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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2016 5:21 am
by E Pericoloso Sporgersi
voralfred wrote:... Algot, how habile you are ...
... Sir E's habilily... (Sorry, I have no sister with that name.)
... I seldom find an appropriate idea.
Remember that we're all descendants of Homo Habilis.

Their tribal shaman (a direct ancestor of mine) called his wife HabiLily because she could apply anaesthesia swiftly and habilely.

Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2016 6:33 am
by Algot Runeman
penumbra

Pronunciation: /pɪˈnʌmbrə/
noun (plural penumbrae /pɪˈnʌmbriː/ or penumbras)
1 The partially shaded outer region of the shadow cast by an opaque object.
1.1 Astronomy The shadow cast by the earth or moon over an area experiencing a partial eclipse.
1.2 Astronomy The less dark outer part of a sunspot, surrounding the core.
2 A peripheral or indeterminate area or group: an immense penumbra of theory surrounds any observation


Origin
Mid 17th century: modern Latin, from Latin paene 'almost' + umbra 'shadow'.

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Sunlight made doing anything too hot. Sitting beneath the umbrella provided some relief with the light onshore breeze. The shadow on the sand was sharp-edged until a cloud passed over, adding a penumbra to the shading effect.

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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2016 7:31 am
by E Pericoloso Sporgersi
Algot Runeman wrote:penumbra
If you are implying that my previous post is proposing a very penumbral hypothesis, in other words that it is B.S., then I must admit that you are quite right.

But leg-pulling is one of my favourite pastimes. So please indulge me, and, above all, do not feel offended. That is never my intention.
Spoiler: show
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2016 8:49 am
by Algot Runeman
ichor

Pronunciation: /ˈʌɪkɔː/
noun
[mass noun]
1 Greek Mythology The fluid which flows like blood in the veins of the gods.
2 archaic A watery discharge from a wound.

Origin
Mid 17th century: from Greek ikhōr.

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Two days in a row, Alberto Contador crashed and scraped skin off on the tar and also what is euphemistically called "road furniture" by the race broadcasters. The result was painful to look at as he was bandaged by the medical crew, working through the open car window as Contador held on to the window's "sill." As the race continues, Contador will slowly heal, but the minimum will be a bandage soaked with ichor, if not seeping blood. Contador is one of the "gods" of professional bicycle racing, so the older Greek usage of ichor might also be fitting.

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Eurosport Video

Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2016 8:41 am
by Algot Runeman
goombah

Pronunciation: /ɡuːmˈbɑː/
noun
North American informal
An associate or accomplice, especially a senior member of a criminal gang.

Origin
1960s: probably a dialect alteration of Italian compare 'godfather, friend, accomplice'.

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He's my goombah. We work together all the time. He cooks and I serve. Our barbecues are always tasty and fun.

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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2016 9:03 am
by Algot Runeman
slacktivism

Pronunciation: /ˈslaktɪvɪz(ə)m/
(also slactivism)
noun
[mass noun] informal
Actions performed via the Internet in support of a political or social cause but regarded as requiring little time or involvement, e.g. signing an online petition or joining a campaign group on a social media website or application: such email alerts make slacktivism easy

Origin
Early 21st century: blend of slacker and activism.

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You, too, can be a word slacktivist. Support the WotD by subscribing to be notified when a new post occurs. Read each day's word post. Write a weird response. Really! Weird is good. Accurate word usage is entirely optional. Write to show you care. Write to show you don't care at all. Write. You don't even need to apply a stamp.

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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2016 10:26 am
by E Pericoloso Sporgersi
Algot Runeman wrote:slacktivism
...
You, too, can be a word slacktivist. Support the WotD by subscribing to be notified when a new post occurs. Read each day's word post. Write a weird response. Really! Weird is good. Accurate word usage is entirely optional. Write to show you care. Write to show you don't care at all. Write. You don't even need to apply a stamp.
...
And if because of (temporary) laziness, heat stroke, rain soaking or any other reason, slacktivism doesn't suit you, well then come naked.

Even slugtivism is welcome, but hurry up and shake a tail or eyestalk or whatever.
Spoiler: show
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2016 6:27 am
by Algot Runeman
tansu
Pronunciation: /ˈtansuː/
noun (plural same)
A Japanese chest of drawers or cabinet.

Origin
Japanese.

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Originally designed for travel, the tansu chest has become a treasured, permanent fixture of our living room.

