Monday, April 23, 2007

Word Definition: Refractory

  1. Being disobedient due to stubbornness; contumacity
  2. Ability to endure high temperatures and/or pressures

Latin root: refractarius meaning stubborn, which in turns originates form refragari meaning 'to oppose'.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Wilde Quote

Only the shallow know themselves

Oscar Wilde

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Word Definition: Jingoist

  1. An extreme zealot driven by patriotism and nationalism
  2. Warmonger; political figure that advocates war and incites strong negative sentiment toward other nations to drum up public support for war.
Can you think of one (or two) present day examples? ;)

[Note: I've known and loved this word for a number of years, but have been spelling it wrong until now - sorry to everyone I have misinformed previously.]

Word Definition: Luddite

  1. An opponent of technological advances.
  2. Group of English workmen in the 19th century that destroyed the machines that displaced their jobs.