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

2023
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1

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antediluvian adj

(biblical) Belonging or pertaining to, or existing in, the time prior to the great flood described in Genesis, or (by extension) to a great or destructive flood or deluge described in other mythologies. (by extension) Of animals and plants: long extinct; prehistoric. (figurative, hyperbolic, chiefly humorous) Of a person or thing: very old; ancient. Of attitudes, ideas, etc.: extremely old-fashioned, especially to a laughable extent; antiquated. antediluvian n (biblical) A person who lived in the time prior to the great flood described in Genesis, especially one of the biblical patriarchs. (figurative, hyperbolic, chiefly humorous) A very old person. A person with extremely old-fashioned attitudes, ideas, etc., especially to a laughable extent; a fogey or old fogey. Today is the International Day of Older Persons, which is recognized by the United Nations to appreciate the contributions that older persons make to society, and to raise awareness of issues affecting them.

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2

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finial n

(architecture) Especially in Gothic architecture: an ornament, often in the form of a bunch or knot of foliage, on the peak of the gable of a roof, a pediment, a pinnacle, etc. (by extension) Any decorative fitting on the corner, end, or top of an object such as a canopy, a fencepost, a flagpole, or the newel post of a staircase. (figurative, also attributive) The completion or end of something. Today, the first Monday of October in 2023, is designated by the United Nations as World Habitat Day to encourage reflection on the state of towns and cities, and on people’s basic right to adequate shelter. It is also marked as World Architecture Day by the International Union of Architects.

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3

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auslaut n

Synonym of coda (“the optional final sound of a syllable or word, occurring after its nucleus and usually composed of one or more consonants”) Today is Tag der Deutschen Einheit (German Unity Day), which commemorates the anniversary of German Reunification in 1990.

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4

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hacker n

Someone who hacks. One who cuts with heavy or rough blows. One who is inexperienced or unskilled at a particular activity, especially (sports, originally and chiefly golf), a sport such as golf or tennis. [...] [...] (computer security, telecommunications) One who uses a computer to gain unauthorized access to data stored in, or to carry out malicious attacks on, computer networks or computer systems. (by extension, computer security, telecommunications) Synonym of white hat (“a computer security professional who hacks computers for a good cause, or to aid a company, organization, or government without causing harm (for example, to identify security flaws)”) (by extension, video games, slang) Someone who cheats or gains an unfair advantage in a video game by means of a disallowed modification to the game. (computing, dated) One who is expert at programming and solving problems with a computer. (by extension) One who applies a novel method, shortcut, skill, or trick to something to increase ease, efficiency, or productivity. (obsolete) Synonym of hackster (“a violent bully or ruffian; also, an assassin, a murderer”) Something that hacks; a device or tool for hacking; specifically, an axe used for cutting tree branches or wood. (British, regional) A fork-shaped tool used to harvest root vegetables. [...] October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month in the United States.

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5

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maven n

(chiefly US) An expert in a given field; also, a person who is interested in and knowledgeable about a particular activity or thing; an aficionado. Today is World Teachers’ Day, which is recognized by the United Nations to highlight the rights and responsibilities of teachers around the world. It marks the adoption by states of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers on this day in 1966.

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6

7

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batten v

(transitive, obsolete) To cause (an animal, etc.) to become fat or thrive through plenteous feeding; to fatten. (rare) To enrich or fertilize (land, soil, etc.). (intransitive) To become better; to improve in condition; especially of animals, by feeding; to fatten up. Of land, soil, etc.: to become fertile; also, of plants: to grow lush. (often passive voice) Followed by on: to eat greedily; to glut. (figurative) Followed by on: to prosper or thrive, especially at the expense of others. (figurative) To gloat at; to revel in. (figurative) To gratify a morbid appetite or craving. [...] (transitive) To furnish (something) with battens (noun sense 1). (chiefly nautical) Chiefly followed by down: to fasten or secure (a hatch, opening, etc.) using battens (noun sense 2.2).

