SKLONKLISH

Hiatus

2010-05-26T06:30:00.001-04:00

hiatus \hī-ˈā-təs\ noun: 1 a. a break in or as if in a material object; gap {the hiatus between the theory and the practice of the party — J. G. Colton}, b. a gap or passage in an anatomical part or organ, 2 a. an interruption in time or continuity; break (especially a period when something, as a program or activity, is suspended or interrupted) {after a 5-year hiatus from writing}, 3. the occurrence of two vowel sounds without pause or intervening consonantal sound

Etymology: Latin, from hiare to yawn

You may have noticed a hiatus in the entries here. After nearly a year and a half of daily postings, I suddenly and unexpectedly found myself unable to continue. Perhaps one day I’ll have the strength to resume, but in the meantime Sklonklish will remain online as an archive of words and images. If your perusal of these pages gave you even a small fraction of the pleasure I received in presenting these surreal pictures and wonderful words, then Sklonklish was a success.

Flexure

2010-05-12T06:30:00.002-04:00

flexure \ˈflek-shər\ noun: 1. the state or quality of being flexed, 2. the act of flexing or bending, 3. a turn, bend or fold, 4. a curve or bend in a tubular organ

Etymology: Latin flexus, past participle of flectere to bend

What’s your flexure?

Métier

2010-05-11T07:50:00.000-04:00

métier \ˈme-ˌtyā\ noun: 1. vocation, trade, 2. an area of activity in which one excels; forte

Etymology: French, from Old French mestier, from Vulgar Latin misterium, alteration of Latin ministerium work, ministry

What is your métier?

Blet

2010-05-10T06:30:00.002-04:00

blet \ˈblet\ intransitive verb: to decay internally when overripe (said of fruit)

Etymology: neologism of 19th-century botanist John Lindley, from French blette bletted (said of the bruised appearance of overripe fruits)

Some fruits can only be eaten raw after they have undergone some bletting, such as quinces and persimmons.

Shibboleth

2010-05-09T06:30:00.006-04:00

shibboleth \ˈshi-bə-ləth\ noun: 1 a. a word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect or belief and usually regarded by others as empty of real meaning {the old shibboleths come rolling off their lips — Joseph Epstein}, b. a widely held belief {today this book publishing shibboleth is a myth — L. A. Wood}, c. truism, platitude {some truth in the shibboleth that crime does not pay — Lee Rogow}, 2 a. a use of language regarded as distinctive of a particular group {accent was a shibboleth of social class — Vivian Ducat}, b. a custom or usage regarded as distinguishing one group from others {for most of the well-to-do in the town, dinner was a shibboleth, its hour dividing mankind — Osbert Sitwell}

Etymology: Hebrew shibbōleth stream, part of a plant containing grains (from the use of this word in Judges 12:5-6 as a test to distinguish Gileadites from Ephraimites)

Wikipedia fleshes out the etymology:

In an account from the Hebrew Bible the pronunciation of the word shibboleth was used to distinguish Ephraimites, whose dialect lacked a sh sound (as the sh in shoe), from Gileadites, whose dialect did include such a sound.

After the inhabitants of Gilead inflicted a military defeat upon the tribe of Ephraim (circa 1370–1070 BC), the surviving Ephraimites tried to cross the Jordan River back into their home territory, but the Gileadites secured the river’s fords to stop them. In order to identify and kill these refugees, the Gileadites put each refugee to a simple test:

“Gilead then cut Ephraim off from the fords of the Jordan, and whenever Ephraimite fugitives said, ‘Let me cross,’ the men of Gilead would ask, ‘Are you an Ephraimite?’ If he said, ‘No,’ they then said, ‘Very well, say shibboleth.’ If anyone said, sibboleth, because he could not pronounce it, then they would seize him and kill him by the fords of the Jordan. Forty-two thousand Ephraimites fell on this occasion.” — Judges 12:5-6

Vernal

2010-05-08T06:30:00.001-04:00

vernal \ˈvər-nəl\ adjective: 1. of, relating to, or occurring in the spring {vernal equinox} {vernal sunshine}, 2. fresh or new like the spring, 3. youthful

Etymology: Latin vernalis, alteration of vernus, from ver spring

Vernal venality = corrupt youth.

Venal

2010-05-07T06:30:00.001-04:00

venal \ˈvē-nəl\ adjective: 1. capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration; purchasable, 2. open to corrupt influence and especially bribery; mercenary, {a venal legislator}, 3. originating in, characterized by, or associated with corrupt bribery {a venal arrangement with the police}

Etymology: Latin venalis, from venum sale (accusative)

Venal leads to penal.

Tattoo

2010-05-06T06:30:00.005-04:00

tattoo \ta-ˈtü\ noun: 1. a rapid rhythmic rapping, 2. a call sounded shortly before taps as notice to go to quarters, 3. outdoor military exercise given by troops as evening entertainment
transitive verb: to beat or rap rhythmically on; drum on
intransitive verb: to give a series of rhythmic taps

Etymology: alteration of earlier taptoo, from Dutch taptoe, from the phrase tap toe! taps shut!

tattoo \ta-ˈtü\ noun: 1. an indelible mark or figure fixed upon the body by insertion of pigment under the skin, 2. the act of marking thusly or the fact of being thusly marked
transitive verb: to mark or color the skin with a tattoo

Etymology: Tahitian tatau tattoo (noun)

Homonyms are two or more words that are spelled and pronounced alike but that differ in meaning. Tattoo in its wildy divergent meanings and etymologies is a striking example of a homonym.

