I’m guessing these words are all rather common, if you live in their “worlds.” It just goes to show you: everyday vocabulary in one home may be brand new to the neighbor living even right next door.
1. dystonia
(n) [dis-TO-nee-a]
Definition—abnormal tonicity of muscle, characterized by prolonged, repetitive muscle contractions that may cause twisting or jerking movements of the body
Usage—“This made my dystonia worse.”
~ from a new friend’s e-mail
2. prelate
(n) [PREL-it]
Definition—a clergyman of high rank, such as a bishop
Usage—“We accounted it a great slavery, when men said to our souls, ‘Bow down,’ as the cruel prelates were wont to do, in imposing things upon men’s consciences.”
from Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
3. cony
(n) [KO-nee]
Definition—a rabbit, especially the European rabbit
Usage—“The conies are but a feeble folk,
yet make they their houses in the rocks;”
~ from the Bible (Proverbs 30:26 KJV), quoted in Favorite Poems: Old and New, “Four Things”
4. humble-bee
(n)
Definition—a bumblebee
Usage— “Burly dozing humble-bee
Where thou art is clime for me.”
~ from “The Humble-Bee” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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To learn more new words in real-life context, check out Wondrous Words Wednesdays at Bermudaonion’s weblog.
3 comments:
Those are all new to me words too. I love humble-bee, though! I agree with you that dystonia is probably an everyday word for some people, but I'm glad to say it's not for me.
I learned cony from a restaurant menu! Good words!
My words are here.
Very unusual words you found in most ordinary places. Good for you.
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