Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Internecine
in·ter·ne·cine /ˌɪntərˈnisin, -saɪn, -ˈnɛsin, -ˈnɛsaɪn/ [in-ter-nee-seen, -sahyn, -nes-een, -nes-ahyn]
1. of or pertaining to conflict or struggle within a group: an internecine feud among proxy holders.
2. mutually destructive.
3. characterized by great slaughter; deadly.
1. of or pertaining to conflict or struggle within a group: an internecine feud among proxy holders.
2. mutually destructive.
3. characterized by great slaughter; deadly.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Zaftig
zaftig
"alluringly plump, curvaceous, buxom," 1937, from Yiddish zaftik, lit. "juicy," from zaft "juice," from M.H.G. saft "juice"
"alluringly plump, curvaceous, buxom," 1937, from Yiddish zaftik, lit. "juicy," from zaft "juice," from M.H.G. saft "juice"
Chattel
chat·tel /ˈtʃætl/
–noun
1. Law. a movable article of personal property.
2. any article of tangible property other than land, buildings, and other things annexed to land.
3. a slave.
–noun
1. Law. a movable article of personal property.
2. any article of tangible property other than land, buildings, and other things annexed to land.
3. a slave.
Carbuncle
A carbuncle is an abscess larger than a boil, usually with one or more openings draining pus onto the skin. It is usually caused by bacterial infection.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Raree-show
raree-show - an exhibition of pictures or objects viewed through a small hole or magnifying glass
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Ablution
ab·lu·tion /əˈbluʃən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-bloo-shuhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. a cleansing with water or other liquid, esp. as a religious ritual.
2. the liquid thus used.
3. a washing of the hands, body, etc.
[Origin: 1350–1400; ME < L ablūtiōn- (s. of ablūtiō), equiv. to ablūt(us), ptp. of abluere (see abluent) + -iōn- -ion]
–noun
1. a cleansing with water or other liquid, esp. as a religious ritual.
2. the liquid thus used.
3. a washing of the hands, body, etc.
[Origin: 1350–1400; ME < L ablūtiōn- (s. of ablūtiō), equiv. to ablūt(us), ptp. of abluere (see abluent) + -iōn- -ion]
Friday, March 09, 2007
Scullion
scul·lion (sklyn)
n.
A servant employed to do menial tasks in a kitchen.
[Middle English sculyon, probably from Old French escouvillon, dishcloth, diminutive of escouve, broom, from Latin scpa, branches, broom.]
n.
A servant employed to do menial tasks in a kitchen.
[Middle English sculyon, probably from Old French escouvillon, dishcloth, diminutive of escouve, broom, from Latin scpa, branches, broom.]
Biddable
biddable \BID-uh-buhl\, adjective:
1. Easily led or commanded; obedient.
2. Capable of being bid.
1. Easily led or commanded; obedient.
2. Capable of being bid.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Tabbard
tab·ard (tāb'ərd) Pronunciation Key
n.
1. A short, heavy cape of coarse cloth formerly worn outdoors.
2.
---A. A tunic or capelike garment worn by a knight over his armor and emblazoned with his coat of arms.
---B. A similar garment worn by a herald and bearing his lord's coat of arms.
3. An embroidered pennant attached to a trumpet.
[Middle English, from Old French tabart or Old Spanish tabardo.]
n.
1. A short, heavy cape of coarse cloth formerly worn outdoors.
2.
---A. A tunic or capelike garment worn by a knight over his armor and emblazoned with his coat of arms.
---B. A similar garment worn by a herald and bearing his lord's coat of arms.
3. An embroidered pennant attached to a trumpet.
[Middle English, from Old French tabart or Old Spanish tabardo.]
Poniard
pon·iard (pŏn'yərd) Pronunciation Key
n. A dagger typically having a slender square or triangular blade.
tr.v. pon·iard·ed, pon·iard·ing, pon·iards
To stab with such a dagger.
[French poignard, from poing, fist, from Old French, from Latin pugnus; see peuk- in Indo-European roots.]
n. A dagger typically having a slender square or triangular blade.
tr.v. pon·iard·ed, pon·iard·ing, pon·iards
To stab with such a dagger.
[French poignard, from poing, fist, from Old French, from Latin pugnus; see peuk- in Indo-European roots.]
Coppice
cop·pice (kŏp'ĭs) Pronunciation Key
n. A thicket or grove of small trees or shrubs, especially one maintained by periodic cutting or pruning to encourage suckering, as in the cultivation of cinnamon trees for their bark.
[Old French copeiz; see copse.]
n. A thicket or grove of small trees or shrubs, especially one maintained by periodic cutting or pruning to encourage suckering, as in the cultivation of cinnamon trees for their bark.
[Old French copeiz; see copse.]
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Acolyte
ac·o·lyte /ˈækəˌlaɪt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ak-uh-lahyt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. an altar attendant in public worship; altar boy.
2. Roman Catholic Church.
a. a member of the highest-ranking of the four minor orders.
b. the order itself. Compare exorcist (def. 2), lector (def. 2), ostiary (def. 1).
3. any attendant, assistant, or follower.
[Origin: 1275–1325; ME acolite < ML acolytus < Gk akólouthos follower, attendant, equiv. to a- prefix denoting association + -kolouthos, var. of kéleuthos road, journey]
–noun
1. an altar attendant in public worship; altar boy.
2. Roman Catholic Church.
a. a member of the highest-ranking of the four minor orders.
b. the order itself. Compare exorcist (def. 2), lector (def. 2), ostiary (def. 1).
3. any attendant, assistant, or follower.
[Origin: 1275–1325; ME acolite < ML acolytus < Gk akólouthos follower, attendant, equiv. to a- prefix denoting association + -kolouthos, var. of kéleuthos road, journey]
Obeisance
o·bei·sance /oʊˈbeɪsəns, oʊˈbi-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[oh-bey-suhns, oh-bee-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy, as before a superior; a bow, curtsy, or other similar gesture.
2. deference or homage: The nobles gave obeisance to the new king.
[Origin: 1325–75; ME obeisaunce < MF obeissance, deriv. of OF obeissant, prp. of obeir to obey; see -ance]
–noun
1. a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy, as before a superior; a bow, curtsy, or other similar gesture.
2. deference or homage: The nobles gave obeisance to the new king.
[Origin: 1325–75; ME obeisaunce < MF obeissance, deriv. of OF obeissant, prp. of obeir to obey; see -ance]
Abstemious
ab·ste·mi·ous /æbˈstimiəs/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-stee-mee-uhs] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective
1. sparing or moderate in eating and drinking; temperate in diet.
2. characterized by abstinence: an abstemious life.
3. sparing: an abstemious diet.
[Origin: 1615–25; < L abstémius, equiv. to abs- abs- + tém- (base of témétum intoxicating drink) + -ius -ious]
—Related forms
ab·ste·mi·ous·ly, adverb
ab·ste·mi·ous·ness, noun
—Synonyms ascetic, abstinent, temperate, nonindulgent.
–adjective
1. sparing or moderate in eating and drinking; temperate in diet.
2. characterized by abstinence: an abstemious life.
3. sparing: an abstemious diet.
[Origin: 1615–25; < L abstémius, equiv. to abs- abs- + tém- (base of témétum intoxicating drink) + -ius -ious]
—Related forms
ab·ste·mi·ous·ly, adverb
ab·ste·mi·ous·ness, noun
—Synonyms ascetic, abstinent, temperate, nonindulgent.
Ascetic
as·cet·ic /əˈsɛtɪk/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-set-ik] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. a person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices extreme self-denial or self-mortification for religious reasons.
2. a person who leads an austerely simple life, esp. one who abstains from the normal pleasures of life or denies himself or herself material satisfaction.
3. (in the early Christian church) a monk; hermit.
–adjective Also, as·cet·i·cal.
4. pertaining to asceticism.
5. rigorously abstinent; austere: an ascetic existence.
6. exceedingly strict or severe in religious exercises or self-mortification.
[Origin: 1640–50; < Gk askétikós subject to rigorous exercise, hardworking, equiv. to aské- (see askesis) + -tikos -tic]
—Related forms
as·cet·i·cal·ly, adverb
—Synonyms 3. anchorite, recluse; cenobite. 5. strict, frugal, plain. 6. fanatic.
—Antonyms 5. self-indulgent.
–noun
1. a person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices extreme self-denial or self-mortification for religious reasons.
2. a person who leads an austerely simple life, esp. one who abstains from the normal pleasures of life or denies himself or herself material satisfaction.
3. (in the early Christian church) a monk; hermit.
–adjective Also, as·cet·i·cal.
4. pertaining to asceticism.
5. rigorously abstinent; austere: an ascetic existence.
6. exceedingly strict or severe in religious exercises or self-mortification.
[Origin: 1640–50; < Gk askétikós subject to rigorous exercise, hardworking, equiv. to aské- (see askesis) + -tikos -tic]
—Related forms
as·cet·i·cal·ly, adverb
—Synonyms 3. anchorite, recluse; cenobite. 5. strict, frugal, plain. 6. fanatic.
—Antonyms 5. self-indulgent.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Actinic
ac·tin·ic
Pronunciation: ak-'tin-ik
Function: adjective
: of, relating to, resulting from, or exhibiting chemical changes produced by radiant energy especially in the visible and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum
"The night air flashed actinic blue, like sheet lightning, as Lan engaged another Myrddraal,..." - Robert Jordan, The Dragon Reborn
Pronunciation: ak-'tin-ik
Function: adjective
: of, relating to, resulting from, or exhibiting chemical changes produced by radiant energy especially in the visible and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum
"The night air flashed actinic blue, like sheet lightning, as Lan engaged another Myrddraal,..." - Robert Jordan, The Dragon Reborn
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Perfervid
\puhr-FUR-vid\, adjective:
Ardent; impassioned; marked by exaggerated or overwrought emotion.
Ardent; impassioned; marked by exaggerated or overwrought emotion.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Obstreperous
ob·strep·er·ous (ŏb-strĕp'ər-əs, əb-) pronunciation
adj.
1. Noisily and stubbornly defiant.
2. Aggressively boisterous.
[From Latin obstreperus, noisy, from obstrepere, to make a noise against : ob-, against; see ob– + strepere, to make a noise (of imitative origin).]
adj.
1. Noisily and stubbornly defiant.
2. Aggressively boisterous.
[From Latin obstreperus, noisy, from obstrepere, to make a noise against : ob-, against; see ob– + strepere, to make a noise (of imitative origin).]