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8

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refusenik n

(Soviet Union, historical, slang) One of the citizens of the former Soviet Union who was refused permission to emigrate (typically but not exclusively a Jewish citizen denied permission to emigrate to Israel). (by extension, informal) A person who refuses to do something, usually as a protest; for example, one who refuses conscription or vaccination. [...]

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9

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pith n

(botany) The soft, spongy substance inside plant parts; specifically, the parenchyma in the centre of the roots and stems of many plants and trees. The albedo (“whitish inner portion of the rind”) of a citrus fruit. (by extension) Senses relating to humans and animals. The soft tissue inside a human or animal body or one of their organs; specifically, the spongy interior substance of a horn or the shaft of a feather. Chiefly of animals: the soft tissue inside a spinal cord; the spinal marrow; also, the spinal cord itself. (obsolete) Synonym of diploe (“the thin layer of soft, spongy, or cancellate tissue between the bone plates which constitute the skull”) (obsolete, rare) The soft tissue of the brain. (Ireland, Southern England, West Country) The soft inner portion of a loaf of bread. (figurative) The central or innermost part of something; the core, the heart. The essential or vital part of something; the essence. Synonyms: crux, gist, heart, heart and soul, kernel, marrow, meat, nitty-gritty, nub, quintessence, soul, spirit, substance; see also Thesaurus:gist Physical power or strength; force, might. A quality of courage and endurance; backbone, mettle, spine. The energy, force, or power of speech or writing; specifically, such force or power due to conciseness; punch, punchiness. Chiefly in of (great) pith and moment: gravity, importance, substance, weight. pith v (transitive) To render insensate or kill (an animal, especially cattle or a laboratory animal) by cutting, piercing, or otherwise destroying the spinal cord. To extract the pith from (something or (figurative) someone). [...]

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10

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downcast adj

Of the eyes, a facial expression, etc.: looking downwards, usually as a sign of discouragement, sadness, etc., or sometimes modesty. Of a person or thing: cast or thrown to the ground. Of a thing: directed downwards. (figurative) Of a person: feeling despondent or discouraged. Of a person or thing: defeated, overthrown; also, destroyed, ruined. [...] Today is World Mental Health Day, which is recognized by the United Nations to promote awareness about mental health and to advocate against the stigmatization of people experiencing mental health issues.

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11

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of one's own accord prepositional phrase

On one's (or its) own initiative; under one's (or its) own power, without being commanded or controlled. Today is the International Day of the Girl Child, which is recognized by the United Nations to increase awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide and to support greater opportunities for them.

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12

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winker n

A person or an animal that winks (“blinks with one eye; blinks with one eye as a message, signal, or suggestion, usually with an implication of conspiracy”). A person who connives with another; a conniver. A thing which is used to wink with, or which winks. (automotive, informal) Synonym of turn signal (“each of the flashing lights on each side of a vehicle which is used to indicate that the vehicle is moving left or right”); a blinker, an indicator. (equestrianism, also attributive and figurative) Chiefly in the plural: synonym of blinker (“a shield attached to the bridle of a horse or other domesticated animal to prevent it from seeing things behind it and to its side”) (music) A small bellows in an organ, regulated by a spring, which controls variations of wind pressure. (ornithology) The nictitating membrane (“transparent protective fold of skin acting as an inner eyelid”) of a birds's eye. (British, dialectal or slang) An eye. (British, US, dialectal or slang) An eyelash. [...] Today, the second Thursday of October in 2023, is World Sight Day, which is coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and the World Health Organization to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment, and to emphasize the importance of eye care.

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13

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covey n

A brood or family of partridges (family Phasianidae), which includes game birds such as grouse (tribe Tetraonini) and ptarmigans (tribe Tetraonini, genus Lagopus). (by extension) A group of other birds, such as quail (superfamily Phasianoidea). (figurative) A group or party of people; also, a group or set of things. covey v (intransitive) To gather into a group. [...] Today is the eve of the second Saturday of October in 2023, which is the second of the two World Migratory Bird Days in the year. These days were established by the Secretariats of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals to highlight the importance of protecting migratory birds and their habitats.