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Ty Heineken

Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 8:57 am
by Algot Runeman
process 1

Pronunciation: /ˈprəʊsɛs/
noun
1 A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end: military operations could jeopardize the peace process
1.1 A natural series of changes: the ageing process
1.2 A systematic series of mechanized or chemical operations that are performed in order to produce something: the manufacturing process is relatively simple
1.3 Computing An instance of a program being executed in a multitasking operating system, typically running in an environment that protects it from other processes.
1.4 [as modifier] Printing Relating to or denoting printing using ink in three colours (cyan, magenta, and yellow) and black to produce a complete range of colour: process inks
2 Law A summons or writ requiring a person to appear in court.
3 Biology & Anatomy A natural appendage or outgrowth on or in an organism, such as a protuberance on a bone.
verb
[with object]
1 Perform a series of mechanical or chemical operations on (something) in order to change or preserve it: the salmon is quickly processed after harvest to preserve the flavour
1.1 Deal with (someone or something) using an official procedure: the immigration authorities who processed him
1.2 Computing Operate on (data) by means of a program.

Origin
Middle English: from Old French proces, from Latin processus 'progression, course', from the verb procedere (see proceed). Current senses of the verb date from the late 19th century.

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In the process of doing today's word it was necessary to progress to an alternate word. The first had been processed in the past. There might almost be a protest about using this day's word. It has appeared 52 times in posts, though never before possessed the prominence of a WotD.

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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2016 10:33 am
by E Pericoloso Sporgersi
Algot Runeman wrote:process
To really understand many or the WotDs, I first had to process them in the WotD's context.

That often took some extra Googling or Binging, sometimes even bingeing and gurgling in nearby pubs, to fully soak up the multiple meanings and uses.

Only then could I write some witty, nonsensical or silly essay about it.
Spoiler: show
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2016 7:34 am
by Algot Runeman
trishaw

Pronunciation: /ˈtrʌɪʃɔː/
noun
A light three-wheeled vehicle with pedals used in Asian countries.

Origin
1940s: from tri- 'three' + rickshaw.

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Phang Do drove his trishaw around the city 18 hours every day. His family was proud. His family ate well.

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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2016 11:59 am
by E Pericoloso Sporgersi
Algot Runeman wrote:trishaw
A rickshaw with pedals *and* a fuel-driven motor?
That must be quite a trickshaw.

I'd love to see Jeremy Clarkson pedal one.
But I guess he would pick a much more customised model, and certainly without pedals.
Spoiler: show
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2016 1:34 pm
by Algot Runeman
It is a hybrid trishaw, E.P.S.

Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2016 6:05 am
by Algot Runeman
explicans

Pronunciation: /ˌɛksplɪˈkanz/
noun (plural explicantia /ˌɛksplɪˈkantɪə/)
Philosophy
The explanation or explication given for a fact, thing, or expression. Compare with explicandum.

Origin
Late 19th century: Latin, present participle of explicare 'explain'.

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Logically, this sentence should demonstrate what explicans is, but it's confusing because the explicans usually explains what an explicandum is. Screwy, huh? Logic and philosophy mess with the mind. I wonder if that's the intent.

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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2016 8:18 am
by E Pericoloso Sporgersi
Algot Runeman wrote:explicans
I'm old enough to have been drafted for compulsory military service.

While I was fulfilling basic training, silently suffering, a veteran gave me an explicans which explained a lot.

The "mess" is where privates get chow.
The "logic mess" is the cafeteria for non-coms.
The "philosophic mess" is the restaurant where commissioned officers enjoy meals.

Is that clear?
Spoiler: show
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2016 9:45 am
by voralfred
To tell the truth, before I opened the "Spoiler" I would have called your previous post quite an explicandum.

But the three pictures of the spoiler, once opened, were as good an explicans as three thousand words or morer.

Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2016 7:28 am
by Algot Runeman
theodicy

Pronunciation: /θɪˈɒdɪsi/
noun (plural theodicies)
[mass noun]
The vindication of divine providence in view of the existence of evil: the question of theodicy [count noun]: those seeking a theodicy

Origin
Late 18th century: from French Théodicée, the title of a work by Leibniz, from Greek theos 'god' + dikē 'justice'.

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Someone please explain how theodicy "explains" the evil that is among us. It is the product of our fears multiplied by our hate. Evil festers in the swamp of self-righteousness, "me and mine before all others".

