Wiktionary:Word of the day/Archive/2009/October

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1

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agape adj

(of a mouth) Gaping, as with wonder, expectation, or eager attention. Open wide

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2

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heterographic adj

Misspelled; of or pertaining to an incorrect spelling or a spelling that differs from accepted standards. (linguistics) Of a writing system in which a particular symbol represents more than one possible sound

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3

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curfew n

(historical) A regulation in feudal Europe by which fires had to be covered up or put out at a certain fixed time in the evening. The evening bell, which continued to be rung in many towns after the regulation itself became obsolete. Any regulation requiring people to be off the streets and in their homes by a certain time. The time when such restriction begins

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4

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proscenium n

(in a modern theater) The stage area between the curtain and the orchestra. (in an ancient theater) The stage area immediately in front of the scene building

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5

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inure v

To cause to become accustomed to something unpleasant by prolonged exposure

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6

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balmy adj

Soothing or fragrant. Mild and pleasant. (US, informal) Foolish; slightly crazy or mad; eccentric

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7

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firebrand n

An argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the current situation. A torch or other burning stick with a flame at one end

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8

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newfangled adj

Contemptibly modern, unfamiliar, or different

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9

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beget v

To cause; to produce. To procreate or to father; to get with child

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10

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lickspittle n

A toady, brown noser, base sycophant. (by extension) The practice of giving empty flattery for personal gain

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11

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circumspect adj

Carefully aware of all circumstances; considerate of all that is pertinent

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12

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13

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palaver v

To discuss with much talk

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14

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gratuitously adv

Freely; in the manner of a gift, without being earned. In a manner not demanded by the circumstances, without reason, justification, cause, or proof

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15

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verandah n

A gallery, platform, or balcony, usually roofed and often partly enclosed, extending along the outside of a building

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16

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catechumen n

A convert to Christianity under instruction before baptism; a young Christian preparing for confirmation

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17

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tranquil adj

Free from emotional or mental disturbance. Calm; without motion or sound

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18

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entourage n

A retinue of attendants, associates or followers

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19

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jury-rig v

To make an improvised rigging or assembly from whatever is available. To create a makeshift, ad hoc solution from resources at hand

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20

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stage whisper n

(theater) A line that is performed on stage as if it were whispered, but is spoken loud enough that the audience can hear

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21

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dumbfound v

To confuse and bewilder; to leave speechless

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22

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palatable adj

Pleasing to the taste, tasty. Tolerable, acceptable

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23

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haiku n

A Japanese poem of a specific form, consisting of three lines, the first and last consisting of five morae, and the second consisting of seven morae, usually with an emphasis on the season or a naturalistic theme. A three-line poem in any language, with five syllables in the first and last lines and seven syllables in the second, usually with an emphasis on the season or a naturalistic theme

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24

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raspy adj

(of sound) Rough, raw, especially used to describe vocal quality. Irritable

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25

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abigeat n

(archaic) Theft of cattle in herds

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26

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skimp v

To slight; to do carelessly; to scamp. To make insufficient allowance for; to scant; to scrimp. To save; to be parsimonious or stingy

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27

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ugly duckling n

A young person who is unattractive, but who is expected to become beautiful as they mature

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28

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oracular adj

Of or relating to an oracle. Prophetic; foretelling the future. Ambiguous; hard to interpret

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29

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warp and woof n

The threads in a woven fabric, comprised of the warp (lengthwise threads) and woof (crosswise threads). (by extension) The pattern of any process tending to alternate regularly between states

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30

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morbid adj

(originally) Of, or relating to disease. Unhealthy or unwholesome, especially psychologically. Suggesting the horror of death; macabre or ghoulish. Grisly or gruesome

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31

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fetch n

The source and origin of attraction; a force, quality or propensity which is attracting. A stratagem by which a thing is indirectly brought to pass; a trick or artifice. The apparition of a living person; a wraith

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