places for pleasure. Gallivant is a somewhat informal word that is often applied when the user of the word does not approve of such pleasurable traveling.
// They’ve been gallivanting all over town instead of studying for their finals.