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...

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...