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14

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annulus n

A ring- or donut-shaped area or structure. (anatomy) A ring of fibrous tissue; specifically (cardiology), such a ring around an opening of a heart valve, to which the valve leaflets and muscle fibres of the atria and ventricles are attached; an annulus fibrosus cordis. (astronomy) A ring of light in a celestial body, especially when caused by an annular eclipse (for example, when the Sun and Moon are in line with the Earth, but the Moon does not completely cover the Sun's disc). (biology) (botany) A structure surrounding a sporangium (or part of it) which shrinks and causes it to rupture for spore dispersal; specifically, in a fern: a structure around about two-thirds of the sporangium consisting of differentially thick-walled cells which dry and distort the sporangium; and in a moss: a complete ring of cells around the tip of the sporangium which dissolves to cause the tip to detach. (mycology) The membranous remnants of a partial veil which leaves a ring on the stem of a mushroom. (mathematics) (geometry) The region in a plane between two concentric circles of different radii. (topology) Any topological space homeomorphic to the region in a plane between two concentric circles of different radii. (technology) In a well such as an oil well or water well: the space between a pipe or tube and any pipe, tube, casing, or sides of a hole surrounding it. An annular solar eclipse occurs on this day in 2023.

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15

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dictionaryese n

(informal) The style of language used in dictionary definitions, characterized by dry, straightforward, and occasionally awkward phrasing. Today is the eve of National Dictionary Day which is celebrated by some people in the United States. The American lexicographer Noah Webster was born 265 years ago on 16 October 1758.

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16

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abligurition n

(chiefly archaic, rare) Prodigal expenditure on food. Today is recognized by the United Nations as World Food Day to highlight the importance of food security and good nutrition, and the need for action against hunger. The Food and Agriculture Organization was founded on this day in 1945.

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17

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emboss v (transitive)

To cause (something) to stick out or swell; to extrude; also, to cause (someone or something) to be covered in swellings. To make (a design on a coin, an ornament on an object, etc.) stand out from a surface. To represent (a subject) on an object in relief; also, of a design or subject: to stand out on (an object) in relief. To decorate or mark (something) with a design or symbol in relief. To decorate (something) with bosses (“ornamental convex protuberances”); to boss; hence, to decorate (something) richly. (figurative) To cause (something) to be prominent or stand out. (obsolete) To make (speech, etc.) unduly bombastic or grand. emboss n (obsolete, rare) Synonym of boss (“a knob or projection”) [...]

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18

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stanch v (especially American spelling)

(transitive, archaic except poetic) To stop the flow of (water or some other liquid). To stop the flow of (blood); also, to stop (a wound) from bleeding. To make (a building or other structure) watertight or weatherproof. (transitive) To check or stop, or deter (an action). To stop the progression of (an illness); also, to alleviate (pain); often followed by of: to relieve (someone's) pain. (transitive, obsolete) To extinguish or put out (a fire, anger, etc.); also, to quench or satisfy (desire, hunger, thirst, etc.). (intransitive, also reflexive) Of bleeding: to stop. (intransitive, also reflexive, obsolete) Of an occurrence or other thing: to come to an end; to cease; also, of persons: to stop acting violently. [...] stanch n A floodgate by which water is accumulated, for floating a boat over a shallow part of a stream by its release; also, a dam or lock in a river.

