Hippocampus

Hippocampus: a mythological creature.  The hippocampus was part dolphin, part horse.  Archaeologists have found paintings to the hippocampus in the ruins of Pompeii.  Hippocampus may also refer to a genus of fish with a neck and head that look remarkably like a...

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...

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...

Pheromone

Pheromone: Insect cologne.  Well, sort of. Pheromones are substances secreted by some animals, usually insects.  The pheromones affect other members of the species.  Generally, insects secrete pheromones to attract members of the opposite sex.  It does not always have...

Online Class enrollment

Learn Latin, Greek, or English vocabulary derived from Latin and Greek. That is a mouthful. Online class enrollment begins this Friday! Just like HealthCare.gov, enrollment will remain open for a while. UnlikeHealthCare.gov, I will not force you to join a class...