There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love. Discuss
Month: March 2021
layers
ply – From Latin plicare, “fold,” a thickness or any of the layers of a multilayer material, such as plywood. More…
disk – The layers of cartilage and pulp between vertebrae. More…
Neapolitan ice cream – Gets its name from its layers resembling the Italian flag. More…
delaminate – To separate into layers. More…
lay (one's) life on the line
To put oneself in harm’s way (to achieve something), especially at the risk of losing one’s life. (Sometimes used hyperbolically.) Watch the video
Defining the Meter
Adopted in France in the late 18th century, the meter is used today by much of the technologically developed world, making it an extremely successful example of both standardization and cooperation. However, the definition of the meter has changed several times. It was originally based, somewhat impractically, on a fraction of the Earth’s circumference and was later defined as the distance between two scratches on a bar of platinum-iridium alloy. What is the most recent definition of the meter? Discuss
liniment
Definition: (noun) A medicinal liquid that is rubbed into the skin to relieve muscular stiffness and pain.
Synonyms: embrocation.
Usage: The veterinarian instructed me to apply the liniment to the horse’s sore leg twice a day.
Discuss
instruction
catechism, catechumen – Catechism comes from Latin catechismus, “instruction by word of mouth,” and is literally a series of questions and answers; a catechumen is a young Christian preparing for confirmation. More…
disciple, discipline – Disciple comes from a Latin word meaning “learner” and discipline comes from one meaning “instruction, knowledge.” More…
document – First meant “instruction” or “evidence,” whether written or not. More…
lore – Originally meant “the act of teaching” or a “piece of instruction, lesson.” More…
Ethiopia Victory of Adwa Commemoration Day
Ethiopia is an African country that successfully shook off European domination for centuries. One pivotal moment of resistance was the Ethiopian army’s historic victory, led by Emperor Menelik II, over invading Italian troops in the Battle of Adwa, a two-day battle that ended on March 2. Festivities take place on its anniversary throughout the country, with official ceremonies in the capital, Addis Ababa, and Adwa, the market town located near the battle site. People will also leave wreaths at the Menelik Monument, which commemorates the victory led by the Ethiopian emperor. Discuss
lay the groundwork (for something)
To create or prepare the basics or essential foundation (for something); to pave the way (for something). Watch the video
Abolished Monarchies
In 2008, the last king of Nepal left the royal palace in Kathmandu, having been given 15 days to vacate by the Nepalese legislature. The year before, the last lifetime ruler of Samoa died, and rather than replace him, the country became a republic. Scores of countries have shed their monarchies in the past century, intentionally or not. Some have simply ceased to exist along with their rulers. What country’s Great Council of Chiefs still recognizes Elizabeth II as its Paramount Chief? Discuss
avowal
Definition: (noun) An open statement of affirmation; frank acknowledgment or admission.
Synonyms: avouchment.
Usage: He had no right to extort a confession of attachment from me when he had made no correspondent avowal himself.
Discuss