Definition: (noun) A small sac or cyst, especially one containing fluid.
Synonyms: cyst.
Usage: All living things have much in common, in their chemical composition, their germinal vesicles, and their laws of growth and reproduction.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
Scientists probing a newly exposed, formerly snow-covered outcropping in Greenland claim they have discovered the oldest fossils ever seen, the remnants of microbial mats that lived 3.7 billion years ago. It’s a stunning announcement in a scientific field … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Pledge of Allegiance is an oath of loyalty to the United States. It first appeared in the September 8, 1892, issue of The Youth’s Companion, and its authorship has been ascribed to magazine staff member Francis Bellamy. Officially recognized by the government in 1942, the pledge became compulsory in some public schools, but the following year the Supreme Court ruled that recitation could not be required of any individual. What two words were inserted into the pledge in 1954? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Greek word theotokos means “god-bearer,” or “mother of God.” The feast known as the Nativity of the Theotokos is observed in Orthodox Christian churches on September 8. Western Christian churches celebrate the feast on the same day, but call it the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast of Mary’s nativity is believed to have originated in the East, probably in Syria or Palestine, some centuries ago. By the 11th century, the observation of this feast had spread throughout the Christian world. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The patron saint of Scandinavia, Ansgar was a missionary and the first archbishop of Hamburg. He was sent by Louis I to help King Harald Christianize Denmark and King Bjorn Christianize Sweden. He initiated a mission to all Scandinavians and Slavs and was appointed archbishop of Hamburg in 832. When Sweden and Denmark returned to paganism by 845, Ansgar thwarted the pagan rebellion. He was recognized as a saint soon after his death. Ansgar is often called the Apostle of what? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A molecular machine is a minute mechanism consisting of molecular components that perform mechanical-like movements in response to specific stimuli. Chemists have synthesized a number of simple molecular machines, including molecular propellers and molecular motors, the latter of which are powered by light or reactions with other molecules and are capable of unidirectional rotation. Far more complex biological versions of these artificial nanomachines are found in living cells. What do they do? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A freestanding, roofed, usually open-sided structure providing a shady resting place.
Synonyms: summerhouse.
Usage: There was a gazebo about a quarter-mile away from the mansion where we would talk, surrounded by nature and protected from the sun.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
Mobile apps and web-based programs do help people reach health goals like exercising more, losing weight and quitting smoking, but studies need to follow-up longer to see how sustainable these interventions are, according to a recent review of existing … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Miss America Pageant, now an American institution, began in 1921 as an attempt by Atlantic City businessmen to keep tourists in town after Labor Day. The weeklong event features the 50 state pageant winners and includes evening gown, swimsuit, and talent competitions. Its winner receives a $50,000 scholarship and spends the next year traveling and making lucrative personal appearances. What unusual skills have contestants demonstrated in the talent competition over the years? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A declaration of independence was made by Pedro di Alcântara (1798-1834) on this day in 1822. Brazil had been a colony of Portugal since the 16th century. Alcântara, better known as Pedro I, became the first emperor of Brazil in 1823 and ruled until 1831. Independence Day is a public holiday in Brazil, and there are celebrations in Brasília, the capital, with parades of military personnel and floats decorated with flowers. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary