Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
collude \kuh-LOOD\ (verb)
Meaning: conspire, plot
Example Sentence: The U.S. District Court has granted class-action status to a complaint that the retailer and manufacturer colluded to
keep prices high.
Did you know?
Our English "lude" words ("allude," "collude," "delude," "elude," and "prelude") are based on the Latin verb "ludere," meaning "to play." "Collude" dates back to 1525 and combines "ludere" and the prefix "col-," meaning "with" or "together." "Collude" is younger than the related noun "collusion," which appeared sometime in the 14th century with the specific meaning "secret agreement or cooperation." Despite their playful history, "collude" and "collusion" have always suggested deceit or trickery rather than good-natured fun.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
January 29, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
yellow-dog \yel-oh-DAWG\ (adjective)
Meaning: 1: mean, contemptible
*2: of or relating to opposition to trade unionism or a labor union
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: The workers were all bound under yellow-dog agreements, so they weren't able to appeal to any union forces to help
renegotiate their contract.
Did you know?
In the 19th century, the noun "yellow dog" developed a derogatory sense, meaning a low, despicable person. This usage probably came about from the traditional association of the color yellow with cowardice. Just before the turn of the century, "yellow-dog" started to be used by writers who were derogatorily describing organizations that expressed opposition to trade unions. The popularized term "yellow-dog contract" referred to an agreement made by an employer and employee in which the employee agrees not to join a labor union during the time he or she is employed. While such contracts proliferated in the 1920s, they were later made unenforceable in U.S. federal courts under the Norris-LaGuardia Act (1932).
yellow-dog \yel-oh-DAWG\ (adjective)
Meaning: 1: mean, contemptible
*2: of or relating to opposition to trade unionism or a labor union
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: The workers were all bound under yellow-dog agreements, so they weren't able to appeal to any union forces to help
renegotiate their contract.
Did you know?
In the 19th century, the noun "yellow dog" developed a derogatory sense, meaning a low, despicable person. This usage probably came about from the traditional association of the color yellow with cowardice. Just before the turn of the century, "yellow-dog" started to be used by writers who were derogatorily describing organizations that expressed opposition to trade unions. The popularized term "yellow-dog contract" referred to an agreement made by an employer and employee in which the employee agrees not to join a labor union during the time he or she is employed. While such contracts proliferated in the 1920s, they were later made unenforceable in U.S. federal courts under the Norris-LaGuardia Act (1932).
January 28, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
martinet \mar-tuh-NET\ (noun)
Meaning: 1: a strict disciplinarian
*2: a person who stresses a rigid adherence to the details of forms and methods
(* Indicates sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: "Spencer complained that his office manager was a power-hungry martinet who compelled him to follow ridiculous
rules."
Did you know?
When France's King Louis XIV appointed Lieutenant Colonel Jean Martinet to be inspector general of the infantry in the late 17th century, he made a wise choice. As a drillmaster, Martinet trained his troops to advance into battle in precise linear formations and to fire in volleys only upon command, thus making the most effective use of inaccurate muskets — and making the French army one of the best on the continent. He also gave English a new word. "Martinet" has been used synonymously with "strict disciplinarian" since the 1730s.
martinet \mar-tuh-NET\ (noun)
Meaning: 1: a strict disciplinarian
*2: a person who stresses a rigid adherence to the details of forms and methods
(* Indicates sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: "Spencer complained that his office manager was a power-hungry martinet who compelled him to follow ridiculous
rules."
Did you know?
When France's King Louis XIV appointed Lieutenant Colonel Jean Martinet to be inspector general of the infantry in the late 17th century, he made a wise choice. As a drillmaster, Martinet trained his troops to advance into battle in precise linear formations and to fire in volleys only upon command, thus making the most effective use of inaccurate muskets — and making the French army one of the best on the continent. He also gave English a new word. "Martinet" has been used synonymously with "strict disciplinarian" since the 1730s.
January 27, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
maxixe \muh-SHEESH\ (noun)
Meaning: a ballroom dance of Brazilian origin that resembles the two-step
Example Sentence: "In the 1920s, the maxixe took over the ballrooms of Rio de Janeiro." (The Toronto Star, September 20, 1998)
Did you know?
The maxixe was in vogue for only a few decades in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but its influence has lived on in the still-popular samba. Born out of the marriage of Afro-Brazilian and European dance, maxixe is sometimes described as Africanized polka. Both Brazilian music and the tunes of Tin Pan Alley accompanied the dancers of the maxixe, which was brighter and snappier than the also then-popular Argentine tango. The maxixe in some ways put Brazil on the dancing map. As Sanjoy Roy put it in a July 7, 2006 article in The Guardian, "The maxixe was one of Brazil's first musical exports, spawning brief crazes in Paris in 1914, and London in 1922."
maxixe \muh-SHEESH\ (noun)
Meaning: a ballroom dance of Brazilian origin that resembles the two-step
Example Sentence: "In the 1920s, the maxixe took over the ballrooms of Rio de Janeiro." (The Toronto Star, September 20, 1998)
Did you know?
The maxixe was in vogue for only a few decades in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but its influence has lived on in the still-popular samba. Born out of the marriage of Afro-Brazilian and European dance, maxixe is sometimes described as Africanized polka. Both Brazilian music and the tunes of Tin Pan Alley accompanied the dancers of the maxixe, which was brighter and snappier than the also then-popular Argentine tango. The maxixe in some ways put Brazil on the dancing map. As Sanjoy Roy put it in a July 7, 2006 article in The Guardian, "The maxixe was one of Brazil's first musical exports, spawning brief crazes in Paris in 1914, and London in 1922."
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
January 26, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
bolide \BOH-lyde\ (noun)
Meaning: a large meteor, or fireball, especially one that explodes
Example Sentence: "Though probably no more than a foot in diameter, the bolide offered a brief and spectacular light show as it streaked
across the sky."
Did you know?
"Bolide," like "fireball," is a name applied to very bright meteors that often trail sparks. A clue to the origins of "bolide" can be found in the missile-like appearance of these meteors. The Greek "bolis," which comes from "bolē"("throw" or "stroke"), literally means "missile" or "javelin." "Bolis" is the source of the Latin name given to these spectacular meteors, which is also "bolis." The word became "bolide" in French, from which it was borrowed by the English language in the mid-19th century.
bolide \BOH-lyde\ (noun)
Meaning: a large meteor, or fireball, especially one that explodes
Example Sentence: "Though probably no more than a foot in diameter, the bolide offered a brief and spectacular light show as it streaked
across the sky."
Did you know?
"Bolide," like "fireball," is a name applied to very bright meteors that often trail sparks. A clue to the origins of "bolide" can be found in the missile-like appearance of these meteors. The Greek "bolis," which comes from "bolē"("throw" or "stroke"), literally means "missile" or "javelin." "Bolis" is the source of the Latin name given to these spectacular meteors, which is also "bolis." The word became "bolide" in French, from which it was borrowed by the English language in the mid-19th century.
Monday, January 25, 2010
January 25 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
Valhalla \val-HAL-uh\ (noun)
Meaning: 1. the great hall in Norse mythology where the souls of heroes slain in battle are received
*2. a place of honor, glory, or happiness : heaven
(* Indicates sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: "When the time comes, a lot of folks who vote people into baseball's Valhalla will make character a major qualification." (Sid Dorfman, The Star-Ledger [Newark, New Jersey], September 9, 2009)
Did you know?
In Norse mythology, the souls of warriors who died nobly in battle were brought to a magnificent palace, where they spent their days fighting for diversion, immune from lasting injury, and their evenings lustily feasting on freshly killed boar and quaffing the free-flowing mead. In Old Norse, the word for this warrior heaven is "Valhǫll" (literally, "hall of the slain"); in German, it is "Walhalla." English speakers picked up the name as "Valhalla" in the 18th century. Nowadays, we can use the word figuratively, and induction or admission into a modern-day Valhalla doesn't require passing from this life. It can be a place of honor (a hall of fame, for example) or a place of bliss (as in "an ice cream lover's Valhalla").
Valhalla \val-HAL-uh\ (noun)
Meaning: 1. the great hall in Norse mythology where the souls of heroes slain in battle are received
*2. a place of honor, glory, or happiness : heaven
(* Indicates sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: "When the time comes, a lot of folks who vote people into baseball's Valhalla will make character a major qualification." (Sid Dorfman, The Star-Ledger [Newark, New Jersey], September 9, 2009)
Did you know?
In Norse mythology, the souls of warriors who died nobly in battle were brought to a magnificent palace, where they spent their days fighting for diversion, immune from lasting injury, and their evenings lustily feasting on freshly killed boar and quaffing the free-flowing mead. In Old Norse, the word for this warrior heaven is "Valhǫll" (literally, "hall of the slain"); in German, it is "Walhalla." English speakers picked up the name as "Valhalla" in the 18th century. Nowadays, we can use the word figuratively, and induction or admission into a modern-day Valhalla doesn't require passing from this life. It can be a place of honor (a hall of fame, for example) or a place of bliss (as in "an ice cream lover's Valhalla").
Sunday, January 24, 2010
January 24, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
refurbish \rih-FER-bish\ (verb)
Meaning: to brighten or freshen up; renovate
Example Sentence: "Bill and Marie bought the historic house with the intent of refurbishing it."
Did you know?
If you're wondering if "refurbish" implies the existence of an earlier "furbish," you are on the right track. "Furbish" was borrowed into English in the 14th century from Anglo-French "furbiss-," a distant relative of an Old High German word meaning "to polish." In its earliest uses "furbish" also meant "to polish," but it developed an extended sense of "renovate" shortly before English speakers created "refurbish" with the same meaning in the 17th century. These days "refurbish" is the more common of the two words, although "furbish" does continue to be used.
refurbish \rih-FER-bish\ (verb)
Meaning: to brighten or freshen up; renovate
Example Sentence: "Bill and Marie bought the historic house with the intent of refurbishing it."
Did you know?
If you're wondering if "refurbish" implies the existence of an earlier "furbish," you are on the right track. "Furbish" was borrowed into English in the 14th century from Anglo-French "furbiss-," a distant relative of an Old High German word meaning "to polish." In its earliest uses "furbish" also meant "to polish," but it developed an extended sense of "renovate" shortly before English speakers created "refurbish" with the same meaning in the 17th century. These days "refurbish" is the more common of the two words, although "furbish" does continue to be used.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
January 23, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
funicular \fyoo-NIK-yuh-ler\ (noun)
Meaning: a cable railway ascending a mountain; especially : one in which an ascending car counterbalances a descending car
Example Sentence: "Situated in a gated community reachable by funicular, the resort's 181 guest rooms come with flat-screen TVs, nightly turndown service and, in suites, even a butler." (The New York Times, December 13, 2009)
Did you know?
You may have fun on a funicular, but the word is not related to "fun" (which comes to us from an English dialect verb meaning "to hoax"). The noun "funicular" descends from an earlier adjective "funicular," meaning "relating to a cord under tension." It was also influenced by "funiculaire," a French word used for a type of railway that is dependent upon cables (or on "cords under tension"). Ultimately, these terms trace back to the Latin noun "funiculus," meaning "small rope." "Funicular" first appeared in print as an adjective in English in 1664; the noun has been with us since the early 20th century.
funicular \fyoo-NIK-yuh-ler\ (noun)
Meaning: a cable railway ascending a mountain; especially : one in which an ascending car counterbalances a descending car
Example Sentence: "Situated in a gated community reachable by funicular, the resort's 181 guest rooms come with flat-screen TVs, nightly turndown service and, in suites, even a butler." (The New York Times, December 13, 2009)
Did you know?
You may have fun on a funicular, but the word is not related to "fun" (which comes to us from an English dialect verb meaning "to hoax"). The noun "funicular" descends from an earlier adjective "funicular," meaning "relating to a cord under tension." It was also influenced by "funiculaire," a French word used for a type of railway that is dependent upon cables (or on "cords under tension"). Ultimately, these terms trace back to the Latin noun "funiculus," meaning "small rope." "Funicular" first appeared in print as an adjective in English in 1664; the noun has been with us since the early 20th century.
Banned Books (over the years) ...
On my website (catherineshafer.com) I have two pages dedicated to banned books. I am also in the midst of making another page of books that were burned. Here's the link http:catherineshafer.com/bannedbooks.html
At the bottom of the first page (A -- M, alphabetical according to book title), there is a link to go to the second page, N -- Z.
At the bottom of the first page (A -- M, alphabetical according to book title), there is a link to go to the second page, N -- Z.
Friday, January 22, 2010
January 22, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
Mrs. Grundy \MISS-uz-GRUN-dee\ (noun)
Meaning: one marked by prudish conventionality in personal conduct
Example Sentence: "After a barrage of complaints from Mrs. Grundys, the Web site's managers decided to remove the 'objectionable'
photos."