Oxter

2010-05-05T06:30:00.001-04:00

oxter \ˈäk-stər\ noun: (chiefly Scottish & Irish) 1. armpit, 2. arm

Etymology: Middle English (Scots), alteration of Old English ōxta; akin to Old English eax axis, axle

Huh? What? Armpit? Really? Hey, Scotland, what’s up with that?

Wing Nut

2010-05-04T07:40:00.000-04:00

wing nut \ˈwiŋ-ˌnət\ noun: 1. a nut with wings that provide a grip for the thumb and finger, 2. (slang) a mentally deranged person, 3. (slang) one who advocates extreme measures or changes; radical

First written usage: circa 1900

What is the etymology behind the slang definitions of wing nut? Is it related to the use of the word nut to refer to a crazy or eccentric person?

Profligate

2010-05-03T06:30:00.002-04:00

profligate \ˈprä-fli-gət\ adjective: 1. completely given up to dissipation and licentiousness, 2. wildly extravagant; prodigal
noun: a person given to wildly extravagant and usually grossly self-indulgent expenditure

Etymology: Latin profligatus, from past participle of profligare to strike down, from pro- forward, down + -fligare, akin to Greek phlibein to squeeze

This is a word one would rarely wish applied to oneself.

Trenchant

2010-05-02T06:30:00.003-04:00

trenchant \ˈtrent-chənt\ adjective: 1. keen; sharp, 2. vigorously effective and articulate {a trenchant analysis}; caustic {trenchant remarks}, 3 a. sharply perceptive; penetrating {a trenchant view of current conditions}, b. clear-cut; distinct {the trenchant divisions between right and wrong — Edith Wharton}

Etymology: Middle English trenchaunt, from Anglo-French

A lot of usage examples for you with this one.

Sclera

2010-05-01T10:36:00.002-04:00

sclera \ˈskler-ə\ noun: the dense fibrous opaque white outer coat enclosing the eyeball except the part covered by the cornea

Etymology: New Latin, from Greek sklēros hard

I ate a hard-boiled egg the other day; it wasn’t hard like a sclera, but it looked like an eyeball.

Platypus

2010-04-30T06:30:00.004-04:00

platypus \ˈpla-ti-pəs\ noun: an egg-laying, duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed mammal of Australia whose males possess a venomous heel spur

Etymology: New Latin, from Greek platypous flat-footed, from platys broad, flat + pous foot

The platyus’s scientific name Ornithorhynchus anatinus literally means “duck-like bird snout.” (You may recognize that word chunk rhyn in other words like rhinoceros (“horny nose”) and rhinoplasty (“molded nose”).

Phosphene

2010-04-29T06:30:00.003-04:00

phosphene \ˈfäs-ˌfēn\ noun: a luminous impression due to mechanical, electrical or magnetic stimulation of the retina

Etymology: Greek phos- light + phainein to show

You get those blobby, morphing phosphenes when you press your hands against your closed eyeballs.

Nematode

2010-04-28T06:30:00.004-04:00

nematode \ˈne-mə-ˌtōd\ noun: any of a phylum (Nematoda or Nemata) of elongated cylindrical worms parasitic in animals or plants or free-living in soil or water (also called roundworm)

Etymology: Greek nēmat-, nēma thread + -ode in the nature of

Don’t mistake a toad for a nematode; it makes the toad angry.

Griseous

2010-04-27T06:30:00.001-04:00

griseous \grĭz'ē-əs\ adjective: gray, pearl-gray or mottled with gray

Etymology: Medieval Latin grīseus, of Germanic origin

Skillet good an’ griseous…

Popliteal

2010-04-26T06:30:00.003-04:00

popliteal \ˌpä-plə-ˈtē-əl or pä-ˈpli-tē-əl\ adjective: of or relating to the back part of the leg behind the knee joint

Etymology: New Latin popliteus, from Latin poplit-, poples knee joint, back of the knee

The medical term popliteal fossa refers to the knee pit, but English doesn’t have a common, non-medical term for that part of the body the way, say, German has with its Kniekehle.

Axillary

2010-04-25T06:30:00.001-04:00

axillary \ˈak-sə-ˌler-ē\ adjective: of, relating to, or located near the armpit

Etymology: Latin, diminutive of ala wing, upper arm, armpit

The noun axilla is another word for the armpit itself. (The stress is on the second syllable.)

gavial

2010-04-24T06:30:00.000-04:00

gavial \ˈgā-vē-əl\ noun: gharial, i.e. a large long-snouted crocodilian (Gavialis gangeticus of the family Gavialidae) of India

Etymology: French, modification of Bengali ghãriyal or Hindi gharyal, ultimately from Sanskrit ghantika crocodilian

The gavial’s snout is super-skinny, like a croc with a nose job.

