Paternoster

Paternoster is mostly in relation to things of the faith. It's apparently another word for The Lord's Prayer. It has other related meanings which you can discover for yourself. However, it's apparently also the word to describe a fishing line with hooks at intervals. Of course the word imps were on fine form with their invented meanings, as is always the case. The pollsters particularly liked the meaning suggested by Holly. Great work, Holly. And lovely name, too.

Kerf

A kerf is the edge left by cutting something with a saw. So, the cut end of a tree which has been felled is called a kerf. Who knew? Hopefully the woodcutter did, but I'm not so sure. However, we had a wonderful range of word imps vying for the leader board again today. Some old names and new ones - which was very exciting. Well done to Coolskoolmom who came away with a win on the poll today. Great work!

Sporangium

A sporangium is a special case for the production of spores. Thank you all for a wonderfully humorous range of meanings for sporangium today. I was very amused by all of today's contributions. Voting was fervent, with a tie between Osobutterfly and Thesaurus Rex. Well done, both of you.

Glyptography

Glyptography is the art of engraving on gem stones. More new information for my tired brain. I can't recall having ever seen an engraved gem stone but there you go. Thanks to the dedicated band of word imps who are keeping things going while some of our number are busy with other duties. I appreciate your commitment. Your meanings were great and the best of all, according to pollsters, was Magdalene. Great work!

Flustra

Flustra is some kind of "sea mat" resembling seaweed, according to my lexicon. Probably that ghastly stuff I accidentally step on while I'm having a summer dip. We only had a small number of word imps participating today but their meanings were great. I hope our other participants come back soon. We miss you! In the meantime, Ju's Little Sister was the winner on the poll. Thanks JLS. I loved your meaning.

Piscivorous

A piscivorous person is a fish eater, of course. Not sure if I would have figured that out without the help of the dictionary though. Herbivorous, carnivorous, omnivorous, piscivorous. I never knew there was a fourth category. Perhaps there are more still... Watch this space. Congratulations to Karishma Hasnat who was a runaway winner on today's poll. Well done, KH. And all the best with the job.

Meniscus

Meniscus is the term for the the curved upper surface of liquid in a container. Fascinating. The invented meanings were also wonderful and I'm pleased to announce The Encourager as today's winner. Well done.

Jactitation

Jactitation seems to have several meanings. One is to falsely claim to be someone's spouse! Another is the restless tossing and turning that occurs with feverish illness. Yet another is limb or muscle twitching. I've had that, but I didn't know it was jactitation at the time. Now I do. And so do you. Thanks for your invented meanings. They all took different winding roads which made for an interesting reading journey. Today's winner on the poll was Edith. Thanks for that Edith. Well done.

Pilgarlic

Pilgarlic actually does have something to do with garlic! It means bald headed and its etymology (according to my dictionary rather than my scholarly background) is related to the similarities between a bald head and peeled garlic! So there you go. I'll try hard to remember that one next time I see a pilgarlic. Thanks for your well written meanings. Very descriptive and interesting indeed. Magdalene was the favoured one among voters today. Great work!

Simoom

A simoom occurs chiefly in the Arabian desert. It's a suffocatingly hot dusty wind which sweeps through a narrow path and is gone within minutes. Makes me glad I'm not a desert dweller. The invented meanings were especially enjoyable and poll voters chose the meaning suggested by Realityjunkie as the best of the best today. Well done, RJ.

Peduncle

Peduncle is, strangely enough, a botanical term. It's the name for the main stalk of a plant. Perhaps I learned that many moons ago but didn't have a reason to remember it. I've got a feeling that I'll forget it again - but never mind. Thanks for your fabulous meanings for peduncle today. I enjoyed them immensely. Voters chose Thesaurus Rex as the winner on the poll. Well done, TR.

Orrery

An orrery is a clockwork model of the planetary system - something we should all have been well aware of. However, I'm happy to admit that it was news to me. Fascinating array of invented meanings today! Thanks for all your contributions. Well done especially to Raelha who's made it to the top of the poll today.

Undine

An undine is a female water sprite who has the chance of receiving a soul if she marries a mortal and bears a child. Another important fact that I've missed over the years. Ho hum. Thanks for your interesting and wide ranging invented meanings for undine. Today's poll winner is Shella. Well done!

Tribology

Tribology is the study of friction, lubrication and wear and tear on machine parts. Well, well, well. Nothing like the meanings invented by the esteemed word imps today, but interesting nevertheless. I think that word could come handy in a pub quiz some day! Oddly enough for a word starting with "tri", all three contestants on the poll gained the same number of votes today. So all three are winners. Congratulations to Sprite, The Encourager and Realityjunkie.

Roucou

Roucou is an orange dye which comes from a West Indian tree of the same name. Our invented meanings are far more fascinating, I'm sure you'll agree. Raelha was the top word imp on our poll today, with a resounding win. Fabulous work, Raelha!

