Word of the Day #83: Saturnalian

Yesterday, I posted the word Saturnine, meaning gloomy. Oddly enough, today’s word has the exact opposite meaning. Saturnalian: Riotously merry, overindulgent   How did these two similar words end up with opposite definitions?  Saturnine meaning gloomy, derives...

Word of the Day #82: Saturnine

Saturnine Gloomy, grave, scowling.  In the Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian, Nikabrik refuses to join in the celebration.  He stands off to the side with a sullen, saturnine look.  From the Roman name for the god of time, Saturn.  Yes, the planet is named after...

Word of the Day #81: Normandy

While in France, my students and I visited the Normandy beaches, site of the D-Day landings.  We left Paris and crossed into Normandy not long after.   Several students kept asking when we would reach Normandy.   I realized they thought the beaches were Normandy. ...

Word of the Day #79: Duplicate

The Latin verb “plicare” means “to fold.” From plicare, English derives many words.  Words like replica, complicate, and duplicate. Duplicate: a copy, something additional of the same kind. She had a duplicate key made before leaving on vacation. Duplicate comes from...

Word of the Day #78: Replica

Replica A reproduction, a duplication, or an accurate copy of a work.  A replica is often smaller than the original work. From Latin replicare, “to go over, to repeat.”  The Latin prefix “re” means “again”.  The Latin verb “plicare” means “to double up, to fold.”...

Word of the Day #76: Chyron

Chyron In my mind, at least, this word falls into the category of “Oh, I had no idea there was a word for that.”  A Chyron is a set of graphics or words at the bottom of a television screen.  A chyron may also be a caption.  It may be fixed or in motion.  Sometimes...