Abstemious

2010-04-23T06:30:00.001-04:00

abstemious \ab-ˈstē-mē-əs\ adjective: marked by restraint especially in the consumption of food or alcohol; also: reflecting such restraint {an abstemious diet}

Etymology: Latin abstemius, from abs- from, away, off + root of temetum intoxicating drink

Do you exercise abstemiousness in any of your endeavors?

Larker

2010-04-22T06:30:00.002-04:00

larker \ˈlär-kər\ noun: : one who engages in harmless fun or mischief

Etymology: see yesterday’s post

You have your larkers and you have your carkers. Which are you: a larker or a carker?

Larksome

2010-04-21T07:36:00.000-04:00

larksome \ˈlärk-səm\ adjective: playful

Etymology: probably alteration of English dialect lake, laik to frolic, play

Wikipedia suggests a second possible word origin: “Shortening of skylark, sailors’ slang for playing rough in the rigging of a ship (because the common European larks were proverbial for high-flying).”

Darksome

2010-04-20T06:30:00.001-04:00

darksome \ˈdärk-səm\ adjective: gloomily somber; dark

Etymology: English dark + some

Why, yes, there has been a theme to the entries of the past few days.

Darkling

2010-04-19T06:30:00.003-04:00

darkling \ˈdär-kliŋ\ adverb: in the dark
adjective: 1. dark, 2. done or taking place in the dark

Etymology: Middle English derkelyng, from derk dark + -lyng -ling

Darkling is just waiting to be turned into a noun for the name of a type of evil elf in a bad fantasy film.

Darkle

2010-04-18T06:30:00.002-04:00

darkle \ˈdär-kəl\ intransitive verb: 1. to become clouded or gloomy, 2. to grow dark, 3. to become concealed in the dark

Etymology: back-formation from darkling

Here’s a word for all you budding goth poets.

Valise

2010-04-17T09:27:00.003-04:00

valise \və-ˈlēs\ noun: suitcase

Etymology: French, from Italian valigia

I don’t want to sound like a curmudgeon, but what does valise give us that suitcase does not?

Gravid

2010-04-16T06:30:00.001-04:00

gravid \ˈgra-vəd\ adjective: 1. pregnant, 2. distended with or full of eggs {a gravid fish}

Etymology: Latin gravidus, from gravis heavy

The next time you plan on uttering the phrase “pregnant with thought,” instead try “gravid with thought.” Your conversational partner will be impressed.

Götterdämmurung

2010-04-15T06:30:00.001-04:00

Götterdämmurung /ˌgah-təˈdæm-ə-rung/ noun: 1. apocalypse, 2. any cataclysmic downfall or momentous, apocalyptic event, especially of a regime or an institution

Etymology: German Götterdämmurung twilight of the gods, from Götter gods + Dämmerung haziness, nebulousness

Götterdämmurung is a German translation of the Norse Ragnarök, the prophesied mythological war of the gods and end of the world

Ouroboros

2010-04-14T06:30:00.004-04:00

Ouroboros \ôr-rŏb'-ôr-rŭs\ noun: 1. a snake or serpent that forms the shape of a circle by eating its own tail (representing cyclicality, self-reflexivity or the continuous cycle of life and death), 2. a picture or symbol representing this

Etymology: Greek ouroboros tail-eater

Compare this etymology with yesterday’s; they both stem from the ancient Greek word for tail.

Cynosure

2010-04-13T06:30:00.005-04:00

cynosure \ˈsī-nə-ˌshur or ˈsi-nə-ˌshur\ noun: 1 a. (capitalized) the northern constellation Ursa Minor, b. North Star, 2. one that serves to direct or guide, 3. a center of attraction or attention {turned an eyesore into a cynosure — Catherine Reynolds}

Etymology: Middle French cynosure Ursa Minor, guide, from Latin cynosura Ursa Minor, from Greek kynosoura, from kynos oura, (literally) dog’s tail

“Dog’s tail.” Hmmm…

Concatenate

2010-04-12T06:30:00.001-04:00

concatenate \kän-ˈka-tə-nət\ adjective: linked together

concatenate \ kän-ˈka-tə -ˌnāt\ transitive verb: to link together in a series or chain

Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin concatenatus, past participle of concatenare to link together, from Latin com- + catena chain

Note the different pronunciations between the adjective and the verb.

Clew

2010-04-11T06:30:00.002-04:00

clew \ˈklü\ noun: 1. a ball of thread, yarn or cord, 2. clue

Etymology: Middle English clewe, from Old English cliewen; akin to Old High German kliuwa ball

A clue is named for a clew because a clue leads one through a maze of difficulties to the solution of a problem just as a clew led Theseus out of the Minotaur’s labyrinth as he unwound the thread.

Paroxysm

2010-04-10T06:30:00.002-04:00

paroxysm \ˈpa-rək-ˌsi-zəm\ noun: 1. a fit, attack or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms (as of a disease); convulsion {a paroxysm of coughing}, 2. a sudden violent emotion or action; outburst {a paroxysm of rage}

Etymology: Middle English paroxism, from Medieval Latin paroxysmus, from Greek paroxysmos, from paroxynein to stimulate, from para- + oxynein to provoke, from oxys sharp

“Dead! Dead!” moaned Villefort in a paroxysm of grief which the novelty of such a feeling in this heart of stone made all the more terrible. — Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

Darkling

2010-04-09T06:30:00.003-04:00

darkling \ˈdär-kliŋ\ adverb: in the dark
adjective: 1. dark, 2. done or taking place in the dark

Etymology: Middle English derkelyng, from derk dark + -lyng -ling

This word is waiting to be turned into a noun for the name of an evil elf clan in a bad fantasy film.

