Wiktionary:Word of the day/Archive/2006/July

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1

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ragamuffin n

A dirty, shabbily-clothed child; an urchin.

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2

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disparate adj

Composed of inherently different or distinct elements; incongruous. Markedly different.

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3

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behemoth n

A great and mighty monster. Something which has the qualities of great power and might, and monstrous proportions.

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4

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ululate v

To howl loudly or prolongedly in lamentation or joy.

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5

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iterative adj

Of a procedure that involves repetition of steps to achieve the desired outcome. (grammar): Expressive of an action that is repeated with frequency.

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6

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fraternize v

To associate with others in a friendly manner, especially with an enemy.

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7

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sycophant n

One who uses compliments to gain self-serving favor or advantage from another.

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8

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eccentric adj

Not perfectly circular, such as an orbit. Deviating from the norm; behaving unexpectedly. (physiology): Acting against or in the opposite direction of a muscle's contraction.

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9

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convolute v

To make something unnecessarily complex. To fold or coil into numerous overlapping layers. To twist someone's words to fit a desired meaning that was not intended by the speaker.

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10

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niche n

A hollow or recess, generally within the thickness of a wall, for a statue, bust, or other erect ornament. (ecology): A function within an ecological system to which an organism is especially suited. (by extension): Any position of opportunity for which one is well-suited.

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11

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anachronistic adj

Erroneous in date; containing an anachronism; in a wrong time.

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12

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oxymoron n

A figure of speech in which two words of opposing meanings are used together to express two contrasting qualities in one concept. (informally): A contradiction in terms.

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13

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vex v

To annoy. To cause (mental) suffering to; to distress.

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14

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Gordian knot n

A legendary knot which carried a prophecy that whoever loosed the knot would become ruler of all Asia. Alexander the Great solved the puzzle by slicing through the knot and took it as a sign of Zeus's favor. (by extension): Any intricate and complex problem.

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15

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lignify v

To become wood. (botany): To develop woody tissue as a result of secondary growth.

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16

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salubrious adj

Promoting health or well-being; wholesome.

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17

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hermeneutics n

The study or theory of the methodical interpretation of text, especially holy texts.

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18

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pander v

To tempt, usually by appealing to improper motivators. To offer illicit sex.

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19

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uxoricide n

A man who kills his wife. The killing of one's wife.

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20

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lachrymose adj

Tearful; causing tears or crying.

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21

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blurt v

To utter suddenly and unadvisedly; to divulge inconsiderately.

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22

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celerity n

Speed, rapidity. (oceanography) The speed of individual waves (as opposed to the speed of groups of waves).

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23

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gerrymander v

To divide a geographic area into voting districts in such a way as to give an unfair advantage to one party in an election.

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24

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pragmatic adj

Practical; concerned with making decisions and actions that are useful in practice, not just in theory.

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25

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corsair n

A pirate along the Barbary coast. A fast pirate ship or privateer.

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26

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surreptitiously adv

In a surreptitious manner; stealthily, furtively.

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27

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juxtapose v

To place side by side, especially for comparsion.

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28

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mellifluous adj

Flowing like honey. Sweet and smooth; generally used of a person's voice, tone, or writing style.

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29

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tryst n

A meeting between lovers.

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30

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hubris n

Conceited pride or arrogance.

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31

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docile adj

Ready to accept control or instruction. Yielding to supervision, direction, or management.

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