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January 4, 2009
Word of the Day: quadratic equation
An equation in which one or more of the terms is squared but raised to no higher power, having the general form ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants. (© Houghton Mifflin Company)
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Menstrual: Pertaining to menstruation (the menses), as in last menstrual period, menstrual cramps, menstrual cycle, and premenstrual syndrome. From the Latin menstrualis, from mensis meaning month.
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January 3, 2009
lollygag
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 04, 2009 is:
lollygag • \LAH-lee-gag\ • verb
: to spend time idly, aimlessly, or foolishly : dawdle
Example sentence:
"Please stop lollygagging around and get ready for school," pleaded Mom.
Did you know?
You certainly didn't want to be known as a "lollygagger" at the beginning of the 20th century. Back then, "lollygag" was slang for "fooling around" (sexually, that is). That sense of "lollygag" was in use as long ago as 1868, and it probably originated as an alteration of the older (and more dawdlingly innocent) "lallygag." Nowadays, "lollygag" doesn't usually carry such naughty connotations, but back in 1946, one Navy captain considered lollygagging enough of a problem to issue this stern warning: "Lovemaking and lollygagging are hereby strictly forbidden.... The holding of hands, osculation and constant embracing of WAVES [Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service], corpsmen or civilians and sailors or any combination of male and female personnel is a violation of naval discipline...."
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DEFINITION: (noun) Protective covering consisting of a metal part that covers the engine.
SYNONYMS: bonnet, cowling, hood.
USAGE: The mechanic removed the cowl in order to repair the plane's engine.
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xanthous: yellowish
Filed under Fun Words by Dictionary.com Word of the Day
A second inserted into the year (usually on New Year's Eve) to make up for the fact that the earth's rotation is slowing down. Scientists know when to insert a leap second by comparing the earth's rotation to an atomic clock.
(© Houghton Mifflin Company)
(© Houghton Mifflin Company)
Filed under Fun Words by Answers.com: Word of the Day