Word of the Day 5.21.09

efface

ef·face (-fs)

tr.v. ef·faced, ef·fac·ing, ef·fac·es

1. To rub or wipe out; erase.

2. To make indistinct as if by rubbing: “Five years’ absence had done nothing to efface the people’s memory of his firmness” Alan Moorehead. See Synonyms at erase.

3. To conduct (oneself) inconspicuously: “When the two women went out together, Anna deliberately effaced herself and played to the dramatic Molly” Doris Lessing.

[Middle English `effacen`, from French `effacer`, from Old French `esfacier` : `es-`, out (from Latin `ex-`, ex-) + `face`, face; see face.]

ef·facea·ble adj.

ef·facement n.

ef·facer n.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Verb 1. efface – remove completely from recognition or memory; “efface the memory of the time in the camps”

obliterate

slur, dim, blur – become vague or indistinct; “The distinction between the two theories blurred”

blot out, obliterate, veil, hide, obscure – make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring or concealing; “a hidden message”; “a veiled threat”

2. efface – make inconspicuous; “efface oneself”

humble – cause to be unpretentious; “This experience will humble him”

3. efface – remove by or as if by rubbing or erasing; “Please erase the formula on the blackboard–it is wrong!”

rub out, score out, wipe off, erase

sponge – erase with a sponge; as of words on a blackboard

delete, cancel – remove or make invisible; “Please delete my name from your list”

scratch out, cut out – strike or cancel by or as if by rubbing or crossing out; “scratch out my name on that list”

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

Posted on May 21, 2009 by admin

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Word of the Day 5.20.09

polity

pol·i·ty (pl-t)

n. pl. pol·i·ties

1. The form of government of a nation, state, church, or organization.

2. An organized society, such as a nation, having a specific form of government: “His alien philosophy found no roots in the American polity” New York Times.

[Obsolete French `politie`, from Old French, from Late Latin `polta`, the Roman government; see police.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Noun 1. polity – the form of government of a social organization

civil order

order – established customary state (especially of society); “order ruled in the streets”; “law and order”

2. polity – a politically organized unit

organization, organisation – a group of people who work together

authorities, government, regime – the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit; “the government reduced taxes”; “the matter was referred to higher authorities”

3. polity – shrewd or crafty management of public affairs; “we was innocent of stratagems and polity”

administration, disposal – a method of tending to or managing the affairs of a some group of people (especially the group’s business affairs)

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

Posted on May 20, 2009 by admin

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Word of the Day 5.19.09

faineant

fai·né·ant (fn-ä)

adj.

Given to doing nothing; idle. See Synonyms at lazy.

n.

An irresponsible idler; a sluggard.

[French, alteration (influenced by `fait néant`, does nothing) of Old French `faignant`, idler, from present participle of `faindre, feindre`, to feign; see feign.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Adj. 1. faineant – disinclined to work or exertion; “faineant kings under whose rule the country languished”; “an indolent hanger-on”; “too lazy to wash the dishes”; “shiftless idle youth”; “slothful employees”; “the unemployed are not necessarily work-shy”

indolent, slothful, work-shy, lazy, otiose

idle – not in action or at work; “an idle laborer”; “idle drifters”; “the idle rich”; “an idle mind”

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

Posted on May 19, 2009 by admin

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Word of the Day 5.18.09

sensate

sen·sate (snst) also sen·sat·ed (-std)

adj.

1. Perceived by a sense or the senses.

2. Having physical sensation.

[Middle English `sensat`, from Late Latin `snstus`, gifted with sense, from Latin `snsus`, sense; see sense.]

sensately adv.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Adj. 1. sensate – having physical sensation; “sensate creatures”

sentient, animate – endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness; “the living knew themselves just sentient puppets on God’s stage”- T.E.Lawrence

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

Posted on May 18, 2009 by admin

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Word of the Day 5.17.09

promontory

prom·on·to·ry (prmn-tôr, -tr)

n. pl. prom·on·to·ries

1. A high ridge of land or rock jutting out into a body of water; a headland.

2. Anatomy A projecting part.

[Latin `prmontorium`, alteration (influenced by `mns, mont-`, mount) of `prmunturium`, probably from `prominre`, to jut out; see prominent.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Noun 1. promontory – a natural elevation (especially a rocky one that juts out into the sea)

foreland, headland, head

mull – a term used in Scottish names of promontories; “the Mull of Kintyre”

natural elevation, elevation – a raised or elevated geological formation

point – a promontory extending out into a large body of water; “they sailed south around the point”

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

Posted on May 17, 2009 by admin

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Word of the Day 5.16.09

insectivore

in·sec·ti·vore (n-skt-vôr, -vr)

n.

1. Any of various small, principally nocturnal mammals of the order Insectivora, characteristically feeding chiefly on insects and including the shrews, moles, and hedgehogs.

