Posted on 11/24/2005 5:06:28 AM PST by secret garden
In order that we might all raise the level of discourse and expand our language abilities, here is the daily post of "Word for the Day".
solidus • \SAH-luh-dus\ • noun
1 : an ancient Roman gold coin introduced by Constantine and used to the fall of the Byzantine Empire
2 : a mark / used typically to denote "or" (as in and/or), "and or" (as in straggler/deserter), or "per" (as in feet/second)
Example sentence:
In her latest thriller, the author manipulates her readers into believing there are two killers until the final page, where she connects their two names with a solidus.
Etymology: Call it a solidus, or call it a slash/diagonal/slant/virgule—whatever you call it, you are bound to run into this useful mark with some regularity. These days, one place the mark is commonly seen is in Internet addresses (http://www.merriam-webster.com, for example), but the history of the word "solidus" takes us back to a time well before computers. The ancient Roman emperor Constantine the Great borrowed the Latin term for "solid" ("solidus") for the gold coin that was the successor to the aureus. And in Medieval Latin, "solidus" designated the shilling. Before the introduction of decimal coinage, abbreviations of the shilling ("s," "sh," or "shil") were used. Eventually, the abbreviations were replaced with the simple symbol "/," which became known as a solidus.
Rules: Everyone must leave a post using the Word for the Day in a sentence.
The sentence must, in some way, relate to the news of the day.
The Review threads are linked for your edification. ;-)
Practice makes perfect.....post on....
Review Thread One: Word For The Day, Thursday 11/14/02: Raffish (Be SURE to check out posts #92 and #111 on this thread!)
Review Thread Two: Word For The Day, Tuesday 1/14/03: Roister
Review Thread Three: Word For The Day, Tuesday 1/28/03: Obdurate
WFB's attempt to emulate us ; ) No pushing at the door please!
Here is my example with WFTD.
At Free Republic, we are thankful for writer/talk show host Tony Snow. (Solidus could also include guitarist/pundit/all around nice guy).
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving :)
My computer is acting as though it is already loaded up on L-tryptophan today. It's time for us to wake up the birthday guy here. Back in a few minutes!
Wake me up when you get back :)
Your own separate ping/welcome/greeting!
Happy Thanksgiving to YOU!
%2520(2).jpg)
Last years turkey gave me diarhea. Hopefully this years will be more solidus.
Aren't you just a busy little beaver this morning :)
Happy Thanksgiving, ti!!!!
I figure I will leave someone out, but hey......I am susie sunshine this morning. LOL
I guess someone has to be.............I am having a very difficult time waking up and getting motivated this morning.
ok, holiday or not it's time for my workout. later......
School? On Thanksgiving? That's heretical.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.