Fenks

Fenks are the fibrous parts of whale blubber or, alternatively, the remaining substance after whale blubber has been melted. I think I need a lie down after that one. Fortunately, I've got the invented meanings to fall back on. Thanks for the vast array. Sometimes, simple is best. That's often true for Coolskoolmom and was definitely true of her wonderful meaning for fenks. Thanks, Coolskoolmom. I think most of us related all to easily to your definition.

Moquette

Moquette is a material used for making carpets and upholstery. It's a mixture of wool and hemp or linen, according to my faithful dictionary. The invented meanings, of course, showed far more originality, with Duckman being the favoured one today. Well done, Duckman.

Gimcrack

A gimcrack is a useless ornament. And, might I add, one that increases its uselessness by gathering unsightly dust. Nevertheless, several gimcracks seem to gather dust on our shelves. This word certainly sparked the imaginations of a wide range of word imps today. Of course, that made the choosing that much harder. Voting on the poll was tight but I was pleased that Gypsy Queen came out on top because her meaning was a great one. Congratulations, Gypsy Queen.

Sciolist

A sciolist is someone who pretends to speak intelligently about a topic which they actually know very little about. My husband can be quite the sciolist when the mood takes him. His specialty is false botanical plant names. You have my permission to be a sciolist when the need arises. It's fun. Our top three sciolists on the poll all got the same number of votes so they're all winners. So, well done to Brian O Vretanos, Alina Escalante and Maalie.

Struthious

Struthious means like an ostrich. I will enjoy using that word in context and surprising my friends with the depth of my vocabulary. I enjoyed the blog meanings very much, and am pleased to announce Aviva as the winner on the poll. Well done and welcome back, Aviva.

Scissel

Scissel is the correct term for metal shavings or any excess metal waste such as the remainder of a metal plate after coins have been punched from it. Those of you who have occasion to be around fragments of metal will now have just the right word for the stuff. Happy to have been of assistance on that one. It turned out that the voters favoured two meanings equally today. So Wunx~ and Silver_flight are joint winners. Congratulations, you two.

Pergunnah

A pergunnah is a division of territory in India. A bit like a state or region maybe, only a bit smaller I think. Perhaps one of our Indian word imps can throw some light on that one in due course. One blog comment may have been questioning the fairness of my use of an Indian word. In reply, I would say that I only use words which are in my English dictionary and sometimes they happen to be words from other countries. Congratulations to Duckman who achieved the highest number of votes on the poll.

Duumvir

A duumvir is a member of a board which contains two officials of equal standing. Well, that's my interpretation of the dictionary meaning anyway. I believed it's from the Latin. The wonderful invented meanings made my decision particularly difficult today, but Raelha was the final winner on the poll. Great work, Raelha.

Wampee

A wampee is a tree which grows in China and yields grape-like fruit, also called wampee of course - or so says my dictionary. I've never seen or eaten a wampee to the best of my knowledge. Nor been to China. Thanks for your inventive meanings today. The Mad Fishicist was too hard to beat this time. Thanks for that, TMF.

Minacious

Minacious means threatening. Mmmm. I will try to keep that in mind. It could be useful. The blog meanings were not at all threatening and I've placed three on the poll. It was very hard to choose, as each had its merits. So well done to you all. Shari got the most voters, which makes her another happy customer. Good for you, Shari!

Ginglymus

A ginglymus is a joint in the body such as the elbow which works like a hinge and has motion in two directions. There you go! Another useful fact! Who said learning can't be fun? No doubt the medicos out there in word imperia were chuckling to themselves about knowing that one. There was plenty of fun on the blog with ginglymus. The invented meaning of Thinks! found favour with the voters. Well done, Thinks!

Caudle

Mmmm. Caudle sounds rather delicious. It's a warm gruel which includes spice, sugar and wine which is given to invalids and new mothers. Sounds great. Your invented meanings for caudle were just as delightful. The voters agreed that the meaning created by aandthirtyeights was a stand out. I agree. Well done!

Thanatoid

Thanatoid actually describes something deadly, deathlike or apparently dead. Appropriate, coincidentally, with today being the release day for J K Rowling's latest book. I haven't bought mine yet. I put three meanings on the blog and each of them gaining a third of the votes - which means we have a three way tie! Congratulations to J Morgetron, Duckman and Bee. You all deserve it. Great work.