Bursar

2010-04-09T06:30:00.001-04:00

bursar \ˈbər-sər\ noun: an officer (as of a monastery or college) in charge of funds; treasurer

Etymology: Anglo-French burser, from Medieval Latin bursarius, from bursa purse

The perspicacious observer will have noted the shared etymology between today’s treasurer and yesterday’s fluid-filled sac. Draw your own conclusions.

Bursa

2010-04-08T06:30:00.001-04:00

bursa \ˈbər-sə\ noun: a small, fluid-filled sac that provides a cushion between bones and tendons

Etymology: Latin bursa bag, purse (due to the sac’s resemblance to a purse)

Wikipedia states, “Current medical studies have no specific knowledge of the entire bursae system [in the human body].” Is that really true? I would have thought something like that would have been thoroughly catagorized by now.

Calumny

2010-04-07T06:30:00.005-04:00

calumny \ˈka-ləm-nē\ noun: a misrepresentation intended to harm another’s reputation

Etymology: Middle English calumnye, from Middle French calomnie, from Latin calumnia, from calvi to deceive

Calumny would make a pretty name for a girl.

Schlieren

2010-04-06T06:30:00.006-04:00

schlieren \ˈshlir-ən\ plural noun: regions of varying refraction in a transparent medium often caused by pressure or temperature differences

Etymology: German Schlieren

The heat waves you see rising from a hot car hood on a summer day are an example of schlieren.

Luciferin

2010-04-05T06:30:00.003-04:00

luciferin \lü-ˈsi-f(ə-)rən\ noun: any of various organic substances in luminescent organisms (as fireflies) that upon oxidation produce a virtually heatless light

Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin lucifer light-bearing

Lucifer was a name for the morning star or for the devil. It comes from luc- or lux (light) and -fer (producing, bearing). The woman’s name Lucy also stems from the Latin lux, by way of Lucia. Behind the Name states, “Saint Lucia was a 4th-century martyr from Syracuse. She was said to have had her eyes gouged out, and thus is the patron saint of the blind.” It’s worth noting that the patron saint of the blind was named for light.

Frumenty

2010-04-04T06:30:00.000-04:00

frumenty \ˈfrü-mən-tē\ noun: a dish of wheat boiled in milk and usually sweetened and spiced

Etymology: Middle English frumente, furmente, from Anglo-French furmenté, from furment, frument grain, from Latin frumentum, from frui to enjoy

Based on the description above, I can’t tell if frumenty would be delicious or disgusting. Probably either, depending on the specific recipe one samples.

Potage

2010-04-03T06:30:00.002-04:00

potage \pah-ˈtäzh\ noun: a thick soup, stew or porridge in some of which meat and vegetables are boiled together until they form a thick mush

Etymology: Old French pottage potted dish

Wikipdia states, “During the Tudor period a good many English peasants’ diets consisted almost solely of potage.”

Pugilist

2010-04-02T06:30:00.001-04:00

pugilist \ˈpyü-jə-list\ noun: fighter (especially a professional boxer)

Etymology: Late Latin pugil boxer, from Latin pugnus fist

Two dog breeds spring to mind: the pug and the boxer (not that they’re related…).

Donotal

2010-04-01T06:30:00.005-04:00

donotal \dō-ˈnät-əl\ adjective: doghnut-shaped

Etymology: English, from doughnut

A word from a dream. Or is it?

Schiller

2010-03-31T06:30:00.001-04:00

schiller \ˈshi-lər\ noun: a common name for adularescence

Etymology: German

Many geologic terms stem from German.

Adularescence

2010-03-30T06:30:00.004-04:00

adularescence \ə-ˌdü -lə-ˈre-sən(t)s\ noun: an optical phenomenon in certain gems in which a milky luster or glow seems to originate below the surface of the stone and appears to move as the stone is turned, giving the impression of moonlight on water

Etymology: From aldularia, a mineral from the Aldula Mountains of Switzerland

Moonstone, so named for its moonlight-on-water optical property, is composed of aldularia crystal.

Aventurescence

2010-03-29T06:30:00.006-04:00

aventurescence \ə-ˌven-chər-ˈe-sən(t)s\ noun: an optical reflectance effect in certain gems in which a metallic glitter arises from minute mineral platelets within the material

Etymology: Italian a ventura by chance (referring to the chance discovery of aventurine glass in the 18th century)

Have you seen Michelangelo Antonioni’s L’avventura, by any chance? It is not about aventurescence.

Fugacious

2010-03-28T09:44:00.003-04:00

fugacious \fyü-ˈgā-shəs\ adjective: lasting a short time; evanescent

Etymology: Latin fugac-, fugax, from fugere

“How is it that I struck Echt to rouse him from his slumber, but it is I who awoke?”

