Razzia

A razzia is actually a slave collecting expedition which, admittedly, is a pretty good meaning. However, I thought the invented meanings on the poll were outstanding today. Most outstanding of all, according to the voters, was the meaning from 3 Elements. Great work!

Chittack

A chittack is an Indian weight equalling an ounce. Thanks for your meanings on the blog today. I enjoyed them. The winner on the poll was invented by Eve's Lungs. Well done!

Saxatile

If something is saxatile, it's living among rocks - a snippet of information I may well have a use for on my next trip to the beach. Thanks for invented meanings. It's a slow time for blogging over the weekend so I left it on a bit longer. Sonnjea B's invented meaning found favour with the judges. Well done, Sonnjea.

Horripilation

Many of the word imps were a lot closer to the real meaning for horripilation than they probably imagined. Horripilation is the correct term for what's commonly known as goose bumps. I loved the meanings and found it tricky only choosing three. However, I did, and the winner on the poll was Floribunda, again! Keep up the creative work, Floribunda.

Nyctalopia

Nyctalopia, as Shari pointed out, is night-blindness. My dictionary, oddly enough, also describes it as "the inability to see clearly, except at night". That seems like the opposite to me, but who knows. Some effort obviously went into today's blog meanings. Well done, word imps. Floribunda's meaning took the voters' fancy and is pronounced winner on the day. Great work, Floribunda.

Nutation

Nutation is what a spinning top does as it oscillates. It's also the curve in the stem of a growing plant. And it's nodding. So, lots of choices there. But none as interesting as the invented ones. Gergory's was the winner on the poll. Thanks for that, Gregory.

Spiracle

A spiracle is a zoological term. It's a whale's blow hole. And it's the outer orifice of an insect's trachea. Scarey, I agree. So I'm moving quickly to the invented meanings which are delightful. Thanks for your inventiveness. Well done to Sophie 9, the winner on the poll.

Pettifogger

A pettifogger is a rascally attorney with inferior legal abilities. So, quite a handy word for us word imps to add to our arsenal. For once, the real meaning stands up to scrutiny. The pollsters, however, have chosen Shari's meaning as their favourite. Well done, Shari.

Lawrencium

Lawrencium is a man-made radioactive element. It's named after someone, just not Lawrence of Arabia. The famous Lawrence in question was actually E.O. Lawrence, an American physicist. I think the invented meanings, as usual, suit the word much better of course. Amalia's meaning is the favourite among pollsters. Well done and welcome back, Amalia. Good to see you again.

Catachresis

Catachresis is what we do! It's improper use of words. Go, catachresis. It's one of my favourite things and I didn't even realise it. Anyway, the catachresis for catachresis was great, as usual. Thanks for your efforts. Realityjunkie takes top place on the poll today. Congrats, RJ.

Pelf

Pelf is money. I never knew that. Perhaps people who have more money than me know more words to describe their wealth. However, now I know. And so do you. Thanks for the blog meanings today. The winner on the blog was The Mad Fishicist. Clever man, TMF!

Ballonet

A ballonet is the air compartment in a balloon or airship. Not nearly as interesting as some of the meanings on the blog for this word. Thanks for your contributions over Easter. Back to a word a day again now - and congrats to Albow for the winning meaning on the poll.

Pellagra

Pellagra is a disease which starts with cracked skin and ends with insanity. So get that moisturiser out, people! Sadly, I do have cracked heels. However, my insanity is completely unrelated. Thanks for your wide ranging meanings on the blog. Wonderful! Ron was the favourite on the poll. Congratulations on your success, Ron.

Dolose

Dolose describes a person with criminal intent. Mmmmm. I'm sure none of the word imps could be described as dolose. Especially not Sonnjea B, who's the winner on the poll for this word. Congrats, Sonnjea.