Did you know?
"What would Mrs. Grundy say?" Dame Ashfield, a character in Thomas Morton's 1798 play Speed the Plough, was continually asking that question and worrying about invoking the sneering condemnation of her prudish neighbor, Mrs. Grundy. Although Mrs. Grundy never actually appeared on stage during the play, her critical attitude exerted a significant influence on the actions of other characters, and ultimately on the English language. By 1813, English speakers had adopted her name as a byword for anyone with extremely rigid standards of propriety that he or she applied in judging the actions of others.
Mrs. Grundy \MISS-uz-GRUN-dee\ (noun)
Meaning: one marked by prudish conventionality in personal conduct
Example Sentence: "After a barrage of complaints from Mrs. Grundys, the Web site's managers decided to remove the 'objectionable'
photos."
Did you know?
"What would Mrs. Grundy say?" Dame Ashfield, a character in Thomas Morton's 1798 play Speed the Plough, was continually asking that question and worrying about invoking the sneering condemnation of her prudish neighbor, Mrs. Grundy. Although Mrs. Grundy never actually appeared on stage during the play, her critical attitude exerted a significant influence on the actions of other characters, and ultimately on the English language. By 1813, English speakers had adopted her name as a byword for anyone with extremely rigid standards of propriety that he or she applied in judging the actions of others.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
January 21, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
colubrine \KAHL-yuh-bryne\ (adjective)
Meaning: *1 : of, relating to, or resembling a snake
2 : of or relating to a large cosmopolitan family (Colubridae) of chiefly nonvenomous snakes
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: "By the time the music starts throbbing at 9, there will undoubtedly be a colubrine line slithering down Mass.
Ave." (Christopher Muther, The Boston Globe, March 2002)
Did you know?
"Colubrine" may be less common than other animal words, such as "canine," "feline," and "bovine," but it has been around for a good long while. Ultimately derived from the Latin "colubra" ("snake"), it slithered into the English language in the 16th century. ("Cobra," by the way, comes from the same Latin word, but entered English through Portuguese.) Some other words for "snakelike" are "serpentine" (a more common alternative) and "ophidian" (from the Greek word for snake: "ophis").
colubrine \KAHL-yuh-bryne\ (adjective)
Meaning: *1 : of, relating to, or resembling a snake
2 : of or relating to a large cosmopolitan family (Colubridae) of chiefly nonvenomous snakes
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: "By the time the music starts throbbing at 9, there will undoubtedly be a colubrine line slithering down Mass.
Ave." (Christopher Muther, The Boston Globe, March 2002)
Did you know?
"Colubrine" may be less common than other animal words, such as "canine," "feline," and "bovine," but it has been around for a good long while. Ultimately derived from the Latin "colubra" ("snake"), it slithered into the English language in the 16th century. ("Cobra," by the way, comes from the same Latin word, but entered English through Portuguese.) Some other words for "snakelike" are "serpentine" (a more common alternative) and "ophidian" (from the Greek word for snake: "ophis").
January 20, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
Augean stable \aw-JEE-un-STAY-bul\ (noun)
Meaning: a condition or place marked by great accumulation of filth or corruption
Example Sentence: "The presidency of Ulysses S. Grant was marred by his refusal to clean out the Augean stables of his own
administration."
Did you know?
"Augean stable" most often appears in the phrase "clean the Augean stable," which usually means "clear away corruption" or "perform a large and unpleasant task that has long called for attention." Augeas, the mythical king of Elis, kept great stables that held 3,000 oxen and had not been cleaned for thirty years — until Hercules was assigned the job. Hercules accomplished this task by causing two rivers to run through the stables. The word "Augean" is sometimes used by itself, too — it has come to mean "extremely difficult and usually distasteful." We can refer to "Augean tasks," "Augean labor," or even "Augean clutter."
Augean stable \aw-JEE-un-STAY-bul\ (noun)
Meaning: a condition or place marked by great accumulation of filth or corruption
Example Sentence: "The presidency of Ulysses S. Grant was marred by his refusal to clean out the Augean stables of his own
administration."
Did you know?
"Augean stable" most often appears in the phrase "clean the Augean stable," which usually means "clear away corruption" or "perform a large and unpleasant task that has long called for attention." Augeas, the mythical king of Elis, kept great stables that held 3,000 oxen and had not been cleaned for thirty years — until Hercules was assigned the job. Hercules accomplished this task by causing two rivers to run through the stables. The word "Augean" is sometimes used by itself, too — it has come to mean "extremely difficult and usually distasteful." We can refer to "Augean tasks," "Augean labor," or even "Augean clutter."
January 19, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
conquian \KONK-ee-un\ (noun)
Meaning: a card game for two played with 40 cards from which all games of rummy developed
Example Sentence: "The two friends whiled away the long summer days with endless games of conquian."
Did you know?
Conquian is a very old card game, played more frequently in the past than now. Based on the 'draw and discard' principle that forms the basis for all modern games of rummy, it's played with 40 cards of a 52-card deck. (The most common variations involve the removal of either all face cards, or the tens, nines, and eights.) The goal of the game is to form three or four of a kind, or sequences. 'Conquian' comes to us from Mexican Spanish, but the word is ultimately derived from the Spanish '¿con quién?' meaning 'with whom?'
conquian \KONK-ee-un\ (noun)
Meaning: a card game for two played with 40 cards from which all games of rummy developed
Example Sentence: "The two friends whiled away the long summer days with endless games of conquian."
Did you know?
Conquian is a very old card game, played more frequently in the past than now. Based on the 'draw and discard' principle that forms the basis for all modern games of rummy, it's played with 40 cards of a 52-card deck. (The most common variations involve the removal of either all face cards, or the tens, nines, and eights.) The goal of the game is to form three or four of a kind, or sequences. 'Conquian' comes to us from Mexican Spanish, but the word is ultimately derived from the Spanish '¿con quién?' meaning 'with whom?'
Monday, January 18, 2010
January 18, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
noetic \noh-ET-ik\ (adjective)
Meaning: of, or relating to, or based on the intellect
Example Sentence: "Among the events sponsored by the neighborhood bar were monthly quiz nights, which Jeanne enjoyed attending because they satisfied her thirst for noetic stimulation."
Did you know?