Pyaemia

Pyaemia is not for the squeamish. It's blood poisoning caused by pus-forming bacteria. I'm sorry I had to go into so much detail. Let's move on, shall we? So, pyaemia didn't have very much to do with pies - although plenty of the invented meanings did. Heaps of fun had by all on the blog as usual. Bea N. Random invented a great meaning and it was good enough to win today. Congrats!

Naiad

A naiad is a water nymph. I had a lot of fun reading today's invented meanings - as I always do. It's one of the day's highlights and keeps me going through thick and thin. Judi's was a runaway winner - and one that I particularly enjoyed as well. Thanks for making us happy Judi.

Teknonymy

Teknonymy is the practice of renaming a parent after a child. I'm indebted to silver_flight for the following information found on wikipedia about teknonymy in Korea: Teknonymy, or referring to parents by their children's names, is a common practice. It is most commonly used in referring to a mother by the name of her eldest son, as in "Cheol-su's mom". However, they can also be extended to either parent and any child, depending upon the context. It looks as though this technique is used in order to help avoid the use of the person's actual given name, which in Korean society is apparently a taboo. Now, we're all just that bit wiser. In terms of invented meanings, the race to the winning post was very tight. In fact, there was a dead heat for first. Pastor Phil and Thinks! share the honours today. Well done, you two!

Velleity

Velleity is a low degree of volition which doesn't prompt any action. I think I kind of understand that. It was suggested by one of our word imps. Thanks for that, Wunx~. Some interesting meanings made it to the blog again today. Raelha was the winner, in a close race. Well done, Raelha.

Cloop

Cloop is the sound of a cork being drawn. Well, of course! Who didn't know that? Me, for one. But now you tell me, it is rather obvious. Interesting array of meanings on the blog today. After much fun and games with the voting process, I can announce that the favourite was the invention of Brian O Vretanos. Well done, Brian.

Punctum

A punctum is a small speck, spot, which is flat, indented or raised on a surface. I know someone with a punctum in the middle of their dishwasher door. I shall refer to it by its proper name in future. I loved the meanings for punctum from the word imps today. Very innovative and impressive. The Mad Fishicist was the final winner on the poll, after some trouble actually retrieving the poll. Perhaps his meaning sent the poll AWOL. But it's back and that's what matters most. Yay!

Hoosegow

Hoosegow is a term used in the old American west to describe a jail. Apparently, it came from a Spanish word, 'juzgado'. Thanks to Raelha for the suggestion for this word which gave us all a lot of fun on the blog today. Auntibeck pleased the voters with her meaning. Well done, Auntibeck. Tops again.

Muniment

A muniment is an archival document kept as a record of proof in relation to rights and privileges. Something old and dusty by the sound of it. Great meanings on the blog, with the winning meaning suggested by Ingrid. Well done, Ingrid.

Couvade

A couvade is something you may need to know, so listen carefully. I shall say this only once. A couvade (koo-vahd) is a primitive custom. It occurs if a wife is having a well earned lie in. The husband in such circumstances can stage a couvade by pretending to be so ill that he needs to be put to bed beside his wife. One of our word imps has also informed me that the word also has connotations of being connected with childbirth, with the husband taking to the birthing bed to share the pain. I think I got that right. Anyway, the winning invented meaning today was suggested by Raelha. Thanks for your creativity, Raelha and congratulations on a well-deserved win.

Vambrace

Sometimes a word lends itself particularly well to invented meanings. Vambrace is one of those wonderful words. And the word imps did not let me down. I giggled my way through a particularly busy and frustrating day, so thanks for that. The real meaning of vambrace is useful but pretty ordinary, I'm sorry to say. It's armour for the forearm. Realityjunkie won the battle of the pollsters with her wonderful meaning. Great work again, RJ.

Mutograph

A mutograph was an early form of motion picture camera. The word imps had a lot of fun making up meanings for mutograph. Great work everyone. The voters chose the work of Alex Beech as winner today. Congratulations, Alex and thanks for the clarification of your great definition.

Timocracy

Timocracy is a form of government where you need to have a certain amount of property to qualify for office. Hmmmm. The invented meanings for timocracy were at least as dubious and all interesting. The favourite by far was brought to us by Bea N. Random. Congratulations for creating a great meaning.

Bedlamite

A bedlamite is a lunatic. Another amazing fact for me to tuck away into my overworked memory banks. The invented meanings were far from lunatic, in the main, and the best one was suggested by Thinks! Obviously a well named blogger.

Rotifer

A rotifer is a microscopic water animal with rotary organs used for swimming. Fascinating. The word rotifer offered plenty of opportunity for a wide range of inventiveness among our merry band of wordsters. Magdalene was a popular winner on the poll. Excellent work, Magdalene.

Lentitude

Lentitude is sluggishness - something I'm feeling at the moment after a long drive south to my home. I thoroughly enjoyed the invented meanings - a great tonic for a weary mind. Yaamyn was a well deserved winner on the poll. Great work, Yaamyn.

Tintinnabulate

To tintinnabulate is to ring a bell, as many of you would have been aware. However, it's a beautiful word that I'm sure could do with more extensive use. So, dear word imps, go forth and tintinnabulate. Your invented meanings showed a degree of inventiveness for which I was particularly proud today. Vicki B was the winner in a close race on the poll. Well done, Vicki.

Musette

A musette is a small bagpipe. I saw one at the Auckland Museum on Tuesday night when we took the children to Egyptian night at the Museum. The musette isn't Egyptian, I don't think, but we were waiting for some time before the start of the performance and spent our waiting moments reading about all the different kinds of instruments on show. The musette was one of them. I don't remember it looking anything like a bagpipe but, then again, I had to look at it by the light of a torch. Thanks for adding your meanings for musette. I liked the meaning invented by silver_flight and so did lots of you, as it was the winner on the poll. Well done, s_f.

Jargonelle

A jargonelle is yummy. It's an early ripening pear. What a large number of interesting entries this time. I'm impressed. I thought it might be a bit of a limiting word but not to the word imps of blogothea! Yaamyn and Dina Baxter tied as winners on today's shorter than usual poll. Well done both of you.

Crankle

Crankle is a verb which means to bend and twist. Lots of interesting meanings from the word imps out there in blogland. Thanks for your dedication, as always. Realityjunkie was the winner on the poll. Well done, RJ.

Eudiometer

A eudiometer is used in chemical experiments. Apparently, it's a graduated glass tube which somehow causes an electric spark in its metallic terminals. Something to do with combining gases. I know that's hopeless, but so is my understanding of chemistry. The blogging chemists out there are welcome to provide a clearer description of the word than that. However, I think I'll stick with the invented meanings which were, in the main, much easier to understand. Stephen's invented meaning was a big favourite on the poll. Congrats, Stephen.

Aboulia

Aboulia is loss of willpower. You'd think I would have heard of that at some stage in my life, but I can't say it rings a bell. However, loss of willpower is something I'm familiar with, for sure. The invented meanings were wonderful as always. I'm happy to report that the winning invented meaning on the poll came from Wunx~. Welcome to the game and well done!

Incubus

I might have bitten off more than was chewable with today's word. I had no idea of the implications of choosing the word "incubus". I'd never heard of it before and my dictionary didn't mention the specific details which I've just discovered on dictionary.com thanks to the heads up from Pastor Phil. I didn't know anything about it also being the name of a band - but then I'm not up with the play as far as music goes. So, apologies for any offence caused to anyone. Let's just say the simplest dictionary meaning for incubus is that it's an evil spirit believed to descend on sleepers. It can also be used to describe an oppressive nightmare or an oppressive burden or person. Enough said. The invented meanings were great. Alex Beech took the cake and most of the votes with her cuddly invented meaning. Well done, Alex.

Feretory

A feretory is a shrine for the relics of a saint or the chapel in which shrines were kept. No ferrets at all, strangely enough. Lots of fun had by all on the blog today, though. And I'm proud to say that I have even used the real meaning of feretory in a conversation today! The best invented meaning according to the poll was a runaway winner. Well done, Auntibeck! We're impressed.

Moxa

Moxa is fascinating. It's anything used as a counter-irritant for gout. Specific remedies are mentioned in my dictionary but I'll leave that up to any potential gout sufferers to follow up. I have other, more pressing issues to address. As does Raelha, who needs to celebrate her win on the poll today. Well done, Raelha.

Holothurian

Oddly enough, holothurian describes animals of the sea slug type. Not something I would ever have guessed, but there you go. The invented blog meanings took a different tack completely, as is usually the case, and provided me with some happy moments. The favourite among pollsters was written by Brian O Vretanos. Congratulations BOV.

Crambo

Crambo is a word game. It's different to our word imperfect game though. Here's how to play. One player says a word. Each of the other players must find a rhyme for that word. There seem to be some other versions which could be more interesting but I'll leave you to follow that up in your own time. Sandra Dodd's definition made it to the top of the poll today, followed closely by her rivals. Well done, Sandra.