Ersatz

2010-03-27T18:07:00.000-04:00

ersatz \ˈer-ˌsäts\ adjective: being a usually artificial and inferior substitute or imitation {ersatz turf} {ersatz intellectuals}

Etymology: German Ersatz substitute

“That didn’t work, Echt; I’m still asleep.” “Well, Ersatz, try slapping me in the face to see if I can wake up.”

Echt

2010-03-26T06:30:00.002-04:00

echt \ˈekht\ adjective: true, genuine {an echt New Yorker}

Etymology: German echt, Yiddish ekht

“Hey, Echt, I’ve got an idea. Shake me hard enough that I wake up from this dream.” “Sure thing, Ersatz. The old ‘shake & wake.’”

Pugnacious

2010-03-25T06:30:00.003-04:00

pugnacious \ˌpəg-ˈnā-shəs\ adjective: having a quarrelsome or combative nature; truculent

Etymology: Latin pugnac-, pugnax, from pugnare to fight

“And now it’s twilight. How did it get dark so quickly?”

Inculcate

2010-03-24T06:30:00.006-04:00

inculcate \ˈin-(ˌ)kəl-ˌkāt\ transitive verb: to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions

Etymology: Latin inculcatus, past participle of inculcare, literally, to tread on, from in- + calcare to trample, from calc-, calx heel

“Where are we? This doesn’t make sense. I thought I was dreaming, but now we’re here.”

Revetment

2010-03-23T06:30:00.001-04:00

revetment \ˈri-ˈvet-mənt\ noun: 1 : a facing (as of stone or concrete) to sustain an embankment, 2. embankment, especially a barricade to provide shelter (as against bomb fragments or strafing)

Etymology: French revetement

The river rivets the revetment. The rivulet ambles beside.

Froufrou

2010-03-22T06:30:00.003-04:00

froufrou \ˈfrü-(ˌ)frü\ noun: 1. a rustling, especially of a woman’s skirts, 2. showy or frilly ornamentation

Etymology: French, of imitative origin

“Of imitative origin?” Rustling skirts don’t say “froufrou;” they whisper “whoosk-whoosk.”

Concrescence

2010-03-21T06:30:00.003-04:00

concrescence \kən-ˈkre-sən(t)s\ noun: 1. increase by the addition of particles, 2. a growing together; coalescence

Etymology: Latin concrescentia, from concrescere to grow together, from com- + crescere to grow

You read the word coalescence in definition #2 and thought “the essence of coal,” right?

Concretize

2010-03-20T06:30:00.002-04:00

concretize \(ˌ)kän-ˈkrēt-tīz\ transitive verb: to make concrete, specific or definite {tried to concretize his ideas}

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin concretus, from past participle of concrescere thicken, condense

Now that is one useful word.

Chamfer

2010-03-19T06:30:00.002-04:00

chamfer \ˈcham(p)-fər\ noun: a beveled edge
transitive verb: 1. to cut a furrow in (as a column), 2. to make a chamfer on

Etymology: back-formation from chamfering, alteration of Middle French chanfreint, from past participle of chanfraindre to bevel, from chant edge (from Latin canthus iron tire) + fraindre to break, from Latin frangere

Thirty white horses on a red hill; first they champ, then they stamp, then they stand still. (But they never chamfer.)

Lilliputian

2010-03-18T06:30:00.002-04:00

Lilliputian \ˌli-lə-ˈpyü-shən\ adjective: 1. small, miniature {a Lilliputian camera}, 2. petty

Etymology: Lilliput, imaginary land of small people in Gulliver’s Travels, by Jonathan Swift

As miniature is to Lilliputian, so majuscule is to Brobdingnagian.

Brobdingnagian

2010-03-17T06:30:00.001-04:00

Brobdingnagian \ˌbräb-diŋ-ˈna-gē-ən\ adjective: marked by tremendous size

Etymology: Brobdingnag, imaginary land of giants in Gulliver’s Travels, by Jonathan Swift

Most know Swift’s other contribution to the lexicon of size.

Epaulet

2010-03-16T06:30:00.002-04:00

epaulet \ˌe-pə-ˈlet\ noun: something that ornaments or protects the shoulder, as an ornamental fringed shoulder pad formerly worn as part of a military uniform or an ornamental strip or loop sewn across the shoulder of a dress or coat

Etymology: French épaulette, diminutive of épaule shoulder, from Old French espalle, from Late Latin spatula shoulder blade, spoon, diminutive of Latin spatha spoon, sword

The golden scrub brush!

Testator

2010-03-15T06:30:00.001-04:00

testator \ˈtes-ˌtā-tər\ noun: a person who dies leaving a will or testament in force

Etymology: Middle English testatour, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin testator, from Latin testari, from testis testicle, witness

The Romans had one word for testicle and witness? Huh?

Alacrity

2010-03-14T06:30:00.002-04:00

alacrity \ə-ˈla-krə-tē\ noun: promptness in response; cheerful readiness {accepted the invitation with alacrity}

Etymology: Latin alacritas, from alacr-, alacer lively, eager

Alacrity makes me think of acid, which makes me think of a sour disposition, which is the opposite of alacrity.

