Posted on 03/22/2012 4:36:02 AM PDT 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".
brisance \bri-ZAHNS\ , noun
The shattering effect of a high explosive.
Example sentences:
The 'There' turned out to be crucial for the sense of brisance and closure and resolving issues of impotent rage and powerless fear that like accrued in Lenz all day being trapped in the northeastern portions of a squalid halfway house all day fearing for his life, Lenz felt.
-- David Foster Wallace, Infinite Jest
But this was sustained explosion, reaching now and then a quite unendurable brisance. Yet he endured it, not so much because it was her will as, unbelievably, what had become her need.
-- Thomas Pynchon, Against the Day
Etymology:
Brisance is a relatively new English word. It started being used commonly in the 1910s, but it can be traced to the Celtic word brissim meaning "to break."
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!
any relation to Neil N. Bob?
Nice easy listening. I’ve been listening to a lot of old ELO lately.
Long time, no see! A+ for you. I think he should have known better.
I just fished a baby bunny out of the pool, down by the steps. He wasn’t swimming but the water was chest deep on him trying to stay up. He just hopped off my skimmer so I hope he’s okay. I think he’s exhausted and scared to death.
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