DarkRavie Posted March 23 Author Report Share Posted March 23 What's the Word: FALSTAFFIAN pronunciation: [fal-STAF-ee-ən] Part of speech: adjective Origin: British English, early 19th century Meaning: 1. Relating to or resembling Shakespeare's character Sir John Falstaff in being fat, jolly, and debauched. Examples: "The Falstaffian lion barely moved when the safari truck drew near." "Despite a Falstaffian reputation, he could quickly become very serious." About Falstaffian The word "Falstaffian" developed from William Shakespeare's character Sir John Falstaff. Through the transition from a proper noun to adjective, the word has come to describe people similar to Falstaff (rotund and jolly). Did you Know? The character Sir John Falstaff appears in three of Shakespeare's plays — "Henry IV," "Henry V," and "The Merry Wives of Windsor." Falstaff was predominantly used by the Bard as comic relief, though he does show brief depth of character. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 23 Author Report Share Posted March 23 What's the Word: BURGHER pronunciation: [BER-ger] Part of speech: noun Origin: Middle Dutch, 15th century Meaning: A citizen of a town or city, typically a member of the wealthy bourgeoisie. Examples: "I'm not just a burgher of this town; I consider myself a citizen of the world." "Even though I've lived here for five years, I don't feel like I'm a burgher yet." About Burgher Burgher developed from the Middle English word "burgh" ("town") and the Dutch words "burger" ("citizen") and "burg" ("castle"). The word "borough" (which describes the boundaries of a certain district) originated from these same roots. Did you Know? There's a difference between being a citizen and being a resident, and the word "burgher" is related to those traditions. If you are a citizen (burgher) of a town, then you have met the requirements to perform certain actions, such as voting and running for office. A resident, on the other hand, simply resides in a particular area — they may not be a burgher. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 24 Author Report Share Posted March 24 What's the Word: QUIDDITY pronunciation: [KWID-ə-dee] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, 14th century Meaning: 1. The inherent nature or essence of someone or something. 2. A distinctive feature; a peculiarity. Examples: "Her love of singing is as much a quiddity as her brown hair is." "My brothers share the quiddity of a preference for dipping their fries into their milkshakes." About Quiddity Quiddity is a Middle English word, but originally developed in Latin from the words "quidditas" and "quid" (which both mean "what"). Did you Know? Taking a personality test today might mean completing a career assessment or seeing if you share a particular quiddity with a friend. Personality tests as we know them today were created during WWI, when psychologists were trying to assess the mental hardiness of U.S. Army recruits. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 25 Author Report Share Posted March 25 What's the Word: RUPESTRIAN pronunciation: [roo-PES-tree-ən] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, late 18th century Meaning: 1. (Of art) Done on rock or cave walls. Examples: "Archaeologists were excited to uncover rupestrian markings inside the cave." "The oldest rupestrian art can be found in Western European cave systems." About Quiddity Rupestrian, an adjective for anything related to cave art, developed from the modern Latin words "rupes" ("rock") and "rupestris" ("found on rocks"). Did you Know? The Dabous giraffes, rupestrian art thought to be created between 6,000 and 8,000 years ago, are carvings of two life-sized giraffes found at the Western Air Mountains in Niger. Scientists believe that these remarkably lifelike carvings were created using tools made from petrified wood. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 26 Author Report Share Posted March 26 What's the Word: FEY pronunciation: [fei] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Middle English, ninth century Meaning: 1. Giving an impression of vague unworldliness. 2. Having supernatural powers of clairvoyance. Examples: "The meadow looked fey in the fog and moonlight." "Yul's fey abilities allowed him to see flashes of the future." About Fey Fey comes from the Middle English word "fǣge" ("fated to die soon"), but it has Germanic origins, specifically developing from the word "feige" ("cowardly"). Did you Know? The word "fey" is sometimes used as another term for fairies — mythical and magical beings found in European folk mythology. While modern takes on fairies usually describe them as benevolent (if a bit mischievous), people of the Old World had all sorts of wards to keep fairies away — these protections included iron, church bells, four-leaf clovers, and the practice of wearing clothing inside out. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 27 Author Report Share Posted March 27 What's the Word: GLYPTIC pronunciation: [GLIP-tik] Part of speech: adjective Origin: French, early 19th century Meaning: 1. Of or concerning carving or engraving. Examples: "While she struggled with painting, Dylan excelled in the glyptic arts." "The table was covered in intricate glyptic designs." About Glyptic Glyptic comes from the French "glyptique" of the same meaning, but the French word comes from the Greek words "gluptēs" and "gluphein" (which mean "carver" and "carve," respectively). Did you Know? Are you curious about a glyptic hobby but don't know where to start? Whittling is carving objects or figures out of a small piece of wood, and is a surprisingly easy pastime to pick up. All you need is a softwood (easier to carve with), a knife, and patience to begin your first glyptic wooden creation. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 28 Author Report Share Posted March 28 What's the Word: CHINWAG pronunciation: [CHIN-wag] Part of speech: noun Origin: British English, late 19th century Meaning: 1. A chat. Examples: "I love having a chinwag with my friends and catching up on all the latest gossip." "Ursula looked forward to her weekly chinwag with the baker." About Chinwag The word "chinwag" was made from the combination of "chin" and "wag," which is likely a humorous way of describing the movement your chin makes when you're having a vigorous chat. Did you Know? Why is it so satisfying to have a good chinwag? Contrary to beliefs about gossiping, the practice might not be as negative as it seems. In fact, evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar proposed that gossiping developed as a way to disseminate important information among a social network. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 29 Author Report Share Posted March 29 What's the Word: STOCHASTIC pronunciation: [stə-KAS-tik] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Greek, mid-17th century Meaning: 1. Randomly determined; having a random probability distribution or pattern that may be analyzed statistically but may not be predicted precisely. Examples: "I painted stars on my ceiling in a stochastic pattern." "Matthew excelled at statistics, especially analyzing stochastic patterns." About Stochastic This adjective originated from the Greek word "stokhazesthai," which means "to aim at, guess." It evolved from the word "stokhos" ("aim"). Did you Know? Have you ever wondered how poll numbers and surveys displayed on the news are collected? Statisticians collect and analyze stochastic data so that ordinary people can understand the large-scale facts and figures. When you hear a figure such as "86% of Americans eat 5 pounds of butter a year," it doesn't mean that every single person in the country was polled. Instead, a random sampling of data was taken to get to that number in a stochastic analysis. It may not be precisely accurate, but it's a decent representation. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 30 Author Report Share Posted March 30 What's the Word: HINTERLAND pronunciation: [HINT-ər-land] Part of speech: noun Origin: German, late 19th century Meaning: 1. The often uncharted areas beyond a coastal district or a river's banks. 2. An area lying beyond what is visible or known. Examples: "The merchants from the hinterland brought new products to the fishing village." "The dog's ball landed somewhere in the woods' hinterlands." About Hinterland Hinterland originated in German from a combination of the words "hinter" ("behind") and "land." Did you Know? Hinterland was first featured in the 1888 book "Handbook of Commercial Geography," and was used to describe the country beyond a coastal town or settlement. Eventually, the term evolved throughout the 20th century to describe areas considered largely unsettled. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted March 31 Author Report Share Posted March 31 What's the Word: GALLINACEOUS pronunciation: [gal-ə-NAY-shəs] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, late 18th century Meaning: 1. Relating to birds of an order (Galliformes) which includes domestic poultry and game birds. Examples: "We raised a number of gallinaceous birds on the farm, including chickens, turkeys, and pheasants." "Ducks are not gallinaceous — they are considered waterfowl." About Gallinaceous The word "gallinaceous" is used to describe a specific class of domesticated fowl, which includes turkeys and quail. "Gallinaceous" comes from the Latin words for chicken, such as "gallina" ("hen"), "gallus" ("cockerel"), and the broad term "gallinaceus." Did you Know? Chickens are more intelligent than you might expect. According to scientific studies, these gallinaceous birds can recognize over a hundred individual faces, engage in complex communication, and even dream. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted April 1 Author Report Share Posted April 1 What's the Word: SALMAGUNDI pronunciation: [sal-mə-GUHN-dee] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, unknown Meaning: 1. A dish of chopped meat, anchovies, eggs, onions, and seasoning. 