Wondrous Words Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Kathy at Bermudaonion. The idea is for bloggers to post about the unfamiliar words they have encountered in their reading the past week. Click over to read other book bloggers’ Wondrous Words, and leave a link to your post of some Wondrous Words of your own.
From The Sign of Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle:
valetudinarian: a person of a weak or sickly constitution; especially one whose chief concern is his or her ill health
“My health is somewhat fragile,” he remarked, as he led the way down the passage. “I am compelled to be a valetudinarian.”
snib: to latch
“Window is snibbed on the inner side…”
From a Telegraph article, We still believe in Sherlock Holmes:
ratiocination: 1. the process of exact thinking: reasoning; 2. a reasoned train of thought
Today, the brilliant amateur could never edge out the professionals, because it’s the police who have the technology. With Holmes, we’re back in happier times, when ratiocination ruled.
From The Sense of Paper by Taylor Holden:
serried: crowded or pressed together
A serried rank of press photographers was lined up outside, their flashlights popping.
Twitter: youvegottaread
says:
I would never have guessed “valetudinarian”. That word is just way to close to valedictorian or salutitorian!
You found some great words this week! When I saw snib, I figured I could remember that one. Then I saw the meaning and figured I won’t have much chance to use it. Thanks for playing along today!
I really like the words: snib and serried.
If I can remember, I certainly can see that the word serried can be used rather readily in many situations.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Sandy – I definitely thought it sounded academic, too.
Kathy – thanks for hosting again!
Deanna – yes, I think I could remember to use that one, too.
Wonderful words. I learnt so much!
Wondrous Words Wednesday
I love that you got your words from several sources – there are so many places to find new words!
My words are here.
Ooh, good words! I actually came across snib in my book too (and it was new to me), but I didn’t mention it because I already had so many words on my list! I wasn’t familiar with any of your words this week. Valetudinarian is quite a mouthful!
Good variety of words this week. I like the simplle word snib but have never used it. My favorite is ratiocination. In fact, the last few days I’ve been working on reviewing a serious book that requires ratiocination to see my way through it. Thanks Carrie, your word helped me see what I need to do.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Gautami – I’m glad.
lisalynne – It doesn’t happen very often that I read a news article or editorial or blog post that has new words in it, so that always surprises me.
Avis – I love valetudinarian – it’s such a great word!
Margot – you’re welcome!