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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". clinquant \KLING-kunt\, adjective:1. Glittering with gold or silver; tinseled. noun:1. Tinsel; imitation gold leaf. Example sentences: Leaves flicker celadon in the spring, viridian in summer, clinquant in fall, tallying the sovereign seasons, graying and greening to reiterate the message of snow and sun.-- Ann Zwinger, Beyond the Aspen Grove The room had a twelve-foot high ceiling: hanging from it, four dimly lit antique brass chandeliers cast a clinquant glow on this sunless day.--...

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". baptism of fire • \BAP-tiz-um-uv-FYRE\ • noun 1. an introductory or initial experience that is a severe ordeal; especially : a soldier's first exposure to enemy fire * 2. a spiritual baptism by a gift of the Holy Spirit Example sentence: Sandra got her baptism of fire as a babysitter when she spent the weekend taking care of her sister’s three rambunctious children. * Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence. Did...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, 12/22/09 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". apocryphal; adj. Of questionable authorship or authenticity. Erroneous; fictitious: "Wildly apocryphal rumors about starvation in Petrograd . . . raced through Russia's trenches" (W. Bruce Lincoln). Apocryphal Bible Of or having to do with the Apocrypha. a·poc'ry·phal·ly adv. Etymology: 1580–90; apocryph(a) + -al 1 Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. The sentence must, in some way, relate to the...

Word For The Day, Monday, 12/21/09 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". augur; verb/noun –noun 1. one of a group of ancient Roman officials charged with observing and interpreting omens for guidance in public affairs. 2. soothsayer; prophet. –verb (used with object) 3. to divine or predict, as from omens; prognosticate. 4. to serve as an omen or promise of; foreshadow; betoken: Mounting sales augur a profitable year. –verb (used without object) 5. to conjecture from signs or omens; predict....

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”. FloridAdjective 1. Flushed with rosy color; ruddy. 2. Very ornate; flowery: a florid prose style. 3. Archaic Healthy. 4. Obsolete Abounding in or covered with flowers.<{>Noun - Floridity, FloridnessAdverb - Floridly Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. 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...

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". arrogate (AIR-uh-gayt) verb1. To claim as a right for oneself presumptuously.2. To claim on behalf of another: to attribute or assign. Example sentence:"Youth fills you with optimistic thoughts, bursts with energy, and brims with confidence. It is the stage where you feel that your calling in life is to change the existing order for betterment arrogating the role of the social arbiter."--Philip Fernando; Understanding the JVP; Daily News (Colombo, Sri Lanka); Dec 8,...

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". sastruga • \SAS-truh-guh\ • noun a wavelike ridge of hard snow formed by the wind -- usually used in plural (sastrugi) Example sentence: "Over the sastrugi it is all up and down hill, and the covering of ice crystals prevents the sledge from gliding even on the down-grade." (Robert Falcon Scott, Journals: Captain Scott’s Last Expedition) Did you know? If "sastruga" and its plural "sastrugi" seem like unusual English words, that may be...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, December 15, 2009 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". lissome [LISS-uhm] -adj 1. Limber; supple; flexible 2. Light and quick in action; nimble; agile; active. [Lissom is an alteration of lithesome, which derives from Old English lithe, "flexible, mild, gentle."]

Word For The Day, Monday, 12/14/09 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". effrontery; noun shameless or impudent boldness; barefaced audacity: She had the effrontery to ask for two free samples. 2. an act or instance of this. Etymology: 1705–15; < F effronterie, equiv. to OF esfront shameless (es- ex- 1 + front brow; see front ) + -erie -ery Synonyms: 1. impertinence, impudence, cheek. Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. The...

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”. GainsayTransitive Verb 1. To declare false; deny. See Synonyms at deny. 2. To oppose, especially by contradiction. Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to...

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".rhopalic(ro-PAL-ik) , adjective Having each successive word longer by a letter or syllable. A rhopalic verse or sentence is one that balloons -- where each word is a letter or a syllable longer. The word is also used as a noun. Example sentences:"I do not know where family doctors acquired illegibly perplexing handwriting; nevertheless, extraordinary pharmaceutical intellectuality, counterbalancing indecipherability, transcendentalises intercommunications' incomprehensibleness."--Dmitri Borgmann "Soapy fired off a rhopalic sentence, that is, one in which...