'Noetic' derives from the Greek adjective 'noētikos,' meaning 'intellectual,' from the verb 'noein' ('to think') and ultimately from the noun 'nous,' meaning 'mind.' ('Nous' also gave English the word 'paranoia' by joining with a prefix meaning 'faulty' or 'abnormal.') 'Noetic' is related to 'noesis,' a rare noun that turns up in the field of philosophy and refers to the action of perceiving or thinking. The most notable use of 'noetic' might be in the name of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, a research organization based in California that is devoted to studies of consciousness and the mind.
noetic \noh-ET-ik\ (adjective)
Meaning: of, or relating to, or based on the intellect
Example Sentence: "Among the events sponsored by the neighborhood bar were monthly quiz nights, which Jeanne enjoyed attending because they satisfied her thirst for noetic stimulation."
Did you know?
'Noetic' derives from the Greek adjective 'noētikos,' meaning 'intellectual,' from the verb 'noein' ('to think') and ultimately from the noun 'nous,' meaning 'mind.' ('Nous' also gave English the word 'paranoia' by joining with a prefix meaning 'faulty' or 'abnormal.') 'Noetic' is related to 'noesis,' a rare noun that turns up in the field of philosophy and refers to the action of perceiving or thinking. The most notable use of 'noetic' might be in the name of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, a research organization based in California that is devoted to studies of consciousness and the mind.
January 17, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
Danelaw \DAYN-law\ (noun)
Meaning: 1 : the law in force in the part of England held by the Danes before the Norman Conquest
*2 : the part of England under the Danelaw
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: "In the 11th and 12th centuries, the Danelaw between the Rivers Tees and Thames was governed much differently than areas to the south and west."
Did you know?
When the Vikings invaded the east coast of England in the late 800s, their conquests reached as far as the southern kingdom of Wessex, where they were halted by the army of Alfred the Great. The invaders, many of whom were Danish, retreated back north and east to the lands they had conquered, and settled there. This region — stretching from Essex, just above London, through East Anglia and the eastern Midlands, all the way up to Northumbria — was distinguished from the surrounding territory by its unique legal practices, which, because they were decidedly Danish in influence, made up what Old English folks down south called the 'Dena lagu' or, in today's English, the 'Danes' law.' Historians later applied the term 'Danelaw' not only to the legal system of the region but to that geographical area itself.
Danelaw \DAYN-law\ (noun)
Meaning: 1 : the law in force in the part of England held by the Danes before the Norman Conquest
*2 : the part of England under the Danelaw
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: "In the 11th and 12th centuries, the Danelaw between the Rivers Tees and Thames was governed much differently than areas to the south and west."
Did you know?
When the Vikings invaded the east coast of England in the late 800s, their conquests reached as far as the southern kingdom of Wessex, where they were halted by the army of Alfred the Great. The invaders, many of whom were Danish, retreated back north and east to the lands they had conquered, and settled there. This region — stretching from Essex, just above London, through East Anglia and the eastern Midlands, all the way up to Northumbria — was distinguished from the surrounding territory by its unique legal practices, which, because they were decidedly Danish in influence, made up what Old English folks down south called the 'Dena lagu' or, in today's English, the 'Danes' law.' Historians later applied the term 'Danelaw' not only to the legal system of the region but to that geographical area itself.
January 16, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
interdigitate \in-ter-DIJ-uh-tayt\ (verb)
Meaning: to become interlocked like the fingers of folded hands
Example Sentence: 'The edges [of bridge expansion joints] often are shaped like combs, the teeth of one interdigitating with teeth of the other.' (The Washington Post, January 14, 1998)
Did you know?
It probably won’t surprise you to learn that 'interdigitate' comes from the prefix 'inter-,' as in 'interlock,' and the Latin word 'digitus,' meaning 'finger.' 'Digitus' also gave us 'digit,' which is used in English today to refer to (among other things) the finger or toe of any animal. 'Interdigitate' usually suggests an interlocking of things with fingerlike projections, such as muscle fibers or the teeth of an old-fashioned bear trap. The word can also be used figuratively to imply a smooth interweaving of disparate things, such as the blending of two cultures within a shared region.
interdigitate \in-ter-DIJ-uh-tayt\ (verb)
Meaning: to become interlocked like the fingers of folded hands
Example Sentence: 'The edges [of bridge expansion joints] often are shaped like combs, the teeth of one interdigitating with teeth of the other.' (The Washington Post, January 14, 1998)
Did you know?
It probably won’t surprise you to learn that 'interdigitate' comes from the prefix 'inter-,' as in 'interlock,' and the Latin word 'digitus,' meaning 'finger.' 'Digitus' also gave us 'digit,' which is used in English today to refer to (among other things) the finger or toe of any animal. 'Interdigitate' usually suggests an interlocking of things with fingerlike projections, such as muscle fibers or the teeth of an old-fashioned bear trap. The word can also be used figuratively to imply a smooth interweaving of disparate things, such as the blending of two cultures within a shared region.
January 15, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
incoherent \in-koh-HEER-unt\ (adjective)
Meaning: lacking coherence: as a : lacking cohesion : loose
*b : lacking orderly continuity, arrangement, or relevance : inconsistent
c : lacking normal clarity or intelligibility in speech or thought
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the eample sentence.)
Example Sentence: "I found myself unable to follow the movie’s rambling and incoherent plot."
Did you know?
Something that is coherent holds or sticks together firmly, with resistance to separation (that is, it coheres). “Coherent,” ultimately from the Latin “co-” (“together”) and “haerēre” (“to stick or cling”), entered English in the 16th century and almost from the beginning was used both of physical things (“coherent stone”) and of things which hold together in a much less palpable way (“coherent thoughts”). Its antonym, “incoherent,” entered the language about three-quarters of a century later. Like “coherent,” “incoherent” can be applied to both the tangible and the intangible. But, whether we are speaking of sand or logic, all things incoherent have one thing in common: they do not hold together, literally or figuratively, in a unified or intelligible whole.
incoherent \in-koh-HEER-unt\ (adjective)
Meaning: lacking coherence: as a : lacking cohesion : loose
*b : lacking orderly continuity, arrangement, or relevance : inconsistent
c : lacking normal clarity or intelligibility in speech or thought
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the eample sentence.)
Example Sentence: "I found myself unable to follow the movie’s rambling and incoherent plot."
Did you know?