Palafitte

A palafitte isn't quite as palatial as I had imagined. It's actually the name for a prehistoric hut on piles over a Swiss or Italian lake. Well, if you have to live in a prehistoric hut, I guess that's the spot. Give me a palafitte over suburbia any day. However, I digress... I genuinely loved all the invented meanings on the blog today. Thanks for such superb work, word imps. I'm very happy to say that my favourite invented meaning, the one written by Madame C, was the winner with the voters as well. Good work, Madame C. You had some strong competition.

Toccata

A toccata is described in my dictionary as a rapid, brilliant composition for piano or organ. So not a tasty morsel after all. Anyway, the word imps have done their bit as usual and the voters have had their say. The winner is Realityjunkie. Great work, RJ.

Darg

A darg is a day's work. The meanings on the blog showed a good variety of inventiveness and the winner on the day was Sonnjea B. Congratulations and welcome back, Sonnjea.

Rocambole

A rocambole is actually a type of leek used for seasoning. I guess avid gardeners may have known that one. But me? No on both counts. The blog meanings took several interesting turns and the voters chose Clare once again. Too good, Clare.

Kilderkin

A kilderkin is a cask for liquids measuring 16 or 18 gallons. Not sure why the discrepancy there but that's what my dictionary says. So Clare was on the right track with her interesting measurements. She was also the pick on the poll. Congrats, Clare.

Rouncival

A rouncival is a large variety of pea. I've never been a fan of peas, so I don't think I'll be trying one any time soon. The blog meanings were lots of fun and the winner on the poll, again, was Calie. Well done, Calie.

Drugget

A drugget is a coarse woollen floor or table covering. Interestingly, not drug related at all. Calie's meaning gained favour with the voters. Well done, Calie.

Calumny

Calumny is a false charge or a slanderous report against someone. I really enjoyed the invented meanings on the blog today. Well done to Madame C, whose meaning was the favourite among voters on the poll.

Shandrydan

A shandrydan is actually a rickety old vehicle or, alternatively, a two-wheeled cart. The invented meanings were interesting, as usual, and the winner on the poll was Clare. Well done, Clare.

Pellicle

A pellicle is a thin membrane, skin or film. Another incredible fact that I've completely missed all these years. However, it was another great day for invented meanings, particularly that of The Mad Fishicist. No competition there, TMF!

Cacography

Cacography actually has nothing to do with laughter or hens. It means bad spelling or bad handwriting! However, Vicki B's invented meaning took the voters' fancy today. Well done to the other two pollsters though. The vote was very close.

Medicaster

A medicaster is a medical charlatan or, in other words, a quack. I thoroughly enjoyed the meanings on the blog today and had a much needed laugh. My favourite was the winner on the poll - written by Sonnjea B. In fact, I think it's the funniest invented meaning I've ever seen on the blog and I've shared it will lots of people. So, thank you for that, Sonnjea.

Absquatulate

To absquatulate is actually to leave suddenly. Obviously something that's easier to do, than say! And not a suitable word to use during texting either. That aside, I liked the range of meanings on the blog. The poll winner was Pat. Congratulations to you, Pat.

Banting

Banting is the treatment of obesity by the removal of sugar, starch and fat from the diet. Sounds tricky. The invented meanings were interesting and well thought out and Sonnjea B's was the winner on the poll. Great work, Sonnjea.

Solifidian

A solifidian is someone who believes that having faith alone is enough to ensure salvation. Because I put this word on later than usual, and there was only one entry, I haven't put this word on the poll. However, the entry - from The Mad Fishicist - is wonderful and I'm sure would have been a winner on the poll anyway. So, in a slightly unorthodox turnaround, I'm announcing his entry as the winner and leaving the previous poll on for a little longer. Hope that isn't too disconcerting or confusing for you all. And thanks again TMF for another superb invented meaning.

Dalmatic

A dalmatic is a loose, long, side-slitted garment with wide sleeves which is worn by deacons and bishops from time to time. Sounds very much like a kaftan to me! Not sure why there's a sudden religious influence in the words on the blog at the moment. The invented entry from Eve's Lungs was the winner on the poll today.

Camerlingo

A camerlingo is the Pope's financial secretary. Now that could definitely come in handy some day. The blog meanings were excellent, as usual. Well done all. Clare and Sonnjea B shared the honours on the poll. Congratulations ladies.

Teledu

A teledu is actually a stinking badger from Java and Sumatra. That's "stinking" according to the dictionary, not me. We don't have badgers in New Zealand so I'm not sure if they usually stink or not! However, I have to say the invented blog meanings were far more entertaining than the real meaning, as usual. And the most entertaining of all, according to the voters and myself, was the meaning invented by The Mad Fishicist. Excellent work, TMF.

Naker

A naker is a kettledrum. I hope that isn't too disappointing for you all! And very well done for keeping the invented meanings within the realm of family entertainment as usual. The winner on the poll was suggested by Calie. Congrats again, Calie.

Myrmidon

A myrmidon is actually nothing quite as romantic as a mermaid. It's actually an ancient Greek word describing a hired ruffian. I enjoyed the interesting variety of meanings on the blog for this word. Keep up the great work. Floribunda's meaning drew the most votes on the poll. Well done, Floribunda.

Paronomasia

Paronomasia is what we do on this blog every day. It's word play. If only I could pronounce it! Thanks for your paronomasia on today's word. Poll winner was Sonnjea B. Great work, Sonnjea.

Distringas

A distringas is a writ which allows a sheriff to seize chattels to compel a person to pay money they owe. I hope that makes sense. Anyway, today's word attracted a good variety of invented meanings, all a lot less complicated than the real one. The winner on the poll, again, was Code Cutie.

Metheglin

Metheglin is actually spiced mead. The invented meanings were excellent today, with the winning entry being supplied by Code Cutie. Congrats, CC.

Drupe

Apparently, a drupe is the correct scientific name for any stone fruit such as an olive, plum or cherry which encloses the stone or nut with a kernel. There you go. If you knew that, you're better than me. However, I prefer Ron's meaning, as did the pollsters today. Well done, Ron.

Rodomontade

Rodomontade means boastful, something I admit to being every now and again. I'm trying to become more humble though. I enjoyed the meanings on the blog today and was pleased that Calie's meaning took the honours. Thanks, Calie.

Rille

A rille is an astronomical name for a narrow valley on the moon. Quite romantic really, I thought. A wide variety of invented meanings appeared on the blog, with Jude the favourite among the voters today. Well done, Jude.

Tenebrific

Funnily enough, tenebrific doesn't have anything to do with tennis, the number 10 or singing. Tenebrific means causing darkness. Thanks for putting your attention to this one. Two word imps fared equally well on the poll. Congratulations to Vicki B and Mmmmmmmm.

Algid

Algid means cold. Quite simple really. There weren't many invented meanings on the blog today, but they were all of high quality. The one that took the voters' fancy was invented by Stacy. Congrats for that, Stacy.

Flagitious

Flagitious is scary. It means deeply criminal. Not like anyone I know, thank goodness. (She said, hopefully...) The blog meanings were quite different to the real meaning, understandably. And the winner was Realityjunkie, again!

Sabulous

Sabulous actually means sandy. I'll remember that next time I'm at the beach. However, invented meanings are where it's at on this blog and the one invented by Realityjunkie was top of the pops today. Well done RJ.

Muffineer

A muffineer is actually a small bottle for sprinkling sugary or salty toppings on muffins. What a wonderful range of meanings on the blog today. I was excited to see so many participants but, of course, it made the job of choosing three for the poll excruciating. The winner on the poll for the day was the appropriately named Muffy M. Well done, MM.

Jobbernowl

A jobbernowl is a stupid person, colloquially speaking. There were some interesting invented meanings on the blog and two word imps share the honours according to the voting. Well done to Odalisque and Sonnjea B.

Dreamhole

A dreamhole is the name for a hole in the wall of a tower that lets in light. Thanks to those who humoured me with invented meanings for dreamhole. It was interesting to see the range of ideas and I'm pleased to announce that Sonnjea B topped the poll with her meaning. Great work, Sonnjea.

Hecatomb

Hecatomb is actually a word from ancient Greek meaning a great public sacrifice. The dictionary refers to the meaning translating from the words which mean 100 oxen. So there you go. Another piece of information that I have no guarantee of retaining. The invented meanings held a lot more intrigue for me and I particularly enjoyed the winning entry on the poll, written by Ron. Congratulations, Ron.

Squit

A squit is slang for a small insignificant person. Quite sad really. No one should be called a squit if you ask me. Lots of invented meanings for squit on the blog today. Thanks for your participation. I'm pleased to say that a new blogger, Code Cutie, is today's winner on the poll. Well done, CC.

Piliferous

Piliferous simply means having hair, particularly in the botanical sense. I was thrilled with the number and variety of meanings on the blog today. Weekends traditionally haven't been that busy on the blog, but that all changed today. Well done, everyone. Several new bloggers as well, including Code Cutie who is well named. Coolskool and Madame C were equally well favoured on the poll today. Well done to you both.

Stactometer

A stactometer is actually a tube for measuring liquid in drops. Fascinating. I think our invented meanings were a little livelier, don't you? Two winners on the poll again today - which was fair since both meanings had similarities. The honours go to Floribunda and Sonnjea B.

Frass

Frass is larvae excrement or the stuff left over by boring insects. Not sure why I seem attracted to words related to excreta lately. I'll try to make amends with the next word. Two people shared the top score on the poll today. Well done to Sara and Calie.

Bibelot

A bibelot (pronouced beblo) is a small curio or trinket. Now that could be a useful word for impressing antique dealers! The invented meanings have been judged by the voters and Belle Etoile has come up trumps again.

Spraints

Spraints is actually the official term for otter dung! Quite different entirely from the meanings invented on the blog today. But that's the way with this game. Calie's meaning was chosen by the voters on the poll. Congrats, Calie.

Polynia

Polynia is a space of open water surrounded by ice such as might be found in the Arctic Sea. I would never have guessed that in a million years, but there you go. A nice variety of meanings on the blog today, with some new entrants as well which is always encouraging. Auntibeck's meaning found favour with the voters. Well done, again Auntibeck!

Spuddling

Spuddling is actually light digging as performed by amateur gardeners such as myself - not the kind performed by most of my neighbours who - although not professional gardeners - are often found doing much more than spuddling in their gardens. I spuddled in my garden yesterday. Others toiled. The invented meanings were all very enjoyable and I'm pleased to announce that one of my favourites, from Sonnjea B, was the winner on the poll. Great work, Sonnjea.

Autarky

Autarky is self-sufficiency - quite a big leap from the invented meanings suggested by our bloggers today. I had a good laugh reading through the meanings, spelling mistakes and all. Quite a tonic! Belle Etoile was the belle of the poll today. Tres bien!

Febrifuge

Febrifuge, of course, is a medicine for reducing fever. It can also describing a cooling drink. I enjoyed the wide variety of invented meanings for today's word. It's so interesting to see how many different "takes" there can be on one word. I like analysing how bloggers came up with particular meanings. Two people tied on the poll today, which was great because I liked both meanings very much. Congratulations to Matt 23 and Calie.

Crenated

Crenated describes anything with a notched or toothed edge. The meaning suggested by Coolskool was today's winner. Congratulations, Coolskool. Yawl come back now, y'hear?

Beadledom

Beadledom is great. It's my new favourite word. The actual meaning is "stupid officiousness". So now we can actually go around accusing stupidly officious people of beadledom and they'll have no idea what we're on about! The blog meanings were cool too, of course. Sawmaster was the winner on the poll. Another first timer on the blog. Great work!

