This one sees use in steam engine design. A key drawing for understanding such a machine is the erection drawing. It provides a side overview of the completed engine.
It is not exactly a synonym for autopsy. Autopsy comes from the greek, auton, meaning "self". Necropsy is properly applied to animals, autopsy to humans. Confusion in this regard vexes me greatly.
wackyvorlon commented on the list funny-words-9
As in:
"The hideous spectre of the infinite nipple chicken!"
Oct 14, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word sleepwalk
See also somnambulant.
Sep 24, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word strigil
A flat scraper used by romans in bathing.
Sep 24, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word ghoul
This word sounds so appropriate. Can you imagine Ed Gein described as anything other than a ghoul?
Sep 24, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word shew
I've seen this one show up in model engineering writing from england from the '50s.
Sep 24, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word potsherd
It seems most pronounce this word with an 'a' sound for the 'e', though my latin prof used the 'e' sound.
Sep 24, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word paroxysm
renumeratedfrog, your quote amuses me greatly.
Sep 24, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word sleight
Often used by magicians to refer to a particular move done during a magic trick.
Sep 23, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word phlebotomy
I've always found this one amusing.
Sep 23, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word hieronymous
Greek for "high name".
Sep 23, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word coffin liquor
A black fluid that sometimes results from the decomposition of a cadaver.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word adipocere
Colloquially known as grave wax.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word legerdemain
My recollection is that it is french for "fast hand".
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word penultimate
People who use the word penultimate properly hold a special place in my heart.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word micrometer
Also a device used to measure parts.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word thrace
From the classic line in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum:
"That's Miles Gloriossus! He raped my country, Thrace!"
"He raped your country?"
"Yes, then he did it again, and again!"
"He raped Thrace thrice?!"
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word amorphous
I love this word. Has a wonderful sound.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word d-valve
A valve, with a D shaped cross-section. Used in steam engines.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word ejector
In the case of machinery, an ejector is used to produce a vacuum by passing steam through it.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word erection
This one sees use in steam engine design. A key drawing for understanding such a machine is the erection drawing. It provides a side overview of the completed engine.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word ejaculate
I far prefer the non-sexual use of this word. I find it a delight when I find this in a victorian work.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word yeoman
It does yeoman's service, as they say.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word improbable
Not very exotic, but darned useful I say.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word necropsy
It is not exactly a synonym for autopsy. Autopsy comes from the greek, auton, meaning "self". Necropsy is properly applied to animals, autopsy to humans. Confusion in this regard vexes me greatly.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word exiguous
I love the rhythm of this word.
Sep 22, 2008
wackyvorlon commented on the word festinate
Wonderful! I hadn't run across this one before. It reminds me of the words of Caesar, Festina lente!
Sep 22, 2008