Something that is coherent holds or sticks together firmly, with resistance to separation (that is, it coheres). “Coherent,” ultimately from the Latin “co-” (“together”) and “haerēre” (“to stick or cling”), entered English in the 16th century and almost from the beginning was used both of physical things (“coherent stone”) and of things which hold together in a much less palpable way (“coherent thoughts”). Its antonym, “incoherent,” entered the language about three-quarters of a century later. Like “coherent,” “incoherent” can be applied to both the tangible and the intangible. But, whether we are speaking of sand or logic, all things incoherent have one thing in common: they do not hold together, literally or figuratively, in a unified or intelligible whole.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
January 14, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
doldrums \DOHL-drumz\ (noun)
Meaning: *1 : a spell of listlessness or despondency
2 : often capitalized : a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls,
and light shifting winds
3 : a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump
(* Indicated the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: 'A vacation on a tropical island could be just the thing you need to fight against the winter doldrums,' said Christine as she handed me the resort's brochure.
Did you know?
Everyone gets the doldrums — a feeling of low spirits and lack of energy — every once in a while. The doldrums experienced by sailors, however, are usually of a different variety. In the mid-19th century, the word once reserved for a feeling of despondency came to be applied to certain tropical regions of the ocean marked by the absence of strong winds. Sailing vessels, reliant on wind propulsion, struggled to make headway in these regions, leading to long, arduous journeys. The exact etymology of 'doldrums' is not certain, though it is believed to be related to the Old English 'dol,' meaning 'foolish' — a history it shares with our adjective 'dull.'
doldrums \DOHL-drumz\ (noun)
Meaning: *1 : a spell of listlessness or despondency
2 : often capitalized : a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls,
and light shifting winds
3 : a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump
(* Indicated the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: 'A vacation on a tropical island could be just the thing you need to fight against the winter doldrums,' said Christine as she handed me the resort's brochure.
Did you know?
Everyone gets the doldrums — a feeling of low spirits and lack of energy — every once in a while. The doldrums experienced by sailors, however, are usually of a different variety. In the mid-19th century, the word once reserved for a feeling of despondency came to be applied to certain tropical regions of the ocean marked by the absence of strong winds. Sailing vessels, reliant on wind propulsion, struggled to make headway in these regions, leading to long, arduous journeys. The exact etymology of 'doldrums' is not certain, though it is believed to be related to the Old English 'dol,' meaning 'foolish' — a history it shares with our adjective 'dull.'
January 13, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
triskaidekaphobia \triss-kye-dek-uh-FOH-bee-uh\ (noun)
Meaning: fear of the number 13
Example Sentence: 'Billy Hart suffers absolutely no triskaidekaphobia. The Salem Avalanche infielder has worn No. 13 for six years….' (Katrina Waugh, The Roanoke Times [Virginia], July 14, 2007)
Did you know?
It's impossible to say just how or when the number thirteen got its bad reputation. There are a number of theories, of course. Some say it comes from the Last Supper because Jesus was betrayed afterwards by one among the thirteen present. Others trace the source of the superstition back to ancient Hindu beliefs or Norse mythology. But if written references are any indication, the phenomenon isn't all that old (at least, not among English speakers). Known mention of fear of thirteen in print dates back only to the late 1800s. By circa 1911, however, it was prevalent enough to merit a name, which was formed by attaching the Greek word for 'thirteen' -- 'treiskaideka' (dropping that first 'e') -- to 'phobia' ('fear of')."
triskaidekaphobia \triss-kye-dek-uh-FOH-bee-uh\ (noun)
Meaning: fear of the number 13
Example Sentence: 'Billy Hart suffers absolutely no triskaidekaphobia. The Salem Avalanche infielder has worn No. 13 for six years….' (Katrina Waugh, The Roanoke Times [Virginia], July 14, 2007)
Did you know?
It's impossible to say just how or when the number thirteen got its bad reputation. There are a number of theories, of course. Some say it comes from the Last Supper because Jesus was betrayed afterwards by one among the thirteen present. Others trace the source of the superstition back to ancient Hindu beliefs or Norse mythology. But if written references are any indication, the phenomenon isn't all that old (at least, not among English speakers). Known mention of fear of thirteen in print dates back only to the late 1800s. By circa 1911, however, it was prevalent enough to merit a name, which was formed by attaching the Greek word for 'thirteen' -- 'treiskaideka' (dropping that first 'e') -- to 'phobia' ('fear of')."
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
January 12, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
suborn \suh-BORN\ (verb)
Meaning: *1 : to induce secretly to do an unlawful thing
2 : to induce to commit perjury; also : to obtain (perjured testimony) from a witness
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: "In the first place, a jury could not easily be suborned by any one.' (Theodore Dreiser, The Financier)
Did you know?
The Latin word that gave us 'suborn' in the early part of the 16th century is 'subornare,' which translates literally as 'to secretly furnish or equip.' The 'sub-' that brings the 'secretly' meaning to 'subornare' more commonly means 'under' or 'below,' but it has its stealthy denotation in the etymologies of several other English words, including 'surreptitious' (from 'sub-' and 'rapere,' meaning 'to seize') and the verb 'suspect' (from 'sub-' or 'sus-' and 'specere,' meaning 'to look at'). The 'ornare' of 'subornare' is also at work in the words 'ornate,' 'adorn,' and 'ornament.'
suborn \suh-BORN\ (verb)
Meaning: *1 : to induce secretly to do an unlawful thing
2 : to induce to commit perjury; also : to obtain (perjured testimony) from a witness
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: "In the first place, a jury could not easily be suborned by any one.' (Theodore Dreiser, The Financier)
Did you know?
The Latin word that gave us 'suborn' in the early part of the 16th century is 'subornare,' which translates literally as 'to secretly furnish or equip.' The 'sub-' that brings the 'secretly' meaning to 'subornare' more commonly means 'under' or 'below,' but it has its stealthy denotation in the etymologies of several other English words, including 'surreptitious' (from 'sub-' and 'rapere,' meaning 'to seize') and the verb 'suspect' (from 'sub-' or 'sus-' and 'specere,' meaning 'to look at'). The 'ornare' of 'subornare' is also at work in the words 'ornate,' 'adorn,' and 'ornament.'
January 11, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
pied-à-terre \pee-ay-duh-TAIR\ (noun)
Meaning: a temporary or second lodging
Example Sentence: "The couple owns a home in San Francisco and a pied-à-terre in Greenwich Village."
Did you know?
In French, 'mettre pied à terre' means 'to dismount.' In the cavalry, dismounting at the end of the day meant occupying whatever temporary quarters were available. French speakers began using 'pied-à-terre' (literally, 'foot to the ground') for a temporary lodging of any sort back in the 1700s. English speakers adopted the term in the early 1800s, using it, as the French did, for a home away from home. Depending on who you are, a pied-à-terre can be anything from a sprawling villa in Naples to a one-room cabin on the Snake River, but nowadays it most frequently refers to an apartment maintained in the city.
pied-à-terre \pee-ay-duh-TAIR\ (noun)
Meaning: a temporary or second lodging
Example Sentence: "The couple owns a home in San Francisco and a pied-à-terre in Greenwich Village."