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
scofflaw
Thursday, April 06, 2006
myoclonus
Pronunciation: (mi-ok'lo-nus, mi-o-klo'nus)
One or a series of shock-like contractions of a group of muscles, of variable regularity, synchrony, and symmetry, generally due to a central nervous system lesion. Etymology: myo- + G. [klonos,] tumult
One or a series of shock-like contractions of a group of muscles, of variable regularity, synchrony, and symmetry, generally due to a central nervous system lesion. Etymology: myo- + G. [klonos,] tumult
Hyperreflexia
Main Entry: hy·per·re·flex·ia
Pronunciation: -rE-'flek-sE-&
Function: noun
: overactivity of physiological reflexes
Pronunciation: -rE-'flek-sE-&
Function: noun
: overactivity of physiological reflexes
Myoclonus
Main Entry: my·oc·lo·nus
Pronunciation: "mI-'ä-kl&-n&s
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin
: irregular involuntary contraction of a muscle usually resulting from functional disorder of controlling motoneurons; also : a condition characterized by myoclonus
Pronunciation: "mI-'ä-kl&-n&s
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin
: irregular involuntary contraction of a muscle usually resulting from functional disorder of controlling motoneurons; also : a condition characterized by myoclonus
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Syncretism
Main Entry: syn·cre·tism
Pronunciation: 'si[ng]-kr&-"ti-z&m, 'sin-
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin syncretismus, from Greek synkrEtismos federation of Cretan cities, from syn- + KrEt-, KrEs Cretan
1 : the combination of different forms of belief or practice
2 : the fusion of two or more orig. different inflectional forms
- syn·cre·tist /-tist/ noun or adjective
- syn·cre·tis·tic /"si[ng]-kr&-'tis-tik, "sin-/ adjective
Pronunciation: 'si[ng]-kr&-"ti-z&m, 'sin-
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin syncretismus, from Greek synkrEtismos federation of Cretan cities, from syn- + KrEt-, KrEs Cretan
1 : the combination of different forms of belief or practice
2 : the fusion of two or more orig. different inflectional forms
- syn·cre·tist /-tist/ noun or adjective
- syn·cre·tis·tic /"si[ng]-kr&-'tis-tik, "sin-/ adjective
Telic
Main Entry: te·lic
Pronunciation: 'te-lik, 'tE-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek telikos, from telos end -- more at TELOS
: tending toward an end
- te·li·cal·ly /-li-k(&-)lE/ adverb
Pronunciation: 'te-lik, 'tE-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek telikos, from telos end -- more at TELOS
: tending toward an end
- te·li·cal·ly /-li-k(&-)lE/ adverb
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Necropolis
Main Entry: ne·crop·o·lis
Pronunciation: n&-'krä-p&-l&s, ne-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -lis·es or ne·crop·o·les /-"lEz/; or ne·crop·o·leis /-"lAs/; or ne·crop·o·li /-"lI, -"lE/
Etymology: Late Latin, city of the dead, from Greek nekropolis, from nekr- + -polis -polis
: CEMETERY; especially : a large elaborate cemetery of an ancient city
Pronunciation: n&-'krä-p&-l&s, ne-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -lis·es or ne·crop·o·les /-"lEz/; or ne·crop·o·leis /-"lAs/; or ne·crop·o·li /-"lI, -"lE/
Etymology: Late Latin, city of the dead, from Greek nekropolis, from nekr- + -polis -polis
: CEMETERY; especially : a large elaborate cemetery of an ancient city
Cabala
Main Entry: ca·ba·la
Variant(s): or cab·ba·la or cab·ba·lah /k&-'bä-l&, 'ka-b&-l&/
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: Medieval Latin cabbala
1 : a medieval and modern system of Jewish theosophy, mysticism, and thaumaturgy marked by belief in creation through emanation and a cipher method of interpreting Scripture
2 a : a traditional, esoteric, occult, or secret matter b : esoteric doctrine or mysterious art
Variant(s): or cab·ba·la or cab·ba·lah /k&-'bä-l&, 'ka-b&-l&/
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: Medieval Latin cabbala
1 : a medieval and modern system of Jewish theosophy, mysticism, and thaumaturgy marked by belief in creation through emanation and a cipher method of interpreting Scripture
2 a : a traditional, esoteric, occult, or secret matter b : esoteric doctrine or mysterious art
Rosicrucian
Main Entry: Ro·si·cru·cian
Pronunciation: "rO-z&-'krü-sh&n, "rä-
Function: noun
Etymology: Christian Rosenkreutz (New Latin Rosae Crucis) reputed 15th century founder of the movement
1 : an adherent of a 17th and 18th century movement devoted to esoteric wisdom with emphasis on psychic and spiritual enlightenment
2 : a member of one of several organizations held to be descended from the Rosicrucians
Pronunciation: "rO-z&-'krü-sh&n, "rä-
Function: noun
Etymology: Christian Rosenkreutz (New Latin Rosae Crucis) reputed 15th century founder of the movement
1 : an adherent of a 17th and 18th century movement devoted to esoteric wisdom with emphasis on psychic and spiritual enlightenment
2 : a member of one of several organizations held to be descended from the Rosicrucians
Mandala
man·da·la
Pronunciation: 'm&n-d&-l&
Function: noun
Etymology: Sanskrit mandala circle
1 : a Hindu or Buddhist graphic symbol of the universe; specifically : a circle enclosing a square with a deity on each side
2 : a graphic and often symbolic pattern usually in the form of a circle divided into four separate sections or bearing a multiple projection of an image
Pronunciation: 'm&n-d&-l&
Function: noun
Etymology: Sanskrit mandala circle
1 : a Hindu or Buddhist graphic symbol of the universe; specifically : a circle enclosing a square with a deity on each side
2 : a graphic and often symbolic pattern usually in the form of a circle divided into four separate sections or bearing a multiple projection of an image
Friday, March 10, 2006
Contretemps
Pronunciation: 'kän-tr&-"tän, kOn-tr&-tän
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural con·tre·temps /-(")tän(z)/
Etymology: French, from contre- counter- + temps time, from Latin tempus
: an inopportune or embarrassing occurrence or situation
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural con·tre·temps /-(")tän(z)/
Etymology: French, from contre- counter- + temps time, from Latin tempus
: an inopportune or embarrassing occurrence or situation
Parochial
Pronunciation: p&-'rO-kE-&l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English parochiall, from Middle French parochial, from Late Latin parochialis, from parochia parish -- more at PARISH
1 : of or relating to a church parish
2 : of or relating to a parish as a unit of local government
3 : confined or restricted as if within the borders of a parish : limited in range or scope (as to a narrow area or region) :
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English parochiall, from Middle French parochial, from Late Latin parochialis, from parochia parish -- more at PARISH
1 : of or relating to a church parish
2 : of or relating to a parish as a unit of local government
3 : confined or restricted as if within the borders of a parish : limited in range or scope (as to a narrow area or region) :
Inculcate
Pronunciation: in-'k&l-"kAt, 'in-(")
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing
Etymology: Latin inculcatus, past participle of inculcare, literally, to tread on, from in- + calcare to trample, from calc-, calx heel
: to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
synonym see IMPLANT
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing
Etymology: Latin inculcatus, past participle of inculcare, literally, to tread on, from in- + calcare to trample, from calc-, calx heel
: to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
synonym see IMPLANT
Martinet
Pronunciation: "mär-t&n-'et
Function: noun
Etymology: Jean Martinet, 17th century French army officer
1 : a strict disciplinarian
2 : a person who stresses a rigid adherence to the details of forms and methods
Note: I'm starting to hate this author
Function: noun
Etymology: Jean Martinet, 17th century French army officer
1 : a strict disciplinarian
2 : a person who stresses a rigid adherence to the details of forms and methods
Note: I'm starting to hate this author
Manse
Pronunciation: 'man(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English manss, from Medieval Latin mansa, mansus, mansum, from Latin mansus lodging, from manEre
1 archaic : the dwelling of a householder
2 : the residence of a clergyman; especially : the house of a Presbyterian clergyman
3 : a large imposing residence
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English manss, from Medieval Latin mansa, mansus, mansum, from Latin mansus lodging, from manEre
1 archaic : the dwelling of a householder
2 : the residence of a clergyman; especially : the house of a Presbyterian clergyman
3 : a large imposing residence
Guignol
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: an entertainment with sensational or horrifying dramatic intent; also called Grand Guignol
Etymology: French `punch'; Grand Guignol `Great Punch' was Paris theater
Definition: an entertainment with sensational or horrifying dramatic intent; also called Grand Guignol
Etymology: French `punch'; Grand Guignol `Great Punch' was Paris theater
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Mezuzah
Variant(s): or me·zu·za /m&-'zu-z&/
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -zahs or -zas or me·zu·zot /-'zu-"zOt/
Etymology: Hebrew mezuzAh doorpost
: a small parchment scroll inscribed with Deut 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 and the name Shaddai and placed in a case fixed to the doorpost by some Jewish families as a sign and reminder of their faith
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -zahs or -zas or me·zu·zot /-'zu-"zOt/
Etymology: Hebrew mezuzAh doorpost
: a small parchment scroll inscribed with Deut 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 and the name Shaddai and placed in a case fixed to the doorpost by some Jewish families as a sign and reminder of their faith
Postprandial
Pronunciation: pOs(t)-'pran-dE-&l
Function: adjective
: occurring after a meal
Note: this author is really starting to irritate me with his grandious words. Post-meal, sheesh.
Function: adjective
: occurring after a meal
Note: this author is really starting to irritate me with his grandious words. Post-meal, sheesh.
Perambulate
Pronunciation: p&-'ram-by&-"lAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing
Etymology: Latin perambulatus, past participle of perambulare, from per- through + ambulare to walk
transitive senses
1 : to travel over or through especially on foot : TRAVERSE
2 : to make an official inspection of (a boundary) on foot
intransitive senses : STROLL
- per·am·bu·la·tion /-"ram-by&-'lA-sh&n/ noun
- per·am·bu·la·to·ry /-'ram-by&-l&-"tOr-E, -"tor-/ adjective
Note: article should have used wandering rather than perambulations.
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing
Etymology: Latin perambulatus, past participle of perambulare, from per- through + ambulare to walk
transitive senses
1 : to travel over or through especially on foot : TRAVERSE
2 : to make an official inspection of (a boundary) on foot
intransitive senses : STROLL
- per·am·bu·la·tion /-"ram-by&-'lA-sh&n/ noun
- per·am·bu·la·to·ry /-'ram-by&-l&-"tOr-E, -"tor-/ adjective
Note: article should have used wandering rather than perambulations.
Sobriquet
Pronunciation: 'sO-bri-"kA, -"ket, "sO-bri-'
Function: noun
Etymology: French
: a descriptive name or epithet : NICKNAME
Note: A classic example of when the more common word should have been used.
Function: noun
Etymology: French
: a descriptive name or epithet : NICKNAME
Note: A classic example of when the more common word should have been used.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Renfield Syndrome
Renfield syndrome, also known as clinical vampirism, is a mental disease somewhat recognised by doctors in modern times as the obsession to drink blood. The term was first coined by Dr. Richard Noll and is named after Dracula's insect-eating assistant, Renfield, in the novel by Bram Stoker.
People who suffer from this condition are primarily male. The craving for blood arises from the idea that it conveys supernatural powers. According to Noll, the condition starts with a key event in childhood which causes the experience of blood injury or the ingestion of blood to be exciting. After puberty, the excitement is experienced as sexual arousal. Noll explains that Renfield Syndrome begins with autovampirism and then progresses to the consumption of the blood of other creatures.
The term has been very controversial, since very little cases of the syndrome have been identified and therefore many psychologists agree that the Renfield syndrome is most likely a form of paranoid schizophrenia.
The best known cases of Renfield Syndrome are by Richard Trenton Chase and Neville Heath.
People who suffer from this condition are primarily male. The craving for blood arises from the idea that it conveys supernatural powers. According to Noll, the condition starts with a key event in childhood which causes the experience of blood injury or the ingestion of blood to be exciting. After puberty, the excitement is experienced as sexual arousal. Noll explains that Renfield Syndrome begins with autovampirism and then progresses to the consumption of the blood of other creatures.
The term has been very controversial, since very little cases of the syndrome have been identified and therefore many psychologists agree that the Renfield syndrome is most likely a form of paranoid schizophrenia.
