Definition: (noun) Criminal offense of making false statements under oath.
Synonyms: bearing false witness, lying under oath.
Usage: After evidence of my innocence came to light, the so-called witness who testified against me was arrested on charges of perjury.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
Dally in the Alley is a one-day arts fair that takes place on the Saturday after Labor Day in the North Cass neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. The Dally began as a community block party and art fair in 1977. It expanded into a performing arts festival and moved to its current location in 1982, when it became known as the “Dally in the Alley,” the name of an English pub song. Each year more than 30,000 visitors attend the festival, which includes music, a curated art show, poetry and writing workshops, children’s activities, food, and refreshments—particularly beer. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Heliamphora is a genus of carnivorous pitcher plants native to South America. The plants lure insects into their deadly pitchers with their vivid pigmentation, sweet scent, and a spoon-like appendage suspended above the tube that secretes nectar. Inside the pitcher, downward-facing hairs force insects deeper inward, until they are drowned in fluid collected at its bottom and then digested by symbiotic bacteria. How do these plants keep from filling completely with water when it rains? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) Great merriment.
Synonyms: glee, mirthfulness.
Usage: When she was gone, I felt as if there was to be no more fun—though it is difficult to say what she had contributed to the hilarity of the party.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
The Upper Midwest‘s largest agricultural exposition, the Big Iron is held at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo, North Dakota. Established in 1981 so that farmers would have a place where they could come to view the latest innovations in farming and agricultural equipment, the Big Iron prides itself on being a business event rather than a carnival. The three-day show regularly attracts more than 70,000 visitors, who come to see not only the farm equipment that is on exhibit but field demonstrations of tillage, crop-spraying, irrigation, and other equipment. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Equestrian vaulting is a sport in which gymnastic routines are performed on horseback while the horse trots in a fixed circle. The horse is fitted with a special pad with handles to aid performers in their routines. Athletes mount the horse as it is moving, and perform individually or in groups as the horse trots or canters in a wide circle. Though it is especially popular in Europe, the sport is practiced competitively in countries around the world. Is equestrian vaulting an Olympic sport? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) Lack of the basic necessities or comforts of life.
Synonyms: neediness, want.
Usage: They endured years of privation during the war and were used to going without.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
The Fiesta de Santa Fe is a religious and secular festival said to be the oldest such event in the country. It dates to 1712 and recalls the early history of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The festivities start the Thursday night after Labor Day with the burning of Zozobra, or Old Man Gloom, a 50-foot-high effigy. Thousands watch and shout “Burn him!” when the effigy groans and asks for mercy. Fireworks announce the end of Gloom. Afterwards, spectators make their way to the plaza for the start of three days of dancing, street fairs, a grand ball, a parade, and a mass of thanksgiving. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A limes—plural limites—was a fortified military road of the Roman Empire. Over time, the term came to be associated with continuous barriers punctuated by watchtowers and forts. In Germany and Raetia, one such limes stretched 345 miles (555 km) along the Roman border. Though not impenetrable, limites deterred raiding parties and allowed the Romans to control communications along frontiers. In some places, they were used to guard caravan routes. What two famous limites were built across Britain? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) The trait of spending extravagantly.
Synonyms: profligacy, extravagance.
Usage: She spent her first half-year’s dividend from the Venice Hotel Company, with characteristic prodigality, in presents for the children.
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Source: The Free Dictionary