Word Word Word dot com

2009-01-15T22:08:00.000+08:00

delectable
Function: noun
Date: 1921
: something that is delectable ; especially : a delicious food item

(from an email advert)

2008-12-13T04:18:00.000+08:00

par·ry
Pronunciation: \ˈper-ē, ˈpa-rē\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): par·ried; par·ry·ing
Etymology: probably from French parez, imperative of parer to parry, from Old Occitan parar, from Latin parare to prepare — more at pare
Date: 1672
intransitive verb
1 : to ward off a weapon or blow
2 : to evade or turn aside something transitive
verb
1 : to ward off (as a blow)
2 : to evade especially by an adroit answer
— parry noun

from TIME magazine

2008-11-17T23:59:00.000+08:00

ginormous
Pronunciation:
\jī-ˈnȯr-məs\
Function:
adjective
Etymology:
gigantic + enormous
Date:
circa 1948
: extremely large : humongous

from a post at internet

2008-08-12T22:39:00.001+08:00

malapropism
Pronunciation: \ˈma-lə-ˌprä-ˌpi-zəm\
Function: noun
Etymology:
Mrs. Malaprop, character noted for her misuse of words in R. B. Sheridan's comedy The Rivals (1775)
Date: 1849
1: the usually unintentionally humorous misuse or distortion of a word or phrase; especially : the use of a word sounding somewhat like the one intended but ludicrously wrong in the context
2: malaprop
— mal·a·prop·ist \-ˌprä-pist\ noun

from Ben Lim

2008-08-11T22:43:00.001+08:00

an·i·mus
Pronunciation: \ˈa-nə-məs\
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, spirit, mind, courage, anger
Date: 1816
1 : basic attitude or governing spirit : disposition, intention
2 : a usually prejudiced and often spiteful or malevolent ill will
3 : an inner masculine part of the female personality in the analytic psychology of C. G. Jung — compare anima

synonyms see enmity

from TV "The O.C."

2008-08-11T22:43:00.000+08:00

hemophilia
Pronunciation: \ˌhē-mə-ˈfi-lē-ə\
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin
Date: 1872
: a sex-linked hereditary blood defect that occurs almost exclusively in males and is characterized by delayed clotting of the blood and consequent difficulty in controlling hemorrhage even after minor injuries

from TV "The O.C."

2008-07-20T04:53:00.000+08:00

dis·com·bob·u·late
Pronunciation: \ˌdis-kəm-ˈbä-b(y)ə-ˌlāt\
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): dis·com·bob·u·lat·ed; dis·com·bob·u·lat·ing
Etymology: probably alteration of discompose
Date: circa 1916
: upset, confuse
— dis·com·bob·u·la·tion

from "Seinfeld"

2008-05-22T21:36:00.001+08:00

ske·dad·dle
Pronunciation: \ski-ˈda-dəl\
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): ske·dad·dled; ske·dad·dling \-ˈdad-liŋ, -ˈda-dəl-iŋ\
Etymology: probably alteration of British dialect scaddle to run off in a fright, from scaddle, adjective, wild, timid, skittish, from Middle English scathel, skadylle harmful, fierce, wild, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skathi harm — more at scathe
Date: 1861
: run away, scram; especially : to flee in a panic

— ske·dad·dler \-ˈdad-lər, -ˈda-dəl-ər\ noun

(from "THE O.C.")

2008-05-21T21:51:00.000+08:00

er·go
Pronunciation:
\ˈer-(ˌ)gō, ˈər-\
Function: adverb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, from Old Latin, because of, from Old Latin *e rogo from the direction (of)
Date: 14th century
: therefore, hence

(from "The O.C.")

2008-03-29T07:31:00.001+08:00

fash·ion·is·ta
Pronunciation: \ˌfa-shə-ˈnēs-tə\
Function: noun
Etymology: 1fashion + -ista (as in Sandinista)
Date: 1993
: a designer, promoter, or follower of the latest fashions

(from StraitsTimes online)

2008-02-07T15:58:00.000+08:00

atwit·ter
Pronunciation: \ə-ˈtwi-tər\
Function: adjective
Date: 1833
: nervously concerned : excited

from a forum post

2008-02-02T07:04:00.000+08:00

in·sou·ci·ance
Pronunciation: \in-ˈsü-sē-ən(t)s, aⁿ-süs-ˈyäⁿs\
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from in- + soucier to trouble, disturb, from Old French, from Latin sollicitare — more at solicit
Date: 1799
: lighthearted unconcern : nonchalance
— in·sou·ci·ant \in-ˈsü-sē-ənt, aⁿ-süs-yäⁿ\ adjective
— in·sou·ci·ant·ly \in-ˈsü-sē-ənt-lē\ adverb

(from a forum post)

2008-01-06T07:35:00.000+08:00

red·o·lence
Pronunciation: \ˈre-də-lən(t)s\
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 : an often pungent or agreeable odor
2 : the quality or state of being redolent

