by Dwane | Aug 15, 2014 | Education, English, Greek, Vocabulary
Metaphor: a short similitude; a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object. For example: The soldier was a lion in combat. From Greek μεταφερω (to transfer), which further derives from μετα (over) and φερω (carry). Mixed metaphors are fun. It’s...
by Dwane | Aug 14, 2014 | Greek, Latin, Vocabulary
Aerosol: a pressurized substance, released as a fine spray, by means of a propellant. Aerosol contains small particles, liquid, or solid. These tiny particles are suspended in a gas. The word may also mean the container itself. Aerosol, first used in 1919, comes...
by Dwane | Aug 14, 2014 | English, Latin, Vocabulary
Abduce: to draw from; to withdraw; to move a limb away from the body. This word, like abducent, is used mostly in anatomy. Example: While lifting weights in the gym, we might abduce our arms. Well… some of us might. Abduce derives from Latin ab, away from,...
by Dwane | Aug 12, 2014 | Latin in Literature, Vocabulary
J. K. Rowling makes me laugh. At the prodding of my kids, I have picked up the Harry Potter series once again. I read novels only at night as I am falling asleep. Too much work the rest of the day. Don’t grow up, kids. Anyway… I was recently reading in...
by Dwane | Aug 12, 2014 | Education, English, Vocabulary
Abducent: drawing away from, pulling back. This word usually describes those muscles which pull back certain parts of the body. The abducent muscles separate, open, or bend body parts. Abducent derives from Latin ab (away) and duco (I lead).
by Dwane | Aug 12, 2014 | Education, English, Vocabulary
Aeronautics: the science, or art, of sailing in the air. This is a word you would not expect to find in Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary, but, there it is. In his dictionary, however, you will find an additional phrase: by means of a ballon. Aeronautical science has...
