Wiktionary:Word of the day/Archive/2023/March

2023
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1

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enough is enough phrase

One should be satisfied; nothing additional is required. Especially as an expression of exasperation: the limit of patience or tolerance has been reached. Today is Zero Discrimination Day, which is recognized by the United Nations to promote equality before the law and non-discrimination.

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2

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recuse v

(transitive) To reject or repudiate (an authority, a person, a court judgment, etc.). (reflexive, law) Of a judge, juror, or prosecutor: to declare (oneself) unable to participate in a court case due to an actual or potential conflict of interest or lack of impartiality. (chiefly Canada, US, law) To object to (a judge, juror, or prosecutor) participating in a court case due to an actual or potential conflict of interest or lack of impartiality. (obsolete) To refuse (to do something). (rare) To dismiss (an appeal). (intransitive, law) Of a judge, juror, or prosecutor: to declare oneself disqualified from trying a court case due to an actual or potential conflict of interest or lack of impartiality.

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3

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biomass n

(biology) The total mass of a living thing or a part thereof (such as a cell). The total mass of all, or a specified category of, living things within a specific area, habitat, etc. Organic matter from living things which were recently alive (especially vegetation) used as a fuel or source of energy, especially if cultivated for that purpose; also, fuel produced from such organic matter; biofuel. Today is World Wildlife Day, which is recognized by the United Nations to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora.

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4

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steam shovel n (construction)

(historical) An excavating machine designed to effect a shovelling action through steam power. (by extension) Any excavating machine of similar design, no matter how powered. steam shovel v (also figuratively) (transitive) To excavate (a place, or something from a place) using a steam shovel. (intransitive) To operate a steam shovel. Today is the World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, which is recognized by UNESCO to highlight the importance of engineering in advancing sustainable development and mitigating the impact of climate change.

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5

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anhelation n

(uncountable, pulmonology, archaic) Breathing difficulty, shortness of breath. (figuratively, obsolete) (uncountable) Mental or spiritual agitation. (uncountable) Followed by after or for: eager desire; (countable) an instance of this. Three years ago on 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be a pandemic.

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6

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Coronatide proper n

(Christianity, neologism) The period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Three years ago on 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be a pandemic.

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7

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elbow bump n

A hit to the elbow; also, an injury to the elbow caused by such a hit. A hit or jab made with the elbow. The touching of elbows between two people, sometimes as an alternative to a handshake, fist bump, or other form of contact when attempting to avoid the spread of germs. Three years ago on 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be a pandemic.

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8

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foundress n

(dated) A female founder (“one who founds or establishes”). (zoology, specifically) A female animal which establishes a colony. foundress n (obsolete, rare) A female founder (“one who founds or casts metals”). Today is International Women’s Day, which is commemorated by the United Nations to recognize women’s achievements and to promote their rights and participation in economic and political spheres.

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9

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parosmia n

(pathology) A distorted sense of smell, often resulting in the apparent detection of non-existent smells which are mostly unpleasant. Three years ago on 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be a pandemic.

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10

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long COVID n

(pathology, neologism) Long-term sequelae or symptoms (such as brain fog, extreme fatigue, or shortness of breath) following a COVID-19 infection, which persist after the SARS-CoV-2 virus is no longer active. Three years ago on 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be a pandemic.

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11

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new normal n

(chiefly Canada, US, idiomatic) A current prevailing situation which has emerged recently, that differs dramatically from the previous one and is expected to remain. On this date three years ago in 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be a pandemic.

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12

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high jinks n (plural only)

(Scotland, games, historical) An old Scottish parlour game in which people were chosen, usually by throwing dice, to perform some humorous act or drink a large amount of an alcoholic beverage, with a forfeit if they were unable to do so. (by extension) Boisterous activity or behaviour; lively fun. Tricky or waggish behaviour; mischief. The American stunt performer and actor Johnny Knoxville was born on 11 March 1971. Knoxville was a co-creator and star of the reality comedy television series Jackass (2000–2001), in which the cast carried out stunts and pranks on each other and the public.

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13

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neurodiverse adj

Of a person: exhibiting neurodiversity; varying in mental configuration from others, especially being on the autism spectrum; of a group: made up of neurodivergent people. Of or pertaining to neurodivergent people or groups. Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which was founded in 2018 by Siena Castellon, a person with autism, begins on this day in 2023.

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14

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chronoception n

(physiology) The perception or sense of time. The German-born theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, known for developing the theory of relativity, was born on this day in 1879.

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15

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notorious adj

Senses with an unfavourable connotation. Of a person or entity: generally or widely known for something negative; infamous. Of an act, situation, etc.: blameworthy in an obvious and offensive way; blatant, flagrant. Senses with a favourable or neutral connotation. Generally or widely known; of common knowledge; famous or well-known. (obsolete) Clear, evident, obvious. Generally or widely knowable. notorious adv (obsolete) Synonym of notoriously Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States known by the nickname “The Notorious R.B.G.” (after the American rapper The Notorious B.I.G.), was born on this day 90 years ago in 1933.

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16

17

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Gaelic football n

An Irish form of football played by two teams of 15 players each, who score by kicking or punching a ball into the opposing team's goal or over a crossbar and between two upright posts above the goal. Today is Saint Patrick’s Day, the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland.

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18

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knock about v (informal)

(transitive) To hit (someone or something) all over repeatedly; hence, to behave violently towards or mistreat (someone or something). (intransitive) To move or roam around aimlessly. (by extension) To live an unconventional life. To be present at or inhabit a certain place. (by extension) To engage in a relaxing activity in a place; to hang around in. (by extension) Often followed by with: to spend time companionably; to hang around. (by extension, usually in present participial form) To be mislaid in a place.

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19

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feint v

(transitive, boxing, fencing) To direct (a blow, thrust, or other offensive movement resembling an attack) on some part of the body, intended to distract from a real attack on another part. (rare) To direct a feint or mock attack against (someone). (intransitive, boxing, fencing, also often military) To make a feint or mock attack. feint n (often military) A movement made to confuse an opponent; a dummy. (boxing, fencing) A blow, thrust, or other offensive movement resembling an attack on some part of the body, intended to distract from a real attack on another part. (figuratively) Something feigned; a false or pretend appearance; a pretence or stratagem. feint adj (boxing, fencing, also often military) Of an attack or offensive movement: directed toward a different part from the intended strike. (obsolete) Feigned, counterfeit, fake. [...]

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20

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entrepôt n (business)

A city, port, or other place where merchandise is sent for import, processing, distribution, and/or export, especially one where such merchandise is exempt from some customs duties; hence, a commercial centre. (archaic) The temporary storage of merchandise, especially for subsequent distribution or export. (also figuratively) A depot or warehouse for temporarily storing merchandise. Today is UN French Language Day, one of six such days established by UNESCO to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity and to promote the equal use of its working languages. The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (International Organization of the French-speaking World) was founded on this day in 1970.

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21

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gelotology n

(psychology, physiology) The study of humour and laughter, and its effects on the body. Yesterday was the International Day of Happiness, which is recognized by the United Nations to highlight the need for a more inclusive approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development and the eradication of poverty for the happiness and well-being of all peoples.

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22

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winterbourne n

(British) A stream that only flows in winter or after wet weather, particularly in an area rich in limestone. Today is designated by the United Nations as World Water Day, which focuses on the importance of fresh water and the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

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23

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hoar frost n

Originally, any frozen dew forming a white deposit on exposed surfaces. (specifically, meteorology) Water vapour which has undergone deposition or desublimation (“transformation directly into ice crystals without first turning into liquid water”) when the air is cold and moist to form a white deposit on exposed surfaces. Today is World Meteorological Day, which is recognized by the United Nations to highlight the contribution that national meteorological and hydrological services make to the safety and well-being of society.

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24

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dephlogisticated air n

(chemistry, historical) Oxygen gas, as originally thought to be air deprived of phlogiston (“the hypothetical fiery principle formerly assumed to be a necessary constituent of combustible bodies and to be given up by them in burning”). The English chemist Joseph Priestley, who coined the term, was born on this day 290 years ago in 1733.

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25

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Augean stables n (idiomatic)

An extremely filthy or untidy place or situation. (figuratively) A place or situation characterized by corruption or moral decay. Today is Εορτασμός της Ελληνικής Επανάστασης του 1821, the Celebration of the Greek Revolution of 1821, which marks the start of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire on this day in 1821, and is Greece’s Independence Day.

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26

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nonplussed adj

Unsure how to act or respond; bewildered, perplexed. (chiefly US, informal, nonstandard) Unaffected, unfazed; unimpressed.

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27

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bestow v (transitive)

To apply or make use of (someone or something); to employ, to use. (specifically, obsolete) To apply (money) for some purpose; to expend, to spend. To impart (something) gratuitously; to present (something) to someone or something, especially as a gift or an honour; to confer, to give. (archaic) To place or put (someone or something) somewhere or in a certain situation; to dispose of. To deposit (something) for safekeeping; to lay up (something) in store; to stow. (also reflexive) To provide (someone or oneself) with accommodation; to find quarters for (someone or oneself); to lodge, to quarter. (obsolete) (reflexive) To behave or conduct (oneself); to acquit. (also reflexive) To give (someone or oneself) in marriage. bestow n (obsolete, rare) An act of presenting a thing to someone or something, especially as a gift or an honour; a bestowal.

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28

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lengthman n

(nautical, rail transport, road transport, chiefly historical) A man responsible for the care and maintenance of a length of canal, railway, or road.

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29

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implore v

(transitive) To beg or plead for (something) earnestly or urgently; to beseech. To beg or plead that (someone) earnestly or urgently do something; to beseech, to entreat. (intransitive) Chiefly followed by for (a thing) or of (a person): to express an earnest or urgent plea. implore n (obsolete, rare) An act of begging or pleading earnestly or urgently; an entreaty, an imploration or imploring, a plea.

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30

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prognosis n

A forecast of the future course or outcome of a situation based on what is presently known; a prediction. (medicine) A forecast of the future course or outcome of a disease or disorder based on current medical knowledge. Today is National Doctors’ Day in the United States, which recognizes the service rendered by physicians.

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31