2007-12-20T10:48:00.000+08:00

mus·cu·la·ture
Pronunciation: \ˈməs-kyə-lə-ˌchu̇r, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r\
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Latin musculus
Date: 1875
: the muscles of all or a part of the animal body

(from a forum)

2007-12-20T10:17:00.000+08:00

epiph·a·ny
Pronunciation: \i-ˈpi-fə-nē\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural epiph·a·nies
Etymology:
Middle English epiphanie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin epiphania, from Late Greek, plural, probably alteration of Greek epiphaneia appearance, manifestation, from epiphainein to manifest, from epi- + phainein to show — more at fancy
Date: 14th century
1capitalized : January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ
2: an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being

3 a (1): a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2): an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3): an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure
b: a revealing scene or moment

2007-12-16T16:25:00.000+08:00

nonplus
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s):
non·plussed also non·plused \-ˈpləst\; non·plus·sing also non·plus·ing \-ˈplə-siŋ\
Date: 1591
: to cause to be at a loss as to what to say, think, or do : perplex

(from a Sunday Times' forum letter)

2007-12-16T16:10:00.000+08:00

ec·to·mor·phic
Pronunciation: \ˌek-tə-ˈmȯr-fik\
Function: adjective
Etymology: ectoderm + -morphic; from the predominance in such types of structures developed from the ectoderm
Date: 1940
1 : of or relating to the component in West H. Sheldon's classification of body types that measures the body's degree of slenderness, angularity, and fragility
2 : characterized by a lean slender body build with slight muscular development

(from Sunday Times' Hot Bods)

2007-12-14T11:01:00.000+08:00

crag·gy
Pronunciation: \ˈkra-gē\
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): crag·gi·er; crag·gi·est
Date: 15th century
1 : full of crags
2 : rough, rugged
— crag·gi·ly \ˈkra-gə-lē\ adverb
— crag·gi·ness \ˈkra-gē-nəs\ noun

(from Alan's SMS)

2007-12-14T09:29:00.000+08:00

cesarean section
Variant(s): or caesarean section
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized C
Etymology: from the legendary association of such a delivery with the Roman cognomen Caesar
Date: 1615
: surgical incision of the walls of the abdomen and uterus for delivery of offspring

(from Straits Times interactive)

2007-12-13T02:32:00.000+08:00

sim·pa·ti·co
Pronunciation: \sim-ˈpä-ti-ˌkō, -ˈpa-\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Italian simpatico & Spanish simpático, ultimately from Latin sympathia sympathy
Date: 1864
1 : agreeable, likable 2 : being on the same wavelength : congenial, sympathetic

(from FACEBOOK)

2007-12-11T05:03:00.000+08:00

mar·tyr·dom
Pronunciation: \ˈmär-tər-dəm\
Function: noun
Date: before 12th century
1 : the suffering of death on account of adherence to a cause and especially to one's religious faith 2 : affliction, torture

(from the movie, The Mission)

2007-12-11T04:56:00.001+08:00

cat·a·clysm
Pronunciation: \ˈka-tə-ˌkli-zəm\
Function: noun
Etymology: French cataclysme, from Latin cataclysmos, from Greek kataklysmos, from kataklyzein to inundate, from kata- + klyzein to wash — more at clyster
Date: 1599
1: flood, deluge
2: catastrophe
3a3: a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval and demolition; broadly
: an event that brings great changes
— cat·a·clys·mal \ˌka-tə-ˈkliz-məl\ or cat·a·clys·mic \-mik\ adjective
— cat·a·clys·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

(from the movie Nanking)

2007-12-11T04:52:00.000+08:00

tif·fin
Pronunciation: \ˈti-fən\
Function: noun
Etymology: probably alteration of tiffing, gerund of obsolete English tiff to eat between meals
Date: 1800
chiefly British : a light midday meal : luncheon

2007-12-07T00:00:00.000+08:00

al·lu·sion
Pronunciation:
\ə-ˈlü-zhən\
Function: noun
Etymology: Late Latin allusion-, allusio, from Latin alludere
Date: 1548
1: an implied or indirect reference especially in literature; also : the use of such references
2: the act of alluding to or hinting at something
— al·lu·sive \-ˈlü-siv, -ziv\ adjective
— al·lu·sive·ly adverb
— al·lu·sive·ness noun

2007-11-25T05:45:00.000+08:00

cotton
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): cot·toned; cot·ton·ing \ˈkät-niŋ, ˈkä-tən-iŋ\
Date: 1605
1 : to take a liking —used with to
2 : to come to understand —used with to or on to

from Straits Times Interactive

2007-11-23T08:48:00.000+08:00

be·sot
Pronunciation: \bi-ˈsät, bē-\
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): be·sot·ted; be·sot·ting
Etymology: be- + sot (to stultify)
Date:
1567
1: infatuate
2: to make dull or stupid; especially : to muddle with drunkenness
— be·sot·ted·ly adverb