Did you know?
In French, 'mettre pied à terre' means 'to dismount.' In the cavalry, dismounting at the end of the day meant occupying whatever temporary quarters were available. French speakers began using 'pied-à-terre' (literally, 'foot to the ground') for a temporary lodging of any sort back in the 1700s. English speakers adopted the term in the early 1800s, using it, as the French did, for a home away from home. Depending on who you are, a pied-à-terre can be anything from a sprawling villa in Naples to a one-room cabin on the Snake River, but nowadays it most frequently refers to an apartment maintained in the city.
Monday, January 11, 2010
January 10, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
cosmeticize \kahz-MET-uh-syze\ (verb)
Meaning: to make (something unpleasant or ugly) superficially attractive
Example Sentence: "The authors of the legislation have cosmeticized it with tax breaks and tax cuts."
Did you know?
'Cosmeticize' first appeared in print in the early 19th century as a descendant of the noun 'cosmetic.' Originally, its use was often literal, with the meaning 'to apply a cosmetic to,' but today it is often used figuratively. 'Cosmeticize' does occasionally draw criticism; usage commentators are sometimes irritated by verbs coined using '-ize' as they can sound like silly, nonce words. 'Cosmeticize' is fairly well-established, however, in contrast with the two other, rarer verbs that have been derived from 'cosmetic': 'cosmetize,' which often turns up in the literal sense ('cosmetize the face'), and 'cosmetic,' which can be literal or figurative ('cosmeticked with bright rouge'; 'embellished and cosmeticked').
cosmeticize \kahz-MET-uh-syze\ (verb)
Meaning: to make (something unpleasant or ugly) superficially attractive
Example Sentence: "The authors of the legislation have cosmeticized it with tax breaks and tax cuts."
Did you know?
'Cosmeticize' first appeared in print in the early 19th century as a descendant of the noun 'cosmetic.' Originally, its use was often literal, with the meaning 'to apply a cosmetic to,' but today it is often used figuratively. 'Cosmeticize' does occasionally draw criticism; usage commentators are sometimes irritated by verbs coined using '-ize' as they can sound like silly, nonce words. 'Cosmeticize' is fairly well-established, however, in contrast with the two other, rarer verbs that have been derived from 'cosmetic': 'cosmetize,' which often turns up in the literal sense ('cosmetize the face'), and 'cosmetic,' which can be literal or figurative ('cosmeticked with bright rouge'; 'embellished and cosmeticked').
Saturday, January 9, 2010
January 9, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
amicable \AM-ih-kuh-bul\ (adjective)
Meaning: characterized by friendly goodwill : peaceable
Example Sentence:
“About a million couples divorce each year in the United States, and most, like my ex and me, start out striving to keep the split amicable.” (Annie Finnigan, Family Circle, October 17, 2008)
Did you know?
'Amicable,' which derives from Late Latin 'amicabilis,' meaning 'friendly,' is one of a set of English words used to suggest cordial relationships. 'Amicable,' 'neighborly,' 'companionable,' and 'friendly' all mean marked by or exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism. 'Amicable' implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel ('they maintained amicable relations'; 'the amicable process of bargaining'). 'Neighborly' implies a disposition to live on good terms with others, particularly those who are nearby, and to be helpful on principle ('neighborly concern'). 'Companionable' suggests sociability and companionship ('a companionable dinner with friends'). 'Friendly' stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations ('a friendly correspondence').
amicable \AM-ih-kuh-bul\ (adjective)
Meaning: characterized by friendly goodwill : peaceable
Example Sentence:
“About a million couples divorce each year in the United States, and most, like my ex and me, start out striving to keep the split amicable.” (Annie Finnigan, Family Circle, October 17, 2008)
Did you know?
'Amicable,' which derives from Late Latin 'amicabilis,' meaning 'friendly,' is one of a set of English words used to suggest cordial relationships. 'Amicable,' 'neighborly,' 'companionable,' and 'friendly' all mean marked by or exhibiting goodwill and an absence of antagonism. 'Amicable' implies a state of peace and a desire on the part of the parties not to quarrel ('they maintained amicable relations'; 'the amicable process of bargaining'). 'Neighborly' implies a disposition to live on good terms with others, particularly those who are nearby, and to be helpful on principle ('neighborly concern'). 'Companionable' suggests sociability and companionship ('a companionable dinner with friends'). 'Friendly' stresses cordiality and often warmth or intimacy of personal relations ('a friendly correspondence').
Friday, January 8, 2010
January 8, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
wushu \WOO-SHOO\ (noun)
Meaning: Chinese martial arts
Example Sentence:
"Before becoming a martial arts film star, Jet Li was well-known as a champion in the Chinese sport of wushu."
Did you know?
The name of the martial art 'wushu' derives from the Beijing dialect of Chinese, where it was formed by combining the words for 'martial' or 'military' ('wŭ') and 'art' ('shù'). This form of hand-to-hand combat (known more familiarly as 'kung fu') was highly developed in China by the 3rd century B.C.E, and it is credited with influencing other martial arts that arose within Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Modern wushu, however, has separated itself from traditional kung fu to emphasize aesthetics and performance. One of the more well-known divisions of wushu is tai chi, the ancient discipline of meditative movements practiced as a system of exercises.
wushu \WOO-SHOO\ (noun)
Meaning: Chinese martial arts
Example Sentence:
"Before becoming a martial arts film star, Jet Li was well-known as a champion in the Chinese sport of wushu."
Did you know?
The name of the martial art 'wushu' derives from the Beijing dialect of Chinese, where it was formed by combining the words for 'martial' or 'military' ('wŭ') and 'art' ('shù'). This form of hand-to-hand combat (known more familiarly as 'kung fu') was highly developed in China by the 3rd century B.C.E, and it is credited with influencing other martial arts that arose within Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Modern wushu, however, has separated itself from traditional kung fu to emphasize aesthetics and performance. One of the more well-known divisions of wushu is tai chi, the ancient discipline of meditative movements practiced as a system of exercises.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
January 7, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
magnanimous \mag-NAN-uh-mus\ (adjective)
Meaning:
1 : showing or suggesting a lofty and courageous spirit
*2 : showing or suggesting nobility of feeling and generosity of mind
(* Indicated sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: "Rather than gloat about her victory in the race, Michelle chose to be magnanimous and congratulated her opponents on their strong showings."
