Wiktionary:Word of the day/Archive/2008/September

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1

 

Word of the day
for September 1
ossify v
  1. To transform from a softer substance into bone.
  2. To become inflexible and rigid in habits or opinions.
  3. To grow formulaic and permanent
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2

 

Word of the day
for September 2
spoilsport n
  1. Someone who puts an end to harmless fun
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3

 

Word of the day
for September 3
forensic adj
  1. Relating to the use of science and technology in a court of law.
  2. (dated) Relating to, or appropriate for courts of law.
  3. (archaic) Relating to, or used in debate or argument
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4

 

Word of the day
for September 4
wane v
  1. To progressively loses its splendor, ardor, power, etc.
  2. (of light) To dim or diminish in strength.
  3. (of the Moon) To decrease in visible surface during its phases
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5

 

Word of the day
for September 5
sempiternal adj
  1. Seemingly everlasting or eternal
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6

 

Word of the day
for September 6
debacle n
  1. An event or enterprise that ends suddenly and disastrously.
  2. (ecology) A breaking up of a natural dam by a river and the ensuing rush of water
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7

 

Word of the day
for September 7
cavort v
  1. To move about carelessly or boisterously
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8

 

Word of the day
for September 8
fisticuffs n
  1. (informal) An impromptu fight with the fists, usually between only two people.
  2. (sports, dated) Bare-knuckled boxing
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9

 

Word of the day
for September 9
apropos adj
  1. Of an appropriate or pertinent nature
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10

 

Word of the day
for September 10
ventriloquist n
  1. Someone, especially an entertainer, who practices ventriloquism
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11

 

Word of the day
for September 11
realm n
  1. A sphere of real or imaginary influence.
  2. The domain of a certain abstraction.
  3. (formal or law) A territory or state, as ruled by a specific power
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12

 

Word of the day
for September 12
tare v
  1. (economics and law) To take into account the weight of the container.
  2. (science) To set a zero value on an instrument
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13

 

Word of the day
for September 13
discus n
  1. A round plate-like object that is thrown for sport.
  2. The athletics sport of discus throwing.
  3. A discus fish
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14

 

Word of the day
for September 14
unabashed adj
  1. Not disconcerted or embarrassed.
  2. Not concealed or disguised, or not eliciting shame
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15

 

Word of the day
for September 15
bide n
  1. (dialectal) To bear; to endure; to tolerate.
  2. (archaic) To dwell or reside in a location; to abide.
  3. (archaic) To wait; to be in expectation
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16

 

Word of the day
for September 16
indubitably adv
  1. In a manner that leaves no possibility of doubt; undoubtedly
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17

 

Word of the day
for September 15
complicit adj
  1. Involved in or compliant with some behavior, especially of a questionable nature
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18

 

Word of the day
for September 18
postulate v
  1. To assume as a truthful or accurate premise.
  2. (Christianity, historical) To appoint or request one's appointment to an ecclesiastical office
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19

 

Word of the day
for September 19
kitsch adj
  1. Considered of questionable aesthetic value; excessively sentimental, overdone or vulgar
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20

 

Word of the day
for September 20
sack v
  1. To plunder or pillage, especially after capture.
  2. (informal) To fire or remove someone from their job.
  3. (American football) To tackle the offensive quarterback before he is able to throw a pass.
  4. (slang) To hit a person, usually male, in the groin
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21

 

Word of the day
for September 21
between a rock and a hard place adv
  1. Having the choice between two unpleasant or distasteful options
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22

 

Word of the day
for September 22
peruse v
  1. To examine or consider with care.
  2. To read completely.
  3. (informal) To look over casually; to skim
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23

 

Word of the day
for September 23
yarmulke n
  1. A skullcap worn by religious Jewish males
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24

 

Word of the day
for September 24
obtund v
  1. (medicine) To reduce the edge or effects of; to mitigate; to dull
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25

 

Word of the day
for September 25
taupe adj
  1. Of a dark brownish-gray colour
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26

 

Word of the day
for September 26
anomaly n
  1. Something that is strange or unusual.
  2. (sciences and computing) Something that diverges from what is expected of it.
  3. (sciences) Any event that is out of the ordinary
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27

 

Word of the day
for September 27
expiate v
  1. To atone or make reparation for.
  2. To make amends or pay the penalty for
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28

 

Word of the day
for September 28
refractory adj
  1. Obstinate and unruly; strongly opposed to something.
  2. Not affected by great heat.
  3. (medicine) Difficult to treat.
  4. (biology) Incapable of registering a reaction or stimulus
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29

 

Word of the day
for September 29
parlance n
  1. A certain way of speaking, of using words.
  2. (archaic) Speech, discussion or debate
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30

 

Word of the day
for September 30
consummate v
  1. To bring to completion; to accomplish.
  2. To make (a marriage) complete by engaging in first sexual intercourse
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