(from a blooger)

os·ten·si·ble
Pronunciation: \ä-ˈsten(t)-sə-bəl, ə-\
Function: adjective
Etymology: French, from Latin ostensus, past participle of ostendere to show, from obs-, ob- in the way + tendere to stretch — more at ob-, thin
Date: circa 1771
1 : intended for display : open to view
2 : being such in appearance : plausible rather than demonstrably true or real

(from "Facebook")

2007-11-09T07:49:00.000+08:00

seat–of–the–pants
Function: adjective
Date: 1942
: employing or based on personal experience, judgment, and effort rather than technological aids or formal theory

2007-10-15T10:00:00.000+08:00

pron·to
Pronunciation: \ˈprän-ˌtō\
Function: adverb
Etymology: Spanish, from Latin promptus prompt
Date: 1911
: without delay

2007-09-27T10:33:00.000+08:00

ac·qui·esce
Pronunciation: "a-kwE-'es
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -esced; -esc·ing
Etymology: French acquiescer, from Latin acquiescere, from ad- + quiescere to be quiet -- more at QUIESCENT
: to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively -- often used with in and sometimes with to

(from Marcus's email)

2007-08-18T09:30:00.000+08:00

vaude·ville
Pronunciation: 'vod-v&l, 'väd-, 'vOd-, -"vil; 'vo-d&-, 'vä-, 'vO-
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Middle French, popular satirical song, alteration of vaudevire, from vau-de-Vire valley of Vire, town in northwest France where such songs were composed
1 : a light often comic theatrical piece frequently combining pantomime, dialogue, dancing, and song
2 : stage entertainment consisting of various acts (as performing animals, acrobats, comedians, dancers, or singers)
- vaude·vil·lian /"vod-'vil-y&n, "väd-, "vOd-; "vo-d&-, "vä-, "vO-/ noun or adjective

from TV, MONK

2007-08-14T09:49:00.000+08:00

per·so·na non gra·ta
Pronunciation: \pər-ˈsō-nə-ˌnän-ˈgra-tə, -ˈgrä-\
Function: adjective
Etymology: New Latin, unacceptable person
Date: 1904
: personally unacceptable or unwelcome

bo·gart
Pronunciation: \ˈbō-ˌgärt\
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: probably from Humphrey Bogart died 1957 American film actor
Date: 1966
1 : bully
2 : to use or consume without sharing

caul·dron
Pronunciation: \ˈkȯl-drən\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, caudron, caldron, from Anglo-French cauderon, diminutive of caldere basin, from Late Latin caldaria, from feminine of Latin caldarius used for hot water, from calidus warm, from calēre to be warm — more at lee
Date: 14th century
1 : a large kettle or boiler
2 : something resembling a boiling cauldron in intensity or degree of agitation

from TV Dharma & Greg

2007-08-06T09:58:00.000+08:00

des·e·crate
Pronunciation: 'de-si-"krAt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -crat·ed; -crat·ing
Etymology: de- + -secrate (as in consecrate)
1 : to violate the sanctity of : PROFANE
2 : to treat disrespectfully, irreverently, or outrageously
- des·e·crat·er or des·e·cra·tor /-"krA-t&r/ noun

rarefied
Variant(s): also rarified
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : being less dense
2 : of, relating to, or interesting to a select group : esoteric
3 : very high

from TV, THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR

2007-07-29T21:57:00.000+08:00

ja·lopy
Pronunciation: j&-'lä-pE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural ja·lop·ies
Etymology: origin unknown
: a dilapidated old vehicle (as an automobile)

from the movie "Hanging Up"

2007-07-23T12:14:00.000+08:00

eye·tooth
Function: noun
Date: circa 1545
: a canine tooth of the upper jaw

rat·i·fy
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): rat·i·fied; rat·i·fy·ing
Etymology: Middle English ratifien, from Anglo-French ratifier, from Medieval Latin ratificare, from Latin ratus determined, from past participle of reri to calculate — more at reason
Date: 14th century
: to approve and sanction formally : confirm
— rat·i·fi·ca·tion \ noun
— rat·i·fi·er \ noun

from TV COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

2007-07-21T23:14:00.000+08:00

in·sip·id
Pronunciation: \in-ˈsi-pəd\
Function: adjective
Etymology: French & Late Latin; French insipide, from Late Latin insipidus, from Latin in- + sapidus savory, from sapere to taste — more at sage
Date: 1609
1 : lacking taste or savor : tasteless
2 : lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge : dull, flat
— in·si·pid·i·ty \ˌin-sə-ˈpi-də-tē\ noun
— in·sip·id·ly \in-ˈsi-pəd-lē\ adverb

from ST Forum

2007-07-19T23:18:00.000+08:00

photo finish
Function: noun
Date: 1936
1 : a race or finish in which contestants are so close that a photograph of them as they cross the finish line has to be examined to determine the winner
2 : a close contest

from "THE COSBY SHOW"