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". ukase • \yoo-KAYSS\ • noun 1. a proclamation by a Russian emperor or government having the force of law 2a. a proclamation having the force of law 2b. order, command * * Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence. Example sentence: "The professor's first instruction to the [playwriting] class was a ukase: Never begin a play with a telephone ringing." (Bruce McCabe, The Boston Globe, June 23, 2000) Did you know? English...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, December 8, 2009 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". roborant [ROB-uh-ruhnt] -adj 1. Strengthening; restoring vigor. -n 3. A strengthening medicine; a tonic; a restorative [Roborant derives from the present participle of Latin roborare, "to strengthen," from robur, roboris, "strength."]

Word For The Day, Monday, 12/7/09 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". feckless; adj. 1 : weak, ineffective 2 : worthless, irresponsible — feck·less·ly adverb — feck·less·ness noun Etymology: Scots, from feck effect, majority, from Middle English (Scots) fek, alteration of Middle English effect Date: circa 1585 Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. The sentence must, in some way, relate to the news of the day. The Review threads are linked...

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”. AdventNoun 1. The coming or arrival, especially of something extremely important: the advent of the computer. 2. Advent a. The liturgical period preceding Christmas, beginning in Western churches on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and in Eastern churches in mid-November, and observed by many Christians as a season of prayer, fasting, and penitence. b. Christianity The coming of Jesus at the Incarnation. c. Christianity See Second Coming. Rules: Everyone must leave a post...

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".myrmidon \MUR-muh-don; -duhn\, noun1. (Capitalized) A member of a warlike Thessalian people who followed Achilles on the expedition against Troy.2. A loyal follower, especially one who executes orders without question. Example sentences:He risked assassination, torture or . . . retaliation, the defining signatures of Mr. Milosevic and his ultranationalist myrmidons.-- Bruce Fein, "Follow U.S. war crimes advice?", Washington Times, May 10, 2001 I felt quite sure that the myrmidon on duty in Gadsby Row...

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". pundit • \PUN-dit\ • noun 1. a learned person; teacher 2. authority, critic * * Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence. Example sentence: Grandpa likes watching liberal and conservative pundits spar about the issues of the day on the Sunday morning talk shows. Did you know? The original pundits were highly respected teachers and leaders in India. Their title was taken from the Hindi word "pandit," a term of respect for...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, December 1, 2009 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". roundabout [adj. round-uh-BOUT, ROUND-uh-bout; n. ROUND-uh-bout] -adj 1. circuitous or indirect, as a road, journey, method, statement or person. 2. (of clothing) cut circularly at the bottom; having no tails, train, or the like. -n 3. a short, close-fitting coat or jacket worn by men or boys, esp. in the 19th century. 4. British. a merry-go-round. 5. a circuitous or indirect road, method, etc. 6. Chiefly...

Word For The Day, Monday, 11/30/09 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". clishmaclaver ; noun (Scotland)gossip: casual chat or gossip informal Etymology: Early 18th century. < clish (probably < Scottish clish-clash "idle gossip") + claver "to gossip"] Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. 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....

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”. Rearm Verb1. To arm again. 2. To equip with better weapons. Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111...

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".provender \PROV-uhn-duhr\, noun1. Dry food for domestic animals, such as hay, straw, corn, oats, or a mixture of ground grain; feed.2. Food or provisions. Example sentences:It turns out that he and thousands of other German immigrants have been acting as pre-invasion intelligence-gatherers, ensuring that "the German Army knew almost to a bale of hay what provender lay between London and the coast."-- Niall Ferguson, The Pity of War Frances Trollope, Captain Marryat, Colonel Basil...

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". temerarious • \tem-uh-RAIR-ee-us\ • adjective marked by temerity; rashly or presumptuously daring Example sentence: The brave explorer set off for the unplumbed depths of the dangerous cave with only a few supplies and one temerarious companion. Did you know? If you have guessed that "temerarious" may be related to the somewhat more common word "temerity," you are correct. "Temerarious" was borrowed into English in the early 16th century from Latin "temerarius," which in...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, November 24, 2009 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". benison [fyoo-gey-shuhs] -n A blessing; a benediction. [Middle English, from Old French beneison, from Latin benedicti�, benedicti�n-, praising; see benediction.]

Word For The Day, Monday, 11/23/09 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". ignominious; adj. 1 : marked with or characterized by disgrace or shame : dishonorable 2 : deserving of shame or infamy : despicable 3 : humiliating, degrading — ig·no·min·i·ous·ly adverb — ig·no·min·i·ous·ness noun Etymology: Origin: 1375–1425; late ME < L ign�mini�sus. See ignominy, -ous Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. The sentence must, in some way, relate to the...