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19

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honeycomb n

(uncountable) A substance made by bees (clade Anthophila) primarily from beeswax which has hexagonal cells to hold their larvae, and for storing pollen and honey to feed the larvae and themselves when other food is scarce; it is also eaten by humans as part of comb-honey; (countable) a single sheet made up of two layers of this substance. (countable, by extension) Something resembling honeycomb (sense 1) in having numerous cells or small holes. (countable, geometry) A space-filling packing of polytopes in three- or higher-dimensional space. (countable, technology) The texture of the surface of a solar cell, intended to increase its surface area and capture more sunlight. (archaic) A defect in a material (especially metal) where small holes are present; specifically (construction), a defect in concrete consisting of numerous voids resulting from the failure of mortar to effectively fill the spaces among coarse aggregate particles. (chiefly aviation) Material manufactured with small hollow cells, sometimes sandwiched between two flat sheets, which is used to make light, stiff structural components. (countable, zoology) Short for honeycomb stomach (“the reticulum or second compartment of the stomach of a cow or other ruminant”). (uncountable, architecture) Short for honeycomb work (“especially in Moorish architecture: a form of ceiling ornamentation (especially of an arch or dome) made up of small vaulted arches”). (countable, figurative) Something resembling honeycomb in sweetness; hence, something desirable or pleasant. (countable, archaic) Used as a term of endearment: honey, sweetheart. (uncountable, chiefly Australia, British, often attributive) A crumbly confection usually made by boiling together golden syrup, sugar, bicarbonate of soda, and water. honeycomb v (transitive, often passive voice) To riddle (something) with small holes, especially in a pattern resembling a honeycomb (noun sense 1); also, to cause (something) to become hollow or weakened in this way. To bore cavities or tunnels inside (something). To decorate (something) with a honeycomb pattern. (figurative, chiefly passive voice) To make way deeply into (something) so as to weaken it; to undermine. (architecture) To ornament (a ceiling) with honeycomb work (see noun sense 2.4). (intransitive, also figurative, archaic) To become riddled with small holes, especially in a pattern resembling a honeycomb; also, to become hollow or weakened in this way. Sweetest Day, which is celebrated in parts of the United States as a day to share romantic expressions and acts of charity and kindness, falls on 21 October, the third Saturday of the month, this year.

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20

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millennial adj

Thousand-year-old; also (by extension, loosely) thousands of years old. Occurring every thousand years. Occurring at, or relating to, the beginning or end of a millennium. Referring to the thousandth anniversary of an event or happening. (by extension, originally US, demography) Often capitalized: of or relating to, or characteristic of, people born in the last two decades of the 20th century from around the early 1980s to the mid 1990s, and who reached adulthood early in the third millennium C.E. (Christianity) Synonym of millenarian (“pertaining to the belief in an impending period of one thousand years of peace and righteousness associated with the Second Coming of Christ and his reign on earth”) millennial n (originally US, demography) Often capitalized: a person from the generation born in the last two decades of the 20th century, from around the early 1980s to the mid-1990s and who reached adulthood early in the third millennium C.E., characterized by their familiarity with computer technology and poorer financial prospects than their parents. (obsolete) A thousandth anniversary; also, a celebration of such an anniversary. Today is the eve of the birth anniversary of American author and consultant Neil Howe, who was born on October 21, 1951. Howe, in collaboration with William Strauss, developed the Strauss–Howe generational theory, and coined the sense of the word referring to the generation of people born from around the early 1980s to the mid-1990s.

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21

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off-worlder n

(fantasy, science fiction) One who is not from the local world (whether a dimension, plane, planet, or universe); an alien. The American novelist Ursula K. Le Guin, particularly known for her science fiction works, was born on this day in 1929.

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22

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megalith n

(archaeology) A large stone slab making up a prehistoric monument, or part of such a monument. A prehistoric monument made up of one or more large stones. (by extension) A large stone or block of stone used in the construction of a modern structure. Yesterday, the third Saturday of October in 2023, was established by the Archaeological Institute of America as International Archaeology Day to celebrate archaeology and its contributions to society.

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23

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drench v

(transitive) To cause (someone) to drink; to provide (someone) with a drink (specifically, veterinary medicine) To administer a dose or draught of liquid medicine to (an animal), often by force. To make (someone or something) completely wet by having water or some other liquid fall or thrown on them or it; to saturate, to soak; also (archaic), to make (someone or something) completely wet by immersing in water or some other liquid; to soak, to steep. (obsolete) To drown (someone). (obsolete, figurative) To overwhelm (someone); to drown, to engulf. (intransitive, obsolete) To be drowned; also, to be immersed in water. drench n An act of making someone or something completely wet; a soak or soaking, a wetting. An amount of water or some other liquid that will make someone or something completely wet. [...]