Messuage

Messuage is a legal term which describes a dwelling house with outbuildings and land. So, we were all way off beam on that one. I loved the blog meanings again. Nobody's losing the creative touch - especially not Realityjunkie who was the winner on the poll today. Good for you, RJ.

Spattee

A spattee is actually a woollen legging (or probably two) worn over shoes and stockings. The blog meanings were exceptional and the runaway winner on the poll was The Chindo. Well done, again.

Uxorious

I love this word. Uxorious means excessively fond of your wife. I'm all for that. Beats being excessively fond of someone else's wife! So girls, ask your hubby if he's feeling uxorious tonight and see what he says. I asked mine and he said, yes, but he thought it was caused by too much time in the sun! That gave me a giggle and giggles are good. The meaning suggested by Two Cents, a new blogger, came out tops on the poll. Congratulations, Two Cents.

Dipsomania

Dipsomania is a morbid craving for alcohol. Not something I have a problem with. Nor dips. I wonder what the word is for a morbid craving for chocolate! Interesting meanings on the blog today. Thanks for taking time out from your weekend to participate. Two winners delighted voters today. Congratulations to Calie and Auntibeck.

Tarantism

Tarantism is dancing mania, particularly related to a dance mania in Southern Italy among people who thought they'd been bitten by a tarantula! Creepy. Auntibeck's invented meaning was the favourite today. Good for you, Auntibeck.

Squaloid

Squaloid means "like a shark". Mmmm. Obviously, it's never too late to learn something new. Sonnjea B's invented meaning found favour with the voters. Good job, Sonnjea.

Irredentist

Interestingly, an irredentist has nothing to do with teeth. Instead, an irredentist is an advocate for the recovery of all Italian speaking districts back to Italy. That said, I have to admit that the blog meanings were more interesting - if slightly cheeky in the case of the poll winner, The Mad Fishicist. Great work again TMF.

Cryptaesthesia

Cryptaesthesia is supernormal knowledge - however, not the kind we're all gaining through our participation in this knowledge increasing blog. Cryptaesthesia is knowledge gained through telepathic or clairvoyant means. I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the invented meanings added to the blog today. Winner on the poll was Hello from Julia, a meaning I enjoyed very much indeed. Thanks again, Julia.

Fosse

A fosse is a long narrow trench, ditch, canal or groove. I particularly enjoyed today's invented meanings and am pleased to report that Rainbowspirit topped the poll with her invented meaning. Great work!

Oxymel

Oxymel is a syrup of honey and vinegar. Not sure of the purpose of such a syrup. Perhaps it's a cure for sunburn or hangovers - both of which were prevalent at the Wellington Rugby Sevens tournament I've just been visiting. See my other blog for more information about that. And I've noticed that, while mother word imp was away, the little word imps did play - literally. Joint winners on the poll were Madame C and Realityjunkie. Well done, both of you.

Etiolate

To etiolate a plant or person is to deprive them of light until they develop a sickly hue. Not something I recommend. I'm a person who likes a lot of light myself. Anyway, it's a word that got the word imps thinking hard and that's always worthwhile. Shari and Auntibeck were both equally favoured by the voters. So, yet another tie on the poll. Well done, you two.

Quadroon

A quadroon is actually a person of quarter Negro blood. As always, there were some interesting suggestions on the blog. The winning suggestion was that of The Chindo. Well done, TC.

Rhotacize

To rhotacize, you need to speak with a lot of emphasis on the letter "r". It's also the term for converting other sounds into "r", as small children sometimes do. In New Zealand, people who live in Southland (particularly around a place called Gore) are reknowned for their rhotacism. The Maori language puts emphasis on the letter "r" as well, so I guess that's rhotacism too. However, I didn't know there was a name for it. Now I do, and so do you. Go forth and educate. Alternatively, think erotic thoughts about soft fruit, as suggested by Squishy Mama - today's winner on the poll. Well done, Squishy Mama! You go girl!

