by Dwane | Dec 27, 2014 | Education, Greek, Latin, Vocabulary
I am thinking of offering a new class in the spring. There are so many English words that come from Latin and Greek roots. Really. Once you start digging, it is astonishing what you find. Growing up, I had no idea how influenced our language was by Classical...
by Dwane | Dec 16, 2014 | Education, English, Greek, Latin, Vocabulary
Influenza: an epidemic catarrh. Naturally, you know what a catarrh is. Neither did I. A catarrh is an inflammation of the nose and throat. It is from the Greek κατάρροος, which is basically a “head cold”. Kατάρροος means, “I flow down.” Just use your imagination....
by Dwane | Dec 12, 2014 | English, Greek, Vocabulary
Amphoric sound – a sound made by blowing across the mouth of a bottle or jug. In medical terminology, amphoric sound is an abnormal, resonant, hollow, blowing sound heard with a stethoscope over the thorax. It indicates a cavity opening into a bronchus or a...
by Dwane | Dec 12, 2014 | English, Latin, Vocabulary
Adage – a wise saying. For example: Eagles soar, but weasels do not get sucked into jet engines. From Latin ad (to, toward) and agere (to do, to drive). Here are a few more of my favorite adages: Experience is a comb which nature gives us when we are bald....
by Dwane | Dec 11, 2014 | English, Latin, Vocabulary
I was wondering this morning… Why in the world is a butterfly called a butterfly? Found out more than I ever wanted to know. Personally, I like the German theory. These insects are actually milk-stealing undercover witches. In Middle English, Butterfly was...