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24

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cuttlebone n

Synonym of cuttlefish bone (“the calcareous, oval-shaped internal shell of a cuttlefish (order Sepiida), originally used in powdered form as an antacid and for absorbing moisture or polishing objects, and now chiefly as a dietary supplement for cage birds”)

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25

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sublime adj

(chiefly poetic, archaic or obsolete) High, tall, towering; also, positioned in a high place; high-up, lofty. (figurative) Of an aspect of art or nature: causing awe or deep respect due to its beauty or magnificence; awe-inspiring, impressive. Of flight: ascending, soaring. Of an idea or other thing: requiring great intellectual effort to appreciate or understand; very elevated, refined, or subtle. Of language, style, or writing: expressing opinions in a grand way. Of a person or their actions or qualities: intellectually, morally, or spiritually superior. Of an office or status: very high; exalted; also, used as an honorific (often capitalized as Sublime) to refer to someone of high office or status, especially the Ottoman sultan; or to things associated with such a person. Of a thing: consummate, perfect; (informal, loosely) excellent, marvellous, wonderful. (chiefly poetic, archaic) Of a person: dignified, majestic, noble. (chiefly poetic, archaic) Of a person: haughty, proud. (informal, chiefly in the negative) Complete, downright, utter. (obsolete) (figurative) Elevated by joy; elated. Of a substance: purified, refined; hence, of the highest quality. (poetic, postpositive) Of arms: lifted up, raised. (anatomy) Of a muscle (especially the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle of the forearm which lies above the flexor digitorum profundus muscle): positioned above another muscle; superficial. (pathology) Of breathing: very laboured. [...]

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26

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dirndl n

A traditional Alpine woman's dress having a tight bodice and full skirt. In full dirndl skirt: a full skirt with a tight waistband resembling one which is part of a traditional Alpine woman's dress. Today is the national day of Austria, which commemorates the enactment of the Declaration of Neutrality as part of the Constitution of Austria on this day in 1955.

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27

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punch dialogue n

(South India) Chiefly in a film: a retort or a witty line, commonly written to be spoken by the protagonist to excite fans of the actor delivering them. Today is the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, which was established by UNESCO to raise awareness about the significance and preservation risks of recorded audio and audiovisual materials. It commemorates the adoption of the Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images by UNESCO on this day in 1980.

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28

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Panathenaea proper n

(Ancient Greece, historical) A festival formerly held annually in Athens to honour the city's patron goddess Athena, involving animal sacrifices, a grand procession, and, every fourth year, athletic and musical contests. Today is Ohi Day (Anniversary of the “No”) in Greece, which marks the rejection by Ioannis Metaxas of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini’s ultimatum in 1940 during World War II to allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory.

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29

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asterisk n

(dated) A small star; also (by extension), something resembling or shaped like a star. The star-shaped symbol *, which is used in printing and writing for various purposes, including to refer a reader to a note at the bottom of a page or in a margin, and to indicate the omission of letters or words; a star. Something resembling or shaped like an asterisk symbol. (figuratively) Something which is of little importance or which is marginal; a footnote. (US, sports, figuratively) A blemish in an otherwise outstanding achievement. (Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism) An instrument with radiating arms resembling a star which is placed over the diskos (or paten) used during the Eucharist to prevent the veil covering the chalice and diskos from touching the host on the diskos. asterisk v (transitive) To mark or replace (text, etc.) with an asterisk symbol (*; noun sense 1.1); to star. The comic book series Asterix created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo first appeared on this day in 1959.

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30

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embroil v (transitive)

To bring (something) into a state of confusion or uproar; to complicate, to confuse, to jumble. To cause (someone) to be drawn into or involved in a difficult situation or state of contention. embroil n (obsolete) A state of confusion or uproar; a commotion, a disturbance; also, a quarrel. A state of anxiety or disturbance of the mind. [...]

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31

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mallgoth n

(countable) Originally (derogatory), an inauthentic or trendy goth; now, a person who dresses in goth-inspired clothes, is interested in industrial metal and nu metal music, etc. (uncountable) The culture or fashion style adopted by such a person. Boo! Happy Halloween!

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