2007-07-17T16:25:00.000+08:00

im·pet·u·ous
Pronunciation: \im-ˈpech-wəs; -ˈpe-chə-, -chü-əs\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin impetuosus, from Latin impetus
Date: 14th century
1 : marked by impulsive vehemence or passion
2 : marked by force and violence of movement or action

from a T-shirt

2007-07-10T16:23:00.000+08:00

pon·toon
Pronunciation:
\pän-ˈtün\
Function: noun
Etymology: French ponton, from Old French, from Latin ponton-, ponto
Date: 1690
1: a flat-bottomed boat (as a lighter); especially : a flat-bottomed boat or portable float used in building a floating temporary bridge
2: a float especially of a seaplane

from a dragonboater

2007-07-05T13:28:00.000+08:00

ha·rangue
Pronunciation: h&-'ra[ng]
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French arenge, from Old Italian aringa, from aringare to speak in public, from aringo public assembly, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hring ring
1 : a speech addressed to a public assembly
2 : a ranting speech or writing
3 : LECTURE

from an English worksheet

2007-07-05T13:19:00.000+08:00

blar·ney
Pronunciation: 'blär-nE
Function: noun
Etymology: Blarney stone, a stone in Blarney Castle, near Cork, Ireland, held to bestow skill in flattery on those who kiss it
1 : skillful flattery : BLANDISHMENT
2 : NONSENSE, HUMBUG
- blarney verb

from Mrs Vinod

2007-06-30T09:00:00.000+08:00

segue
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): se·gued; se·gue·ing
Date: circa 1913
1 : to proceed without pause from one musical number or theme to another
2 : to make a transition without interruption from one activity, topic, scene, or part to another

es·chew
Pronunciation: \e-ˈshü, i-; es-ˈchü, is-; also e-ˈskyü\
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French eschiver (3d present eschiu) of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German sciuhen to frighten off — more at shy
Date: 14th century
: to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds : shun

from "BONES"

2007-06-23T01:56:00.000+08:00

re·dux
Pronunciation: (")rE-'d&ks, 'rE-"
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin, returning, from reducere to lead back
: brought back -- used postpositively

veto
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): ve·toed; ve·to·ing
: to refuse to admit or approve : PROHIBIT; also : to refuse assent to (a legislative bill) so as to prevent enactment or cause reconsideration
- ve·to·er /-"tO-&r/ noun

rider
a : an addition to a document (as an insurance policy) often attached on a separate piece of paper
b : a clause appended to a legislative bill to secure a usually distinct object

from "Commander In Chief"

2007-06-21T02:02:00.000+08:00

quantum leap
Function: noun
: an abrupt change, sudden increase, or dramatic advance

2007-06-19T02:04:00.000+08:00

ap·o·plec·tic
Pronunciation: "a-p&-'plek-tik
Function: adjective
Etymology: French or Late Latin; French apoplectique, from Late Latin apoplecticus, from Greek apoplEktikos, from apoplEssein
1 : of, relating to, or causing stroke
2 : affected with, inclined to, or showing symptoms of stroke
3 : of a kind to cause or apparently cause stroke ; also : greatly excited or angered
- ap·o·plec·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb

2007-06-06T21:51:00.000+08:00

Heim·lich maneuver
Pronunciation: 'hIm-lik-
Function: noun
Etymology: Henry J. Heimlich b1920 American surgeon
: the manual application of sudden upward pressure on the upper abdomen of a choking victim to force a foreign object from the trachea

bo·gart
Pronunciation: 'bO-"gärt
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: probably from Humphrey Bogart died 1957 American film actor
1 : BULLY, INTIMIDATE
2 : to use or consume without sharing

bel·lig·er·ent
Pronunciation: -r&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: modification of Latin belligerant-, belligerans, present participle of belligerare to wage war, from belliger waging war, from bellum + gerere to wage
1 : waging war; specifically : belonging to or recognized as a state at war and protected by and subject to the laws of war
2 : inclined to or exhibiting assertiveness, hostility, or combativeness
- belligerent noun
- bel·lig·er·ent·ly adverb

from "Dharma & Greg"

2007-06-02T01:07:00.000+08:00

co·ven
Pronunciation: 'k&-v&n also 'kO-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English covin agreement, confederacy, from Anglo-French covine, from Medieval Latin convenium agreement, from Latin convenire to agree -- more at CONVENIENT
1 : a collection of individuals with similar interests or activities
2 : an assembly or band of usually 13 witches

from "Rosemary's Baby"

2007-05-19T23:02:00.000+08:00

verbatim
Function: adjective
: being in or following the exact words : WORD-FOR-WORD

from "The O.C."

