Word of the Day Archive/April 2001
-
appellation:
a name, title, or designation.
-
galvanic:
pertaining to a direct current of electricity; also, having the
effect of an electric shock.
-
fillip:
a snap; also, a stimulus.
-
apologia:
a formal defense or justification.
-
flaneur:
one who strolls about aimlessly; a lounger; a loafer.
-
hullabaloo:
a confused noise; uproar.
-
myriad:
consisting of a very great, but indefinite, number; also, a very
great many.
-
nepotism:
favoritism shown to members of one's family.
-
potboiler:
a usually inferior literary or artistic work, produced quickly for the
purpose of making money.
-
distrait:
divided or withdrawn in attention, especially because of anxiety.
-
raiment:
clothing in general; garments.
-
politic:
political; also, shrewdly tactful; also, judicious; expedient.
-
internecine:
destructive; especially, mutually destructive; also, relating
to conflict within a group.
-
bevy:
a group; an assembly.
-
furtive:
obtained or characterized by stealth; sly; secret; stealthy.
-
-
-
plaudit:
enthusiastic approval.
-
abstruse:
difficult to comprehend.
-
swan
song: a final or farewell appearance, action, or pronouncement.
-
teetotaler:
one pledged to abstinence from alcoholic drinks.
-
undulant:
resembling waves in form, motion, or occurrence.
-
rapprochement:
the establishment or state of cordial relations.
-
chortle:
to utter, or express with, a snorting, exultant laugh or chuckle.
-
hobbledehoy:
an awkward, gawky young fellow.
-
bricolage:
construction or something constructed by using whatever materials happen to
be available.
-
clamber:
to climb with difficulty, or with hands and feet.
-
nettlesome:
causing irritation, vexation, or distress.
-
patrician:
a nobleman; also, a person of refined upbringing, manners, and taste.
-
heterogeneous:
consisting of dissimilar elements.