Oxter

Your oxter is your armpit. Who knew? Not me, that's for sure. As always, I enjoyed the meanings contributed by today's participants and particularly those of the joint winners - Haberman's Habits and Molly Malone. Excellent work, both of you.

Cachinnate

To cachinnate actually means to laugh loudly. I do it often - particularly when I'm on holiday with my sisters which I have been for the last couple of days. Thanks for the inventive meanings. The Mad Fishicist was today's winner. Good work, TMF.

Fatidical

Fatidical actually means gifted with prophetic power. So, nothing like the invented meanings at all - but that's always a good thing. Today's favourite on the poll was suggested by Sonnjea B. Well done, Sonnjea.

Lobscouse

Lobscouse is a delicious meal for sailors consisting of meat stewed with vegetables and ship's biscuit. Mmmmmm. I think I'll stick to being a landlubber for now. I loved the meanings on the blog for this word. Very inventive indeed. Two people shared the honours again. Calamity Jane and Realityjunkie were the winners. Great work, you two.

Jannock

A jannock is actually a synonym for straight up, honest and genuine. Basically, a good sort of person to be around. Two people were tied on the poll today(sounds painful, doesn't it?). But fortunately for them, this kind of poll means they're both winners. Congratulations to The Chindo and Belle Etoile (both new and dedicated players).

Xyster

A xyster is pretty frightening. It's a surgical instrument for scraping bones. All the nurse and doctor bloggers out there would have known that one, of course. "Pass the xyster, nurse." "Of course, doctor. Right away." The thought of scraping bones is one I've decided not to dwell on, though. One of the reasons I wasn't keen to follow a career in medicine. I really liked Shari's meaning and it was the favourite on the poll too, so there you go. Full points to you, Shari.

Taradiddle

A taradiddle is a fib or a lie. My children were reluctant to think up meanings for taradiddle as it sounded "rude". Not so the word imps. There were plenty of bloggers willing to stretch their brain matter on this one - with a large percentage mentioning Ireland. Winner on the poll was Realityjunkie. A first win too, so great work.

Wayzgoose

A wayzgoose is the annual festivity of a printing house. Origin unknown. Perhaps someone in the printing trade can enlighten us on that one! Being a writer, perhaps one day I'll be invited to a wayzgoose. There were certainly some interesting meanings on the blog today, with a deserved win on the poll to Sara. Well done, Sara.

Vomer

A vomer is a small thin bone between your nostrils. Bet you didn't know it even had a name! Well, I didn't, anyway. Hopefully I'll be able to remember it one day when I need to be a scintillating conversationalist. There was another tie on the voting poll today. This time it's Belle Etoile and The Mad Fishicist who take the honours.

Tapotement

Tapotement is percussion used as part of a massage. I'm pretty sure it's percussion with the massager's hands rather than drumsticks, but I'm happy to be corrected on that. I am jealous of those who get regular tapotement. I don't seem to have the time, money or temperament to make it a priority. The invented meanings of Gregory and Madame C both achieved the same scores on the poll. Well done, you two. I loved both meanings.

Scatology

As suggested by Amalia, scatology is the study of excrement. It also describes the study of swearing, I believe. There was a variety of entries on the blog today, which I always like, and the voting for the final three was fairly evenly spread. However, Sonnjea B won out in the end. Well done, Sonnjea.

Geminate

To geminate is to arrange things in pairs. Some of the word imps got the "gemini" connection there. The meaning put forward by Haberman's Habits was chosen by voters as the best today. Well done, HH.

Lucubrate

It seems that lucubrating is something a lot of bloggers are doing right now. It's expressing your meditative thoughts in writing! Fascinating, isn't it? I love learning new stuff. The meaning invented by Odalisque was the favourite on the poll. Well done again, Odalisque.

Solatium

Solatium is something given as compensation or consolation. Interesting. I hope I remember that, as it could be very impressive in a sentence. There was a wide range of invented meanings today, with the poll winner being Clare. Thanks to everyone who joined in once again.