2007-05-14T21:55:00.000+08:00

dis·com·bob·u·late
Pronunciation: "dis-k&m-'bä-b(y)&-"lAt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ingEtymology: probably alteration of discompose: UPSET, CONFUSE
- dis·com·bob·u·la·tion

poin·til·lism
Pronunciation: 'pwan(n)-tE-"yi-z&m, 'poin-t&-"li-z&m
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: French pointillisme, from pointiller to stipple, from point spot, from Old French -- more at POINT
: the theory or practice in art of applying small strokes or dots of color to a surface so that from a distance they blend together
- poin·til·list /"pwan(n)-tE-'yEst, 'poin-t&-list/ noun

from "The Entourage"

2007-04-29T07:59:00.000+08:00

frank
Function: transitive verb
1 a : to mark (a piece of mail) with an official signature or sign indicating the right of the sender to free mailing
b : to mail free
c : to affix to (mail) a stamp or a marking indicating the payment of postage
2 : to enable to pass or go freely or easily
- frank·able /'fra[ng]-k&-b&l/ adjective
- frank·er noun

from Sengkang Post Office

2007-04-24T08:04:00.000+08:00

wast·rel

Pronunciation: 'wAs-tr&l also 'wäs
-Function: noun
Etymology: irregular from 2
waste1 : VAGABOND, WAIF
2 : one who expends resources foolishly and self-indulgently : PROFLIGATE

from Natasha aka Mrs Vinod

2007-04-16T22:11:00.000+08:00

doppelgänger
Main Entry: dop·pel·gäng·er
Variant(s): or dop·pel·gang·er /'dä-p&l-"ga[ng]-&r, -"ge[ng]-, "dä-p&l-'/
Function: noun
Etymology: German Doppelgänger, from doppel- double + -gänger goer
1 : a ghostly counterpart of a living person
2 a : DOUBLE
2a b : ALTER EGO
b c : a person who has the same name as another

from "CSI"

2007-04-11T21:49:00.000+08:00

coup d'état
Variant(s): or coup d'etat /"kü-(")dA-'tä, 'kü-(")dA-", -d&-/
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural coups d'état or coups d'etat /-'tä(z), -"tä(z)/
Etymology: French, literally, stroke of state
: a sudden decisive exercise of force in politics; especially
: the violent overthrow or alteration of an existing government by a small group

from "Commander In Chief"

2007-04-09T19:56:00.000+08:00

abecedarian
\ay-bee-see-DAIR-ee-uhn\,
noun:
1. One who is learning the alphabet; hence, a beginner.
2. One engaged in teaching the alphabet.
3. Pertaining to the letters of the alphabet.
4. Arranged alphabetically.
5. Rudimentary; elementary.

from "Word of the day"

2007-04-06T00:17:00.000+08:00

gubernatorial
Pronunciation: "gü-b&(r)-n&-'tor-E-&l, "gyü-, "gu-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin gubernator governor, steersman, from gubernare to govern -- more at GOVERN
: of or relating to a governor

from Seinfeld

2007-03-21T22:04:00.000+08:00

slug·abed
Pronunciation: 'sl&-g&-"bed
Function: noun
: a person who stays in bed after the usual or proper time to get up; broadly : SLUGGARD

from Serling's blog

2007-03-18T21:46:00.000+08:00

ma·sa·la

Pronunciation: mä-'sä-lä, -l&, m&-
Function: noun
Etymology: Hindi & Urdu masAlA materials, ingredients, spices:
a varying blend of spices used in Indian cooking

from a bus ad

2007-03-12T15:41:00.000+08:00

vi·va vo·ce
Pronunciation: \ˌvī-və-ˈvō-(ˌ)sē or ˌvē-və-ˈvō-(ˌ)chā\
Function: adverb
Etymology: Medieval Latin, with the living voice
Date: 1563
: by word of mouth : orally

Function: adjective
Date: 1654
: expressed or conducted by word of mouth : oral

Function: noun
Date: 1842
: an examination conducted viva voce —called also viva

from a synopsis found in a seminar handout

2007-03-04T17:10:00.000+08:00

smart
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: Middle English smerten, from Old English smeortan; akin to Old High German smerzan to pain
Date: 13th century
1: to cause or be the cause or seat of a sharp stinging pain; also : to feel or have such a pain
2 a: to feel or endure distress, remorse, or embarrassment
b: to pay a heavy or stinging penalty

from a brochure on fire prevention

2007-03-01T20:51:00.000+08:00

char·ley horse
Pronunciation: 'chär-lE-"hors
Function: noun
Etymology: from Charley, nickname for Charles
: a muscular pain, cramping, or stiffness especially of the quadriceps that results from a strain or bruise

from "LOST"

2007-02-25T00:38:00.000+08:00

hy·per·tro·phy
Pronunciation: hI-'p&r-tr&-fE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -phies
Etymology: probably from New Latin hypertrophia, from hyper- + -trophia -trophy
1 : excessive development of an organ or part; specifically : increase in bulk (as by thickening of muscle fibers) without multiplication of parts
2 : exaggerated growth or complexity
- hy·per·tro·phic /"hI-p&r-'trO-fik/ adjective

from an ad

2007-02-19T00:19:00.000+08:00

de·lec·ta·ble
Pronunciation: di-'lek-t&-b&l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin delectabilis, from delectare to delight -- more at DELIGHT
1 : highly pleasing : DELIGHTFUL
2 : DELICIOUS - de·lec·ta·bil·i·ty /-"lek-t&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
- de·lec·ta·bly /-blE/ adverb