Rubenesque

2010-03-13T06:30:00.000-05:00

Rubenesque \ˌrü-bə-ˈnesk\ adjective: of, relating to, or suggestive of the painter Rubens or his works; especially: plump or rounded usually in a pleasing or attractive way {a Rubenesque figure}

Etymology: from Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577-1640)

No one would accuse the Loam King of being Rubenesque.

Gloam

2010-03-12T06:30:00.000-05:00

gloam \ˈglōm\ noun: twilight

Etymology: Scots gloam to become twilight, back-formation from gloaming

The Loam King has a head of clay, a heart of silt and guts of sand.

Friable

2010-03-11T06:30:00.002-05:00

friable \ˈfrī-ə-bəl\ adjective: easily crumbled or pulverized

Etymology: Middle French, from Latin friabilis, from friare to crumble

Beware the friable eyes of the Loam King!

Loam

2010-03-10T06:30:00.001-05:00

loam \ˈlōm\ noun: a soil composed of a friable mixture of roughly equal amounts of clay, silt and sand

Etymology: Middle English lom, from Old English lām clay, mud

Beware the Loam King!

Doyen

2010-03-09T06:30:00.003-05:00

doyen \ˈdoi-ən\ noun: 1 a. the senior member of a body or group, b. a person considered to be knowledgeable or uniquely skilled as a result of long experience in some field of endeavor, 2. the oldest example of a category

doyenne \doi-ˈ(y)en\ noun: a woman who is a doyen

Etymology: French, from Old French deien, from Late Latin decanus chief of ten, from Greek dekanos, from deka ten

Am I remembering correctly that these words appear often in art history literture to describe influential collectors or heads of art movements?

Conurbation

2010-03-08T06:30:00.010-05:00

conurbation \ˌkä-(ˌ)nər-ˈbā-shən\ noun: an aggregation or continuous network of urban communities

Etymology: com- together + Latin urb- city

Those with a ribald sense of wordplay may note a similarity between today’s entry and another word signifying the subject of The Who’s “Pictures of Lily.”

Sapience

2010-03-07T06:30:00.001-05:00

sapience \ˈsā-pē-ən(t)s\ noun: wisdom, sagacity

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin sapientia, from sapere, to know

Homo sapiens are literally “wise humans.”

Sangfroid

2010-03-06T06:30:00.003-05:00

sangfroid \ˈsäⁿ-ˈf(r)wä\ noun: self-possession or imperturbability especially under strain

Etymology: French sang-froid (literally) cold blood

Quite a different sense than the phrase “in cold blood.”

Glottogony

2010-03-05T06:30:00.003-05:00

glottogony \glə-ˈtä-gə-nē\ noun: 1. the genesis of language (i. e. the emergence of a system of verbal communication from proto-linguistic or non-linguistic means of communication), 2. the study of language origins

Etymology: Greek glotto- tongue, language + -gony genesis, origination

A big thanks goes out to my friend Bernadette for introducing me to this word.

Skep

2010-03-04T08:20:00.001-05:00

skep \ˈskep\ noun: hive (especially a domed hive made of twisted straw)

Etymology: Middle English skeppe basket, beehive, from Old English sceppe basket, from Old Norse skeppa bushel

Skep, hive, apiary… Can you think of any more synonyms?

Zounds

2010-03-03T06:30:00.002-05:00

zounds \ˈzown(d)z\ interjection: an exclamation used as a mild oath to express anger, surprise, assertion, etc.

Etymology: euphemism for God’s wounds, a reference to Christ’s wounds before the crucifixion

Merriam-Webster refers to an interjection as a special kind of “ejaculatory utterance.”

Plenitude

2010-03-02T06:30:00.005-05:00

plenitude \ˈple-nə-ˌtüd\ noun: 1. the quality or state of being full; completeness, 2. a great sufficiency; abundance

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin plenitudo, from plenus full

So there you have it — plenitude does not mean “plentiful attitude.”

Echolalia

2010-03-01T06:30:00.001-05:00

echolalia \ˌe-kō-ˈlā-lē-ə\ noun: the often pathological repetition of what is said by other people as if echoing them

Etymology: New Latin

It must be really annoying to live with someone afflicted with echolalia.

Okapi

2010-02-28T06:30:00.002-05:00

okapi \ō-ˈkä-pē\ noun: an African ungulate mammal (Okapia johnstoni) that is closely related to the giraffe but has a relatively short neck, a coat typically of solid reddish chestnut on the trunk, yellowish white on the cheeks, and purplish-black and cream rings on the upper parts of the legs

Etymology: Mvuba (language spoken west of Lake Edward, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

The definition is as accurate as a definition can be, but it won’t help much if you’ve never seen an okapi. At least there’s Goole image search.

Limpid

2010-02-27T06:30:00.023-05:00

limpid \ˈlim-pəd\ adjective: 1 a. marked by transparency; pellucid {limpid streams}, b. clear and simple in style {limpid prose}, 2. absolutely serene and untroubled

Etymology: French limpide, from Latin limpidus, perhaps from lympha water

Compare limpid to diaphanous, pellucid, transpicuous and perspicuous.