Did you know?
When you see 'anima,' 'animus,' or a similar formation in a word, it's an indicator of something alive, lively, or spirited. Something 'animated' is full of life, for example, and an 'animal' is a living, breathing thing. The Latin word 'animus' means 'soul' or 'spirit.' In 'magnanimous,' that 'animus' is joined by Latin 'magnus,' meaning 'great.' Basically meaning 'greatness of spirit,' 'magnanimity' is the opposite of pettiness. A truly magnanimous person can lose without complaining and win without gloating. Angry disputes can sometimes be resolved when one side makes a magnanimous gesture toward another.
magnanimous \mag-NAN-uh-mus\ (adjective)
Meaning:
1 : showing or suggesting a lofty and courageous spirit
*2 : showing or suggesting nobility of feeling and generosity of mind
(* Indicated sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: "Rather than gloat about her victory in the race, Michelle chose to be magnanimous and congratulated her opponents on their strong showings."
Did you know?
When you see 'anima,' 'animus,' or a similar formation in a word, it's an indicator of something alive, lively, or spirited. Something 'animated' is full of life, for example, and an 'animal' is a living, breathing thing. The Latin word 'animus' means 'soul' or 'spirit.' In 'magnanimous,' that 'animus' is joined by Latin 'magnus,' meaning 'great.' Basically meaning 'greatness of spirit,' 'magnanimity' is the opposite of pettiness. A truly magnanimous person can lose without complaining and win without gloating. Angry disputes can sometimes be resolved when one side makes a magnanimous gesture toward another.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
January 6, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
chapel \CHAP-ul\ (noun)
Meaning:
1 : a private or subordinate place of worship
*2 : an assembly at an educational institution usually including devotional exercises
3 : a place of worship used by a Christian group other than an established church
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: The school required all of its students to attend chapel daily.
Did you know?
'Chapel' is ultimately derived from the Late Latin word 'cappa,' meaning 'cloak.' How did we get from a garment to a building? The answer to this question has to do with a shrine created to hold the sacred cloak of St. Martin of Tours. In Medieval Latin, this shrine was called 'cappella' (from a diminutive of 'cappa' meaning 'short cloak or cape') in reference to the relic it contained. Later, the meaning of 'cappella' broadened to include any building that housed a sacred relic, and eventually to a place of worship. Old French picked up the term as 'chapele,' which in turn passed into English as 'chapel' in the 13th century. In case you are wondering, the term 'a cappella,' meaning 'without instrumental accompaniment,' entered English from Italian, where it literally means 'in chapel style.'
chapel \CHAP-ul\ (noun)
Meaning:
1 : a private or subordinate place of worship
*2 : an assembly at an educational institution usually including devotional exercises
3 : a place of worship used by a Christian group other than an established church
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence: The school required all of its students to attend chapel daily.
Did you know?
'Chapel' is ultimately derived from the Late Latin word 'cappa,' meaning 'cloak.' How did we get from a garment to a building? The answer to this question has to do with a shrine created to hold the sacred cloak of St. Martin of Tours. In Medieval Latin, this shrine was called 'cappella' (from a diminutive of 'cappa' meaning 'short cloak or cape') in reference to the relic it contained. Later, the meaning of 'cappella' broadened to include any building that housed a sacred relic, and eventually to a place of worship. Old French picked up the term as 'chapele,' which in turn passed into English as 'chapel' in the 13th century. In case you are wondering, the term 'a cappella,' meaning 'without instrumental accompaniment,' entered English from Italian, where it literally means 'in chapel style.'
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
January 5, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
myrmidon \'MER-muh-dahn\ (noun)
Meaning: a loyal follower; especially : a subordinate who executes orders unquestioningly or unscrupulously
Example Sentence:
The boss was more likely to offer promotions to her myrmidons than to those workers who occasionally questioned her tactics or proposed alternate solutions.
Did you know?
The Myrmidons, legendary inhabitants of Thessaly in Greece, were known for their fierce devotion to their king, Achilles, who led them in the Trojan War. 'Myrmex' means 'ant' in Greek, an image that evokes small and insignificant workers mindlessly fulfilling their duty. Whether the original Myrmidons were given their name for that reason is open to question. The 'ant' association is strong, however. Some say the name is from a legendary ancestor who once had the form of an ant; others say the Myrmidons were actually transformed from ants. In any case, since the 1400s, we've employed 'myrmidon' in its not-always-complimentary, ant-evoking, figurative sense.
myrmidon \'MER-muh-dahn\ (noun)
Meaning: a loyal follower; especially : a subordinate who executes orders unquestioningly or unscrupulously
Example Sentence:
The boss was more likely to offer promotions to her myrmidons than to those workers who occasionally questioned her tactics or proposed alternate solutions.
Did you know?
The Myrmidons, legendary inhabitants of Thessaly in Greece, were known for their fierce devotion to their king, Achilles, who led them in the Trojan War. 'Myrmex' means 'ant' in Greek, an image that evokes small and insignificant workers mindlessly fulfilling their duty. Whether the original Myrmidons were given their name for that reason is open to question. The 'ant' association is strong, however. Some say the name is from a legendary ancestor who once had the form of an ant; others say the Myrmidons were actually transformed from ants. In any case, since the 1400s, we've employed 'myrmidon' in its not-always-complimentary, ant-evoking, figurative sense.
Monday, January 4, 2010
January 4: Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Word of the Day
January 4
felicitous \fih-LISS-uh-tus\ (adjective)
Meaning:
*1 : very well suited or expressed : apt
2 : pleasant, delightful
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence:
The film’s score, at least, is felicitous, as it lends emotional intensity to the otherwise wooden acting.
Did you know?
The adjective 'felicitous' has been a part of our language since the late 18th century, but 'felicity,' the noun meaning 'great happiness,' and later, 'aptness,' was around even in Middle English (as 'felicite,' a borrowing from Anglo-French). Both words ultimately derive from the Latin adjective 'felix,' meaning 'fruitful' or 'happy.' The connection between 'happy' and 'felicitous' continues today in that both words can mean 'notably fitting, effective, or well adapted.' 'Happy' typically suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate (as in 'a happy choice of words'), and 'felicitous' often implies an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful (as in 'a felicitous phrase').