2. An organism that feeds mainly on insects.

[New Latin `nsectivora`, order name : Latin `nsectum`, insect; see insect + Latin `-vora`, neuter pl. of `-vorus`, -vorous.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Noun 1. insectivore – small insect-eating mainly nocturnal terrestrial or fossorial mammals

eutherian, eutherian mammal, placental, placental mammal – mammals having a placenta; all mammals except monotremes and marsupials

Insectivora, order Insectivora – shrews; moles; hedgehogs; tenrecs

mole – small velvety-furred burrowing mammal having small eyes and fossorial forefeet

shrewmouse, shrew – small mouselike mammal with a long snout; related to moles

Erinaceus europaeus, Erinaceus europeaeus, hedgehog – small nocturnal Old World mammal covered with both hair and protective spines

tendrac, tenrec – small often spiny insectivorous mammal of Madagascar; resembles a hedgehog

otter shrew, potamogale, Potamogale velox – amphibious African insectivorous mammal that resembles an otter

2. insectivore – any organism that feeds mainly on insects

animal, animate being, beast, creature, fauna, brute – a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

Posted on May 16, 2009 by admin

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Word of the Day 5.15.09

perspicuous

per·spic·u·ous (pr-spky-s)

adj.

Clearly expressed or presented; easy to understand.

[From Latin `perspicuus`, from `perspicere`, to see through; see perspicacious.]

per·spicu·ous·ly adv.

per·spicu·ous·ness n.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Adj. 1. perspicuous – (of language) transparently clear; easily understandable; “writes in a limpid style”; “lucid directions”; “a luculent oration”- Robert Burton; “pellucid prose”; “a crystal clear explanation”; “a perspicuous argument”

lucid, luculent, pellucid, crystal clear, limpid

language, linguistic communication – a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols; “he taught foreign languages”; “the language introduced is standard throughout the text”; “the speed with which a program can be executed depends on the language in which it is written”

clear – readily apparent to the mind; “a clear and present danger”; “a clear explanation”; “a clear case of murder”; “a clear indication that she was angry”; “gave us a clear idea of human nature”

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

Posted on May 15, 2009 by admin

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Word of the Day 5.14.09

avariciousness

av·a·ri·cious (v-rshs)

adj.

Immoderately desirous of wealth or gain; greedy.

ava·ricious·ly adv.

ava·ricious·ness n.

Noun 1. avariciousness – extreme greed for material wealth

cupidity, avarice, covetousness

greed – excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves

Posted on May 14, 2009 by admin

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Word of the Day 5.13.09

auriferous

au·rif·er·ous (ô-rfr-s)

adj.

Containing gold; gold-bearing.

[From Latin `aurifer`, gold-bearing : `aurum`, gold + `-fer`, -fer.]

Adj. 1. auriferous – containing gold; “auriferous quartz veins”

gold-bearing

metal, metallic – containing or made of or resembling or characteristic of a metal; “a metallic compound”; “metallic luster”; “the strange metallic note of the meadow lark, suggesting the clash of vibrant blades”- Ambrose Bierce

Posted on May 13, 2009 by admin

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Word of the Day 5.12.09

temerity

te·mer·i·ty (t-mr-t)

n.

Foolhardy disregard of danger; recklessness.

[Middle English `temerite`, from Old French, from Latin `temerits`, from `temere`, rashly.]

Noun 1. temerity – fearless daring

audaciousness, audacity

boldness, hardihood, hardiness, daring – the trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or danger; “the proposal required great boldness”; “the plan required great hardiness of heart”

Posted on May 12, 2009 by admin

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Verb	1.	efface – remove completely from recognition or memory; “efface the memory of the time in the camps” obliterate slur, dim, blur – become vague or indistinct; “The distinction between the two theories blurred” blot out, obliterate, veil, hide, obscure – make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring or concealing; “a hidden message”; “a veiled threat”
	2.	efface – make inconspicuous; “efface oneself” humble – cause to be unpretentious; “This experience will humble him”
	3.	efface – remove by or as if by rubbing or erasing; “Please erase the formula on the blackboard–it is wrong!” rub out, score out, wipe off, erase sponge – erase with a sponge; as of words on a blackboard delete, cancel – remove or make invisible; “Please delete my name from your list” scratch out, cut out – strike or cancel by or as if by rubbing or crossing out; “scratch out my name on that list”

Noun	1.	polity – the form of government of a social organization civil order order – established customary state (especially of society); “order ruled in the streets”; “law and order”
	2.	polity – a politically organized unit organization, organisation – a group of people who work together authorities, government, regime – the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit; “the government reduced taxes”; “the matter was referred to higher authorities”
	3.	polity – shrewd or crafty management of public affairs; “we was innocent of stratagems and polity” administration, disposal – a method of tending to or managing the affairs of a some group of people (especially the group’s business affairs)

Noun	1.	insectivore – small insect-eating mainly nocturnal terrestrial or fossorial mammals eutherian, eutherian mammal, placental, placental mammal – mammals having a placenta; all mammals except monotremes and marsupials Insectivora, order Insectivora – shrews; moles; hedgehogs; tenrecs mole – small velvety-furred burrowing mammal having small eyes and fossorial forefeet shrewmouse, shrew – small mouselike mammal with a long snout; related to moles Erinaceus europaeus, Erinaceus europeaeus, hedgehog – small nocturnal Old World mammal covered with both hair and protective spines tendrac, tenrec – small often spiny insectivorous mammal of Madagascar; resembles a hedgehog otter shrew, potamogale, Potamogale velox – amphibious African insectivorous mammal that resembles an otter
	2.	insectivore – any organism that feeds mainly on insects animal, animate being, beast, creature, fauna, brute – a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

cockcrow
Definition:	The first light of day.
Synonyms:	aurora, break of day, dawn, daybreak, dayspring, first light, sunrise, sunup, morning

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ef·face  (-fs)

tr.v. ef·faced, ef·fac·ing, ef·fac·es

1. To rub or wipe out; erase.

2. To make indistinct as if by rubbing: “Five years’ absence had done nothing to efface the people’s memory of his firmness” Alan Moorehead. See Synonyms at erase.

