Word of the Day Thread 2007

[AYHJA]

If you can, share a word with the others here once a day, if one hasn't been posted already...This has always been one of my favorite threads here...This is the BB code for it:

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Pronunciation:

Function:

Etymology:


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DYK » »

[AYHJA]

Palaver

Pronunciation: puh-lav-er, ‑lah-ver
Function: noun, verb, -ered, -er·ing.
Etymology: Portuguese palavra word, speech, from Late Latin parabola parable, speech

1. A conference or discussion.
2. A long parley, esp. one between primitive natives and European traders, explorers, colonial officials, etc.
3. Profuse and idle talk; chatter.
4. Persuasive talk; flattery; cajolery.

DYK » » Palaver derives from Late Latin parabola, "a proverb, a parable," from Greek parabole, from paraballein, "to compare," from para-, "beside" + ballein, "to throw."

[Adtz]

Phylactery

Pronunciation: fi-lak-ter-ree

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English philaterie, from Medieval Latin philaterium, alteration of Late Latin phylacterium, from Greek phylaktErion amulet, phylactery, from phylassein to guard, from phylak-, phylax guard

1: Either of two small square leather boxes containing slips inscribed with scriptural passages and traditionally worn on the left arm and on the head by observant Jewish men and especially adherents of Orthodox Judaism during morning weekday prayers

2: An amulet or charm

3: A soul jar for a liche in the game Dungeons and Dragons

DYK » » Comes from the Greek word for guard, phylacteries were simple objects used to guard the health or wellbeing of the wearer.

[AYHJA]

Animadversion

Pronunciation: an·i·mad·ver·sion

Function: noun

Etymology: an·i·mad·ver·sion

1: a critical and usually censorious remark
2: the act of criticizing

[AYHJA]

Roborant

Pronunciation: \ROB-uh-ruhnt\

Function: Adjective

Etymology: Roborant derives from the present participle of Latin roborare, "to strengthen," from robur, roboris, "strength."


1: Strengthening; restoring vigor.

[Adtz]

Solipsism

Pronunciation: SOL-ip-siz-uhm

Function: Noun

Etymology: Latin sōlus, alone; + Latin ipse, self + -ism


1: The theory that the self is the only thing that can be known and verified.

2: The theory or view that the self is the only reality.

[AYHJA]

Jocular

Pronunciation: \JOK-yuh-luhr\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Jocular comes from Latin jocularis, from joculus, diminutive of jocus, "joke."

1: Given to joking or jesting.
2: Characterized by joking; playful.

[AYHJA]

Accede

Pronunciation: \ak-SEED\

Function: Intransitive Verb

Etymology: Accede derives from Latin accedere, "to approach, to accede," from ad-, "toward, to" + cedere, "to move, to yield."

1: To agree or assent; to give in to a request or demand
2: To become a party to an agreement, treaty, convention, etc.
3: To attain an office or rank; to enter upon the duties of an office.

[AYHJA]

Argot

Pronunciation: \AHR-go; -gut\

Function: noun

Etymology: 1860, from Fr. argot (17c.) "the jargon of Paris rogues and thieves," earlier "the company of beggars," from M.Fr., "group of beggars," origin unknown. The Eng. equivalent is cant. The Ger. equivalent is Rotwelsch, lit. "Red Welsh," but the first element may be connected with M.H.G. rot "beggar."

1: A specialized and often secret vocabulary and idiom peculiar to a particular group.
2: A secret language or conventional slang peculiar to thieves, tramps, and vagabonds.

DYK » » CDR is certified AF argot..!

[AYHJA]

Redolent

Pronunciation: \RED-uh-luhnt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin redolent-, redolens, present participle of redolEre to emit a scent, from re-, red- + olEre to smell

1. 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').