January 4
felicitous \fih-LISS-uh-tus\ (adjective)
Meaning:
*1 : very well suited or expressed : apt
2 : pleasant, delightful
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence:
The film’s score, at least, is felicitous, as it lends emotional intensity to the otherwise wooden acting.
Did you know?
The adjective 'felicitous' has been a part of our language since the late 18th century, but 'felicity,' the noun meaning 'great happiness,' and later, 'aptness,' was around even in Middle English (as 'felicite,' a borrowing from Anglo-French). Both words ultimately derive from the Latin adjective 'felix,' meaning 'fruitful' or 'happy.' The connection between 'happy' and 'felicitous' continues today in that both words can mean 'notably fitting, effective, or well adapted.' 'Happy' typically suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate (as in 'a happy choice of words'), and 'felicitous' often implies an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful (as in 'a felicitous phrase').
Sunday, January 3, 2010
January 3, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
January 3
gloze: \GLOHZ\ (verb)
Meaning:
*1 : to mask the true nature of : give a deceptively attractive appearance to — often used with 'over'
2 : to deal with (a subject or problem) too lightly or not at all — often used with 'over'
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence:
'His modesty and shyness were at any rate proverbial, and it does seem that he went out of his way to conceal or gloze over certain aspects of his career, his military exploits in particular.' (Eleanor Perenyi, Green Thoughts)
Did you know?
'Gloze' and its synonym 'gloss' have long, intertwined histories. 'Gloze,' which comes from Middle English 'glose,' meaning 'flattery,' 'plausible pretext,' or 'explanation of a difficult word,' is the older of the two; it has been used as both a verb and noun since the 14th century. The noun 'gloss,' referring to an explanation or interpretation, first appeared in the mid-16th century as an alteration of 'gloze,' and the verb 'gloss' followed about a century later.' During the 19th century, 'gloze' briefly took on the additional meaning 'to brighten' (adapting the meaning of another, unrelated 'gloss' referring to luster or brightness), but by the end of that century all uses of 'gloze' had faded into relative obscurity. 'Gloss,' on the other hand, flourished and continues to be the more common term by far today.
January 3
gloze: \GLOHZ\ (verb)
Meaning:
*1 : to mask the true nature of : give a deceptively attractive appearance to — often used with 'over'
2 : to deal with (a subject or problem) too lightly or not at all — often used with 'over'
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence:
'His modesty and shyness were at any rate proverbial, and it does seem that he went out of his way to conceal or gloze over certain aspects of his career, his military exploits in particular.' (Eleanor Perenyi, Green Thoughts)
Did you know?
'Gloze' and its synonym 'gloss' have long, intertwined histories. 'Gloze,' which comes from Middle English 'glose,' meaning 'flattery,' 'plausible pretext,' or 'explanation of a difficult word,' is the older of the two; it has been used as both a verb and noun since the 14th century. The noun 'gloss,' referring to an explanation or interpretation, first appeared in the mid-16th century as an alteration of 'gloze,' and the verb 'gloss' followed about a century later.' During the 19th century, 'gloze' briefly took on the additional meaning 'to brighten' (adapting the meaning of another, unrelated 'gloss' referring to luster or brightness), but by the end of that century all uses of 'gloze' had faded into relative obscurity. 'Gloss,' on the other hand, flourished and continues to be the more common term by far today.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
January 2, 2010 - Word of the day
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
embargo \im-BAHR-goh\ (noun)
Meaning:
1 : an order of a government prohibiting the departure of commercial ships from its ports
*2 : a legal prohibition on commerce
3 : stoppage, impediment; especially : prohibition
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence:
"Because of the trade embargo against Cuba, certain items, such as Cuban cigars, are illegal in the United States."
Did you know?
Embargoes may be put in place for any number of reasons. For instance, a government may place a trade embargo against another country to express its disapproval with that country’s policies. But governments are not the only bodies that can place embargoes. A publisher, for example, could place an embargo on a highly anticipated book to prevent stores from selling it before its official release date. The word 'embargo,' dating from the late 16th century, derives via Spanish 'embargar'from Vulgar Latin 'imbarricare,' formed from the prefix 'in-' and the noun 'barra' ('bar').
embargo \im-BAHR-goh\ (noun)
Meaning:
1 : an order of a government prohibiting the departure of commercial ships from its ports
*2 : a legal prohibition on commerce
3 : stoppage, impediment; especially : prohibition
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.)
Example Sentence:
"Because of the trade embargo against Cuba, certain items, such as Cuban cigars, are illegal in the United States."
Did you know?
Embargoes may be put in place for any number of reasons. For instance, a government may place a trade embargo against another country to express its disapproval with that country’s policies. But governments are not the only bodies that can place embargoes. A publisher, for example, could place an embargo on a highly anticipated book to prevent stores from selling it before its official release date. The word 'embargo,' dating from the late 16th century, derives via Spanish 'embargar'from Vulgar Latin 'imbarricare,' formed from the prefix 'in-' and the noun 'barra' ('bar').
Friday, January 1, 2010
January 1, 2010 - Word of the Day
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "beatific" \bee-uh-TIFF-ik\ (adjective)
Meaning:
1 : of, possessing, or imparting a state of utmost bliss
*2 : having a blissful appearance
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence)
Example Sentence:
"A beatific smile spread across Grandmother’s face as she reminisced about her wedding day."
Did you know?
'Beatific,' from Latin 'beatificus' ('making happy'), first occurred in English in the phrase 'beatific vision,' a theological allusion to the direct sight of God enjoyed by the blessed in heaven. Although 'beatific' originally meant 'conferring happiness,' the word now more frequently means 'expressing happiness,' and a blissfully joyful look or appearance may be called 'beatific.' A closely related word is 'beatitude,' which can refer to a state of utmost bliss. (You may also know 'the beatitudes' as a series of blessings from Jesus in the Bible.)
Meaning:
1 : of, possessing, or imparting a state of utmost bliss
*2 : having a blissful appearance
(* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence)
Example Sentence:
"A beatific smile spread across Grandmother’s face as she reminisced about her wedding day."
Did you know?
'Beatific,' from Latin 'beatificus' ('making happy'), first occurred in English in the phrase 'beatific vision,' a theological allusion to the direct sight of God enjoyed by the blessed in heaven. Although 'beatific' originally meant 'conferring happiness,' the word now more frequently means 'expressing happiness,' and a blissfully joyful look or appearance may be called 'beatific.' A closely related word is 'beatitude,' which can refer to a state of utmost bliss. (You may also know 'the beatitudes' as a series of blessings from Jesus in the Bible.)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)