Cephalopod

Cephalopod: the squid, the octopus, or the cuttlefish.  The Greek word, κεφαλή (kephale) means, head.  Combine this word with the Greek word for foot, ποδός (podos), and you’ve got a cephalopod.  That’s right.  A cephalopod is a “head-footed” creature.  Or, perhaps a...

Hippiatrist

Hippiatrist: a horse healer. A hippiatrist is someone skilled in the treatment of horse diseases. This word comes from the Greek word for horse ιππος, (hippos), and the old Greek word for doctor ἰατρός, (iatros). According to Gary Larson, you may not want to visit a...

Hippology

Hippology: the study of horses; equine knowledge. Whenever I teach my students new words, they start to get the hang of it. There is always one kid who attempts to create a new word by simply adding, -ology. This creates rather ridiculous words. Coffeology, Bugology,...

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...