Word Power

[TW]

November 1, 2007

forcible \FOR-suh-buhl\, adjective:
1. Using force against opposition or resistance; effected or accomplished by force; as, "forcible entry or abduction."
2. Characterized by force, efficiency, or energy; powerful.

[TW]

November 2, 2007

myrmidon \MUR-muh-don; -duhn\, noun:
1. (Capitalized) A member of a warlike Thessalian people who followed Achilles on the expedition against Troy.
2. A loyal follower, especially one who executes orders without question, protest, or pity.

[TW]

November 3, 2007

politic \POL-ih-tik\, adjective:
1. Of or pertaining to polity, or civil government; political (as in the phrase "the body politic").
2. (Of persons): Sagacious in promoting a policy; ingenious in devising and advancing a system of management; characterized by political skill and ingenuity; hence, shrewdly tactful, cunning.
3. (Of actions or things): Pertaining to or promoting a policy; hence, judicious; expedient; as, "a politic decision."

[TW]

November 4, 2007

sciolism \SY-uh-liz-uhm\, noun:
Superficial knowledge; a superficial show of learning.

[TW]

November 5, 2007

woolgathering \WOOL-gath-(uh)-ring\, noun:
Indulgence in idle daydreaming.

[TW]

November 6, 2007

bete noire \bet-NWAHR\, noun:
Something or someone particularly detested or avoided; a bugbear.

[TW]

November 7, 2007

fealty \FEE-uhl-tee\, noun:
1. Fidelity to one's lord; the feudal obligation by which the tenant or vassal was bound to be faithful to his lord.
2. The oath by which this obligation was assumed.
3. Fidelity; allegiance; faithfulness.

[TW]

November 8, 2007

ameliorate \uh-MEEL-yuh-rayt\, transitive verb:
1. To make better; to improve.

intransitive verb:
1. To grow better.

[TW]

November 9, 2007

polyglot \POL-ee-glot\, adjective:
1. Containing or made up of several languages.
2. Writing, speaking, or versed in many languages.

[TW]

November 10, 2007

deleterious \del-uh-TIR-ee-us\, adjective:
Harmful; destructive; pernicious.

[TW]

November 11, 2007

mercurial \mur-KYUR-ee-uhl\, adjective:
1. [Often capitalized] Of or pertaining to the god Mercury.
2. [Often capitalized] Of or pertaining to the planet Mercury.
3. Having the qualities of shrewdness, eloquence, or thievishness attributed to the god Mercury.
4. Changeable in temperament or mood; temperamental; volatile.
5. Of, pertaining to, or containing mercury.
6. Caused by the use of mercury.

[TW]

November 12, 2007

gesticulate \juh-STIK-yuh-layt\, intransitive verb:
1. To make gestures or motions, especially while speaking or instead of speaking.

transitive verb:
1. To indicate or express by gestures.

[TW]

November 13, 2007

perfervid \puhr-FUR-vid\, adjective:
Ardent; impassioned; marked by exaggerated or overwrought emotion.

[TW]

November 14, 2007

flaneur \flah-NUR\, noun:
One who strolls about aimlessly; a lounger; a loafer.

[TW]

November 15, 2007

hector \HEK-tur\, noun:
1. A bully.

transitive verb:
1. To intimidate or harass in a blustering way; to bully.

intransitive verb:
1. To play the bully; to bluster.