The best known cases of Renfield Syndrome are by Richard Trenton Chase and Neville Heath.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Imprimatur
im·pri·ma·tur
Pronunciation: "im-pr&-'mä-"tur, im-'pri-m&-"tur, -"tyur
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, let it be printed, from imprimere to print, from Latin, to imprint, impress -- more at IMPRESS
1 a : a license to print or publish especially by Roman Catholic episcopal authority b : approval of a publication under circumstances of official censorship
2 a : SANCTION, APPROVAL b : IMPRINT c : a mark of approval or distinction
(Doh, a repeat from Feb 2005)
Pronunciation: "im-pr&-'mä-"tur, im-'pri-m&-"tur, -"tyur
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, let it be printed, from imprimere to print, from Latin, to imprint, impress -- more at IMPRESS
1 a : a license to print or publish especially by Roman Catholic episcopal authority b : approval of a publication under circumstances of official censorship
2 a : SANCTION, APPROVAL b : IMPRINT c : a mark of approval or distinction
(Doh, a repeat from Feb 2005)
Monday, March 06, 2006
Taciturn
tac·i·turn
Pronunciation: 'ta-s&-"t&rn
Function: adjective
Etymology: French or Latin; French taciturne, from Latin taciturnus, from tacitus
: temperamentally disinclined to talk
synonym see SILENT
Pronunciation: 'ta-s&-"t&rn
Function: adjective
Etymology: French or Latin; French taciturne, from Latin taciturnus, from tacitus
: temperamentally disinclined to talk
synonym see SILENT
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Clout
Pronunciation: 'klaut
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English clut; akin to Middle High German klOz lump, Russian gluda
1 dialect chiefly British : a piece of cloth or leather : RAG
2 : a blow especially with the hand; also : a hard hit in baseball
3 : a white cloth on a stake or frame used as a target in archery
4 : PULL, INFLUENCE
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English clut; akin to Middle High German klOz lump, Russian gluda
1 dialect chiefly British : a piece of cloth or leather : RAG
2 : a blow especially with the hand; also : a hard hit in baseball
3 : a white cloth on a stake or frame used as a target in archery
4 : PULL, INFLUENCE
Scupper
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: origin unknown
British : to defeat or put an end to : DO IN
Etymology: origin unknown
British : to defeat or put an end to : DO IN
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Junket
Pronunciation: 'j&[ng]-k&t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English ioncate, ultimately from (assumed) Vulgar Latin juncata, from Latin juncus rush
1 : a dessert of sweetened flavored milk set with rennet
2 a : a festive social affair b : TRIP, JOURNEY; especially : a trip made by an official at public expense
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English ioncate, ultimately from (assumed) Vulgar Latin juncata, from Latin juncus rush
1 : a dessert of sweetened flavored milk set with rennet
2 a : a festive social affair b : TRIP, JOURNEY; especially : a trip made by an official at public expense
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Nystagmus
nys·tag·mus
Pronunciation: nis-'tag-m&s
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek nystagmos drowsiness, from nystazein to doze; probably akin to Lithuanian snusti to doze
: a rapid involuntary oscillation of the eyeballs (as from dizziness)
- nys·tag·mic /-mik/ adjective
Pronunciation: nis-'tag-m&s
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek nystagmos drowsiness, from nystazein to doze; probably akin to Lithuanian snusti to doze
: a rapid involuntary oscillation of the eyeballs (as from dizziness)
- nys·tag·mic /-mik/ adjective
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Apache
Name given to the Native Americans who call themselves the Ndee, also sometimes used of the Diné (The Navajo). The word “Apache” means “enemies”, and was given to them by the Zuni, a Pueblo group. It was adopted by Western settlers as the actual name of the Ndee, although it is a slur.
(I was actually reading through historical racial slurs, and technically didn't have to look this up. But it's good info.)
(I was actually reading through historical racial slurs, and technically didn't have to look this up. But it's good info.)
Mise-en-scène
Pronunciation: "mE-"zän-'sen, -'sAn
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural mise-en-scènes /-'sen(z), -'sAn(z)/
Etymology: French mise en scène
1 a : the arrangement of actors and scenery on a stage for a theatrical production b : stage setting
2 a : the physical setting of an action : CONTEXT b : ENVIRONMENT, MILIEU
synonym see BACKGROUND
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural mise-en-scènes /-'sen(z), -'sAn(z)/
Etymology: French mise en scène
1 a : the arrangement of actors and scenery on a stage for a theatrical production b : stage setting
2 a : the physical setting of an action : CONTEXT b : ENVIRONMENT, MILIEU
synonym see BACKGROUND
Twee
Pronunciation: 'twE
Function: adjective
Etymology: baby-talk alteration of sweet
chiefly British : affectedly or excessively dainty, delicate, cute, or quaint [such a theme might sound twee or corny -- Times Literary Supplement]
Source: Momo's "new" blog, reading the first entry
Function: adjective
Etymology: baby-talk alteration of sweet
chiefly British : affectedly or excessively dainty, delicate, cute, or quaint [such a theme might sound twee or corny -- Times Literary Supplement]
Source: Momo's "new" blog, reading the first entry
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Bon Vivant
\bon-vee-VONT\, noun:
A person with refined and sociable tastes, especially one who enjoys fine food and drink.
A person with refined and sociable tastes, especially one who enjoys fine food and drink.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Malfeasance
mal·fea·sance
Pronunciation: "mal-'fE-z&n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: mal- + obsolete feasance doing, execution
: wrongdoing or misconduct especially by a public official
Pronunciation: "mal-'fE-z&n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: mal- + obsolete feasance doing, execution
: wrongdoing or misconduct especially by a public official
Wilding
Pronunciation: 'wIl-di[ng]
Function: noun
Etymology: 1wild + 2-ing
1 a : a plant growing uncultivated in the wild either as a native or an escape; especially : a wild apple or crab apple b : the fruit of a wilding
2 : a wild animal
That didn't fit the usage in the book I was reading.
wilding
Function: adjective
: not domesticated or cultivated : WILD
Neither did that.
Ah, that did it.
Function: noun
Etymology: 1wild + 2-ing
1 a : a plant growing uncultivated in the wild either as a native or an escape; especially : a wild apple or crab apple b : the fruit of a wilding
2 : a wild animal
That didn't fit the usage in the book I was reading.
wilding
Function: adjective
: not domesticated or cultivated : WILD
Neither did that.
Definitions of wilding on the Web:
* court photographer of London, England, whose portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, have been the bases of designs.
www.adminware.ca/esg/esg-glossary-w.htm
* a wild uncultivated plant (especially a wild apple or crabapple tree)
* an outrageous rampage usually involving sexual attacks by men on women
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
* Wardriving is an activity consisting of driving around with a Wi-Fi-equipped computer, such as a laptop or a PDA, in one's vehicle, detecting Wi-Fi wireless networks. It is also known (as of 2002) as "WiLDing" (Wireless Lan Driving), originating in the U.S. with the Bay Area Wireless Users Group (BAWUG). It is similar to using a scanner for radio. Many wardrivers will use GPS devices to measure the location of the network find and log it on a website. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiLDing
Ah, that did it.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Stiction
stic·tion
Pronunciation: 'stik-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: static + friction
: the force required to cause one body in contact with another to begin to move
Pronunciation: 'stik-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: static + friction
: the force required to cause one body in contact with another to begin to move
Trochoid
tro·choid
Pronunciation: 'trO-"koid, 'trä-"koid
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek trochoeidEs like a wheel, from trochos wheel
: the curve generated by a point on the radius of a circle or the radius extended as the circle rolls on a fixed straight line.
Pronunciation: 'trO-"koid, 'trä-"koid
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek trochoeidEs like a wheel, from trochos wheel
: the curve generated by a point on the radius of a circle or the radius extended as the circle rolls on a fixed straight line.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Apocryphal
apoc·ry·phal
Pronunciation: -f&l
Function: adjective
1 : of doubtful authenticity : SPURIOUS
2 often capitalized : of or resembling the Apocrypha
synonym see FICTITIOUS
(and actually, this was while I was looking up Cuauhtemoc, but that's a name, not a word.)
Pronunciation: -f&l
Function: adjective
1 : of doubtful authenticity : SPURIOUS
2 often capitalized : of or resembling the Apocrypha
synonym see FICTITIOUS
(and actually, this was while I was looking up Cuauhtemoc, but that's a name, not a word.)
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Prevaricate
pre·var·i·cate
Pronunciation: pri-'var-&-"kAt
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing
Etymology: Latin praevaricatus, past participle of praevaricari to act in collusion, literally, to straddle, from prae- + varicare to straddle, from varus bowlegged
: to deviate from the truth : EQUIVOCATE
Pronunciation: pri-'var-&-"kAt
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing
Etymology: Latin praevaricatus, past participle of praevaricari to act in collusion, literally, to straddle, from prae- + varicare to straddle, from varus bowlegged
: to deviate from the truth : EQUIVOCATE
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Virago
vi·ra·go
Pronunciation: v&-'rä-(")gO, -'rA-; 'vir-&-"gO
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -goes or -gos
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin viragin-, virago, from vir man -- more at VIRILE
1 : a loud overbearing woman : TERMAGANT
2 : a woman of great stature, strength, and courage
(This is the name of a Suzuki motorcycle. Alison wanted me to look up the meaning, as she thought it had negative connotations. Pretty funny really. It's a Harley type Americana bike.)
Pronunciation: v&-'rä-(")gO, -'rA-; 'vir-&-"gO
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -goes or -gos
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin viragin-, virago, from vir man -- more at VIRILE
1 : a loud overbearing woman : TERMAGANT
2 : a woman of great stature, strength, and courage
(This is the name of a Suzuki motorcycle. Alison wanted me to look up the meaning, as she thought it had negative connotations. Pretty funny really. It's a Harley type Americana bike.)
Garrulous
gar·ru·lous
Pronunciation: 'gar-&-l&s also 'gar-y&-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin garrulus, from garrire to chatter -- more at CARE
1 : given to prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity : pointlessly or annoyingly talkative
2 : WORDY
Pronunciation: 'gar-&-l&s also 'gar-y&-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin garrulus, from garrire to chatter -- more at CARE
1 : given to prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity : pointlessly or annoyingly talkative
2 : WORDY
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Propitiate
pro·pi·ti·ate
Pronunciation: prO-'pi-shE-"At
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: Latin propitiatus, past participle of propitiare, from propitius propitious
: to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of : APPEASE, CONCILIATE
Pronunciation: prO-'pi-shE-"At
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: Latin propitiatus, past participle of propitiare, from propitius propitious
: to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of : APPEASE, CONCILIATE
Monday, June 27, 2005
Splenetic
sple·net·ic
Pronunciation: spli-'ne-tik, archaic 'sple-n&-(")tik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin spleneticus, from Latin splen spleen
1 archaic : given to melancholy
2 : marked by bad temper, malevolence, or spite
(In a post where someone was ranting about Tom Cruise of all things.)
Pronunciation: spli-'ne-tik, archaic 'sple-n&-(")tik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin spleneticus, from Latin splen spleen
1 archaic : given to melancholy
2 : marked by bad temper, malevolence, or spite
(In a post where someone was ranting about Tom Cruise of all things.)
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Lugubrious
lu·gu·bri·ous
Pronunciation: lu-'gü-brE-&s also -'gyü-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin lugubris, from lugEre to mourn; akin to Greek lygros mournful
1 : MOURNFUL; especially : exaggeratedly or affectedly mournful [dark, dramatic and lugubrious brooding -- V. S. Pritchett]
2 : DISMAL [a lugubrious landscape]
Pronunciation: lu-'gü-brE-&s also -'gyü-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin lugubris, from lugEre to mourn; akin to Greek lygros mournful
1 : MOURNFUL; especially : exaggeratedly or affectedly mournful [dark, dramatic and lugubrious brooding -- V. S. Pritchett]
2 : DISMAL [a lugubrious landscape]
Friday, May 27, 2005
Efficacy
ef·fi·ca·cy
Pronunciation: 'e-fi-k&-sE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -cies
: the power to produce an effect
"According to the study, Lexapro doesn't have difference in efficacy between 10mg and 20mg."
Pronunciation: 'e-fi-k&-sE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -cies
: the power to produce an effect
"According to the study, Lexapro doesn't have difference in efficacy between 10mg and 20mg."
Meshuga
me·shuga
Variant(s): or me·shug·ge also me·shug·ah or me·shug·gah /m&-'shu-g&/
Function: adjective
Etymology: Yiddish meshuge, from Hebrew meshuggA'
: CRAZY, FOOLISH
A publicist speaking of Tom Cruise's recent craziness, "I hate to be cynical but, past a certain age, you don't get that in love. I mean, jumping on couches? It seems like he's off his rocker. There's something meshuga here."
Variant(s): or me·shug·ge also me·shug·ah or me·shug·gah /m&-'shu-g&/
Function: adjective
Etymology: Yiddish meshuge, from Hebrew meshuggA'
: CRAZY, FOOLISH
A publicist speaking of Tom Cruise's recent craziness, "I hate to be cynical but, past a certain age, you don't get that in love. I mean, jumping on couches? It seems like he's off his rocker. There's something meshuga here."