3. To conduct (oneself) inconspicuously: “When the two women went out together, Anna deliberately effaced herself and played to the dramatic Molly” Doris Lessing.

[Middle English effacen, from French effacer, from Old French esfacier : es-, out (from Latin ex-, ex-) + face, face; see face.]

ef·facea·ble adj.

ef·facement n.

ef·facer n.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

pol·i·ty  (pl-t)

n. pl. pol·i·ties

1. The form of government of a nation, state, church, or organization.

2. An organized society, such as a nation, having a specific form of government: “His alien philosophy found no roots in the American polity” New York Times.

[Obsolete French politie, from Old French, from Late Latin polta, the Roman government; see police.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

fai·né·ant  (fn-ä)

adj.

Given to doing nothing; idle. See Synonyms at lazy.

n.

An irresponsible idler; a sluggard.

[French, alteration (influenced by fait néant, does nothing) of Old French faignant, idler, from present participle of faindre, feindre, to feign; see feign.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

sen·sate  (snst) also sen·sat·ed (-std)

adj.

1. Perceived by a sense or the senses.

2. Having physical sensation.

[Middle English sensat, from Late Latin snstus, gifted with sense, from Latin snsus, sense; see sense.]

sensately adv.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Adj. 1. sensate – having physical sensation; “sensate creatures” sentient, animate – endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness; “the living knew themselves just sentient puppets on God’s stage”- T.E.Lawrence

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

prom·on·to·ry  (prmn-tôr, -tr)

n. pl. prom·on·to·ries

1. A high ridge of land or rock jutting out into a body of water; a headland.

2. Anatomy A projecting part.

[Latin prmontorium, alteration (influenced by mns, mont-, mount) of prmunturium, probably from prominre, to jut out; see prominent.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

in·sec·ti·vore  (n-skt-vôr, -vr)

n.

1. Any of various small, principally nocturnal mammals of the order Insectivora, characteristically feeding chiefly on insects and including the shrews, moles, and hedgehogs.

2. An organism that feeds mainly on insects.

[New Latin nsectivora, order name : Latin nsectum, insect; see insect + Latin -vora, neuter pl. of -vorus, -vorous.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

per·spic·u·ous  (pr-spky-s)

adj.

Clearly expressed or presented; easy to understand.

[From Latin perspicuus, from perspicere, to see through; see perspicacious.]

per·spicu·ous·ly adv.

per·spicu·ous·ness n.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

av·a·ri·cious  (v-rshs)

adj.

Immoderately desirous of wealth or gain; greedy.

ava·ricious·ly adv.

ava·ricious·ness n.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Noun 1. avariciousness – extreme greed for material wealth cupidity, avarice, covetousness greed – excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves

ef·face (-fs)

[Middle English `effacen`, from French `effacer`, from Old French `esfacier` : `es-`, out (from Latin `ex-`, ex-) + `face`, face; see face.]

pol·i·ty (pl-t)

[Obsolete French `politie`, from Old French, from Late Latin `polta`, the Roman government; see police.]

fai·né·ant (fn-ä)

[French, alteration (influenced by `fait néant`, does nothing) of Old French `faignant`, idler, from present participle of `faindre, feindre`, to feign; see feign.]

sen·sate (snst) also sen·sat·ed (-std)

[Middle English `sensat`, from Late Latin `snstus`, gifted with sense, from Latin `snsus`, sense; see sense.]

Adj. 1. sensate – having physical sensation; “sensate creatures”

sentient, animate – endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness; “the living knew themselves just sentient puppets on God’s stage”- T.E.Lawrence

prom·on·to·ry (prmn-tôr, -tr)

[Latin `prmontorium`, alteration (influenced by `mns, mont-`, mount) of `prmunturium`, probably from `prominre`, to jut out; see prominent.]

in·sec·ti·vore (n-skt-vôr, -vr)

[New Latin `nsectivora`, order name : Latin `nsectum`, insect; see insect + Latin `-vora`, neuter pl. of `-vorus`, -vorous.]

per·spic·u·ous (pr-spky-s)

[From Latin `perspicuus`, from `perspicere`, to see through; see perspicacious.]

av·a·ri·cious (v-rshs)

Noun 1. avariciousness – extreme greed for material wealth

cupidity, avarice, covetousness

greed – excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves

au·rif·er·ous (ô-rfr-s)

[From Latin `aurifer`, gold-bearing : `aurum`, gold + `-fer`, -fer.]