Colloquialism n. 1. An informal word or phrase that is more common in conversation than in formal speech or writing. Colloquialisms can include words such as “gonna” and phrases such as “ain’t nothin’” and “dead as a doornail.”

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.”