mordant

According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary: “biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style : incisive <a mordant wit>”

milksop

According to Dictionary.com: “a weak or ineffectual person.” According to The Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology: “milksop orig. SOP dipped in milk, (hence) one who is fed on such food, young infant, (transf.) effeminate fellow” Also: milquetoast

horology

(No, I'm not going to give a hint for this one!) The science of measuring time.

hondo

According to Wikipedia, “The lariat has a small reinforced loop at one end, called a honda or hondo, through which the rope passes to form a loop.”

encomium

According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary: “glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise ; also : an expression of this.” Definitely not to be confused with meconium!

dysteleology

The doctrine of purposelessness in nature See also: Wikipedia.

dubnium

HINT: It is not "former President George W. Bush's favorite element". One of the elements (Symbol Db; atomic number 105). See also: Wolfram|Alpha"