Definition: (noun) The quality or condition of being weakened, worn out, impaired, or broken down by old age, illness, or hard use.
Synonyms: dilapidation.
Usage: Despite his sixty years and snow-white hair, his handshake was firmly hearty, and he showed no signs of decrepitude.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
“The Great Moon Hoax” was a series of six New York Sun articles discussing the supposed discovery of life on the Moon. The discovery—allegedly made using a massive telescope—was falsely attributed to famed astronomer Sir John Herschel. In the articles, the author claims that unicorns, bipedal beavers, bat-like humanoids, and other fantastic animals inhabit a forest- and ocean-covered Moon. The series was likely intended to boost the paper’s sales and ridicule what contemporary theories? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
This national holiday commemorates the declaration of independence of Uruguay from Portuguese rule on this day in 1825. By 1828, Uruguay was officially autonomous. Patriotic ceremonies are held in the capital city of Montevideo, with speeches and the singing of the national anthem. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Pinkerton, an American detective and spy, founded the first private detective agency in the US—the Pinkerton Detective Agency—in 1850. The agency, which specialized in railroad theft cases, soon became famous, and Pinkerton opened branches in several cities. In 1860, he discovered and thwarted a plot to assassinate newly elected President Abraham Lincoln while en route to his inauguration. He went on to serve as a spy during the Civil War and head up what would become what government agency? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Kingdom of Swaziland is a small, landlocked, mountainous country in southeast Africa. In 1968, Swaziland achieved complete independence, but retained membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. The country is cut by four major river systems, which are increasingly used for irrigation. Sugarcane is the country’s leading export, but pineapple, citrus fruit, and cotton are also important agricultural exports. Why does Swaziland have the one of the world’s lowest life expectancy rates? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A connoisseur of fine wines.
Synonyms: wine lover.
Usage: The oenophile was heartbroken when months of heavy rain ruined a particularly promising grape harvest.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
During the War of 1812, a year after US troops burned Canadian Parliament Buildings in the Battle of York, British troops retaliated by marching on Washington, DC, and setting fire to its public buildings—including the Capitol and the White House. According to some accounts, First Lady Dolley Madison refused to leave the White House until just moments before British troops arrived, gathering valuables, documents, and other items of importance, including what notable painting? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Liberian flag bears a striking resemblance to the American flag, a reminder of the historical ties between this West African country and the United States. Eleven horizontal stripes represent the signers of the Liberian Declaration of Independence, while the single white star signifies Liberia‘s former position as the sole free black state in Africa. Flag Day, a patriotic day paying homage to Liberia’s national emblem, is an official public holiday. Citizens and public buildings display their flags, and parades often feature schoolchildren and military units. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Borges was an Argentine poet, essayist, and short-story writer. Much of his work is rich in fantasy and metaphorical allegory, including the story collection Ficciones, which won him an international following. In the 1920s, Borges was afflicted by a worsening hereditary blindness and was totally blind by the mid-1950s. Forced to abandon the writing of long texts, he began dictating his works. What literary movement is Borges credited with establishing in South America? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A necktie is a narrow fabric band of varying length worn around the neck and tied in a knot or bow close to the throat. The modern tie, ascot, and bowtie are descended from the 17th c. cravat. Originally, the four-in-hand necktie was cut on the square and had square ends. The bias-cut necktie, introduced in 1926, allowed the tie to fall evenly from the knot without twisting. Using mathematical modeling, researchers have discovered 85 possible necktie knots. How many are “aesthetically pleasing”? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary