The difference between the right word
and the almost right word is the difference between
lightning and a lightning bug. — Mark Twain



cadre

(noun)
  1. Frame; framework
  2. A nucleus or core group especially of trained personnel able to assume control and to train others
  3. A group of people having some unifying relationship
  4. A cell of indoctrinated leaders active in promoting the interests of a revolutionary party
  5. A member of a cadre


caterwaul

(verb)

  1. To utter long wailing cries, as cats in rutting time
  2. To utter a similar sound; howl or screech
  3. To quarrel like cats

(noun) Also caterwauling.

  1. The cry of a cat in rutting time
  2. Any similar sound

humdinger

(noun)

  • Informal. A person, thing, action, or statement of remarkable excellence or effect.

pandiculation

(noun)

  • The act of stretching oneself.

In medical terms, the act of stretching while yawning.


fumblerule

(noun)

  • A humorous rule for writing, containing an example contrary to the advice it gives, as in ‘Never use a preposition to end a sentence with.’ or ‘Avoid clichés like the plague.’
More examples here.

tittup

(noun)

  1. An exaggerated prancing, bouncing movement or manner of moving.
  2. The sound made by high-heel shoes.

(verb)

  • Intransitive. To move, especially to walk, in an exaggerated prancing or bouncing way, as a spirited horse.

Stygimoloch
(noun)
  • Paleontology. A putative genus of pachycephalosaurid dinosaur from the end of the Cretaceous period.

Literally, “thorny devil of the river of death”.


Uzi

(noun)

  • A compact 9mm submachine gun of Israeli design.

Capitalized.


ad astra

(phrase)

  • Latin. To the stars.

askesis

(noun) Plural askeses. Also ascesis (pl. asceses).

  • Strict self-discipline or self-control, as for religious or meditative purposes.
sleepy themes