Coprolite

2010-02-26T06:30:00.001-05:00

coprolite \ˈkä-prə-ˌlīt\ noun: fossilized excrement

Etymology: Ancient Greek kopros dung + -lite (from lithos stone)

Deliciously obfuscatory!

Missileer

2010-02-25T06:30:00.001-05:00

missileer \ˌmi-sə-ˈlir\ noun: one engaged in designing, building or operating guided missiles; missileman

Etymology: English missil- (from missile) + -eer one that is concerned with professionally

Neil Sheehan’s A Fiery Peace in a Cold War: Bernard Schriever and the Ultimate Weapon (2009) follows the U.S. Air Force’s race with the Soviet Union to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles in the 1950s. It’s an engaging page-turner.

Scrip

2010-02-24T06:30:00.004-05:00

scrip \ˈskrip\ noun: 1. (archaic) a small bag or wallet, 2. a short writing (as a certificate, schedule or list), 3. a small piece, 4 a. any of various documents used as evidence that the holder or bearer is entitled to receive something (as a fractional share of stock or an allotment of land), b. paper currency or a token issued for temporary use in an emergency, 5. prescription; a written direction for a therapeutic or corrective agent (specifically one for the preparation and use of a medicine)

Etymology: (for definition 1) Middle English scrippe, from Medieval Latin scrippum pilgrim’s knapsack; (for definitions 2, 3 & 4) alteration of script

How can one be sure another’s utterance is truly scrip and not merely a slurring of script?

Lassitude

2010-02-23T06:30:00.001-05:00

lassitude \ˈla-sə-ˌtüd\ noun: 1. a condition of weariness or debility; fatigue, 2. a condition of listlessness; languor

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin lassitudo, from lassus weary

I’d rather be languorous than fatigued, but in either case lassitude holds sway.

Barmy

2010-02-22T06:30:00.002-05:00

barmy \ˈbär-mē\ adjective: full of froth or ferment

Etymology: from Old English beorma yeast

Yikes. Barmy. Well, then.

Harangue

2010-02-21T06:30:00.002-05:00

harangue \hə-ˈraŋ\ noun: 1. a speech addressed to a public assembly, 2. a ranting speech or writing, 3. lecture

Etymology: Middle French arenge, from Old Italian aringa, from aringare to speak in public, from aringo public assembly, of Germanic origin

How would lemon harangue pie taste?

Jeremiad

2010-02-20T06:30:00.007-05:00

jeremiad \ˌjer-ə-ˈmī-əd\ noun: 1. a prolonged lamentation or complaint, 2. a cautionary or angry harangue

Etymology: French jérémiade, from Jérémie Jeremiah, from Late Latin Jeremias

Jeremiah is traditionally ascribed as the author of the Book of Lamentations.

Elision

2010-02-19T06:30:00.007-05:00

elision \i-ˈli-zhən\ noun: 1 a. the use of a speech form that lacks a final or initial sound which a variant speech form has (as ’s instead of is in there’s), b. the omission of an unstressed vowel or syllable in a verse to achieve a uniform metrical pattern, 2. the act or an instance of omitting something; omission

elide \i-ˈlīd\ transitive verb: 1 a. to suppress or alter (as a vowel or syllable) by elision, b. to strike out (as a written word), 2 a. to leave out of consideration; omit, b. curtail; abridge

Etymology: Latin elidere to strike out, from e- + laedere to injure by striking

Elision reminds me of the name Elijah.

Desuetude

2010-02-18T06:30:00.001-05:00

desuetude \ˈde-swi-ˌtüd\ noun: discontinuance from use or exercise; disuse

Etymology: Middle English dissuetude, from Latin desuetudo, from desuescere to become unaccustomed

What a beautiful-sounding word.

Cuspidor

2010-02-17T06:30:00.001-05:00

cuspidor \ˈkəs-pə-ˌdor\ noun: a receptacle for spit; spitoon

Etymology: Portuguese cuspidouro place for spitting, from cuspir to spit, from Latin conspuere, from com- + spuere to spit

Don’t mistake your humidor for a cuspidor.

Asperity

2010-02-16T06:30:00.001-05:00

asperity \a-ˈsper-ə-tē\ noun: 1. rigor, severity, 2. roughness of surface; unneveness; a tiny projection from a surface, 3. roughness of sound, 4. roughness of manner or of temper; harshness {asked with some asperity just what they were implying}

Etymology: Middle English asprete, from Anglo-French aspreté, from aspre rough, from Latin asper, from Old Latin absperos

Since Merriam brings it up, just what were they implying?

Last Word

2010-02-15T09:53:00.000-05:00

Last Word

½ oz gin
½ oz green Chartreuse
½ oz Maraschino
½ oz lime juice

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

FIFTEEN — “So Lloyd and Jake revealed themselves to the world. It was quite a surprise, but they explained that they’d just wanted to take a break from everything for a little while. They’re here to stay now, so obviously everyone’s plans for bringing them back from extinction are unnecessary. Oh, well. Let’s all have a drink, guys.”

Sidecar

2010-02-14T10:18:00.002-05:00

Sidecar

1½ oz brandy
1 oz triple sec
½ oz lemon juice

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

FOURTEEN — Lloyd rose from his seat. “Let’s get this over with.”

