Ignominious adj. Deserving or causing public disgrace or shame; humiliating: “An ignominious defeat.”

Homogeneous adj. 1. Uniform in structure or composition. 2. Of the same or similar nature or kind: “The corporation maintains tight-knit, homogeneous board members.”

Cavernous adj. Resembling a cavern, as in depth, vastness, or effect: a cavernous hole; cavernous echoes.

Clandestine adj. 1. Kept or done in secret, often in order to conceal an illicit or improper purpose. “The CIA maintains clandestine operations in many countries.”

Eponym n. A person whose name is or is thought to be the source of the name of something, such as a city or country. “George Washington is the eponym of Washington DC.”

Monolithic adj. 1. Massive, solid, and uniform: “The monolithic cathedral.” 2. Large and unchanging: massive, uniform in character, and slow to change

Eccentric adj. 1. Departing from a recognized, conventional, or established norm or pattern. 2. n. One that deviates markedly from an established norm, especially a person of odd or unconventional behavior. “His eccentricities now extend to never leaving his home.”

Dexterous adj. Skillful in the use of the hands. Having mental skill or adroitness; clever. Done with dexterity. “A dexterous wood craftsman.”

Impugn tr.v. To attack as false or questionable; challenge in argument: “To impugn a political opponent’s record.”

Gothic adj. 1. Relating to an architectural style reflecting the influence of the medieval Gothic. 2. Relating to a style of fiction characterized by the use of desolate or remote settings and macabre, mysterious, or violent incidents.