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”. RecusantNoun 1. A dissenter; a nonconformist.2. One of the Roman Catholics in England who incurred legal and social penalties in the 16th century and afterward for refusing to attend services of the Church of England. Also:Adjective 1. refusing to submit to authority Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. The sentence must, in some way, relate to the news of the day. The Review threads...

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".anachronism • \uh-NAK-ruh-niz-um\ • noun1 : an error in chronology; especially : a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other2 : a person or a thing that is chronologically out of place; especially : one from a former age that is incongruous in the present . Example sentence:Manual typewriters and slide rules are often regarded as anachronisms in this age of computers and calculators. Etymology: An anachronism is...

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". littoral • \LIT-uh-rul\ • adjective of, relating to, or situated or growing on or near a shore especially of the sea Example sentence: The report shows dramatic improvement in the condition of the state's littoral waters since the cleanup effort began. Did you know? You're most likely to encounter "littoral" in contexts relating to the military and marine sciences. A "littoral combat ship" is a fast and easily maneuverable combat ship built for...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, November 17, 2009 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". fugacious [fyoo-gey-shuhs] -adj 1. Passing away quickly; evanescent. 2. Botany Withering or dropping off early. [625–35; < L fug�ci- (s. of fug�x apt to flee, fleet, deriv. of fugere to flee + -ous ]

Word For The Day, Monday, 11/16/09 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". eleemosynary; noun : of, relating to, or supported by charity Etymology: Medieval Latin eleemosynarius, from Late Latin eleemosyna alms — more at alms Date: circa 1616 Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. 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....

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”. InutileAdjective Rare useless; unprofitable inutilely - Adverb inutility - Noun Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111 on...

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".soporific \sop-uh-RIF-ik; soh-puh-\, adjective1. Causing sleep; tending to cause sleep.2. Of, relating to, or characterized by sleepiness or lethargy. noun:1. A medicine, drug, plant, or other agent that has the quality of inducing sleep; a narcotic. Example sentences:Hamilton's voice droned on, hypnotic, soporific, the gloom beyond the windows like the backdrop of a waking dream.-- T. Coraghessan Boyle, Riven Rock They were almost an hour behind in their daily schedule, and both women looked...

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". exhilarate • \ig-ZIL-uh-rayt\ • verb 1a. to make cheerful and excited * 1b. enliven, excite 2. refresh, stimulate * Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence. The participle form of this verb, "exhilarating" is also commonly used as an adjective. Example sentence: “Whooshing down a snow-covered mountain at high speed exhilarates me,” said Tara, explaining her love of skiing. Did you know? Many people find "exhilarate" a difficult word to spell. It's...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, November 10, 2009 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". fracas [frey-kuhs; Brit. frak-ah] -n 1. a noisy, disorderly disturbance or fight; riotous brawl; uproar. [1720–30; < F < It fracasso, deriv. of fracassare to smash, equiv. to fra- (< L infr� among) completely + cassare to break; see cassation ]

Word For The Day, Monday, 11/9/09 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". macabre; adj. 1 : having death as a subject : comprising or including a personalized representation of death 2 : dwelling on the gruesome 3 : tending to produce horror in a beholder synonyms see ghastly Etymology: French, from (danse) macabre dance of death, from Middle French (danse de) Macabré Date: 1889 Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. The...

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”. RebarbativeAdjective 1. Tending to irritate; repellent2. fearsome; forbidding Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111 on this thread!)...

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".truculent \TRUCK-yuh-luhnt\, adjective1. Fierce; savage; ferocious; barbarous.2. Cruel; destructive; ruthless. Example sentences:I ask whether impeachment will become still another arrow in the quiver of the warrior class of ever more truculent partisan politicians in Washington.-- "Former Watergate Prosecutors See Censure as Alternative in Clinton's Case", New York Times, December 9, 1998 Bitter and truculent when excited, I spoke as I felt, without reserve or softening.-- Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre Those bamboozled into believing palpable...