2007-02-13T22:17:00.000+08:00

sua·sion
Pronunciation: 'swA-zh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin suasion-, suasio, from suadEre to urge, persuade -- more at SWEET
: the act of influencing or persuading
- sua·sive /'swA-siv, -ziv/ adjective
- sua·sive·ly adverb
- sua·sive·ness noun

(from Serling's blog)

2007-02-11T22:00:00.000+08:00

fob off
Function: transitive verb
1 : to put off with a trick, excuse, or inferior substitute
2 : to pass or offer (something spurious) as genuine
3 : to put aside

(from Straits Times)

2007-02-10T00:22:00.000+08:00

attending

Function: adjective
: serving as a physician on the staff of a teaching hospital

Function: noun
: an attending physician or surgeon

from "Grey's Anatomy"

2007-02-03T19:32:00.000+08:00

hon·ky-tonk
Pronunciation: 'hä[ng]-kE-"tä[ng]k, 'ho[ng]-kE-"to[ng]k
Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown
1 : a usually tawdry nightclub or dance hall; especially : one that features country music
2 : a district marked by places of cheap entertainment
3 : country music that has a heavy beat and lyrics dealing usually with vice or misfortune - hon·ky-tonk·er /-"tä[ng]-k&r, -"to[ng]-/ noun

2007-01-21T21:46:00.000+08:00

res·tive
Pronunciation: 'res-tiv
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English restyf, from Anglo-French restif, from rester to stop, resist, remain
1 : stubbornly resisting control : BALKY
2 : marked by impatience or uneasiness : FIDGETY
synonym see CONTRARY
- res·tive·ly adverb
- res·tive·ness noun

from Channel News Asia

2006-12-31T21:31:00.001+08:00

fait accompli
\fay-tah-kom-PLEE; fet-ah-\, noun;plural faits accomplis \same or -PLEEZ\
: An accomplished and presumably irreversible deed or fact.

In 1991, with German reunification a fait accompli and the European Community striding toward full political and economic integration, the future had seemed extraordinarily bright.-- Richard K. Lester, The Productive Edge

Olga, strict and tradition-minded, marries a man her father has found for her in Greece: she accepts the choice as a fait accompli, and falls in love with him on sight.-- Michiko Kakutani, "After 'Eleni,' Life of a Woman's Children in America", New York Times, October 17, 1989

To argue that Napoleon could have acted differently at Borodino is a meaningless wrestle with a fait accompli.-- James Wood, The Broken Estate

Fait accompli comes from the French, literally meaning "accomplished fact": fait, from Latin factum, "a thing done," from factus, past participle of facere, "to make or do" + accompli, past participle of accomplir, from Latin ad- + complere, "to fill up, to complete," from com- + plere, "to fill."

2006-12-15T22:50:00.000+08:00

shimmy
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): shim·mied; shim·my·ing
1 : to shake, quiver, or tremble in or as if in dancing a shimmy
2 : to vibrate abnormally -- used especially of automobiles
3 : SHINNY

(from Straits Times)

2006-12-04T23:27:00.001+08:00

addendum
Pronunciation: &-'den-d&m
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural ad·den·da /-'den-d& /; also -den·dumsEtymology: Latin, neuter of addendus, gerundive of addere
1 : a thing added : ADDITION
2 : a supplement to a book -- often used in plural but sing. in constr

2006-12-02T23:15:00.000+08:00

monocle
Pronunciation: 'mä-ni-k&l
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Late Latin monoculus having one eye, from Latin mon- + oculus eye -- more at EYE
: an eyeglass for one eye
- monocled /-k&ld/ adjective

2006-11-29T12:19:00.000+08:00

triage
Pronunciation: trE-'äzh, 'trE-"
Function: noun
Etymology: French, sorting, sifting, from trier to sort, from Old French -- more at TRY
1 a : the sorting of and allocation of treatment to patients and especially battle and disaster victims according to a system of priorities designed to maximize the number of survivors
b : the sorting of patients (as in an emergency room) according to the urgency of their need for care2 : the assigning of priority order to projects on the basis of where funds and other resources can be best used, are most needed, or are most likely to achieve success

(taken from Mandai Hill Camp Medical Centre)

2006-11-07T23:11:00.000+08:00

riffraff
Pronunciation: 'rif-"raf
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English ryffe raffe, from rif and raf every single one, from Anglo-French rif e raf altogether
1 a : disreputable persons b : RABBLE c : one of the riffraff
2 : REFUSE, RUBBISH - riffraff adjective

2006-11-03T23:03:00.000+08:00

egalitarianism
Pronunciation: -E-&-"ni-z&m
Function: noun
1 : a belief in human equality especially with respect to social, political, and economic rights and privileges
2 : a social philosophy advocating the removal of inequalities among people

2006-10-15T23:46:00.000+08:00

élan
Pronunciation: A-'län
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Middle French eslan rush, from (s')eslancer to rush, from ex- + lancer to hurl -- more at LANCE
: vigorous spirit or enthusiasm

2006-09-09T00:45:00.000+08:00

small beer
noun:1. Weak beer.2. Insignificant matters; something of little importance.3. Unimportant; trivial.

