Preamble /ˈprē-ˌam-bəl/ noun 1) a preliminary statement, especially the introduction to a formal document that explains its purpose “The preamble sets the stage for the Constitution…it clearly communicates the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the document.” — United States Courts, on the U.S. Constitution 2) an introductory fact or occurrence “I’d like to quit thinking of the present as some minor... Read More

Category /ˈkadəˌɡôrē/ noun 1) a specifically defined division in a classification system, a class “Categories serve two primary functions: they permit an efficient means of storing and retrieving information,… and they promote inferences that extend knowledge beyond past experiences into the future.” — Susan A. Gelman and Meredith Myer, on child categorization 2) (in logic) any of the basic classifications into which all knowledge... Read More

Automaton /ôˈtämədən/ noun 1) a robot “In telling a story one of the most successful devices for easily creating uncanny effects is to leave the reader in uncertainty whether a particular figure in the story is a human being or an automaton, and to do it in such a way that his attention is not focused directly upon his uncertainty, so that he may... Read More

Biblichor bib·li·chor noun the comforting smell of old books In English, “biblichor” is the word for that nostalgic scent of old books. A blend of aged paper, ink, and quiet magic. For book lovers, it’s the perfume of memory and untold stories.

Aromatic /ˌerəˈmadik/ adjective 1) having a fragrant, sweet-smelling, or spicy aroma “Every fragrant portion of a plant can be used for the preparation of an aromatic substance, and therefore for the manufacture of a perfume.” — from Perfumes and Their Preparation, by George William Askinson 2) (in chemistry) of, relating to, or containing the six-carbon ring typical of the benzene series and related organic groups... Read More

Extirpate /ˈekstərˌpāt/ verb 1) to pull up by the roots “The wild oat is a very troublesome weed…and is perhaps the most difficult to be extirpated.” — Encyclopædia Britannica 1771–1860 2) to destroy or exterminate “To extirpate poverty, let us do on earth what is done in heaven.” ― Fred Foldvary (1946 – ) 3) to remove surgically “In the spring of 1826, Dr.... Read More

Suffrage /ˈsəfrij/ noun 1) a vote cast in deciding a disputed question or in electing a person to office “When a citizen gives his suffrage to a man of known immorality he abuses his trust; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor; he betrays the interest of his country.” — Noah Webster (1758 – 1843) 2) right or privilege... Read More

Amiable /ˈāmēəb(ə)l/ adjective 1) pleasant in disposition, good-natured “Too much has been said of the heroes of history-the strong men, the troublesome men; too little of the amiable, the kindly, the tolerant.” — Stephen Leacock (1869 – 1944) 2) cordial, congenial “Do not look at anybody in terms of friend or foe, brother or cousin; do not fritter away your mental energies in thoughts... Read More

Catacomb /ˈka-tə-ˌkōm/ noun Happy Halloween from the Dictionary Project! (often plural) an underground chamber with recesses for graves “As an eerie, powerful monument, the Catacombs[of Paris] connect the present with centuries of history, where the stories of the Parisian people continue to inspire and haunt visitors from all walks of life.” — Friends of Fondation de France

Landlocked /ˈlan(d)ˌläkt/ adjective 1) surrounded by or almost entirely by land “Without direct access to coastal ports, landlocked developing countries must rely on transit countries to connect them with international markets.” — United Nations 2) confined to inland waters “A coldwater fish, landlocked salmon prefer water temperatures below 65 degrees and rely on smelt to thrive.” ― Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife