Words I Don't Know: I'm repeating myself.

You may notice some words that have been previously included.  If you see multiples, it's because I came across the word again and didn't recognize it.  I decided to include repeats because repetition helps with memory.

apostasy (n.):  a total desertion of or departure from one's religion, principles, party, cause, etc.
anathema (n.):  a person or thing accursed or consigned to damnation or destruction.
bacilli (n., plural):  any rod-shaped or cylindrical bacterium of the genus Bacillus,  comprising spore-producing bacteria.
tumescent (adj.):  exhibiting or affected with many ideas or emotions; teeming.
largess (n.):  generous bestowal of gifts.
ignominious (adj.):  marked by or attended with ignominy; discreditable; humiliating.
facsimile (n.):  an exact copy, as of a book, painting, or manuscript.
cerise (adj.,n.):  moderate to deep red.
unctuous (adj.):  characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, esp. in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug; having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals.
inchoate (adj.):  not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary; just begun; incipient.
neurasthenia (n.):  (not in technical use) nervous debility and exhaustion occurring in the absence of objective causes or lesions; nervous exhaustion.
facile (adj.):  moving, acting, working, proceeding with ease, sometimes with superficiality.
apotheosis (n.):  the ideal example; epitome; quintessence.
bandolier/ bandoleer (n.):  a broad belt worn over the shoulder by soldiers and having a number of small loops or pockets, for holding a cartridge or cartridges.
valise (n.):  a small piece of luggage that can be carried by hand, used to hold clothing, toilet articles, etc.; suitcase; traveling bag.
nodal (adj.):  pertaining to or of the nature of a node.
ephemeral (adj.):  lasting a very short time; short-lived; transitory.
topography (n.):  the detailed mapping or charting of the features of a relatively small area, district, or locality.
consternation (n.):  a sudden, alarming amazement or dread that results in utter confusion; dismay.
fulcrum (n.):  a sudden, alarming amazement or dread that results in utter confusion; dismay.
exultation (n.):  lively or triumphant joy, as over success or victory.
surreptitious (adj.):  acting in a stealthy way.
reticent (adj.):  disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved.
deputation (n.):  the person or body of persons so appointed or authorized.
provincial (adj.):  belonging or peculiar to some particular province; local.
abject (adj.):  utterly hopeless, miserable, humiliating, or wretched.
burgher (n.):  an inhabitant of a town, esp. a member of the middle class; citizen.
impertinent (n.):  unmannerly intrusion or presumption; insolence.
ambiguity (n.):  an unclear, indefinite, or equivocal word, expression, meaning, etc.
bulwark (n.):  any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt.
maudlin (adj.):  tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental.
salver (n.):  a tray, esp. one used for serving food or beverages.

factotum (n.):  a person, as a handyman or servant, employed to do all kinds of work around the house.
pied-a-terre (n.):  a residence, as an apartment, for part-time or temporary use.
culmination (n.):  the final, highest, or decisive point.
innocuous (adj.):  not harmful or injurious; harmless.
linchpin (n.):  a pin inserted through the end of an axletree to keep the wheel on;something that holds

the various elements of a complicated structure together.

 

definitions from dictionary.reference.com