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Tuesday, August 25, 2020

In other words, a to z

  • angustation, noun. The condition of being narrowed, constricted, limited, or confined; the action of narrowing, constricting, or compressing something; an instance of this.
  • billet-doux, noun. A love letter.
  • calligram, noun. A word or piece of text in which the form and layout of the letters creates a pictorial or ornamental design, esp. one related to the meaning of the words themselves.
  • cruciverbalist, noun. A designer or aficionado of crossword puzzles.
  • coorie, verb, intransitive. To crouch, stoop, or keep low, esp. for protection. (usually with down, in.)
  • delicatesse, noun. The quality of being delicate (in various senses); an instance of this. Also: that which is delicate; a delicate thing, a delicacy.
  • delicatessen, noun. A store selling foods already prepared or requiring little preparation for serving, as cooked meats, cheese, salads, and the like; a small shop that sells high-quality foods, such as types of cheese and cold cooked meat, often from other countries (informal deli).
  • hortatory, adjective. Urging to some course of conduct or action; exhorting; encouraging.
  • juberous, adjective. Uncertain and reluctant; dubious; undecided.
  • limn, verb (used with object). To portray in words; describe.
  • quixotic, adjective. Foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; especially, marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action. (From Don Quixote, the hero of the novel El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes.)
  • rodomontade, noun. Vainglorious boasting or bragging; pretentious, blustering talk.
  • situationship, noun (slang). A relationship that is undefined or has no title – often a confusing mix between a platonic friendship and a romantic relationship.
  • soirée musicale, noun. A gathering or party at which musical entertainment is the main feature. Also: a programme of classical or operatic music, usually of relatively short, popular pieces, presented in the evening, frequently to a paying audience.
  • yaw, verb (used without object). To deviate temporarily from a straight course, as a ship.
  • yever, adjective. Greedy; gluttonous; covetous. Also: desirous, yearning.
  • zhuzh, verb. To make (something) more lively and interesting, stylish, or appealing, as by a small change or addition (usually followed by up).

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