We dined early upon stale bread and old mutton with small beer.-- Ferdinand Mount,, Jem (and Sam)

I was not born for this kind of small beer, says Joan the wife of the colonial governor, who imagines leading armies or "droves of inflamed poets."-- Nancy Willard, "The Nameless Women of the World", New York Times, December 18, 1988

Call me a geek, but for biologists, marvels like the parasitic flatworm are on tap every day, making the reveries of Hollywood seem like small beer.-- Jerry A. Coyne, "The Truth Is Way Out There", New York Times, October 10, 1999

2006-07-16T23:08:00.000+08:00

curmudgeon
Pronunciation: (")k&r-'m&-j&n
Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown
1 archaic : MISER
2 : a crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man
- curmudgeonli·ness /-lE-n&s/ noun
- curmudgeonly /-lE/ adjective

2006-06-30T00:26:00.000+08:00

stentorian
Pronunciation: sten-'tOr-E-&n, -'tor-
Function: adjective
: extremely loud

(from Serling's blog entry)

2006-06-20T22:48:00.000+08:00

capelet
Pronunciation: 'kAp-l&t
Function: noun
: a small cape usually covering the shoulders

(from ST URBAN publication)

2006-06-15T01:39:00.000+08:00

filibuster
Pronunciation: 'fi-l&-"b&s-t&r
Function: noun
Etymology: Spanish filibustero, literally, freebooter
1 : an irregular military adventurer; specifically : an American engaged in fomenting insurrections in Latin America in the mid-19th century
2 [2filibuster]
a : the use of extreme dilatory tactics in an attempt to delay or prevent action especially in a legislative assembly
b : an instance of this practice

(from ST)

2006-06-14T00:34:00.000+08:00

promulgate
Pronunciation: 'prä-m&l-"gAt; prO-'m&l-, pr&-', 'prO-(")
Function: transitive verbInflected Form(s): -gat·ed; -gat·ing
Etymology: Latin
promulgatus, past participle of promulgare, from pro- forward + -mulgare (probably akin to mulgEre to milk, extract) -- more at EMULSION
1 : to make known by open declaration : PROCLAIM
2 a : to make known or public the terms of (a proposed law) b : to put (a law) into action or forcesynonym see DECLARE
- promulgation /"prä-m&l-'gA-sh&n; "prO-(")m&l-, (")prO-"/ noun
- promulgator /'prä-m&l-"gA-t&r; prO-'m&l-, pr&-', 'prO-(")/ noun

(from an NPCC directive)

2006-06-13T00:42:00.000+08:00

potshot
Pronunciation: -"shät
Function: noun
Etymology: from the notion that such a shot is unsportsmanlike and worthy only of one whose object is to fill the cooking pot
1 : a shot taken from ambush or at a random or easy target
2 : a critical remark made in a random or sporadic manner

(from ST)

2006-06-13T00:40:00.000+08:00

choleric
Pronunciation: 'kä-l&-rik, k&-'ler-ik
Function: adjective
1 : easily moved to often unreasonable or excessive anger : hot-tempered
2 : ANGRY, IRATE- cho·ler·i·cal·ly /-ri-k(&-)lE, -i-k(&-)lE/ adverb

(from an interview with Sun in ST)

2006-06-04T01:19:00.000+08:00

bon vivant
Pronunciation: "bän-vE-'vänt, "bOn-vE-'vän
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural bons vivants /"bän-vE-'vän(t)s, "bOn-vE-'vän(z)/; or bon vivants /same/
Etymology: French, literally, good liver
: a person having cultivated, refined, and sociable tastes especially in respect to food and drink

(from an interview with K.F. Seetoh, founder of Makansutra)

2006-06-03T01:22:00.000+08:00

froufrou
Pronunciation: 'frü-(")frü
Function: noun
Etymology: French, of imitative origin
1 : a rustling especially of a woman's skirts
2 : showy or frilly ornamentation

(from "THE O.C.")

2006-06-01T23:16:00.000+08:00

emasculate
Pronunciation: i-'mas-ky&-"lAt
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing
Etymology: Latin emasculatus, past participle of emasculare, from e- + masculus male -- more at MALE
1 : to deprive of strength, vigor, or spirit : WEAKEN
2 : to deprive of virility or procreative power : CASTRATE
3 : to remove the androecium of (a flower) in the process of artificial cross-pollination

(from a quote by Teri Hatcher)

2006-05-31T23:20:00.000+08:00

copacetic
Variant(s): or copesetic also copasetic /"kO-p&-'se-tik/
Function: adjective
Etymology: origin unknown
: very satisfactory

(from Joan Allen's interview in "Manhunter" DVD)

2006-05-30T23:13:00.000+08:00

esoteric
Pronunciation: "e-s&-'ter-ik, -'te-rik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin esotericus, from Greek esOterikos, from esOterO, comparative of eisO, esO within, from eis into; akin to Greek en in -- more at IN
2 a : limited to a small circle
b : PRIVATE, CONFIDENTIAL 3 : of special, rare, or unusual interest

(from ST)

2006-05-29T23:06:00.000+08:00

doyen
Pronunciation: 'doi-&n, -"(y)en; 'dwä-"yan(n)
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Late Latin decanus dean -- more at DEAN
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
Pronunciation: doi-'(y)en, dwä-'yen
Function: noun
Etymology: French, feminine of doyen: a woman who is a doyen

(from ST)

2006-05-24T21:53:00.000+08:00

hard-line
Pronunciation: 'härd-'lIn
Function: adjective
: advocating or involving a rigidly uncompromising course of action
- hard-liner /-'lI-n&r/ noun

(from ST article)

2006-05-18T21:07:00.000+08:00

roughhouse
Pronunciation: -"haus, -"hauz
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): rough·housed; rough·hous·ingtransitive senses
: to treat in a boisterously rough manner
intransitive senses : to engage in roughhouse

(from "DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES")

2006-05-17T22:44:00.000+08:00

bib
Function: noun
1 : a cloth or plastic shield tied under the chin to protect the clothes
2 : the part of an apron or of overalls extending above the waist
3 : a patch of differently colored feathers or fur immediately below the bill or chin of a bird or mammal

(from a comic striping poking fun at Superman's cape)

2006-05-17T21:56:00.000+08:00

gerrymander
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -dered; ger·ry·man·der·ing /-d(&-)ri[ng]/
1 : to divide (a territorial unit) into election districts to give one political party an electoral majority in a large number of districts while concentrating the voting strength of the opposition in as few districts as possible
2 : to divide (an area) into political units to give special advantages to one group

(from ST forum page)

2006-05-15T22:52:00.000+08:00

worrywart
Pronunciation: 'w&r-E-"wort, 'w&-rE-Function: noun
: one who is inclined to worry unduly

(from ST article)

2006-05-14T22:50:00.000+08:00

corrigendum
Pronunciation: "kor-&-'jen-d&m, "kär-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural cor·ri·gen·da /-d&/
Etymology: Latin, neuter of corrigendus, gerundive of corrigere to correct
: an error in a printed work discovered after printing and shown with its correction on a separate sheet

(from void deck noticeboard)

2006-05-14T22:18:00.000+08:00

impresario
Pronunciation: "im-pr&-'sär-E-"O, -'sar-, -'zär-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ri·os
Etymology: Italian, from impresa undertaking, from imprendere to undertake, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin imprehendere -- more at EMPRISE
1 : the promoter, manager, or conductor of an opera or concert company
2 : a person who puts on or sponsors an entertainment (as a television show or sports event)
3 : MANAGER, DIRECTOR

(from Jay Chou's fansite)

2006-05-13T01:35:00.000+08:00

in toto
Pronunciation: in-'tO-(")tOFunction: adverbEtymology: Latin, on the whole
: TOTALLY, ENTIRELY

(from "ROMAN HOLIDAY")

2006-05-12T16:08:00.001+08:00

cinch
Pronunciation: 'sinch
Function: noun
Etymology: Spanish cincha, from Latin cingula girdle, girth, from cingere
1 : a girth for a pack or saddl
e2 : a tight grip
3 a : a thing done with ease b : a certainty to happen

(from ST article)

2006-05-12T16:05:00.000+08:00

behest
Pronunciation: bi-'hestFunction: nounEtymology: Middle English, promise, command, from Old English beh[AE]s promise, from behAtan to promise, from be- + hAtan to command, promise -- more at HIGHT
1 : an authoritative order: COMMAND
2 : an urgent prompting

(from ST article)

2006-05-11T16:22:00.000+08:00

tourney
Pronunciation: 'tur-nE, 't&r- also 'tor-
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): tourneyed; tourneying
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French torneier, from Old French, from torn, tourn lathe, circuit
: to perform in a tournament

(from "LOST")

2006-05-07T16:33:00.000+08:00

eclectic
Pronunciation: e-'klek-tik, i-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek eklektikos, from eklegein to select, from ex- out + legein to gather -- more at LEGEND
1 : selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles
2 : composed of elements drawn from various sources; also
: HETEROGENEOUS- eclec·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb

(from "FRIENDS")