2. A general mixture; a miscellaneous collection. Examples: "Order the salmagundi — I heard it's this restaurant's specialty." "Jason's room is a salmagundi of his interests from the past decade." About Salmagundi Salmagundi originated from the French word "salmigondis" ("potluck, hodgepodge"). However, the exact time period and context for this word is unknown. Did you Know? The Salmagundi Club of Greenwich Village, New York City, is a fine arts center with a rich history of famous patrons (including honorary member Winston Churchill). Its name comes from salmagundi, a stew served by the group since its founding in 1871. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted April 2 Author Report Share Posted April 2 What's the Word: WINKLE pronunciation: [WINK-əl] Part of speech: verb Origin: British, late 16th century Meaning: 1. Extract or obtain something with difficulty. Examples: "The interrogator was used to winkling confessions out of the most hard-boiled subjects." "I had to winkle the button out of the too-tight buttonhole on my new shirt." About Winkle This word originated from a shortening of the word “periwinkle” — a mollusk with a spiral shell usually found along shores and beaches. Did you Know? The verb form of "winkle" means to "extract something with great difficulty," but there's a noun form of "winkle" as well. Seafood lovers might recognize a winkle as a tiny mollusk with a spiral shell. These edible mollusks are usually around the size of a pinkie nail. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted April 3 Author Report Share Posted April 3 What's the Word: VOLUTE pronunciation: [vəl-YOOT] Part of speech: adjective Origin: French, mid-16th century Meaning: 1. Forming a spiral curve or curves. Examples: "Greek architecture is easily recognizable by the volute on top of columns." "Both sea and land snails have similarly volute shells." About Volute While "volute" developed in French, it originated from the Latin word “volvere” (which means “to roll”). Did you Know? The adjective "volute" describes scroll shapes, but the noun "volute" is an architectural term. The decorative spiral scrolls on the tops of columns on Ionic and Corinthian-style buildings are called "volutes." Many U.S. state capitol buildings, as well as the U.S Capitol, use this design. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted April 4 Author Report Share Posted April 4 What's the Word: TAXONOMY pronunciation: [tak-SAH-nə-mee] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, early 19th century Meaning: 1. The branch of science concerned with classification, especially of organisms; systematics. 2. The classification of something, especially organisms. Examples: "Animal taxonomy moves from general to specific characteristics." "In order to pass her botany examination, Kelly needed familiarity with plant taxonomy." About Taxonomy Taxonomy came into French use via Greek — specifically, a combination of the Greek words “taxis” ("arrangement") + “nomia” ("distribution"). Did you Know? While "taxonomy" can be used to describe the general classification of anything, it is most often used to describe living organisms. Biologists classify living things by domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species, with each subsequent classification growing more specific. For example, a dog can be classified as Eukarya, Animalia, Chordata, Mammalia, Carnivora, Canidae, Canis, and lupus (species in taxonomy names are not capitalized). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted April 5 Author Report Share Posted April 5 What's the Word: COSMOPOLIS pronunciation: [kahz-MAHP-ə-ləs] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, mid-19th century Meaning: 1. A city inhabited by people from many different countries. Examples: "Thanks to its history as a thriving cosmopolis, my family felt comfortable immigrating to London." "In a comic book cosmopolis, the population may include humans and alien life." About Cosmopolis This noun originated from the combination of the Greek words "kosmos" ("world") and "polis" ("city"), creating "cosmopolis" ("city of the world"). A cosmopolis is a city that represents people from many different countries, meaning that it is a city that represents a sample of the "kosmos." Did you Know? If you're seeking a true cosmopolis, look no further than New York City. Home to around 8.6 million people, New York is one of the most diverse cities in the world; citizens and residents speak around 800 different languages. If you want to pinpoint the most diverse borough, Queens is your best bet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted April 6 Author Report Share Posted April 6 What's the Word: TRANSMOGRIFY pronunciation: [trans-MAH-ɡrə-fai] Part of speech: verb Origin: Unknown, mid-17th century Meaning: 1. Transform in a surprising or magical manner. Examples: "The fairy godmother transmogrified Cinderella from peasant to princess." "Cecilia wished for the fairies to transmogrify her car into a Ferrari." About Transmogrify While researchers place the origins of this word somewhere in the mid-17th century, how "transmogrify" evolved is a bit of a mystery. It likely developed from the Latin verb "transformare" ("to change form"), the same root found in the word "transform." Did you Know? Change is an inevitable part of our lives. Even if things seem like they have been transmogrified, or changed as if by magic, chances are they will settle down soon. During times of upheaval, experts suggest holding onto some familiar routines to help maintain a sense of safety. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted April 7 Author Report Share Posted April 7 What's the Word: GULLAH pronunciation: [GUH-luh] Part of speech: noun Origin: American English, unknown Meaning: 1. A member of an African American people living on the coast of South Carolina and nearby islands. 2. The Creole language of the Gullah, having an English base with elements from various West African languages. It has about 125,000 speakers. Examples: "Jess planned to visit Gullah heritage sites on her visit to the Carolinas." "I am studying all Creole languages, but I am most interested in Gullah." About Gullah This word is possibly a shortening of the country name "Angola," or possibly an alteration of "Gola," a group of people from Liberia and Sierra Leone. Did you Know? The Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, officially designated by the U.S. Congress in 2006, is a National Heritage Area celebrating the cultures and lives of the Gullah people of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Visitors can learn more about the rich African heritage of the Gullah people, sample local foods, and participate in a multitude of cultural events, including historical tours, arts and crafts, and music. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted April 8 Author Report Share Posted April 8 What's the Word: NONAGE pronunciation: [NAHN-ij] Part of speech: noun Origin: Old French, early 15th century Meaning: 1. The period of immaturity or youth. Examples: "The summer I spent working at the park marked my transition from nonage to adulthood." "Monkeys are far more developed during nonage than human adolescents are." About Nonage The roots of this word are found in the Old French word “nonage,” from the combination of “non” and “age.” Did you Know? While "nonage" describes a period of immaturity or youth, you do not have to be physically young to retain a youthful outlook. Some ways to retain a fresh spin on life include continually learning, making new friends, and enjoying the little pleasures that come your way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted April 9 Author Report Share Posted April 9 What's the Word: CYNOSURE pronunciation: [SY-nə-shur] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, late 16th century Meaning: 1. A person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration. Examples: "The prince was the cynosure of the coronation." "The song 'Dancing Queen' describes a teenager who is the cynosure of the dance floor." About Cynosure This word developed from a combination of French, Latin, and Greek words — specifically the Latin word “cynosura” and the Greek word “kunosoura,” or “dog’s tail,” as taken from the words “kun” ("dog") and “oura” ("tail"). Did you Know? Cynosure was originally used to describe the center of attention in the sky — the constellation Ursa Major (aka the Big Dipper). The pole star in this constellation was used as a guide by navigators on land and at sea, allowing them to both explore and return safely home. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted April 10 Author Report Share Posted April 10 What's the Word: HOROLOGY pronunciation: [hə-RAH-lə-jee] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, early 19th century Meaning: 1. The study and measurement of time. 2. The art of making clocks and watches. Examples: "Modern technology, such as the invention of an atomic clock, has increased the precision of horology." "The Victorian museum had an entire exhibit dedicated to the craft of horology." About Horology This word originates from a combination of the Greek word "hōra" (which means "time") and the suffix "-logy" ("a subject of study or interest"). Did you Know? Horology, the art of making clocks and watches, is a skilled process. All components of the clock must work together in harmony to deliver the correct time, but there is an artistic element as well. Cuckoo clocks, for example, include mechanisms for sounds and decorations to pop out and announce a new hour. The distinctive "cuckoo" sound is produced by "gedackt" pipes, a type of stop in organ pipes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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