Language

Conquistador (noun) kon-kwis-ta-dor A conqueror, especially one of the Spanish conquerors of Mexico and Peru…

Copacetic (adj) (US/Eng) kop-a-set-ik In excellent order. Early 20th century of unknown origin. (more…)

Marmalise (verb) (Br/En) (Informal) maa-ma-liez Beat (someone) up. 1960s of uncertain origin; perhaps humorously from…

Detent (noun) dee-tent A catch in a machine which prevents motion until released. Often used…

Binnacle (noun) bin-a-kl A built-in housing for a ship's compass. Late 15th century (as bittacle):…

Ploat (verb) (British/Scottish) pl-oat To pluck; to strip of feathers, wool, etc. Frequently figurative: to…

Antebellum (adj) an-tee-bel-um Occurring or existing before a particular war, especially the US Civil War.…

Krait (noun) k-rai-t A highly venomous Asian snake of the cobra family. Late 19th century…

Troparion (noun) trop-e-ree-an A short hymn or verse used in the liturgy of the Greek…