omphalos – From the Greek word meaning “navel”—for the round stone in the temple of Apollo at Delphi supposed to mark the center of the earth—it describes the center, heart, or hub of a place, organization, or sphere of activity. More…
omphaloskepsis – Contemplation of one’s navel as an aid to meditation. More…
navel, umbilicus, belly button, omphalodium – The navel is also the umbilicus, belly button, or omphalodium; navel and umbilicus share the same Indo-European root. More…
To kiss (someone) passionately and at length. Watch the video
One of the best-known con men of the American Old West, Smith established criminal empires in Colorado and Alaska. His nickname comes from his main scam, in which he duped townsfolk into thinking he was selling them soap cakes wrapped in money. His cronies in the crowd would then buy all of the money-wrapped cakes, leaving paper-wrapped soaps for everyone else. However, Smith’s seedy ways were his undoing, and he was shot in 1898 after stealing a miner’s gold. What were his last words? Discuss
Definition: (adjective) Very liberal in giving; generous.
Synonyms: lavish, unsparing, unstinting.
Usage: In recognition of this munificent patronage of the State’s languishing industries, the Governor commissioned him a colonel.
Discuss
El Dorado – A place offering fabulous wealth or opportunity (after the legendary place in South America, “the gilded one”). More…
ease – First meant “opportunity, ability,” or “means to do something.” More…
hint – First meant “an occasion or opportunity.” More…
occasion – Once had the specific sense of “an opportunity for finding fault or giving offense.” More…
To waste time idly; to spend time doing little or nothing. Watch the video
Poets laureate are officially appointed by governments, often for the purpose of composing poems for events of national importance or raising awareness of literary arts. The term “laureate” comes from the Greek tradition of bestowing a laurel wreath upon heroes. Many countries have poets laureate, but the role originated in England, where Ben Jonson was most likely the first poet laureate in 1617. The post did not become a regular institution until 1670 with the appointment of what famous poet? Discuss
Definition: (verb) To offer congratulations to.
Synonyms: congratulate.
Usage: I felicitate you on your memory, sir.
Discuss
heat – As a preliminary race for a sporting contest, it is so called because of its intensity. More…
crescendo – Often mistakenly used to mean “reaching a pinnacle” when, in fact, it should be used only to describe a gradual increase in intensity or volume. More…
resonate, resound – Resonate means “to expand, to intensity, or amplify the sound of,” whereas resound means “to throw back, repeat the sound of.” More…
fervency, fervor – The intensity of heat or feeling can be described as fervency, from Latin fervere, “boil”; an instance of this heat or feeling is fervor. More…
This national holiday commemorates Madagascar‘s independence from France on this day in 1960. Republic Day is another public holiday in Madagascar, held on December 30, the day the new constitution went into effect. The country became a republic in 1975. Discuss