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Elegiac
ele·gi·ac
Pronunciation: "e-l&-'jI-&k, -"ak also i-'lE-jE-"ak
Variant(s): also el·e·gi·a·cal /"e-l&-'jI-&-k&l/
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin elegiacus, from Greek elegeiakos, from elegeion
1 a : of, relating to, or consisting of two dactylic hexameter lines the second of which lacks the arsis in the third and sixth feet b (1) : written in or consisting of elegiac couplets (2) : noted for having written poetry in such couplets c : of or relating to the period in Greece about the seventh century B.C. when poetry written in such couplets flourished
2 : of, relating to, or comprising elegy or an elegy; especially : expressing sorrow often for something now past (an elegiac lament for departed youth)
Pronunciation: "e-l&-'jI-&k, -"ak also i-'lE-jE-"ak
Variant(s): also el·e·gi·a·cal /"e-l&-'jI-&-k&l/
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin elegiacus, from Greek elegeiakos, from elegeion
1 a : of, relating to, or consisting of two dactylic hexameter lines the second of which lacks the arsis in the third and sixth feet b (1) : written in or consisting of elegiac couplets (2) : noted for having written poetry in such couplets c : of or relating to the period in Greece about the seventh century B.C. when poetry written in such couplets flourished
2 : of, relating to, or comprising elegy or an elegy; especially : expressing sorrow often for something now past (an elegiac lament for departed youth)
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Annular
an·nu·lar
Pronunciation: 'an-y&-l&r
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French annulaire, from Medieval Latin anularis, from Latin anulus
: of, relating to, or forming a ring
Annular Space
A ring-shaped space located betweeen two circular objects. For example, the space between the outside of a pipe liner and the inside of a pipe.
Pronunciation: 'an-y&-l&r
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French annulaire, from Medieval Latin anularis, from Latin anulus
: of, relating to, or forming a ring
Annular Space
A ring-shaped space located betweeen two circular objects. For example, the space between the outside of a pipe liner and the inside of a pipe.
CMOM
Capacity assurance, Management, Operation and Maintenance. A program developed by collection system agencies to ensure adequate capacity and also proper management and operation and maintenance of the collection system to prevent SSOs.
Appurtenance
ap·pur·te·nance
Pronunciation: &-'p&rt-n&n(t)s, -'p&r-t&n-&n(t)s
Function: noun
1 : an incidental right (as a right-of-way) attached to a principal property right and passing in possession with it
2 : a subordinate part or adjunct
3 plural : accessory objects : APPARATUS
Pronunciation: &-'p&rt-n&n(t)s, -'p&r-t&n-&n(t)s
Function: noun
1 : an incidental right (as a right-of-way) attached to a principal property right and passing in possession with it
2 : a subordinate part or adjunct
3 plural : accessory objects : APPARATUS
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Hypnopompic
hyp·no·pom·pic
Pronunciation: "hip-n&-'päm-pik
Function: adjective
Etymology: hypn- + Greek pompE act of sending -- more at POMP
: associated with the semiconsciousness preceding waking
Pronunciation: "hip-n&-'päm-pik
Function: adjective
Etymology: hypn- + Greek pompE act of sending -- more at POMP
: associated with the semiconsciousness preceding waking
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Tenet
te·net
Pronunciation: 'te-n&t also 'tE-n&t
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, he holds, from tenEre to hold
: a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true; especially : one held in common by members of an organization, movement, or profession
Pronunciation: 'te-n&t also 'tE-n&t
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, he holds, from tenEre to hold
: a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true; especially : one held in common by members of an organization, movement, or profession
Monday, February 14, 2005
Graphology
gra·phol·o·gy
Function: noun
Etymology: French graphologie, from grapho- + -logie -logy
: the study of handwriting especially for the purpose of character analysis
Function: noun
Etymology: French graphologie, from grapho- + -logie -logy
: the study of handwriting especially for the purpose of character analysis
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Oeuvre
(Source: Foo Fighters All My Life review at Amazon)
oeu·vre
Pronunciation: [oe]vr&
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural oeuvres /same/
Etymology: French [oe]uvre, literally, work, from Latin opera -- more at OPERA
: a substantial body of work constituting the lifework of a writer, an artist, or a composer
oeu·vre
Pronunciation: [oe]vr&
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural oeuvres /same/
Etymology: French [oe]uvre, literally, work, from Latin opera -- more at OPERA
: a substantial body of work constituting the lifework of a writer, an artist, or a composer
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Imprimatur
im·pri·ma·tur
Pronunciation: "im-pr&-'mä-"tur, im-'pri-m&-"tur, -"tyur
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, let it be printed, from imprimere to print, from Latin, to imprint, impress -- more at IMPRESS
1 a : a license to print or publish especially by Roman Catholic episcopal authority b : approval of a publication under circumstances of official censorship
2 a : SANCTION, APPROVAL b : IMPRINT c : a mark of approval or distinction
Pronunciation: "im-pr&-'mä-"tur, im-'pri-m&-"tur, -"tyur
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, let it be printed, from imprimere to print, from Latin, to imprint, impress -- more at IMPRESS
1 a : a license to print or publish especially by Roman Catholic episcopal authority b : approval of a publication under circumstances of official censorship
2 a : SANCTION, APPROVAL b : IMPRINT c : a mark of approval or distinction
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Florid
flor·id
Pronunciation: 'flor-&d, 'flär-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin floridus blooming, flowery, from florEre
1 a obsolete : covered with flowers b : very flowery in style : ORNATE [florid prose] [florid declamations]; also : having a florid style [a florid writer] c : elaborately decorated [a florid interior]
2 a : tinged with red : RUDDY [a florid complexion] b : marked by emotional or sexual fervor [a florid secret life] [a florid sensibility]
3 archaic : HEALTHY
4 : fully developed : manifesting a complete and typical clinical syndrome [the florid stage of a disease]
Pronunciation: 'flor-&d, 'flär-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin floridus blooming, flowery, from florEre
1 a obsolete : covered with flowers b : very flowery in style : ORNATE [florid prose] [florid declamations]; also : having a florid style [a florid writer] c : elaborately decorated [a florid interior]
2 a : tinged with red : RUDDY [a florid complexion] b : marked by emotional or sexual fervor [a florid secret life] [a florid sensibility]
3 archaic : HEALTHY
4 : fully developed : manifesting a complete and typical clinical syndrome [the florid stage of a disease]
Singlet
sin·glet
Pronunciation: 'si[ng]-gl&t
Function: noun
1 [from its having only one thickness of cloth] chiefly British : an athletic jersey : UNDERSHIRT
2 : an atom or molecule that has no net electronic magnetic moment; also : an excited state of an atom or molecule that is a singlet
(I'm assuming the guy in the story was wearing an undershirt, but really, also probably had billions of non-charged particles on him too.)
Pronunciation: 'si[ng]-gl&t
Function: noun
1 [from its having only one thickness of cloth] chiefly British : an athletic jersey : UNDERSHIRT
2 : an atom or molecule that has no net electronic magnetic moment; also : an excited state of an atom or molecule that is a singlet
(I'm assuming the guy in the story was wearing an undershirt, but really, also probably had billions of non-charged particles on him too.)
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Anticholinergic
an·ti·cho·lin·er·gic
Pronunciation: -"kO-l&-'n&r-jik
Function: adjective
: opposing or blocking the physiologic action of acetylcholine
- anticholinergic noun
Acetylcholine
ace·tyl·cho·line
Pronunciation: &-"se-t&l-'kO-"lEn, -"sE-; 'a-s&-"tEl-
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary
: a neurotransmitter C7H17NO3 released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline
choline
cho·line
Pronunciation: 'kO-"lEn
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary
: a base C5H15NO2 that occurs as a component of phospholipids especially in animals, is a precursor of acetylcholine, and is essential to liver function
Pronunciation: -"kO-l&-'n&r-jik
Function: adjective
: opposing or blocking the physiologic action of acetylcholine
- anticholinergic noun
Acetylcholine
ace·tyl·cho·line
Pronunciation: &-"se-t&l-'kO-"lEn, -"sE-; 'a-s&-"tEl-
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary
: a neurotransmitter C7H17NO3 released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions and formed enzymatically in the tissues from choline
choline
cho·line
Pronunciation: 'kO-"lEn
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary
: a base C5H15NO2 that occurs as a component of phospholipids especially in animals, is a precursor of acetylcholine, and is essential to liver function
Monday, January 10, 2005
Somnolence
som·no·lence
Pronunciation: 'säm-n&-l&n(t)s
Function: noun
: the quality or state of being drowsy : SLEEPINESS
Pronunciation: 'säm-n&-l&n(t)s
Function: noun
: the quality or state of being drowsy : SLEEPINESS
De Rigueur
de ri·gueur
Pronunciation: d&-(")rE-'g&r
Function: adjective
Etymology: French
: prescribed or required by fashion, etiquette, or custom : PROPER
Pronunciation: d&-(")rE-'g&r
Function: adjective
Etymology: French
: prescribed or required by fashion, etiquette, or custom : PROPER
Friday, January 07, 2005
Defenstration
de·fen·es·tra·tion
Pronunciation: (")dE-"fe-n&-'strA-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: de- + Latin fenestra window
: a throwing of a person or thing out of a window
(used in, of all things, a video game review)
Pronunciation: (")dE-"fe-n&-'strA-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: de- + Latin fenestra window
: a throwing of a person or thing out of a window
(used in, of all things, a video game review)
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Slapper
Slapper is British slang for a sexually easy woman, or tart; a prstitute, slut.
(note: obvioulsy an Aussie slang too.)
(note: obvioulsy an Aussie slang too.)
Singletree
sin·gle·tree
Pronunciation: 'si[ng]-g&l-(")trE
Function: noun
: WHIFFLETREE
Whiffletree
whif·fle·tree
Pronunciation: 'hwi-f&l-(")trE, 'wi-
Function: noun
Etymology: alteration of whippletree
: the pivoted swinging bar to which the traces of a harness are fastened and by which a vehicle or implement is drawn
Pronunciation: 'si[ng]-g&l-(")trE
Function: noun
: WHIFFLETREE
Whiffletree
whif·fle·tree
Pronunciation: 'hwi-f&l-(")trE, 'wi-
Function: noun
Etymology: alteration of whippletree
: the pivoted swinging bar to which the traces of a harness are fastened and by which a vehicle or implement is drawn
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Punctilio
punc·til·io
Pronunciation: "p&[ng]k-'ti-lE-"O
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -i·os
Etymology: Italian & Spanish; Italian puntiglio point of honor, scruple, from Spanish puntillo, from diminutive of punto point, from Latin punctum
1 : a minute detail of conduct in a ceremony or in observance of a code
2 : careful observance of forms (as in social conduct)
Pronunciation: "p&[ng]k-'ti-lE-"O
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -i·os
Etymology: Italian & Spanish; Italian puntiglio point of honor, scruple, from Spanish puntillo, from diminutive of punto point, from Latin punctum
1 : a minute detail of conduct in a ceremony or in observance of a code
2 : careful observance of forms (as in social conduct)
Monday, December 27, 2004
Didactic
di·dac·tic
Pronunciation: dI-'dak-tik, d&-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek didaktikos, from didaskein to teach
1 a : designed or intended to teach b : intended to convey instruction and information as well as pleasure and entertainment
2 : making moral observations
Pronunciation: dI-'dak-tik, d&-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek didaktikos, from didaskein to teach
1 a : designed or intended to teach b : intended to convey instruction and information as well as pleasure and entertainment
2 : making moral observations
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Conurbation
con·ur·ba·tion
Pronunciation: "kä-(")n&r-'bA-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: com- + Latin urb-, urbs city
: an aggregation or continuous network of urban communities
Pronunciation: "kä-(")n&r-'bA-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: com- + Latin urb-, urbs city
: an aggregation or continuous network of urban communities
Monday, December 20, 2004
Foment
fo·ment
Pronunciation: 'fO-"ment, fO-'
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English fomenten to apply a warm substance to, from Late Latin fomentare, from Latin fomentum compress, from fovEre to heat, soothe; akin to Lithuanian degti to burn, Sanskrit dahati it burns
: to promote the growth or development of : ROUSE, INCITE
Pronunciation: 'fO-"ment, fO-'
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English fomenten to apply a warm substance to, from Late Latin fomentare, from Latin fomentum compress, from fovEre to heat, soothe; akin to Lithuanian degti to burn, Sanskrit dahati it burns
: to promote the growth or development of : ROUSE, INCITE
Etiology
eti·ol·o·gy
Pronunciation: "E-tE-'ä-l&-jE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -gies
Etymology: Medieval Latin aetiologia statement of causes, from Greek aitiologia, from aitia cause
1 : CAUSE, ORIGIN; specifically : all of the causes of a disease or abnormal condition
2 : a branch of knowledge concerned with causes; specifically : a branch of medical science concerned with the causes and origins of diseases
(I can't believe the article I was reading didn't just use the word "origin".)
Pronunciation: "E-tE-'ä-l&-jE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -gies
Etymology: Medieval Latin aetiologia statement of causes, from Greek aitiologia, from aitia cause
1 : CAUSE, ORIGIN; specifically : all of the causes of a disease or abnormal condition
2 : a branch of knowledge concerned with causes; specifically : a branch of medical science concerned with the causes and origins of diseases
(I can't believe the article I was reading didn't just use the word "origin".)
Friday, December 17, 2004
Mollify
mol·li·fy
Pronunciation: 'mä-l&-"fI
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ing
Etymology: Middle English mollifien, from Middle French mollifier, from Late Latin mollificare, from Latin mollis soft; akin to Greek amaldynein to soften, Sanskrit mrdu soft, and probably to Greek malakos soft, amblys dull, Old English meltan to melt
transitive senses
1 : to soothe in temper or disposition : APPEASE
2 : to reduce the rigidity of : SOFTEN
3 : to reduce in intensity : ASSUAGE, TEMPER
intransitive senses, archaic : SOFTEN, RELENT
Pronunciation: 'mä-l&-"fI
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -fied; -fy·ing
Etymology: Middle English mollifien, from Middle French mollifier, from Late Latin mollificare, from Latin mollis soft; akin to Greek amaldynein to soften, Sanskrit mrdu soft, and probably to Greek malakos soft, amblys dull, Old English meltan to melt
transitive senses
1 : to soothe in temper or disposition : APPEASE
2 : to reduce the rigidity of : SOFTEN
3 : to reduce in intensity : ASSUAGE, TEMPER
intransitive senses, archaic : SOFTEN, RELENT
Menagerie
me·nag·er·ie
Pronunciation: m&-'naj-rE, -'na-j&- also -'nazh-rE, -'na-zh&-
Function: noun
Etymology: French ménagerie, from Middle French, management of a household or farm, from menage
1 a : a place where animals are kept and trained especially for exhibition b : a collection of wild or foreign animals kept especially for exhibition
2 : a varied mixture (a wonderful menagerie of royal hangers-on -- V. S. Pritchett)
Pronunciation: m&-'naj-rE, -'na-j&- also -'nazh-rE, -'na-zh&-
Function: noun
Etymology: French ménagerie, from Middle French, management of a household or farm, from menage
1 a : a place where animals are kept and trained especially for exhibition b : a collection of wild or foreign animals kept especially for exhibition
2 : a varied mixture (a wonderful menagerie of royal hangers-on -- V. S. Pritchett)
Fusillade
fu·sil·lade
Pronunciation: 'fyü-s&-"läd, -"lAd, "fyü-s&-', -z&-
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from fusiller to shoot, from fusil
1 a : a number of shots fired simultaneously or in rapid succession b : something that gives the effect of a fusillade (a fusillade of rocks and bottles)
2 : a spirited outburst especially of criticism
Pronunciation: 'fyü-s&-"läd, -"lAd, "fyü-s&-', -z&-
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from fusiller to shoot, from fusil
1 a : a number of shots fired simultaneously or in rapid succession b : something that gives the effect of a fusillade (a fusillade of rocks and bottles)
2 : a spirited outburst especially of criticism
Snag
Australian Slang: A sausage or hot dog.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Haply
hap·ly
Pronunciation: 'ha-plE
Function: adverb
: by chance, luck, or accident
Pronunciation: 'ha-plE
Function: adverb
: by chance, luck, or accident
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Dustman
dust·man
Pronunciation: 'd&s(t)-m&n
Function: noun
British : a collector of trash or garbage
Pronunciation: 'd&s(t)-m&n
Function: noun
British : a collector of trash or garbage
Sanctimony
sanc·ti·mo·ny
Pronunciation: 'sa[ng](k)-t&-"mO-nE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -nies
Etymology: Middle French sanctimonie, from Latin sanctimonia, from sanctus
1 obsolete : HOLINESS
2 : affected or hypocritical holiness
Pronunciation: 'sa[ng](k)-t&-"mO-nE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -nies
Etymology: Middle French sanctimonie, from Latin sanctimonia, from sanctus
1 obsolete : HOLINESS
2 : affected or hypocritical holiness
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Maven
ma·ven
Variant(s): or ma·vin /'mA-v&n/
Function: noun
Etymology: Yiddish meyvn, from Late Hebrew mEbhIn
: one who is experienced or knowledgeable : EXPERT; also : FREAK
Variant(s): or ma·vin /'mA-v&n/
Function: noun
Etymology: Yiddish meyvn, from Late Hebrew mEbhIn
: one who is experienced or knowledgeable : EXPERT; also : FREAK
Monday, December 13, 2004
Sui Generis
sui ge·ner·is
Pronunciation: "sü-"I-'je-n&-r&s; "sü-E-'je-, -'ge-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin, of its own kind
: constituting a class alone : UNIQUE, PECULIAR
Pronunciation: "sü-"I-'je-n&-r&s; "sü-E-'je-, -'ge-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin, of its own kind
: constituting a class alone : UNIQUE, PECULIAR
BOLO
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Mincemeat
mince·meat
Pronunciation: 'min(t)s-"mEt
Function: noun
1 : minced meat
2 : a finely chopped mixture (as of raisins, apples, and spices) sometimes with meat that is often used as pie filling
3 : a state of destruction or annihilation -- used in the phrase make mincemeat of
(Ingredients of def 2 was what I was looking for)
Pronunciation: 'min(t)s-"mEt
Function: noun
1 : minced meat
2 : a finely chopped mixture (as of raisins, apples, and spices) sometimes with meat that is often used as pie filling
3 : a state of destruction or annihilation -- used in the phrase make mincemeat of
(Ingredients of def 2 was what I was looking for)
Piquant
pi·quant
Pronunciation: 'pE-k&nt, -"känt; 'pi-kw&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French, from present participle of piquer
1 : agreeably stimulating to the palate; especially : SPICY
2 : engagingly provocative; also : having a lively arch charm
Pronunciation: 'pE-k&nt, -"känt; 'pi-kw&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French, from present participle of piquer
1 : agreeably stimulating to the palate; especially : SPICY
2 : engagingly provocative; also : having a lively arch charm
Alienist
alien·ist
Pronunciation: -nist
Function: noun
Etymology: French aliéniste, from aliéné insane, from Latin alienatus, past participle of alienare to estrange, from alienus
: PSYCHIATRIST
Pronunciation: -nist
Function: noun
Etymology: French aliéniste, from aliéné insane, from Latin alienatus, past participle of alienare to estrange, from alienus
: PSYCHIATRIST
Giaconda
La Giaconda = The Mona Lisa.
(What Blogger's spell check suggests for Gizmodo.)
(What Blogger's spell check suggests for Gizmodo.)
Mycology
my·col·o·gy
Pronunciation: mI-'kä-l&-jE
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin mycologia, from myc- + Latin -logia -logy
1 : a branch of biology dealing with fungi
2 : fungal life
(What Blogger's spell check suggests for MoCoLoco.)
Pronunciation: mI-'kä-l&-jE
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin mycologia, from myc- + Latin -logia -logy
1 : a branch of biology dealing with fungi
2 : fungal life
(What Blogger's spell check suggests for MoCoLoco.)
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Grip
Function: noun
1 a : a strong or tenacious grasp b : strength in gripping c : manner or style of gripping
2 a : a firm tenacious hold typically giving control, mastery, or understanding b : mental grasp
3 : a part or device for gripping
4 : a part by which something is grasped; especially : HANDLE
5 : SUITCASE
6 : STAGEHAND
(Using the word grip to mean a suitcase was what I needed. I'm reading something from 1929.)
1 a : a strong or tenacious grasp b : strength in gripping c : manner or style of gripping
2 a : a firm tenacious hold typically giving control, mastery, or understanding b : mental grasp
3 : a part or device for gripping
4 : a part by which something is grasped; especially : HANDLE
5 : SUITCASE
6 : STAGEHAND
(Using the word grip to mean a suitcase was what I needed. I'm reading something from 1929.)
Bold Box
Unable to find definition. Usage:
After Collins was questioned by police, David saw him remove a Bold box from his car... A Bold box was missing from the Leik house, and a neighbor said that she saw Collins drive away with it on his motorcycle.
Ypsilanti
Main Entry: Yp·si·lan·ti
Pronunciation: "ip-s&-'lan-tE
Usage: geographical name
city SE Michigan population 24,846
(Just trying to figure out how you'd say that.)
Pronunciation: "ip-s&-'lan-tE
Usage: geographical name
city SE Michigan population 24,846
(Just trying to figure out how you'd say that.)
Omnibus
om·ni·bus
Pronunciation: 'äm-ni-(")b&s
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Latin, for all, dative plural of omnis
1 : a usually automotive public vehicle designed to carry a large number of passengers : BUS
2 : a book containing reprints of a number of works
Also interesting is this:
Quod Semper, quod ubique, quod ab omnibus
quod sem·per, quod ubi·que, quod ab om·ni·bus
Pronunciation: kwod-'sem-"per kwod-'u-bi-"kwA "kwod-äb-'om-ni-"bus, "kwod-u-'bE-(")kwA-
Usage: foreign term
Etymology: Latin
: what (has been held) always, everywhere, by everybody
Pronunciation: 'äm-ni-(")b&s
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Latin, for all, dative plural of omnis
1 : a usually automotive public vehicle designed to carry a large number of passengers : BUS
2 : a book containing reprints of a number of works
Also interesting is this:
Quod Semper, quod ubique, quod ab omnibus
quod sem·per, quod ubi·que, quod ab om·ni·bus
Pronunciation: kwod-'sem-"per kwod-'u-bi-"kwA "kwod-äb-'om-ni-"bus, "kwod-u-'bE-(")kwA-
Usage: foreign term
Etymology: Latin
: what (has been held) always, everywhere, by everybody
Satrap
sa·trap
Pronunciation: 'sA-"trap also 'sa-"trap or 'sa-tr&p
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin satrapes, from Greek satrapEs, from Old Persian khshathrapAvan, literally, protector of the dominion
1 : the governor of a province in ancient Persia
2 a : RULER b : a subordinate official : HENCHMAN
Pronunciation: 'sA-"trap also 'sa-"trap or 'sa-tr&p
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin satrapes, from Greek satrapEs, from Old Persian khshathrapAvan, literally, protector of the dominion
1 : the governor of a province in ancient Persia
2 a : RULER b : a subordinate official : HENCHMAN
Friday, December 03, 2004
Svengali
Sven·ga·li
Pronunciation: sven-'gä-lE, sfen-
Function: noun
Etymology: Svengali, maleficent hypnotist in the novel Trilby (1894) by George du Maurier
: one who attempts usually with evil intentions to persuade or force another to do his bidding
Pronunciation: sven-'gä-lE, sfen-
Function: noun
Etymology: Svengali, maleficent hypnotist in the novel Trilby (1894) by George du Maurier
: one who attempts usually with evil intentions to persuade or force another to do his bidding
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Acquit
ac·quit
Pronunciation: &-'kwit
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): ac·quit·ted; ac·quit·ting
Etymology: Middle English aquiten, from Old French aquiter, from a- (from Latin ad-) + quite free of -- more at QUIT
1 a archaic : to pay off (as a claim or debt) b obsolete : REPAY, REQUITE
2 : to discharge completely (as from an obligation or accusation) "the court acquitted the prisoner"
3 : to conduct (oneself) usually satisfactorily especially under stress "the recruits acquitted themselves like veterans"
synonym see BEHAVE, EXCULPATE
(It was 2 that is what I knew this meant. Didn't know the other meanings.)
Pronunciation: &-'kwit
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): ac·quit·ted; ac·quit·ting
Etymology: Middle English aquiten, from Old French aquiter, from a- (from Latin ad-) + quite free of -- more at QUIT
1 a archaic : to pay off (as a claim or debt) b obsolete : REPAY, REQUITE
2 : to discharge completely (as from an obligation or accusation) "the court acquitted the prisoner"
3 : to conduct (oneself) usually satisfactorily especially under stress "the recruits acquitted themselves like veterans"
synonym see BEHAVE, EXCULPATE
(It was 2 that is what I knew this meant. Didn't know the other meanings.)
Ligature
lig·a·ture
Pronunciation: 'li-g&-"chur, -ch&r, -"tur, -"tyur
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin ligatura, from Latin ligatus, past participle of ligare to bind, tie; akin to Middle Low German lIk band, boltrope, Albanian lidh I tie
1 a : something that is used to bind; specifically : a filament (as a thread) used in surgery b : something that unites or connects : BOND
2 : the action of binding or tying
3 : a compound note in mensural notation indicating a group of musical notes to be sung to one syllable
4 : a printed or written character (as æ or [ff]) consisting of two or more letters or characters joined together
Pronunciation: 'li-g&-"chur, -ch&r, -"tur, -"tyur
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin ligatura, from Latin ligatus, past participle of ligare to bind, tie; akin to Middle Low German lIk band, boltrope, Albanian lidh I tie
1 a : something that is used to bind; specifically : a filament (as a thread) used in surgery b : something that unites or connects : BOND
2 : the action of binding or tying
3 : a compound note in mensural notation indicating a group of musical notes to be sung to one syllable
4 : a printed or written character (as æ or [ff]) consisting of two or more letters or characters joined together
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Mutton
mut·ton
Pronunciation: 'm&-t&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English motoun, from Old French moton ram, wether, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish molt wether
: the flesh of a mature sheep used for food
(Yes, I know I should know what mutton means, but I just wasn't sure. Besides, the writer I think was talking about goat meat.)
Pronunciation: 'm&-t&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English motoun, from Old French moton ram, wether, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish molt wether
: the flesh of a mature sheep used for food
(Yes, I know I should know what mutton means, but I just wasn't sure. Besides, the writer I think was talking about goat meat.)
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Conservator
con·ser·va·tor
Pronunciation: k&n-'s&r-v&-t&r, -v&-"tor; 'kän(t)-s&r-"vA-t&r
Function: noun
1 a : one that preserves from injury or violation : PROTECTOR b : one that is responsible for the care, restoration, and repair of archival or museum articles
2 : a person, official, or institution designated to take over and protect the interests of an incompetent
3 : an official charged with the protection of something affecting public welfare and interests
Pronunciation: k&n-'s&r-v&-t&r, -v&-"tor; 'kän(t)-s&r-"vA-t&r
Function: noun
1 a : one that preserves from injury or violation : PROTECTOR b : one that is responsible for the care, restoration, and repair of archival or museum articles
2 : a person, official, or institution designated to take over and protect the interests of an incompetent
3 : an official charged with the protection of something affecting public welfare and interests
Prolapse
pro·lapse
Pronunciation: prO-'laps, 'prO-"
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin prolapsus, from Late Latin, fall, from Latin prolabi to fall or slide forward, from pro- forward + labi to slide -- more at PRO-, SLEEP
: the falling down or slipping of a body part from its usual position or relations
Pronunciation: prO-'laps, 'prO-"
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin prolapsus, from Late Latin, fall, from Latin prolabi to fall or slide forward, from pro- forward + labi to slide -- more at PRO-, SLEEP
: the falling down or slipping of a body part from its usual position or relations
Monday, November 29, 2004
Annunciation
an·nun·ci·a·tion
Pronunciation: &-"n&n(t)-sE-'A-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English annunciacioun, from Middle French anunciation, from Late Latin annuntiation-, annuntiatio, from Latin annuntiare -- more at ANNOUNCE
1 capitalized : March 25 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the announcement of the Incarnation to the Virgin Mary
2 : the act of announcing or of being announced : ANNOUNCEMENT
(I was wondering if that church we passed on the road was just a place they were just real big on speaking clearly.)
Pronunciation: &-"n&n(t)-sE-'A-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English annunciacioun, from Middle French anunciation, from Late Latin annuntiation-, annuntiatio, from Latin annuntiare -- more at ANNOUNCE
1 capitalized : March 25 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the announcement of the Incarnation to the Virgin Mary
2 : the act of announcing or of being announced : ANNOUNCEMENT
(I was wondering if that church we passed on the road was just a place they were just real big on speaking clearly.)
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Militate
mil·i·tate
Pronunciation: 'mi-l&-"tAt
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -tat·ed; -tat·ing
Etymology: Latin militatus, past participle of militare to engage in warfare, from milit-, miles
: to have weight or effect (his boyish appearance militated against his getting an early promotion)
USAGE: see MITIGATE
(NOTE: Huh? But if I see Mitigate it says using Mitigate rather than Militate is a mistake. In any case, I looked up Mitigate first, but the person who used it used it improperly anyway, so it didn't help.)
Pronunciation: 'mi-l&-"tAt
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -tat·ed; -tat·ing
Etymology: Latin militatus, past participle of militare to engage in warfare, from milit-, miles
: to have weight or effect (his boyish appearance militated against his getting an early promotion)
USAGE: see MITIGATE
(NOTE: Huh? But if I see Mitigate it says using Mitigate rather than Militate is a mistake. In any case, I looked up Mitigate first, but the person who used it used it improperly anyway, so it didn't help.)
Mitigate
mit·i·gate
Pronunciation: 'mi-t&-"gAt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -gat·ed; -gat·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin mitigatus, past participle of mitigare to soften, from mitis soft + -igare (akin to Latin agere to drive); akin to Old Irish moíth soft -- more at AGENT
1 : to cause to become less harsh or hostile : MOLLIFY (aggressiveness may be mitigated or... channeled -- Ashley Montagu)
2 a : to make less severe or painful : ALLEVIATE b : EXTENUATE
USAGE: Mitigate is sometimes used as an intransitive (followed by against) where militate might be expected. Even though Faulkner used it (some intangible and invisible social force that mitigates against him -- William Faulkner) and one critic thinks it should be called an American idiom, it is usually considered a mistake.
Pronunciation: 'mi-t&-"gAt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -gat·ed; -gat·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin mitigatus, past participle of mitigare to soften, from mitis soft + -igare (akin to Latin agere to drive); akin to Old Irish moíth soft -- more at AGENT
1 : to cause to become less harsh or hostile : MOLLIFY (aggressiveness may be mitigated or... channeled -- Ashley Montagu)
2 a : to make less severe or painful : ALLEVIATE b : EXTENUATE
USAGE: Mitigate is sometimes used as an intransitive (followed by against) where militate might be expected. Even though Faulkner used it (some intangible and invisible social force that mitigates against him -- William Faulkner) and one critic thinks it should be called an American idiom, it is usually considered a mistake.
Monday, November 22, 2004
Psephology
pse·phol·o·gy
Pronunciation: sE-'fä-l&-jE
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek psEphos pebble, ballot, vote; from the use of pebbles by the ancient Greeks in voting
: the scientific study of elections
Pronunciation: sE-'fä-l&-jE
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek psEphos pebble, ballot, vote; from the use of pebbles by the ancient Greeks in voting
: the scientific study of elections
Fracas
fra·cas
Pronunciation: 'frA-k&s, 'fra-, British 'fra-"kä
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural fra·cas·es /-k&-s&z/; or British frac·as /-"käz/
Etymology: French, din, row, from Italian fracasso, from fracassare to shatter
: a noisy quarrel : BRAWL
(Note: I knew what it meant, but the DJ on the radio must have said it, and pronounced it FRAY-kus each time. I thougth it was pronounced FRAH-kus. Seems like both pronunciations of the first syllable are ok, but it should be -kehs.)
Pronunciation: 'frA-k&s, 'fra-, British 'fra-"kä
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural fra·cas·es /-k&-s&z/; or British frac·as /-"käz/
Etymology: French, din, row, from Italian fracasso, from fracassare to shatter
: a noisy quarrel : BRAWL
(Note: I knew what it meant, but the DJ on the radio must have said it, and pronounced it FRAY-kus each time. I thougth it was pronounced FRAH-kus. Seems like both pronunciations of the first syllable are ok, but it should be -kehs.)
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Egalitarianism
egal·i·tar·i·an·ism
Pronunciation: -E-&-"ni-z&m
Function: noun
1 : a belief in human equality especially with respect to social, political, and economic rights and privileges
2 : a social philosophy advocating the removal of inequalities among people
(I kinda already knew this, but needed to get clarity on it.)
Pronunciation: -E-&-"ni-z&m
Function: noun
1 : a belief in human equality especially with respect to social, political, and economic rights and privileges
2 : a social philosophy advocating the removal of inequalities among people
(I kinda already knew this, but needed to get clarity on it.)
Plenum
ple·num
Pronunciation: 'ple-n&m, 'plE-
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, neuter of plenus
1 a : a space or all space every part of which is full of matter b : an air-filled space in a structure; especially : one that receives air from a blower for distribution (as in a ventilation system)
2 : a general assembly of all members especially of a legislative body
3 : the quality or state of being full
Pronunciation: 'ple-n&m, 'plE-
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, neuter of plenus
1 a : a space or all space every part of which is full of matter b : an air-filled space in a structure; especially : one that receives air from a blower for distribution (as in a ventilation system)
2 : a general assembly of all members especially of a legislative body
3 : the quality or state of being full
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Alleged
al·leged
Pronunciation: &-'lejd, -'le-j&d
Function: adjective
1 : asserted to be true or to exist (an alleged miracle)
2 : questionably true or of a specified kind : SUPPOSED, SO-CALLED (bought an alleged antique vase)
3 : accused but not proven or convicted (an alleged gangster)
- al·leg·ed·ly /-'le-j&d-lE/ adverb
Note: I had to look this up because NPR used it improperly. They said a lady was "alleged for helping the resistance." Which, possibly could be correct usage, I guess. It's very odd in any case.
Pronunciation: &-'lejd, -'le-j&d
Function: adjective
1 : asserted to be true or to exist (an alleged miracle)
2 : questionably true or of a specified kind : SUPPOSED, SO-CALLED (bought an alleged antique vase)
3 : accused but not proven or convicted (an alleged gangster)
- al·leg·ed·ly /-'le-j&d-lE/ adverb
Note: I had to look this up because NPR used it improperly. They said a lady was "alleged for helping the resistance." Which, possibly could be correct usage, I guess. It's very odd in any case.
Litany
lit·a·ny
Pronunciation: 'li-t&n-E, 'lit-nE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -nies
Etymology: Middle English letanie, from Old French & Late Latin; Old French, from Late Latin litania, from Late Greek litaneia, from Greek, entreaty, from litanos suppliant
1 : a prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation
2 a : a resonant or repetitive chant (a litany of cheering phrases -- Herman Wouk) b : a usually lengthy recitation or enumeration (a familiar litany of complaints)
Note: I always thought the term had negative connotations, and I believe it does. But when I heard James Carvil saying the democrats had a litany, I figures I needed to look this up.
