irascible i-ras-ci-ble / ĭ-răs-ə-bəl, ī-răs-ə-bəl adjective 1. easily angered, irritable The most irascible person is most likely to become apathetic in dangerous situations. Franz Grillparzer, 1791 – 1872 2. characterized by anger He who gets the better of an irascible temperament conquers his worst enemy. Publilius Syrus, c. 85 BC – 43 BC

euphemism eu-phe-mism / yo͞o-fə-mĭz-əm noun 1. an inoffensive term used in place of one that is considered offensive or distressful Frankness is usually a euphemism for rudeness. Muriel Spark, 1918 – 2006 2. the use of an inoffensive phrase or word in place of one that is offensive or distressful Euphemism is common in hospital and medical facilities where bodily functions need to be... Read More

recess re-cess / rē-sĕs, rĭ-sĕs noun 1. a short intermission, a temporary stoppage of a pursuit or action In court, jurors are admonished by the judge at every recess not to discuss the case or form any opinions until the case is given to them for deliberations. Robert Shapiro, 1942 – 2. a break during the school day for students to play or relax... Read More

grammar gram-mar / ˈgra-mər noun 1. the study of sentence structure Grammar is to a writer what anatomy is to a sculptor, or the scales to a musician. B.J. Chute, 1913-1987 2. the way in which sentences are constructed in a language Writing is an act of faith, not a trick of grammar. E.B. White, 1899-1985 3. the rules for how language is structured... Read More

prank prank / ˈpraŋk noun 1. a trick, usually done in a mischievous manner If wit is the most sophisticated form of humor, pranks are the most juvenile. Maureen Dowd, 1952- verb 1. to play a trick on someone Pranking exposes the truth that underneath this appearance of order is joy, laughter, and disorder. Mac Barnett, 1982- 2. to dress ostentatiously He pranked himself... Read More

arbor ar-bor / är-bər noun 1. a place shaded by trees or shrubs The sight of a pleasant arbor puts it in our mind to sit there. “The Art of Public Speaking” by Dale Carnagey (AKA Dale Carnegie), 1888 – 1955, and J. Berg Esenwein, 1867 – 1946 2. a framework that is covered with vines or other climbing plants that provides shade I... Read More

petrichor pet-ri-chor / pĕt-rĭ-kôr noun the pleasant, earthy smell produced when rain falls on warm, dry ground Petrichor, the smell of rain on dry earth nuzzles the senses and the same feeling is triggered while sniffing the yellowed pages of old books! Navanita Varadpande, “Smell is a gateway to one’s memories” ‘Gulf News’, June 28, 2019 Etymology from the ancient Greek words petra (rock)... Read More

compost com-post / kŏm-pōst noun 1. the product from the decomposition of organic materials such as yard waste, used to provide nutrients to soil The gardener knows how to turn garbage into compost. Kayla Mueller, 1988 – 2015 verb 1. to use the decomposed mixture of organic materials or to create such a mixture Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more... Read More

lie lie / lī transitive verb lay / ˈlā, past participle lain / ˈlān, present tense ly-ing / ˈlī-​iŋ verb (1) 1. to recline or rest in a horizontal position As you make your bed, so you must lie in it. English Proverb 2. to get into a horizontal position so as to rest or sleep; used with down The lion and the lamb... Read More

sleep sleep / ˈslēp verb 1. to rest by suspending voluntary bodily function and naturally suspending consciousness; to stop being awake He who cannot sleep can still dream. Ivorian Proverb 2. to be inactive or lie dormant There is a great volcano sleeping in every laziness! Mehmet Murat Ildan, ?- noun 1. the state in most living things marked by loss of consciousness and... Read More