Venom and Antivenom
Venom /ˈvenəm/ noun 1. poison stored in an animal that can be injected into another animal’s body via bite or sting I will watch with the wiliness of a snake, that I may sting with its venom. – Frankenstein (1818) by Mary Shelley (1797-1851) 2. malice or bitterness A man’s venom poisons himself more than his victim. – Charles Buxton (1822 – 1871)... Read More
Leitmotif
Leitmotif /ˈlītmōˌtēf/ noun a repeated theme that shows up often, usually in art, literature, or music Every age has its leitmotif, a set of beliefs that explains the universe, that inspires or consoles the individual by providing an explanation for the multiplicity of events impinging on him. – Henry Kissinger (1923 – 2023)
Ramble
Ramble /ˈramb(ə)l/ noun/verb noun 1. a meandering walk, taken for pleasure How fine it might have been, to end a day’s ramble in the French countryside, walking into the setting sun. – Atonement (2001), by Ian McEwan verb 2. to chatter, to babble Do not write me studied letters, but ramble as you please. – Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826 ) verb... Read More
Nebula
Nebula /ˈnebyələ/ noun a huge interstellar cloud made of hydrogen, helium, and cosmic dust Without language, thought is a vague, uncharted nebula. – Ferdinand de Saussure (1857-1913)
Verdigris
verdigris /ˈvərdəˌɡrēs,ˈvərdəˌɡrē/ noun noun 1. a bluish-green layer of patina that forms on copper, brass, or bronze after long exposure to air or moisture At Cahn, you can become lost amid smaller Greek prizes, like an Attic cup painted with vigorous wrestlers, or a bronze Corinthian helmet covered with verdigris. – A European Art Fair Freshes Up For Its First Spring on Park Avenue, New York... Read More
Aficionado
Aficionado /əˌfiSHəˈnädō,əˌfisyəˈnädō/ noun A passionate and knowledgeable enthusiast of a particular subject or activity. Today, almost everyone is an obsessive, well-informed aficionado of something. – Ken Jennings (1974 -)
Hubris
Hubris /ˈ(h)yo͞obrəs/ adjective Arrogant self-confidence that exceeds rational limits. Hubris is interesting, because you get people who are often very clever, very powerful, have achieved great things, and then something goes wrong – they just don’t know when to stop. – Margaret Macmillan (1943-)
Literary
Literary /ˈlidəˌrerē/ Adjective 1. of or relating to literature I believe that children in this country need a more robust literary diet than they are getting. – Barbara Cooney (1917 – 2000) 2. the type of writing or language that is associated with literature or formal works, often polished and sophisticated in style Literary fiction focuses on style, character, and theme over plot—unlike most... Read More
Fortune
Fortune /ˈfôrCHən/ noun A large amount of money, wealth, and riches. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. – Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen (1775-1817) Whatever good or bad happens to people, luck fortune favors the bold. – Roman proverb
Signature
Signature /ˈsiɡnəCHər,ˈsiɡnəˌCHo͝or/ noun/adjective Adjective closely and distinctively associated and identified with someone or something One of my signature strengths is the love of learning, and by teaching, I have built it into the fabric of my life. – Martin Seligman (1942 -) Noun a name written in ink, in cursive, often as an endorsement to an agreement The note was undated, and without either... Read More