The Obscure Word Thread

desideratum \dih-sid-uh-RAY-tum; -RAH-\, noun;
plural desiderata:
Something desired or considered necessary.
 
triskaidekaphobia \tris-ky-dek-uh-FOH-bee-uh\, noun:
A morbid fear of the number 13 or the date Friday the 13th.
 
ululate 
–verb (used without object), -lat⋅ed, -lat⋅ing.
1.to howl, as a dog or a wolf; hoot, as an owl.
2.to utter howling sounds, as in shrill, wordless lamentation; wail.
3.to lament loudly and shrilly.
 
zeugma (n) -- the use of a single word, especially a verb or adjective, to apply to two or more nouns, when its sense is appropriate to only one of them
 
crepuscular \kri-PUS-kyuh-lur\, adjective:
1. Of, pertaining to, or resembling twilight; dim.
2. (Zoology) Appearing or active at twilight.
 
circumlocution \sir-kuhm-loh-KYOO-shuhn\, noun:
The use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language.
 
antediluvian \an-tih-duh-LOO-vee-uhn\, adjective:
1. Of or relating to the period before the Biblical flood.
2. Antiquated; from or belonging to a much earlier time.
 
metier \met-YAY; MET-yay\ , noun:
1. An occupation; a profession.
2. An area in which one excels; an occupation for which one is especially well suited.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top