Nadir Noun: The low point in the fortunes of a person or organization. It also has an astronomical meaning that we will ignore. Example: “The nadir was reached when she lost her job and crashed ...Read More
Comity Noun: courteous and considerate behavior toward others. Often applied to relationships among nations and states. Example: “Comity applied to driving laws but not to gun laws.”...Read More
Paradigm Noun: a typical example or pattern of something; a model. Example: “The paradigm for naval warfare changed when steam power was introduced.” Phoenix sunsets never get tired....Read More
Ukase Noun: Originally an edict of the Russian government. Later any arbitrary command. Pronounced Yoo,cas The e is silent Example: “They reluctantly obeyed the ukase from the acting director....Read More
Eschew Noun: Abstain from or deliberately avoid. Example: “He decided to eschew driving until his swollen eye was better.” This tiny Inukshuk was made from volcanic rock in Hawaii....Read More
Virga Noun: Rain that falls from a cloud and evaporates before reaching the ground. Example: “They watched the virga in the distance but continued the hike.” Another quartz headed Inukshuk...Read More
Mnemonic Noun: A prompt that helps one remember something. Example: “In first grade we used a musical mnemonic to help remember the alphabet.” Photo is a recently built Inkshuk...Read More
Insouciant Adjective: Expressing indifference. Showing a casual lack of concern. Example: “He expressed an insouciant attitude by slouching in his chair, while the facts of the crisis were discu...Read More
Shibboleth Noun: A word, phrase or other distinguishing mark that identifies one as a member of a group. Example: “During the failed Russian invasion of Kyiv in February 2022 Ukrainians used the...Read More
Factotum Noun: an employee who does all kinds of work. A personal assistant at a high level. Example: “Jeeves was not just serving as valet he was general factotum to the proprietor.” Suns...Read More