Tortile

Tortile means twisted, curved or coiled. I probably could have figured that out if I'd thought about it hard enough. But I'd rather read the hilarious invented meanings on the blog instead. Aviva's meaning was a runaway winner on the poll. Well done, again Aviva.

Limbate

Limbate is a botanical or biological term which describes something with a distinct border. I've seen leaves like that. Now I'll be able to describe them correctly and wow my friends on garden rambles... Anyway, back to reality. Thanks for a wide variety of interesting meanings for limbate. I just thought of another one - someone who can't think of the last line for a limerick! However, it's too late. The winner's been chosen and it's Bee. Thanks for your wonderful invented meaning, Bee.

Squacco

A squacco is a small, crested heron. Perhaps some of you knew that but were humouring me for the purposes of the word game. Thanks for that. The meanings were squishy and squeamish but lots of fun. Ingrid got the most votes on the poll, which makes her a very happy winner indeed. Well done, Ingrid!

Abbacy

An abbacy is the office of an abbot. Today's range of ideas was impressive. Thanks again for visiting and being part of the game. Aviva won a close battle on the poll. Well done, Aviva.

Tierce

A tierce is a third of a pipe and was used as an old wine measure. Interestingly, it's also a sequence of three cards and the third position in fencing as well as a few other obscure things to do with the number three. Lots of great invented meanings made their way to the blog again today, with the winner entry written by Elle4loser. Well done to you.

Wivern

Yes, a wivern (also spelled wyvern) is a winged, two legged dragon with a barbed tail. The invented meanings were wonderful again. I was amazed at the huge variety and had lots of fun reading them. Well done to Somegirl for a great meaning and a well deserved win on the poll today!

Pilose

Pilose means covered with hair. I feel like I should have known that but, sadly, I didn't. Maybe I'll remember it now but I'm not making any promises. My memory isn't what it used to be. I hope some of the word imps out there are gaining a fabulous vocabulary through this game though! Voting on the poll was very tight between Stephen and Melissa today - so tight in fact that I've declared them both winners. Wonderful meanings, both of you. Thanks for your creativity.

Splenius

The splenius is actually a neck muscle which is used to pull back the head. Fancy that! Once again, the invented meanings were lots of fun to read. The winner on the poll came from Brian O Vretanos. Thanks, Brian. Great work.

Kymograph

A kymograph is an instrument, as many of you figured out. It's used to record variations in pressure, with sound waves being the example given in my dictionary. Lots of fun was had by all with today's meanings and the winning entry on the poll was supplied by J Morgetron. Congratulations and thanks to everyone for dropping by.

Jobation

A jobation is a lengthy reprimand. I have a tendency to enter a period of jobation every now and again with my children. However, they soon let me know when I've made my point and the jobation is complete. Now I know what to call it. Cool! Loved the meanings on the blog today. And great to see we're still getting new players as a result of the blog of note status which is over a week old. Williminator took the honours with today's invented meanings in a very tight race. Congratulations.

Nonage

Nonage actually describes being under age, a minor or immature. Quite the opposite of some of today's invented meanings. But that's a good thing in my book. I always enjoying perusing the "funnies" I've spawned through this word game. Thanks for the giggles as always. And well done to Irene Grumman, winner on the poll today.

Mattoid

A mattoid is a thoroughly fascinating creature. It's a person who swings erratically between genius and fool. I like that. And I loved the array of meanings added by generous word imps who visited the blog today. Thanks again for coming back. You are very kind. And congratulations to Karoline whose meaning gained the most votes on the poll today.

Horopter

The actual meaning of horopter is actually something that my brain can't fathom. So I'll have to just leave it with you and see if you can make sense of it. Apparently, it's the aggregate of points which are seen singly by the eyes in any given position. Sorry I can't make that any clearer. Science wasn't my strong point. Fortunately, the invented meanings were much easier to figure out. Shari's was one that took my fancy and it went down well with the voters as well. Great work, Shari.

Asperity

Asperity seems quite a flexible word. It means roughness, harshness, severity of weather and sharpness of temper. The blog meanings, as always, held my interest all day. Winner on the poll was Orange Strings. Great work, OS.

Bleb

A bleb is actually a small blister or bubble found on skin, water or glass. I've seen those blebs in glass before. Now I know what they're called. Once again a wonderful array of invented meanings have made it to the blog today. Winners on the poll, with exactly the same number of votes, were Pirate Jim and Fz. Both well deserved!

Quaquaversal

Quaquaversal means pointing in every direction. It's a word I can't imagine using very often in that context. However, some of the invented meanings could be very useful. Thanks for all your imaginative writings, fellow word imps. Your expertise makes it very hard to choose three for the poll. Elle4loser gained the most votes today. Congrats.

Orlop

The orlop is the lowest deck on a ship which has three or more decks. It's certainly tough choosing only three invented meanings for the poll when there are over 50 to choose from! I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the list and was amazed at the ingenuity of the blogging world. Congratulations to Mandy for the winning meaning on the poll today.

Francolin

A francolin is actually a bird. It's a type of partridge which looks like a pheasant. What a fabulous array of invented meanings on the blog today! Thanks so much to everyone who has found this site via Blogs of Note. A big welcome to you all. Hopefully many of you will enjoy playing and visit again soon. And congratulations to Scallywagger, who was the very clear winner on the voting poll today.

Reliquary

A reliquary is a receptacle for relics. Many of today's invented meanings were close to the real meaning - which I suspected might happen. Nevertheless, there was still a good range of meanings which had nothing to do with relics at all. I enjoyed each of the meanings and was very happy to see that a few new people have been joining the game. Welcome to you all. I hope you keep coming back. The Mad Fishicist received lots of votes on the poll today, thanks to the new "Blog of Note" status. Well done, TMF!

Graminaceous

Graminaceous is nowhere near as interesting as it sounds, sadly. It means grassy or like grass. I'm sure it's one of those words we'll all be able to drag into conversation some day soon. Interesting indeed were the invented meanings from a plethora of word imps today. Great work everyone. I'm impressed. Pirate Jim was the runaway winner in the voting on the poll. Great work, PJ. I hope you join us again soon.

Bricole

A bricole is actually a sporting term. It's a shot in billiards where the ball rebounds off the cushion and has a similar meaning in tennis. It's also an ancient military catapult. Fascinating, but I have to say the invented meanings are even more interesting - and we all loved the meaning created by Judi, today's winner on the poll. Well done Judi.

Chitterling

Chitterlings are the small intestines of animals which are cooked as food. So Judi's meaning was very close to reality. Lots of creativity went into today's efforts. Congratulations to everyone. The favourite on the poll was written by Auntibeck. Great work.

Lipography

Lipography is the omission of letters or words in writing. I'm plagued with it. Thanks for your great meanings. I loved them all and, like the voters, enjoyed Judi's meaning very much. Well done, Judi. You're today's winner on the poll.

Glabrous

Glabrous describes skin that is hairless. So, next time I see a man with a bald head, I'll be able to tell the man how glabrous he's looking today. He probably won't know what I'm talking about, but what the heck! The crowd chose the meaning invented by Lady Macleod today. Well done!

Porrigo

Porrigo isn't nice. It's a scaly eruption of the scalp. Best left there, I think. Fortunately, some great meanings erupted on the blog for porrigo, with Clare taking the prize this week - if there was one that is! Well done, Clare. Love your invented meanings.

Nuphar

A nuphar is a yellow water lily. Who knew? The invented meanings covered a wide range of topics today. Great work, everyone. Voters chose the work of The Mad Fishicist. Always entertaining! Thanks again, TMF.

Killick

A killick is a small anchor or a heavy stone used as an anchor. Great meanings again today. Thanks to all my regular word imps for your continued dedication. I appreciate it immensely. The winner on the poll was Realityjunkie. Well done, RJ.

Susurration

Susurration is actually a synonym for whispering or rustling which is spookily close the meaning suggested by Floribunda. Lots of interesting invented meanings to choose from today. There was a tie on the poll and I couldn't choose between the two, so I've declared both Madame C and Vicki B winners for the day. Well done, both of you.

Grackle

A grackle is actually a bird - apparently like the jackdaw. I loved today's blog meanings so much that I couldn't decide between them. However, the voters did. They chose Sara's meaning. Well done, Sara!

Posology

Posology is interesting. It's the study of the quantities by which drugs should be administered. (Emphasis on the word "should".) I guess anyone trained in pharmaceutical matters would have felt particularly virtuous with that one. However, as usual, the invented meanings were just as fascinating as the real meaning. Voters chose George's meaning as the winner this time. Well done, George.

Syrinx

Syrinx has a plethora of meanings. You can take your pick - a panpipe, a narrow gallery in an Egyptian tomb, the tube from the throat to the ear drum or the song organ of a bird to name a few. I guess they're all related in some way. However, the invented meanings were actually a lot more interesting - especially that suggested by The Good Woman which won the vote on the poll today. Congratulations!

Lordosis

Lordosis is forward curvature of the spine. Fortunately, it's not something I'm acquainted with at this stage. I enjoyed the invented meanings very much. Well done to everyone who had a go - and congratulations to the winner on the poll, Sonnjea B.

Roborant

Roborant actually means strengthening, in the pharmaceutical sense I believe. Thanks for your inventive meanings while I was away in Wellington. Life is now officially back to normal and, although my joke book wasn't a winner in any of the official categories, it did well in the children's choice voting. It received more children's votes than any other finalist in the non-fiction section - and I can't complain about that. Hopefully it will translate into sales! And speaking of getting votes, Realityjunkie received the most votes on today's poll. Congrats RJ.

Ringent

Ringent actually means gaping - like my mouth when I saw that more than the usual four or five word imps had visited and added their meanings today. There were some valiant efforts, with The Mad Fishicist drawing the most votes on the poll. I liked it too. Well done.

Tegument

Tegument describes the natural covering - fur, feathers, scales etc - of an animal's body. I guess the zoologists amongst us would have been sitting pretty with that one. However, it's all new to me - as are most of the words I find for this blog. Great invented meanings as always. Realityjunkie took the cake and the poll with her meaning. Thanks for that. Well done.

Edacious

Edacious means greedy. In fact, Mommanator got the meaning pretty much exactly right. Not sure if it was just a fluke or not! The funniest on the poll was supplied by The Mad Fishicist. Well done to you TMF. I do enjoy your invented meanings. Keep visiting please.

Gnathic

Gnathic means "of jaws". Hope that helps. Your invented meanings were great - and a lot more interesting than "of jaws". I liked them all. The favourite with the voters was the invented definition of Auntibeck. Well, done!

Fougasse

A fougasse is actually a small mine, sunk into the ground and full of stones, bits of iron, etc which is fired by gunpowder and ready to strike the enemy when least expected. So, our word imps were pretty close actually. Well done while I was away touring and taking joke writing workshops. I'm back to the grindstone at home now - happy to announce that Tallgirl's the winner of today's poll. Well done, Tallgirl.

Pantagruelism

Pantagruelism is extravagant coarse humour named after someone named Pantagruel. I really liked the inventiveness of the meanings on the blog today. Thanks for your dedication. Sonnjea B takes the honours on the poll again. You're a machine, Sonnjea.

Galloon

A galloon is actually quite boring. It's cross-woven braid used for binding dresses. I guess the tailors and seamsters among us will understand that. However, fortunately for us, there are invented meanings for galloon and they're all much more interesting than the real meaning - especially that written by our word imp Sonnjea B. Well done, Sonnjea. You're the winner on the poll today.

Fubsy

Fubsy means fat. Fortunately, I'm not feeling fubsy at the moment - due to my exercise and eating plan which is working well. However, if I was feeling fat, I wouldn't mind so much if I was described as fubsy. Loved today's invented meanings - especially the one from Beautiful Lady which described a fubsy as a furby gone bad. I don't think we'll ever forget that wonderful meaning. Well done, Beautiful Lady - brains and beauty!

Pediculous

I'm sorry to have to report that pediculous means infested with lice. Not a pretty thought I know. And it's not even about feet after all - although I guess it could be in certain situations. I hope that's not too much of a disappointment to the bloggers today. The meanings were wonderful, as usual. I'm not sure how you all manage to come up with so many great meanings so often. I'm very proud of you all. And I did love Shari's meaning, which is the winner on the poll today. Well done, Shari.

Sinciput

Well, who would have known? We all have a sinciput. Well, that's unless you've had pretty major surgery. Your sinciput, dear friends, is the part of your head from the forehead to the tippy top. I can't give any particulars about the derivation - but I hope you'll find this word an unusual and exciting one to drop into conversation when things need a bit of livening up. Kathy's invented meaning won on the poll. Well done, Kathy.

Lycanthropy

Lycanthropy is when a witch transforms into a wolf or - just to keep you on your toes - it's also a mental affliction whereby the patient thinks he or she is a beast and exhibits the characteristics of that beast. Grrrrr. Best stop there, I think. Great meanings on the blog for lycanthropy. The winner was Sonnjea B. Great work once again, Sonnjea.

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.