Definition: (noun) A false statement maliciously made to injure another's reputation.
Synonyms: aspersion, defamation, denigration, slander.
Usage: When it became clear that he could not win the election any other way, the candidate resorted to calumny and dirty tricks.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
When scientists recently announced that they had discovered a new planet orbiting our closest stellar neighbor, Proxima Centuri, they also released an artist’s conception of the planet. The picture of a craggy canyon, illuminated by a reddish-orange … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Erie Canal is a New York waterway that runs between Albany and Buffalo, linking the Hudson River with Lake Erie. It was born out of the need for an all-American water route from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast that became evident after the American Revolution. The canal contributed greatly to the development of New York City and the Midwest, allowing for the transport of people and supplies. Commercial traffic on the canal has since dwindled, and it is now used mainly for what purpose? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Ekadashi is the Hindi word for “eleventh.” Hindus observe 24 11th-day fasts during the course of the Hindu year, although some are more important than others. Each Ekadashi is held in honor of a different Hindu legend and has specific religious duties associated with it. Eating rice, however, is prohibited on all Ekadashi. According to legend, a demon was born of the sweat that fell from Brahma‘s head on this day, and Brahma instructed it to inhabit the rice grains eaten by people on Ekadashi and to turn into worms in their stomachs. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Initially a supporter of the Vichy government during World War II, Mitterrand joined the Resistance in 1943. After the war, he held cabinet posts in 11 Fourth Republic governments. He ran unsuccessfully against Charles de Gaulle’s government in 1965 but was elected president in 1981 and 1988, after which he strongly promoted European integration. Mitterrand retired in 1995, having served longer than any other French president. Who succeeded him as president of France? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Trout tickling is the practice of rubbing the underbelly of a trout in order to put it in a trance-like state that makes it easier to catch by hand. Commonly used in times of economic stress, especially during the 1930s depression era, the technique has been featured in works of literature throughout history—including writings by 3rd century Greek writer Aelian, Shakespeare, and Mark Twain, who described catching catfish in a similar way. In what country is the practice essentially outlawed? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) A comfortable or complacent member of the middle class.
Synonyms: bourgeois.
Usage: From the serfs of the Middle Ages sprang the chartered burghers of the earliest towns.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum founder David Elliott was herding sheep when he came across a pile of bones in Western Queensland, Australia, in 2005. The discovery turned out to be huge – literally. At first, Mr. Elliott thought that the bones might belong …
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Source: The Free Dictionary
George III ascended the throne at the age of 22, during the Seven Years’ War. The war had put England in financial distress, and George supported raising funds through taxation of the American colonies. This policy proved disastrous for him, as it provoked the American Revolution and led him to be blamed in part for losing the colonies. Later in life, George’s mental health declined, and his son acted as regent after 1811. It has been suggested that he suffered from what hereditary disease? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
On October 25, 1983, the US and other Caribbean forces invaded Grenada to destabilize the Communist regime that had overthrown the government of Sir Eric Gairy in 1979. Democratic elections were held in December 1984. October 25 is observed as Thanksgiving Day, a public holiday in Grenada. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary