Tag: poetry in motion

A punnet is a small container or basket for fruits or vegetables. Punnet is of uncertain origin but is thought to be a diminutive of pun (British dialect word for pound). Punnet is used mostly in Commonwealth countries (though not Canada) and it's first recorded usage is around 1815 to 1825. Punnets are usually small… Continue reading Word Nerd: Punnet

Dactylonomy means the use of one's fingers to express numbers. Dactylonomy derives from the Latin dactylo-(finger, toe) - from the Ancient Greek δάκτυλος (finger)- and from the English -nomy (rules, laws, knowledge) - from the Ancient Greek νόμος (law, custom). Dactylonomy is the official word for counting on one's fingers - something I do all… Continue reading Word Nerd: Dactylonomy

Pusillanimous means lacking courage and resolution and marked by contemptible timidity. Pusillanimous derives from the Latin pusillus (very small) and animus (spirit). Pusillanimous first started being used in the 16th century but gained prominence in the 1970's. Pusillanimous is an incredibly awesome word and while it is not where the derogatory definition of pussy derives… Continue reading Word Nerd: Pusillanimous

Berceuse (pronounced ber-süz) is a musical composition usually in ⁶/₈ time that resembles a lullaby. Berceuse derives from French bercer (to rock) and ultimately from the Old French bers (cradle). A berceuse is a soothing, gentle refrain often set to a rocking rhythm usually in 6/8 time. Most berceuses are often simple in form, alternating… Continue reading Word Nerd: Berceuse

Pandiculation is an all-over stretching and yawning, as upon waking or going to bed. Pandiculation derives from from Latin pandiculari, which is from pendere (to stretch). Pandiculation describes a natural process of yawning and stretching that our bodies do when we've been sedimentary for awhile in preparation for movement. If our bodies didn't pandiculate, they… Continue reading Word Nerd: Pandiculation

Neomenia is the time of the new moon. Neomenia derives from the Greek ne- (not, without) and -mēnia (from mēnē (moon)). Neomenia was first used around 1350-1402. Neomenia is a cyclical occasion that occurs about once a month marking the beginning of the lunar calendar. Neomenia can also mean the festival of the new moon.… Continue reading Word Nerd: Neomenia