Pronunciation: 'li-t&n-E, 'lit-nE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -nies
Etymology: Middle English letanie, from Old French & Late Latin; Old French, from Late Latin litania, from Late Greek litaneia, from Greek, entreaty, from litanos suppliant
1 : a prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation
2 a : a resonant or repetitive chant (a litany of cheering phrases -- Herman Wouk) b : a usually lengthy recitation or enumeration (a familiar litany of complaints)
Note: I always thought the term had negative connotations, and I believe it does. But when I heard James Carvil saying the democrats had a litany, I figures I needed to look this up.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Wassail
was·sail
Pronunciation: 'wä-s&l also wä-'sA(&)l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English wæs hæil, from Old Norse ves heill be well, from ves (imperative singular of vera to be) + heill healthy -- more at WAS, WHOLE
1 : an early English toast to someone's health
2 : a hot drink that is made with wine, beer, or cider, spices, sugar, and usually baked apples and is traditionally served in a large bowl especially at Christmastime
3 : riotous drinking : REVELRY
Pronunciation: 'wä-s&l also wä-'sA(&)l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English wæs hæil, from Old Norse ves heill be well, from ves (imperative singular of vera to be) + heill healthy -- more at WAS, WHOLE
1 : an early English toast to someone's health
2 : a hot drink that is made with wine, beer, or cider, spices, sugar, and usually baked apples and is traditionally served in a large bowl especially at Christmastime
3 : riotous drinking : REVELRY
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Pompatus (of Love)
A misspelling of Pompatous, which is a misspelling of the made up work Puppetutes, which means, according to Vernon Green of the Medallions, "A term I coined to mean a secret paper-doll fantasy figure [thus puppet], who would be my everything and bear my children." Most people are familiar with the word Pompatus from Steve Miller's song The Joker.
Septum
sep·tum
Pronunciation: 'sep-t&m
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural sep·ta /-t&/
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin saeptum enclosure, fence, wall, from saepire to fence in, from saepes fence, hedge
: a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue
(Note: I actually already knew what this way, in a way. The separation between your nostrils is called the septum. However, I was reading a review of the Ultraman PS2 game in Japan and septum was one of his power moves.)
Pronunciation: 'sep-t&m
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural sep·ta /-t&/
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin saeptum enclosure, fence, wall, from saepire to fence in, from saepes fence, hedge
: a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue
(Note: I actually already knew what this way, in a way. The separation between your nostrils is called the septum. However, I was reading a review of the Ultraman PS2 game in Japan and septum was one of his power moves.)
Pericles
Per·i·cles
Pronunciation: 'per-&-"klEz
Function: biographical name
circa 495-429 B.C. Athenian statesman; responsible for the full flowering of Athenian democracy and the Athenian empire; his administration marked Athens' political and cultural apex; achievements included construction of the Acropolis
- Per·i·cle·an /"per-&-'klE-&n/ adjective
Pronunciation: 'per-&-"klEz
Function: biographical name
circa 495-429 B.C. Athenian statesman; responsible for the full flowering of Athenian democracy and the Athenian empire; his administration marked Athens' political and cultural apex; achievements included construction of the Acropolis
- Per·i·cle·an /"per-&-'klE-&n/ adjective
bête noire
Pronunciation: "bet-'nwär, "bAt-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural bêtes noires /"bet-'nwär(z), "bAt-/
Etymology: French, literally, black beast
: a person or thing strongly detested or avoided : BUGBEAR
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural bêtes noires /"bet-'nwär(z), "bAt-/
Etymology: French, literally, black beast
: a person or thing strongly detested or avoided : BUGBEAR
Monday, November 08, 2004
Vagary
va·ga·ry
Pronunciation: 'vA-g&-rE; v&-'ger-E, -'gar-, vA-; also 'va-g&-rE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ries
Etymology: probably from Latin vagari to wander, from vagus wandering
: an erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant manifestation, action, or notion
synonym see CAPRICE
Pronunciation: 'vA-g&-rE; v&-'ger-E, -'gar-, vA-; also 'va-g&-rE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ries
Etymology: probably from Latin vagari to wander, from vagus wandering
: an erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant manifestation, action, or notion
synonym see CAPRICE
Expatriate
ex·pa·tri·ate
Pronunciation: ek-'spA-trE-"At
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: Medieval Latin expatriatus, past participle of expatriare to leave one's own country, from Latin ex- + patria native country, from feminine of patrius of a father, from patr-, pater father -- more at FATHER
transitive senses
1 : to withdraw (oneself) from residence in or allegiance to one's native country
2 : BANISH, EXILE
intransitive senses : to leave one's native country to live elsewhere; also : to renounce allegiance to one's native country
(Actually, it was being used as a noun meaning a person who's expatriated in the thing that I was reading.)
Pronunciation: ek-'spA-trE-"At
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: Medieval Latin expatriatus, past participle of expatriare to leave one's own country, from Latin ex- + patria native country, from feminine of patrius of a father, from patr-, pater father -- more at FATHER
transitive senses
1 : to withdraw (oneself) from residence in or allegiance to one's native country
2 : BANISH, EXILE
intransitive senses : to leave one's native country to live elsewhere; also : to renounce allegiance to one's native country
(Actually, it was being used as a noun meaning a person who's expatriated in the thing that I was reading.)
Scarper
scar·per
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: probably ultimately from Italian scappare, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin excappare -- more at ESCAPE
British : FLEE, RUN AWAY; broadly : LEAVE, DEPART
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: probably ultimately from Italian scappare, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin excappare -- more at ESCAPE
British : FLEE, RUN AWAY; broadly : LEAVE, DEPART
Erguotou
A liquor made in Beijing and the source of much pride for those Beijingers.
Source for info: Chinadaily article "Americans warm to Beijing liquor"
Source for info: Chinadaily article "Americans warm to Beijing liquor"
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Play Cousin
Someone who you grew up with, and know like family, but isn't related to you.
Friday, October 29, 2004
Jingoism
jin·go·ism
Pronunciation: 'ji[ng]-(")gO-"i-z&m
Function: noun
: extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign policy
Pronunciation: 'ji[ng]-(")gO-"i-z&m
Function: noun
: extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign policy
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Cholo
A cholo is term implying a Hispanic male that typically dresses in chinos (khahki pants), a wifebeater sleeveless teeshirt or a flannel shirt with only the top buttoned, a hairnet, or with a bandana around the forehead, usually halfway down over the eyes. Cholos often have black ink tattoos, commonly involving Catholic imagery, or calligraphy messages or family names. Cholos often drive low riders.
Cosplay
Literally "Costume Play." Dressing up and pretending to be a fictional character (usually a sci-fi, comic book, or anime character).
Laconic
la·con·ic
Pronunciation: l&-'kä-nik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin laconicus Spartan, from Greek lakOnikos; from the Spartan reputation for terseness of speech
: using or involving the use of a minimum of words : concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
Pronunciation: l&-'kä-nik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin laconicus Spartan, from Greek lakOnikos; from the Spartan reputation for terseness of speech
: using or involving the use of a minimum of words : concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
Consigliere
con·sig·li·e·re
Pronunciation: kOn-(")sil-'ye-re, -'yer-E; kän-(")si-glE-'ye-rA, -rE, -'yer
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural con·sig·li·e·ri /-rE/
Etymology: Italian, from consiglio advice, counsel, from Latin consilium -- more at COUNSEL
: COUNSELOR, ADVISER
Pronunciation: kOn-(")sil-'ye-re, -'yer-E; kän-(")si-glE-'ye-rA, -rE, -'yer
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural con·sig·li·e·ri /-rE/
Etymology: Italian, from consiglio advice, counsel, from Latin consilium -- more at COUNSEL
: COUNSELOR, ADVISER
Monday, October 25, 2004
Triptych
trip·tych
Pronunciation: 'trip-(")tik
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek triptychos having three folds, from tri- + ptychE fold
1 : an ancient Roman writing tablet with three waxed leaves hinged together
2 a : a picture (as an altarpiece) or carving in three panels side by side b : something composed or presented in three parts or sections; especially : TRILOGY
Pronunciation: 'trip-(")tik
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek triptychos having three folds, from tri- + ptychE fold
1 : an ancient Roman writing tablet with three waxed leaves hinged together
2 a : a picture (as an altarpiece) or carving in three panels side by side b : something composed or presented in three parts or sections; especially : TRILOGY
Tenable
ten·a·ble
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French, from Old French, from tenir to hold, from Latin tenEre -- more at THIN
: capable of being held, maintained, or defended : DEFENSIBLE, REASONABLE
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French, from Old French, from tenir to hold, from Latin tenEre -- more at THIN
: capable of being held, maintained, or defended : DEFENSIBLE, REASONABLE
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Bibendum
French name for the Michelin Man, you know, the white guy made of, I guess, tires.
Sommelier
som·me·lier
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural sommeliers /-'yA(z)/
Etymology: French, from Middle French, court official charged with transportation of supplies, pack animal driver, from Old Provençal saumalier pack animal driver, from sauma pack animal, load of a pack animal, from Late Latin sagma packsaddle -- more at SUMPTER
: a waiter in a restaurant who has charge of wines and their service : a wine steward
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural sommeliers /-'yA(z)/
Etymology: French, from Middle French, court official charged with transportation of supplies, pack animal driver, from Old Provençal saumalier pack animal driver, from sauma pack animal, load of a pack animal, from Late Latin sagma packsaddle -- more at SUMPTER
: a waiter in a restaurant who has charge of wines and their service : a wine steward
Bifurcation
bi·fur·ca·tion
Pronunciation: "bI-(")f&r-'kA-sh&n
Function: noun
1 a : the point at which bifurcating occurs b : BRANCH
2 : the act of bifurcating : the state of being bifurcated
Bifurcate
bi·fur·cate
Pronunciation: 'bI-(")f&r-"kAt, bI-'f&r-
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing
Etymology: Medieval Latin bifurcatus, past participle of bifurcare, from Latin bifurcus two-pronged, from bi- + furca fork
transitive senses : to cause to divide into two branches or parts
intransitive senses : to divide into two branches or parts
Pronunciation: "bI-(")f&r-'kA-sh&n
Function: noun
1 a : the point at which bifurcating occurs b : BRANCH
2 : the act of bifurcating : the state of being bifurcated
Bifurcate
bi·fur·cate
Pronunciation: 'bI-(")f&r-"kAt, bI-'f&r-
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing
Etymology: Medieval Latin bifurcatus, past participle of bifurcare, from Latin bifurcus two-pronged, from bi- + furca fork
transitive senses : to cause to divide into two branches or parts
intransitive senses : to divide into two branches or parts
git
Pronunciation: 'git
Function: noun
Etymology: variant of get, term of abuse, from 2get
British : a foolish or worthless person
Function: noun
Etymology: variant of get, term of abuse, from 2get
British : a foolish or worthless person
Friday, October 15, 2004
Dermologist
Source: Reality show, America's Next Top Model, sent a gal to a dermologist.
From www.artisantattoos.com:
'Beware of the term "dermologist," this is an illigitimate term and signifies nothing.'
From www.hairfacts.com:
'a bogus medical specialty made up by [the company] Rejuvenu'
All other entries on the internet seem to be misspellings of dermatologist or snake oil salesmen. A disproportionately large number are referred to as being Indian.
From www.artisantattoos.com:
'Beware of the term "dermologist," this is an illigitimate term and signifies nothing.'
From www.hairfacts.com:
'a bogus medical specialty made up by [the company] Rejuvenu'
All other entries on the internet seem to be misspellings of dermatologist or snake oil salesmen. A disproportionately large number are referred to as being Indian.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Mousqueton
Carabiner
car·a·bi·ner
Function: noun
Etymology: German Karabiner, short for Karabinerhaken, literally, carabineer's hook
: an oblong metal ring with one spring-hinged side that is used especially in mountain climbing as a connector and to hold a freely running rope
Function: noun
Etymology: German Karabiner, short for Karabinerhaken, literally, carabineer's hook
: an oblong metal ring with one spring-hinged side that is used especially in mountain climbing as a connector and to hold a freely running rope
Carabineer
car·a·bi·neer
Variant(s): or car·a·bi·nier
Function: noun
Etymology: French carabinier, from carabine carbine
: a cavalry soldier armed with a carbine
Variant(s): or car·a·bi·nier
Function: noun
Etymology: French carabinier, from carabine carbine
: a cavalry soldier armed with a carbine
Monday, October 11, 2004
Macadam
mac·ad·am
NOUN:
Pavement made of layers of compacted broken stone, now usually bound with tar or asphalt.
ETYMOLOGY: After John Loudon McAdam (1756-1836), Scottish civil engineer
NOUN:
Pavement made of layers of compacted broken stone, now usually bound with tar or asphalt.
