Posted on 07/10/2014 5:16:40 AM PDT by secret garden
In order that we might all raise the level of discourse and expand our language abilities, here is the daily post of "Word for the Day".
epenthesis \ih-PEN-thuh-sis\noun
the insertion or development of a sound or letter in the body of a word.
Example sentences:
The "b" in the adjective "nimble" is the result of epenthesis; in Middle English, the word was spelled "nimel."
"When Yogi Bear talks about swiping 'pick-a-nick' baskets in Jellystone Park, it sounds as if he's just having fun, but he's also demonstrating 'epenthesis,' inserting a vowel to avoid the consonants bumping up against each other."
— Ruth Walker,The Christian Science Monitor, August 15, 2012
Etymology:
If you say "film" as "FIL-um," with two syllables, you've committed epenthesis. It isn't a punishable offense—in fact, it's not an offense at all. It is simply a natural way to break up an awkward cluster of consonants. It's easier for some people to say "film" as two syllables instead of one, just as it's easier for some to insert a "b" sound into "cummerbund," pronouncing that word as "CUM-ber-bund.” From Late Latin from Greek, from epentithenai to insert, from epi- + en- ² + tithenai to place] and from Greek thésis a setting down, something set down, equivalent to the- (stem of tithénai to put, set down) + -sis -sis
The sentence must, in some way, relate to the news of the day. The Review threads are linked for your edification. ;-)
Practice makes perfect.....post on....
Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish
Review Thread Two: Word For The Day, Tuesday 1/14/03: Roister
Review Thread Three: Word For The Day, Tuesday 1/28/03: Obdurate
WFB's attempt to emulate us ; ) No pushing at the door please!
Speaking of fur, I couldn’t stand it anymore and just gave the big dog a thorough shampoo and rinse in the backyard. I did him in stages and he drenched me by shaking several times. I was hoping to get rid of a lot of hair. He was a good sport, except when I had to spray around his face. I don’t blame him.
You have my sympathies-Husky girl is not due another bath for a few weeks yet-she not only drenches me, but still after all these years carries on as if she is being dragged off by a mountain lion while she is being shampooed. This is the same dog that was happily romping along the riverbank in the rain with me yesterday...
It had been months for him. He’s an inside dog who gets a half mile walk each day but is mainly a coach potato.
No plastic kiddie pool?
No, I might as well have gone into the big pool with him. He looks so much better now. His white fur just sparkles and he smells great.
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