Bijou

2010-02-13T08:38:00.000-05:00

Bijou

1 oz gin
1 oz green Chartreuse
1 oz sweet vermouth

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

THIRTEEN — “Sometimes, Jake, I wonder what it will be like after all this is behind us. I think I’ll build a little house by the ocean. Something modest, you know. And maybe I’ll get a dog and finally learn to play that guitar my uncle handed down.”

Little Witch

2010-02-12T22:56:00.004-05:00

Little Witch

2 oz silver tequila
½ oz Strega
½ oz lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
2 oregano sprigs

Muddle the oregano in the simple syrup, then shake all ingredients with ice and double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

TWELVE — Maria launched into another of her tirades and Umberto struggled with the urge to cover his ears. “And another thing,” she began, as her voice crescendoed to a shriek, “what if I were to tell all of you right now that the dodo is alive and well! It’s not extinct, and never was! That’s right! Stop looking at me that way,” she went on as they all stared in disbelief. “I have one in my apartment as we speak. He’s been living there for months now.” At this news Umberto started, and his response did not go unnoticed. “It’s not like that,” Maria said, lowering her voice.

Pegu Club Cocktail

2010-02-11T10:49:00.002-05:00

Pegu Club Cocktail

2 oz gin
¾ oz orange liqueur
½ oz lime juice
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

ELEVEN — Verne stood to face them behind the bar.
“Ok,” he said, “just so that we all know where we stand.”
“I never took you for a traitor, Verne,” Umberto said, edging forward, away from the two menaces behind them.
“Just hand over the lady’s papers, or hand over the lady. It’s your choice. Either way you’re not leaving here with a manual on how to reincarnate extinct birds.”
“Oh, get over it.” Maria spoke in slow, deliberate syllables. “I’ve had about all I can take of your right-wing proselytizing.”

Brave Bull

2010-02-10T06:30:00.001-05:00

Brave Bull

2 oz silver tequila
1 oz coffe liqueur

Build over ice in a rocks glass.

TEN — They were stopped in their tracks by the vultures who had been trailing Maria to the bar. “Leaving so soon?” As the two thugs closed in Umberto took hold of Maria’s arm. “Let me do the talking,” he whispered to her.

Margarita

2010-02-09T13:02:00.005-05:00

Margarita

1½ oz silver tequila
1 oz triple sec
½ oz lime juice

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

NINE — Umberto cut to the chase. “Did you manage to retrieve the information?” “It’s good to see you, too.” Maria ruffled her feathers and shifted in her seat. She lowered her voice. “Yes, I've got it, just like I promised.” “There was a time I recall when you didn’t keep your promises so well.” Maria opened her beak to respond to this unwarranted dig, but kept her eyes glued to the bartender on the phone. Verne had picked up the receiver and dialed as soon as she entered the bar, and his occasional furtive glances at the two of them had not gone unnoticed. She grabbed Umberto’s arm. “We have to get out of here now,” she hissed under her breath. “It’s not safe!” She flew off her bar stool, Umberto trailing unsteadily behind.

Bourbon Crusta

2010-02-08T23:05:00.001-05:00

Bourbon Crusta

1½ oz bourbon
½ oz triple sec
½ oz lemon juice
¼ oz Maraschino

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

EIGHT — Maria was just as surprised to have escaped the vultures as Umberto was to finally see her. They took a second to compose themselves. (She to catch her breath and he to shake off the cocktails.)

Manhattan

2010-02-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

Manhattan

2 oz rye whiskey
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes bitters

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

SEVEN — “Verne, make me another Red Hook. I’ll give her ten more minutes to show up; then I’m out of here.”

French Connection

2010-02-06T15:19:00.006-05:00

French Connection

1 oz brandy
1 oz Grand Marnier

Serve in a snifter or rocks glass neat (i.e., without ice, sans glaçons, ohne Eis, senza ghiaccio…)

SIX — Always one step ahead of her pursuers, Maria Giovanna had managed to exhaust them in a fruitless chase that wove its harried course from the Sycamore Building through the dank alleyways of the city. Now she remained as still as possible, and could here one turkey vulture exhale with audible difficulty as the other scuffed his feet on the cement. “Papers or not, I’ve had about all I can take of that bird, Giacomo. When we find her I’m going to feed her to the worms.” Maria automatically pressed the letter under her wing more tightly; she was not about to give up that which she fought so hard to procure.

Stinger

2010-02-05T09:56:00.001-05:00

Stinger

2¼ oz brandy
¾ oz white crème de menthe

Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.

FIVE — Tending to a stork who had ambled in and ordered a Stinger, Verne left Umberto alone with his anxiety. It was just as well; his debating skills tended to provoke nothing but yawns anyway. “Where’s Maria?” he asked himself. “It’s not like her to be late.” His nervous talons set to work shredding another napkin.

Old Pal

2010-02-04T15:29:00.001-05:00

Old Pal

1½ oz rye whiskey
½ oz Campari
½ oz dry vermouth

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

FOUR — “Dead birds,” huffed Verne. “So what?” The feathers on the back of Umberto’s neck stood on end as he shot back with unexpected passion: “The dodo and the moa are our cousins; bringing them back from extinction isn’t just a hobby for bored scientists — it’s a familial obligation!”