Poussette

A poussette is something couples do as part of a country dance. It's when they dance around one another holding hands. There were some very appropriate meanings, and the winner on the poll was Odalisque which - interestingly - was the word of the day for word imps on November 20 last year. Well done, Odalisque.

Cannikin

A cannikin is a small can. I only buy a cannikin of spaghetti because my son is the only one who eats canned spaghetti in our house. And he doesn't each much. So, a cannikin is just the right size for him. Nice to know it actually has a name. I hope you find that information useful. Rainbowspirit received the most votes on the poll today. Congratulations!

Haplography

Haplography is weird. It's the mistake of writing something once when it should be written twice. The example given in my dictionary is writing philogy instead of philology. Philology, by the way, is the science of language. There you go, two meanings for the price of one! Organic Mama was the winner on the poll today. Well done! I loved your meaning.

Poteen

Poteen is Irish whiskey from an illegal still. What a wonderful variety of entries today! Laura and The Mad Fishicist tied in the poll. Great work, you two.

Nunatak

Nunatak is an Eskimo word for an isolated peak of rock sticking out above the ice or snow. Sonnjea B's simple entry gained the most votes. I loved it too, Sonnjea.

Rathskeller

A rathskeller is actually a beer hall or restaurant situated in a basement. The word imps got a lot of mileage out of rathskeller. But that made it very hard for me today. I loved every single meaning! The voters had three to choose from, as usual, and Belle Etoile was the chosen one. Thanks for joining us Belle Etoile. Hope you'll be back soon.

Mahlstick

A mahlstick (also known as maulstick) is used by painters. It is a stick held in the left hand to help support the right hand and has a padded leather ball at one end. Clear as mud? My husband reckons he's seen a painter using one, but it makes painting sound even more complicated than normal to me. The word imps came up with plenty of great alternative meanings for mahlstick today. Madame C was the favoured one on the poll. The honours are yours Madame C.

Balneology

Balneology is the scientific study of bathing and medicinal springs. I had no idea anyone cared enough to study such a thing. However, as I've been finding out while doing this blog, there's a lot I don't know. There were many well-honed meanings on the blog today. And the honours go to Kathy who got the most votes on the poll. Congratulations Kathy. Play again soon.

Periapt

Periapt is actually a noun. It's the word to describe something worn to ward off evil. I'm glad to know that. Sara's invented meaning, which had nothing to do with evil, took first place with the voters.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is long-sightedness associated with old age. I think I may be suffering from it actually. Some great meanings again today. Greta kept her nose in front of the others on the poll to the very end. Well done, Greta. You had some tough competition.

Geophagist

A geophagist eats dirt. So most toddlers go through the geophagy phase - well those who haven't got an early dose of OCD of course. Apparently I took a liking to sand as a toddler. One of my sisters preferred snails. I think there was a geophagist among us as well. Any word imps out there with toddlers can increase their children's vocabulary now, thanks to Word Imperfect! Shari's invented meaning was the winner on the day. Good for you, Shari!

Fovea

A fovea is actually a small pit or depression. I liked the blog meanings much better than the real one. The invented meaning suggested by Eve's Lungs was the favourite with today's voters. Well done!

Luculent

Luculent actually means clear, concise and lucid. Funny, that. By the way, here's something weird... When I'm looking for the next word of the day for my blog, I have the strangest experience. I keep coming across words which look odd. My first reaction is, oh there's a good one. But then it turns out to be something that I already know the meaning of - like pontiff or foundling. So, for a few seconds, I think I've found a good word for the blog. Then I get a metaphorical slap when I realise it's actually not a very unusual word after all. I guess this blog game has me looking at words a little differently. Just thought I'd share that with you in case anyone found it interesting or had experienced something similar. I'm sorry if my explanation wasn't very luculent! Anyway, Sonnjea B was a runaway winner on the poll with her invented meaning. Congratulations Sonnjea. You've still got it.