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”. PutschNoun A sudden attempt by a group to overthrow a government. Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 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". labile [ley-buhl, -bahyl] -adj 1. apt or likely to change 2. Chemistry. (of a compound) capable of changing state or becoming inactive when subjected to heat or radiation. [1400–50; late ME labyl < LL l�bilis, equiv. to L l�b(ī) to slip + -ilis -ile ]

Word For The Day, Monday, 11/2/09 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". maladroit; adj. lacking in adroitness; unskillful; awkward; bungling; tactless: to handle a diplomatic crisis in a very maladroit way. Etymology: 1665–75; < F, MF; see mal-, adroit Related forms: mal⋅a⋅droit⋅ly, adverb mal⋅a⋅droit⋅ness, noun Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. The sentence must, in some way, relate to the news of the day. The Review threads are linked for your...

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”. Symbiosis 1. A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.2. A similar relationship between interdependent persons or groups3. A close, prolonged association between two or more different organisms of different species that may, but does not necessarily, benefit each member.4. A close and usually obligatory association of two organisms of different species that live together, often to their mutual benefit symbi·otic (-tk), symbi·oti·cal (--kl) adj. symbi·oti·cal·ly adv. Rules: Everyone must leave a post using...

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".stentorian \sten-TOR-ee-uhn\, adjectiveExtremely loud. Example sentences:Around his family, Sergeant Charles Mingus Sr. was easily angered and often violent and closemouthed the rest of the time, except when he gave orders in a stentorian voice that carried the assumption of command.-- Gene Santoro, Myself When I Am Real He broke the tradition of stentorian tenors, whose big voices and melodramatic high notes were needed to fill the concert halls and vaudeville houses.-- Richard Corliss, "The...

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". luculent • \LOO-kyuh-lunt\ • adjective clear in thought or expression; lucid Example sentence: "I have heard, for example, a luculent description of poor Allister Campbell, and another drudge of the same class, running a race after dinner for a new pair of breeches." (John G. Lockhart, Memoirs of Sir Walter Scott) Did you know? To shed light on the meaning of "luculent," one need only look at its root -- the Latin noun...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, October 27, 2009 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". epithet [ep-uh-thet] -n 1. any word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe an actual or attributed quality: “Richard the Lion-Hearted” is an epithet of Richard I. 2. a characterizing word or phrase firmly associated with a person or thing and often used in place of an actual name, title, or the like, as “man's best friend” for “dog.” 3. a word, phrase,...

Word For The Day, Monday, 10/26/09 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". Sobriquet; noun 1.An affectionate or humorous nickname. 2.An assumed name. Etymology: 1646, from Fr. sobriquet "nickname," from M.Fr. soubriquet, lit. "a chuck under the chin," of unknown origin (first element probably from L. sub "under"). Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. The sentence must, in some way, relate to the news of the day. The Review threads are linked...

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”. FaroucheAdjective 1. Fierce; wild.2. Exhibiting withdrawn temperament and shyness coupled with an air of cranky, often sullen fey charm. Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence. 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 Threads: Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be...

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".redolent \RED-uh-luhnt\, adjective1. Having or exuding fragrance; scented; aromatic.2. Full of fragrance; odorous; smelling (usually used with 'of' or 'with').3. Serving to bring to mind; evocative; suggestive; reminiscent (usually used with 'of' or 'with') Example sentences:The 142-foot-long sidewheeled steamer . . . ferried people from place to place, . . . its two decks redolent with the aroma of fresh grapes, peaches, and other fruit headed for the rail spur at the Canandaigua pier,...

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". quash • \KWAHSH\ • verb to nullify especially by judicial action Example sentence: Thanks to a loophole in the law, the defendant's lawyers were able to persuade the judge to quash the indictment against their client. Did you know? There are two "quash" verbs in English, and although their meanings are vaguely similar, they have entirely different origins. Both essentially mean to get rid of something -- you can quash a rumor, for...

Word For The Day, Tuesday, 10/20/09 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". umbrage; noun 1. offense; annoyance; displeasure: to feel umbrage at a social snub; to give umbrage to someone; to take umbrage at someone's rudeness. 2. the slightest indication or vaguest feeling of suspicion, doubt, hostility, or the like. 3. leaves that afford shade, as the foliage of trees. 4. shade or shadows, as cast by trees. 5. a shadowy appearance or semblance of something. Etymology: Origin: 1400–50; late...

Word For The Monday, 10/19/09, Date 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". palimpsest; noun 1. A manuscript, typically of papyrus or parchment, that has been written on more than once, with the earlier writing incompletely erased and often legible. 2. An object, place, or area that reflects its history: "Spaniards in the sixteenth century . . . saw an ocean moving south . . . through a palimpsest of bayous and distributary streams in forested paludal basins" (John McPhee). Etymology:...