Chapter 1: A Fresh Collection of Words

After yet another journey through the realm of literature, I am excited to share an additional assortment of intriguing words for your enjoyment and contemplation. Some of these terms come from talented writers on Medium, and I extend my gratitude to them.

While presenting these “unknown specimens,” I acknowledge that my ignorance may be on display, but I have long since accepted that fact.

Here are some fascinating entries to ponder:

1. dopaminergic: Relating to the release or involvement of dopamine as a neurotransmitter. Medications with this property are often utilized in treating Parkinson’s disease and specific endocrine disorders.
2. peplum: A short gathered or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman's garment, creating a flouncy or frilly effect.
3. acrostic: A form of poetry or word puzzle where certain letters in each line create a word or phrase.
4. palourde: A type of Chinese clam.
5. spina comitum: Refers to the spine count, or the tallying of books—something Mrs. Pearce frequently practices upon returning from a bookstore or library visit.

Photo by Zaini Izzuddin on Unsplash

6. bibulous: Having an excessive fondness for alcoholic beverages.
7. expiate: To make reparations or amends for guilt or wrongdoing.
8. echolalia: The often compulsive repetition of what others say, almost as if echoing their words—common among government backbenchers.
9. stimming: Engaging in repetitive physical movements or vocalizations, typically seen in individuals with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions; this behavior serves various functions, including self-soothing and expressing emotions.
10. sybarite: An individual who indulges excessively in luxurious pleasures.
11. lexophile: A person who loves words, particularly in the context of puzzles, games, anagrams, and palindromes.
12. liber inimicus: A literary adversary.
13. A Proustian moment: A sudden, involuntary memory, such as recalling Liz Truss's tenure as Prime Minister.

Chapter 2: Revisiting Prior Discoveries

In case you missed them, here’s a selection of intriguing terms from my previous explorations:

1. recusant: A person who defies authority or refuses to comply with regulations, often in a religious context.
2. cavil: To raise trivial objections or concerns.
3. lede: The introductory sentence or paragraph in a news article, encapsulating the most crucial elements of the story.
4. billingsgate: Language characterized by coarse profanity.
5. borborygm: The rumbling sound made by a hungry stomach.
6. prosaic: Lacking imagination or creativity; pertaining to the style of prose rather than poetry.
7. dyschezia: Difficulty in defecation, often associated with pain or obstruction.
8. sukebind: A flowering plant, which can also refer to a curse.
9. pseudonymous: Writing under a fictitious name.
10. autodidact: A self-taught individual.
11. neophyte: A newcomer to a particular subject or activity.
12. euouae: A medieval musical term and the longest English word without consonants, according to Guinness World Records.
13. nudiustertian: Referring to the day before yesterday.

Photo by Laine Cooper on Unsplash

14. pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis: Possibly the longest word in the English language, consisting of 45 letters, it describes a lung disease caused by inhaling very fine silicate or quartz dust.
15. lollygag: To spend time aimlessly; to dawdle.
16. batrachomyomachy: To exaggerate trivial matters.
17. cattywampus: Describing something that is disorganized or not properly arranged.
18. whiffling: An ornithological term describing the erratic descending motion of birds, particularly geese.
19. bisque: A smooth, creamy soup originating from France, typically based on a strained broth of shellfish.
20. calabrese: A fast-growing variety of broccoli.
21. reflexive: Referring to a pronoun that indicates it is acting on itself, e.g., myself, themselves.
22. schematic: A diagrammatic representation of a system using abstract symbols rather than realistic imagery.
23. perma-gloom: A phrase describing the state of post-Brexit Britain.
24. levelling down: A satirical term for the UK government’s failed agenda aimed at equalizing conditions across regions.
25. bien pensant: A French term meaning “right-thinking” or conventional.
26. buccal: Pertaining to the cheek.
27. amanuensis: A literary or artistic assistant who takes dictation or copies manuscripts.
28. gazpacho: A chilled Spanish soup made from various vegetables, including tomatoes and peppers.
29. cerulean: A deep blue color reminiscent of a clear sky.
30. chatelaine: A woman who manages a large household.
31. soi disant: A French phrase meaning “self-proclaimed.”
32. canard: An unfounded rumor or story.
33. carpe diem: A Latin phrase meaning “seize the day.”
34. crosne: A type of Chinese artichoke.
35. kicker: A supplementary headline placed above the main headline.
36. comity: Polite and considerate behavior towards others.
37. gnomon: The part of a sundial that casts a shadow.
38. brindle: A brownish or tawny color mixed with streaks of other colors in animal fur.
39. salmagundi: A mixed dish of chopped meats, anchovies, eggs, onions, and seasonings.
40. seitan: A high-protein vegetarian food made from cooked wheat gluten.
41. carpetbagger: A political candidate who runs in an area where they have no local ties.
42. finagle: To obtain something through deceitful means.
43. rodomontade: Boastful or inflated behavior or speech.
44. eschatology: The theological study of death, judgment, and the final fate of humanity.
45. scatology: A focus on excrement and bodily waste.
46. lacuna: An unfilled gap or space.
47. epistemology: The study of knowledge and justified belief.
48. moiety: Each of two parts into which something can be divided.
49. fungible: Capable of being exchanged or replaced with something of equal value.
50. ubuntu: A quality encompassing compassion and humanity.
51. eudaimonia: A Greek term for a state of human flourishing or well-being.
52. ziggurat: A tiered temple structure from ancient Mesopotamia.
53. catafalque: A decorated platform supporting a coffin during a funeral.
54. fomite: An object that can carry infection.
55. solipsistic: Self-centered or egocentric.
56. entomology: The scientific study of insects.
57. etymology: The study of word origins and their changes over time.

I hope you find this collection both enjoyable and enlightening!

This video titled How To Know if You are a Logophile or Lexophile - Puns and Humor - YouTube offers an entertaining exploration of the love of words, filled with puns and humor that any lexophile would appreciate.

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