by Dwane | Sep 13, 2014 | Education, English, Latin, Vocabulary
Acumen – a sharp point; and, figuratively, quickness of perception; keenness, shrewdness. For Example: Einstein’s powerful acumen revealed many secrets of the universe. Acumen derives from the Latin word for needle, acus.
by Dwane | Sep 12, 2014 | English, Greek, Vocabulary
Enigma: someone, or something mysterious, puzzling, difficult to understand. A riddle. Here’s an enigma… What word in the English Language is always spelled incorrectly? From Greek αἴνιγμα (dark saying, riddle).
by Dwane | Sep 12, 2014 | Education, English, Latin, Vocabulary
Acidic: a substance containing acid; a sour or sharp taste. Acidic may also describe a remark or comment. An acidic comment is a cutting comment. When you notice a co-worker on Facebook, you might mutter an acidic comment. “Hashtag. Do your job.” Acidic comes from...
by Dwane | Sep 11, 2014 | Education, English, Greek, Vocabulary
Acrophobia: fear of heights. There is nothing to fear, but fear itself. And heights. And public speaking. And spiders… especially spiders. From Greek ἄκρον (height, summit, peak), and and φοβία (fear).
by Dwane | Sep 11, 2014 | English, Latin, Vocabulary
Acidosis: high acidity in the blood, or body fluids. Delicious junk food = high acidosis. Sigh. Cruel world. Acidosis comes from Latin acidus: sour, bitter, or tart.