|
|
Enron Mail |
***************************************************************
Spruce up the season with Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Encyclopedia, the ultimate desk reference. http://www.m-w.com/book/peoplace/collency.htm *************************************************************** The Word of the Day for December 22 is: syncretic \sin-KREH-tik or sing-KREH-tik\ (adjective) : characterized or brought about by the combination of different forms of belief or practice Example sentence: Dr. Portman practices a syncretic form of medicine, borrowing from both Eastern and Western medical traditions. Did you know? "Syncretic" has its roots in an ancient alliance. It's a descendant of the Greek word "synkretismos," meaning "federation of Cretan cities" -- "syn-" means "together, with," and "Kret-" means "Cretan." The English word "syncretic" retains the idea of coalition, and appears in such contexts as "syncretic religions," "syncretic societies," and even "syncretic music." "Syncretic" also has a specific application in linguistics, where it refers to a fusion of grammatical forms. Please Note: The Word of the Day will not be e-mailed on December 24, 25, or 26. The full text for each day's word will be available at: http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwwod.pl ---------------- Brought to you by Merriam-Webster, Inc. http://www.Merriam-Webster.com ---------------- Subscribe or unsubscribe to Word of the Day via the Web at: http://www.Merriam-Webster.com/service/subinst.htm To join the list via e-mail, send a blank e-mail to: mw-wod-subscribe-request@listserv.webster.m-w.com To leave the list via e-mail, send a blank e-mail to: mw-wod-signoff-request@listserv.webster.m-w.com Questions about your subscription? Write to: mw-wod-request@listserv.webster.m-w.com Questions or comments about the Word of the Day? Write to: word@Merriam-Webster.com © 2001 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
|