Wiktionary:Word of the day/Archive/2009/September

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1

2

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front v

To lead or be the spokesperson of a group. To provide money or financial assistance in advance. To assume a haughty manner, especially as a pretense

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3

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wanton adj

Lewd, immoral; sexually open/free. Capriciously violent; malicious without provocation; acting without regard for the law or the well-being of others. Abundant and luxuriant, without restraint. Playful; overly happy

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6

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pastiche n

A work of drama, literature, music, or architecture that imitates the work of a previous artist, often satirically. A musical medley, typically quoting other works. An incongruous mixture; a hodgepodge

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7

8

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Hobson-Jobson n

A word or phrase borrowed by one language from another and modified in pronunciation to fit the set of sounds the borrowing language typically uses

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10

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alabaster n

A fine-grained white or lightly-tinted variety of gypsum, used ornamentally. (historical) A variety of calcite, translucent and sometimes banded

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13

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corkscrew v

To wind or twist in the path of a corkscrew; to move with much horizontal and vertical shifting. To extract information or consent from someone

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16

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ductile adj

Capable of being pulled or stretched into thin wire by mechanical force without breaking. Molded easily into a new form. (rare) Led easily; prone to follow

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17

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idiosyncrasy n

A behavior or way of thinking that is characteristic of a person. A language or behaviour that is particular to an individual or group. A peculiarity that serves to distinguish or identify

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18

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proselytize v

To encourage or induce people to join a religious movement, political party or other cause or organization. To convert (someone) to one’s own faith or beliefs

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22

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abrogate v

To annul by an authoritative act; to abolish by the authority of the maker or his successor; to repeal. To put an end to; to do away with

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23

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thalweg n

(geology, geography) The line that connects the lowest points in a valley or river channel, and thus the line of fastest flow along a river’s course

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26

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guillemet n

Either of the punctuation marks “«” or “»”, used in several languages to indicate passages of speech as the equivalent of the English quotation marks

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27

28

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flange n

An external or internal rib or rim, used either to add strength or to hold something in place. The projecting edge of a rigid or semi-rigid component

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29

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swagger v

To walk with a swaying motion; hence, to walk and act in a pompous, consequential manner. To boast or brag noisily; to be ostentatiously proud or vainglorious

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30

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yeoman n

An official providing honorable service in a royal or high noble household. A third in order of the feudal servant fighting class, below knight and squire but above a page. A subordinate, deputy, aide, or assistant. (British) A former class of small freeholders who farm their own land

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