ETYMOLOGY: After John Loudon McAdam (1756-1836), Scottish civil engineer
Bunyip
bun·yip
NOUN: Australian
1. An imaginary monster inhabiting swamps and lagoons.
2. An imposter; a fake.
ETYMOLOGY: Wemba-wemba (Aboriginal language of southeast Australia) banib
(Alison further informed me that it is a sea serpent with the head of an emu, and quite large. I've been calling Nina "Bunyip" without knowing what it meant.)
Edited to add: "This is a fierce creature from Australia. Amphibious by nature, it has the appearance of a giant seal or even a hippopotamus, It is greatly feared, for it enjoys the taste of human flesh, particularly the more tender flesh of women and children."
NOUN: Australian
1. An imaginary monster inhabiting swamps and lagoons.
2. An imposter; a fake.
ETYMOLOGY: Wemba-wemba (Aboriginal language of southeast Australia) banib
(Alison further informed me that it is a sea serpent with the head of an emu, and quite large. I've been calling Nina "Bunyip" without knowing what it meant.)
Edited to add: "This is a fierce creature from Australia. Amphibious by nature, it has the appearance of a giant seal or even a hippopotamus, It is greatly feared, for it enjoys the taste of human flesh, particularly the more tender flesh of women and children."
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Petulant
pet·u·lant
Pronunciation: -l&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: L or Middle French; Middle French, from Latin petulant-, petulans; akin to Latin petere to go to, attack, seek -- more at FEATHER
1 : insolent or rude in speech or behavior
2 : characterized by temporary or capricious ill humor : PEEVISH
Pronunciation: -l&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: L or Middle French; Middle French, from Latin petulant-, petulans; akin to Latin petere to go to, attack, seek -- more at FEATHER
1 : insolent or rude in speech or behavior
2 : characterized by temporary or capricious ill humor : PEEVISH
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Brownshirt
Pronunciation: 'braun-"sh&rt
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized
: NAZI; especially : STORM TROOPER
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized
: NAZI; especially : STORM TROOPER
Bogans
Bogans are an Australasian subculture thriving in small pockets of New Zealand and Australia. Out of step with fashion, culture and taste, hey thrive in a 70s time warp where tight jeans, black sweaters, a mullet haircut, beer kegs, big cars, rock music and shopping malls are all they need. In New Zealand Bogans live mainly in West Auckland, Hamilton and Upper Hutt near Wellington. In Australia they rule the outskirts of Melbourne, Northern Sydney and Bendigo. The origin of the word is shrouded in mystery but surfers back in the 70s are thought to be a likely source. While not overtly dangerous, Bogans can appear threatening and enjoy the cache of being seen as undesireable, but it's more their lack of smarts than their lack of morals that sets them apart from the mainstream.
Mien
Pronunciation: 'mEn
Function: noun
Etymology: by shortening & alteration from 1demean
1 : air or bearing especially as expressive of attitude or personality : DEMEANOR
2 : APPEARANCE, ASPECT
synonym see BEARING
Function: noun
Etymology: by shortening & alteration from 1demean
1 : air or bearing especially as expressive of attitude or personality : DEMEANOR
2 : APPEARANCE, ASPECT
synonym see BEARING
Sultana
sul·ta·na
Pronunciation: (")s&l-'ta-n&
Function: noun
Etymology: Italian, feminine of sultano sultan, from Arabic sultAn
1 : a female member of a sultan's family; especially : a sultan's wife
2 a : a pale yellow seedless grape grown for raisins and wine b : the raisin of a sultana
(So, yes, Alison, it is a fruit.)
Pronunciation: (")s&l-'ta-n&
Function: noun
Etymology: Italian, feminine of sultano sultan, from Arabic sultAn
1 : a female member of a sultan's family; especially : a sultan's wife
2 a : a pale yellow seedless grape grown for raisins and wine b : the raisin of a sultana
(So, yes, Alison, it is a fruit.)
Friday, October 01, 2004
Prestidigitation
Pronunciation: "pres-t&-"di-j&-'tA-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from prestidigitateur prestidigitator, from preste nimble, quick (from Italian presto) + Latin digitus finger -- more at DIGIT
: SLEIGHT OF HAND, LEGERDEMAIN
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from prestidigitateur prestidigitator, from preste nimble, quick (from Italian presto) + Latin digitus finger -- more at DIGIT
: SLEIGHT OF HAND, LEGERDEMAIN
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Platitude
plat·i·tude
Pronunciation: 'pla-t&-"tüd, -"tyüd
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from plat flat, dull
1 : the quality or state of being dull or insipid
2 : a banal, trite, or stale remark
Pronunciation: 'pla-t&-"tüd, -"tyüd
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from plat flat, dull
1 : the quality or state of being dull or insipid
2 : a banal, trite, or stale remark
Obdurate
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin obduratus, past participle of obdurare to harden, from ob- against + durus hard -- more at DURING
1 a : stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing b : hardened in feelings
2 : resistant to persuasion or softening influences
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin obduratus, past participle of obdurare to harden, from ob- against + durus hard -- more at DURING
1 a : stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing b : hardened in feelings
2 : resistant to persuasion or softening influences
Monday, September 27, 2004
Sycophant
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin sycophanta slanderer, swindler, from Greek sykophantEs slanderer, from sykon fig + phainein to show -- more at FANCY
: a servile self-seeking flatterer
synonym see PARASITE
Etymology: Latin sycophanta slanderer, swindler, from Greek sykophantEs slanderer, from sykon fig + phainein to show -- more at FANCY
: a servile self-seeking flatterer
synonym see PARASITE
Hegemony
Pronunciation: hi-'je-m&-nE, -'ge-; 'he-j&-"mO-nE
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek hEgemonia, from hEgemOn leader, from hEgeisthai to lead -- more at SEEK
: preponderant influence or authority over others : DOMINATION
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek hEgemonia, from hEgemOn leader, from hEgeisthai to lead -- more at SEEK
: preponderant influence or authority over others : DOMINATION
Friday, September 24, 2004
Apotheosis
Main Entry: apo·the·o·sis
Pronunciation: &-"pä-thE-'O-s&s, "a-p&-'thE-&-s&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural apo·the·o·ses /-"sEz/
Etymology: Late Latin, from Greek apotheOsis, from apotheoun to deify, from apo- + theos god
1 : elevation to divine status : DEIFICATION
2 : the perfect example : QUINTESSENCE
Pronunciation: &-"pä-thE-'O-s&s, "a-p&-'thE-&-s&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural apo·the·o·ses /-"sEz/
Etymology: Late Latin, from Greek apotheOsis, from apotheoun to deify, from apo- + theos god
1 : elevation to divine status : DEIFICATION
2 : the perfect example : QUINTESSENCE
Sartorial
From TVgasm: "The big oaf was looking a bit silly in a sleeveless getup and a train conductor hat, but at this point, he's already established himself as a sartorial disaster; so none of this is news."
Pronunciation: sär-'tOr-E-&l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin sartor
: of or relating to a tailor or tailored clothes; broadly : of or relating to clothes
Pronunciation: sär-'tOr-E-&l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin sartor
: of or relating to a tailor or tailored clothes; broadly : of or relating to clothes
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Raison d'être
From The Age of the Essay by Paul Graham
Variant(s): also raison d'etre /"rA-"zOn-'detr&/
Function: noun
Etymology: French
: reason or justification for existence
Variant(s): also raison d'etre /"rA-"zOn-'detr&/
Function: noun
Etymology: French
: reason or justification for existence
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Tenebrous
From Alison's book "Death in Holy Orders" by P.D. James
Pronunciation: 'te-n&-br&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French tenebreus, from Latin tenebrosus, from tenebrae
1 : shut off from the light : DARK, MURKY
2 : hard to understand : OBSCURE
3 : causing gloom
Pronunciation: 'te-n&-br&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French tenebreus, from Latin tenebrosus, from tenebrae
1 : shut off from the light : DARK, MURKY
2 : hard to understand : OBSCURE
3 : causing gloom
Saturday, September 04, 2004
Iago
Usage: "When Marvin wasn't honing his inner Iago..." - TVgasm.com
Pronunciation: E-'ä-(")gO
Function: noun
: the villain of Shakespeare's tragedy Othello
Pronunciation: E-'ä-(")gO
Function: noun
: the villain of Shakespeare's tragedy Othello
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Gormless
SYLLABICATION: gorm·less
ADJECTIVE: Chiefly British Lacking intelligence and vitality; dull.
ETYMOLOGY: From dialectal gawm, sense, from Middle English gome, notice, from Old Norse gaumr.
ADJECTIVE: Chiefly British Lacking intelligence and vitality; dull.
ETYMOLOGY: From dialectal gawm, sense, from Middle English gome, notice, from Old Norse gaumr.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
cappicoli
No dictionary had an entry. Google seems to indicate a spicy Italian ham.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
denounce
From BB5 live feed transcript: "...he does not let [his] son watch harry potter, lord of rings, etc, because of "witchery" which Nadria decided earlier in the day was denounceful to god."
SYLLABICATION: de·nounce
TRANSITIVE VERB: Inflected forms: de·nounced, de·nounc·ing, de·nounc·es
1. To condemn openly as being evil or reprehensible. See synonyms at criticize.
2. To accuse formally.
3. To give formal announcement of the ending of (a treaty).
ETYMOLOGY: Middle English denouncen, to proclaim, from Anglo-Norman denuncier Medieval Latin dnntire, both from Latin : d-, de- + nntire, to announce (from nntius, messenger; see neu- in Appendix I).
Note: Uh, she used a word that didn't really exist incorrectly.
SYLLABICATION: de·nounce
TRANSITIVE VERB: Inflected forms: de·nounced, de·nounc·ing, de·nounc·es
1. To condemn openly as being evil or reprehensible. See synonyms at criticize.
2. To accuse formally.
3. To give formal announcement of the ending of (a treaty).
ETYMOLOGY: Middle English denouncen, to proclaim, from Anglo-Norman denuncier Medieval Latin dnntire, both from Latin : d-, de- + nntire, to announce (from nntius, messenger; see neu- in Appendix I).
Note: Uh, she used a word that didn't really exist incorrectly.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
w/e
Monday, August 09, 2004
Confab
From Big Brother live feed recaps
"Nak brought up her confab with Jase last night..."
NOUN: Informal A casual talk; confabulation.
INTRANSITIVE VERB: Inflected forms: con·fabbed, con·fab·bing, con·fabs(kn-fb, knfb) To engage in casual talk.
"Nak brought up her confab with Jase last night..."
NOUN: Informal A casual talk; confabulation.
INTRANSITIVE VERB: Inflected forms: con·fabbed, con·fab·bing, con·fabs(kn-fb, knfb) To engage in casual talk.
Friday, August 06, 2004
Gump
From SurvivorSucks Big Brother Live Feed Recaps
"Adria is showing her gump ass now"
Short for Gumption
SYLLABICATION: gump·tion
NOUN: Informal
1. Boldness of enterprise; initiative or aggressiveness.
2. Guts; spunk.
3. Common sense.
ETYMOLOGY: Scots.
"Adria is showing her gump ass now"
Short for Gumption
SYLLABICATION: gump·tion
NOUN: Informal
1. Boldness of enterprise; initiative or aggressiveness.
2. Guts; spunk.
3. Common sense.
ETYMOLOGY: Scots.
Friday, May 21, 2004
terricolous
Pronunciation: te-'ri-k&-l&s, t&-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin terricola earth dweller, from terra earth + colere to inhabit -- more at WHEEL
: living on or in the ground
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin terricola earth dweller, from terra earth + colere to inhabit -- more at WHEEL
: living on or in the ground
Friday, April 09, 2004
seder
Pronunciation: 'sA-d&r
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: Hebrew sEdher order
: a Jewish home or community service including a ceremonial dinner held on the first or first and second evenings of the Passover in commemoration of the exodus from Egypt
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: Hebrew sEdher order
: a Jewish home or community service including a ceremonial dinner held on the first or first and second evenings of the Passover in commemoration of the exodus from Egypt
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
