fatherhood fa-ther-hood / fä-thər-ho͝od noun 1. the state of being a male parent; the state of being a father Fatherhood has taught me about unconditional love, reinforced the importance of giving back and taught me how to be a better person. Naveen Jain, 1959 – 2. fathers as a group The mission of Illinois Fatherhood Initiative is connecting children and fathers by actively engaging fathers in... Read More

contrary con-trar-y / kŏn–trĕr-ē adjective 1.  against, opposed to Extreme positions are not succeeded by moderate ones, but by contrary extreme positions. Friedrich Nietzsche, 1844-1900 2. purposefully disagreeable When we see persons of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see persons of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves. Confucius, 551-479 BC 3.  unfavorable, bad When we long for life without... Read More

heat heat / hēt noun 1. a form of energy, derived from the motion of atoms or molecules, that can be transmitted through solid and liquid substances The same heat that melts wax, bakes clay.  French Proverb 2. the feeling of warmth or of something hot The moon gives us light but no heat.  Russian Proverb 3. the measure of warmth or hotness Most of the time, I grill... Read More

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 discussed. Diane... Read More

party par-ty / ˈpär-tē, plural par-ties / ˈpär-tēz noun 1.  a gathering of people marked by socializing, refreshments, etc. At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well, and talk well but not too wisely. W. Somerset Maugham, 1874 – 1965 2.  a person or people on one side of an argument, dispute, etc. After a trial one party is naked and the... Read More

unite u-nite / yo͞o-nīt verb 1. to combine; to put together or be joined as one whole When spiders’ webs unite, they can tie up a lion.  Ethiopian Proverb 2. to bring together or combine for a common purpose, belief, action, etc. Necessity unites.   German Proverb 3. to enter into an alliance I will unite with anyone to do good, but with no one to do harm. ... Read More

fruition fru-i-tion / fro͞o-ĭsh-ən noun 1. fulfillment, realization The pain of discipline is short, but the glory of the fruition is eternal.  Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811 – 1896 2. the enjoyment derived from realization or attainment Marriage is a partnership in which each inspires the other, and brings fruition to both of you.  Millicent Carey McIntosh, 1898 – 2001 3. the state of bearing fruit Our opinions do... Read More

doughnut or donut (less common spelling) dough-nut / dō-nŭt, dō-nət noun 1. a fried cake rolled in sugar, usually round with a hole in the middle Don’t look at the hole in the doughnut. Look at the whole doughnut. Branch Rickey, 1881 – 1965 2. something that is shaped like a thick ring; a toroid Polish doughnuts are low viscosity, optically thick, radiation pressure... Read More

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