Equidae

Equidae: the scientific term for the horse family.  Equidae is a taxonomic family containing horses and related animals.  All the related animals are extinct, except those in the family Equus.  The Equus family includes horses, zebras, donkeys, and onagers.  Not sure...

Aphorisms and Adages

Aphorism: A maxim; a precept, or principle expressed in few words containing some important truth. “While there are loads of trite and silly statements, a good aphorism is supposed to stand the test of time and remain true and elegant — a very difficult...

Plerophory

Plerophory: full confidence; total assurance.  With a plerophory of assurance, each of the Avengers spoke into some imaginary, unseen, perfectly clear audio communications system.  I mean, seriously, how were they able to seamlessly communicate with each other in the...

Semaphore

Semaphore: A signaling system.  A semaphore uses flags, lights, or mechanical arms to send messages, usually to travelers.  You might see a semaphore next to the railroad tracks. The word might also refer to a system of sending messages by holding the arms or flags in...

Pyrophoric

Pyrophoric: liable to ignite spontaneously when exposed to air.  You know, like..  Charlie Sheen.  While a pyrophoric chemical might ignite, a pyrophoric alloy will produce sparks when struck.  Lighter flints, for example, are pyrophoric.  The flintlock mechanism in...