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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2016 10:57 am
by E Pericoloso Sporgersi
Algot Runeman wrote:theodicy
The two differences between theodicy and idiocy:
1. the different spelling of course,
2. the auditory distinction: theodicy is accented on the second syllable, idiocy on the first, respectively θɪˈɒdɪsi and ˈɪdɪəsi.
There's tons of images for idiot, but I've found none of theodit, except this single one (which actually is French for "Theo says") :
Spoiler: show
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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2016 7:13 am
by Algot Runeman
deontic

Pronunciation: /dɪˈɒntɪk/
adjective
1 Philosophy Relating to duty and obligation as ethical concepts.
1.1 Linguistics Expressing duty or obligation.

Origin
Mid 19th century (as noun deontics): from Greek deont- 'being needed or necessary' (from dei 'it is necessary') + -ic.

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When tension builds, deontic considerations become more than philosopical concepts. Everyone and each one in such situations must consider their duties and individual responsibilities.

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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2016 7:58 am
by Algot Runeman
bhajan

Pronunciation: /ˈbʌdʒ(ə)n/
noun
Hinduism
A devotional song.

Origin
From Sanskrit bhajana, from bhaj 'to honour, adore'.

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While we may be more familiar with a hymn to Him, there are other traditions around the world with the same devotional intent. The bhajan is one such.
To whom do you hum, hmm? Is there a her in your vocal focal point?

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[The singers are saying "bhajan pooja", written in Hindi lettering, "bhajan pray" which is probably not actual lyrics.]

Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2016 7:05 am
by Algot Runeman
pisciculture

Pronunciation: /ˈpɪsɪˌkʌltʃə/
noun
[mass noun]
The controlled breeding and rearing of fish.

Origin
Mid 19th century: from Latin piscis 'fish' + culture, on the pattern of words such as agriculture.

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Even the mighty salmon gets help through pisciculture to endure the modern world.

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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 7:35 am
by Algot Runeman
staddle

Pronunciation: /ˈstad(ə)l/
noun
1 A platform or framework supporting a stack or rick.
1.1 (also staddle stone) A stone, especially one resembling a mushroom in shape, supporting a framework or rick.

Origin
Old English stathol 'base, support', of Germanic origin; related to the verb stand.

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The grain was dry thanks to the staddle stone foundation. The number of smaller vermin were reduced as well.

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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 11:32 am
by E Pericoloso Sporgersi
Algot Runeman wrote:staddle
With half its staddles wading into the lake, the shed had become a modest boathouse.

Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2016 6:14 am
by Algot Runeman
stretch
Pronunciation: /strɛtʃ/
verb
[no object]
1 (Of something soft or elastic) be made or be capable of being made longer or wider without tearing or breaking: my jumper stretched in the wash rubber will stretch easily when pulled
1.1 [with object] Cause (something) to become longer or wider by pulling it: stretch the elastic small squares of canvas were stretched over the bamboo frame
2 Straighten or extend one’s body or a part of one’s body to its full length, typically so as to tighten one’s muscles or in order to reach something: the cat yawned and stretched [with object]: I stretched out a weary arm to turn on my radio stretching my cramped legs we lay stretched out on the sand
[...way more definitions trimmed for sanity...]

Origin
Old English streccan, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch strekken and German strecken. The noun dates from the late 16th century.

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They say you should stretch yourself. Go beyond a comfort zone. Maybe tomorrow.

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Re: GAME: Word of the Day (WOTD)

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2016 7:06 am
by E Pericoloso Sporgersi
Algot Runeman wrote:stretch
You stretch my mind back to my first computer (Dec. 1985 - Sept 1990), which helped push me into the twenty-first century.
In computer science, a Procrustean string is a fixed length string into which strings of varying lengths are placed. If the string inserted is too short, then it is padded out [stretched], usually with spaces or null characters. If the string inserted is too long, it is truncated. The concept is mentioned in the Sinclair ZX81 and Sinclair Spectrum user manuals, where a portion of a string is replaced by another string using Procrustean assignment—the replacement string is truncated or padded [stretched] in order to have length equal to the portion being replaced.
In my Sinclair Spectrum era, I loved the Procrustean method:
There he had a bed, in which he invited every passer-by to spend the night, and where he set to work on them with his smith's hammer, to stretch them to fit. In later tellings, if the guest proved too tall, Procrustes would amputate the excess length; nobody ever fit the bed exactly.
Spoiler: show
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