Chad

I heard about chad on the radio the other day. It's the stuff that lots of people, including myself, wrongly call "confetti". Chad is the real name for the stuff which is punched out of a hole punch! I hope I'm not the only one who didn't know that already. Thanks for your invented meanings. They were great. I've added up the votes cast on the blog and through the poll and am happy to announce that Phil was top of the pops today. Well done, Phil.

Eyas

An eyas is, surprisingly, a young hawk which is "in training". I can't be specific on what it's in training for, but I suspect it's something top secret. Anyway, another useful piece of information for those collecting such stuff. Thanks for your interesting meanings for eyas. The poll has finally returned and I'm happy to announce that Edith and Thinks! are equal first. Great work you two.

Opodeldoc

Opodeldoc is nowhere near as interesting as it sounds. My dictionary refers to it as a kind of soap liniment. Not sure if that means a lot to me. There was also mention made of "kinds of medical plaster". So I'll leave it with you to decipher if necessary. Another medical one for the qualified word imps amongst us. Loved your creative meanings today! And very well done to Bee, for a spectacular win on the poll. Keep up the good work.

Equilibrist

An equilibrist is a rope walker. Strange that! Way back when I started this blog in October last year I used a great word - funambulist - which also means rope walker. Just thought I'd share that little piece of trivia with the word imp world. Loved your invented meanings for equilibrist - and particularly enjoyed the meaning suggested by Pastor Phil which was also the winner on the poll. Great work, P.P.

Filaria

Filaria is a parasitic worm! Yukky! It's injected into the bloodstream via certain types of flies and mosquitoes. The blog meanings were far more palatable. Thanks for visiting. Aviva was the poll favourite today. Congratulations on a great meaning, Aviva.

Rhabdomancy

Rhabdomancy is the correct word for water divining using a rod. Fascinating stuff! I hope I wasn't the only one who didn't know that before today. Your invented meanings for rhabdomancy were excellent and I'm pleased to say that Judi was today's winner. Great work, Judi!

Nekton

Nekton is the collective term for free swimming organic life that you would find in oceans and lakes. I'm no scientist, so I'm not sure if I understand what I just typed. Perhaps it will mean something to someone else, though. Nevertheless, a plethora of invented meanings for nekton were suggested. The winner on the poll was Brian O Vretanos. Great work, again, Brian.

Quiff

A quiff is ever so cute. It's a curl lying over a forehead. Just like the nursery rhyme. I'll be looking for opportunities to use that word as soon as possible. The invented meanings were just as wonderful. I found it extremely tricky choosing my top three, though, as each sounded exactly right. The poll voters didn't have any trouble picking a winner, however. It was Realityjunkie. Well done, RJ.

Madrepore

A madrepore is a kind of perforated coral as well as the animal which produces such coral. News to me, but so is most of the stuff I find in the dictionary. My knowledge fits in a box which is much smaller than I'd like to admit. I hope this blog will change that, if only slightly. We had a great turn out of invented meanings today, with a well-deserved win to Herdingcats. Great work!

Scrimshank

To scrimshank is to shirk your duties. Such a person is, of course, a scrimshanker. My dictionary refers to the term as "military slang". Perhaps some of our North American word imps secretly knew that. I'm glad I know this word now. I shall enjoy using it at the earliest possible opportunity. Thanks to Pami Sami for her take on scrimshank. We loved that meaning and it was a clear poll winner today. Great work, PS.

Puttoo

Puttoo is an Indian fabric made from coarse goat's wool. I loved the meanings for puttoo and offer my heartiest congratulations to Thinks! for another fine winning effort.

Vicennial

Vicennial refers to anything which recurs every 20 years or lasts 20 years. Fabulous meanings as always, and apologies again for going AWOL on my dedicated word imps. But I'm back now! Not concentrating well though. I realised, too late, that I hadn't put my three favourites for this one on the poll after all. Late night brain flag, I call it. So, many apologies. In order to avoid a voting backlog, I've decided on a winner myself. Thanks, Brian O Vretanos. I thought your meaning was fabulous.

Doxy

Doxy has two distinct meanings. Firstly, a doxy is a beggar's wench. Who knew? Secondly, a doxy is an opinion on theology. Quite varied meanings, as you can tell, but there you go. The invented meanings were also varied and gave me much cause for hilarity. Thanks for that. The contribution from Wunx~ sneaked through on the poll. Well done, Wunx~.

Buccinator

I'm sorry to report that a buccinator is neither interesting nor funny. According to my dictionary it's a flat, thin cheek muscle. Oh well. It gave us food for thought and plenty of great meanings. Thinks! thought hard and made it to 50 per cent of the vote on the poll - which was enough to be declared today's official winner. Good thinking!

Curare

Curare is a bitter substance from South American plants which Indians used to poison their arrows. Nasty! I'll keep that little tidbit under my hat for now. Not sure if and when it will come in handy. Your invented meanings were strange and wonderful. Magdalene's meaning pipped the others at the post in the winning stakes. Well done, Magdalene. You kept your nose just in front!

Umbles

Umbles is the edible offal of deer and definitely has a connection with the term humble pie. You'll have to look it up yourself for more information on that as the time of night prevents me from going into any further detail. Well done on a fascinating array of invented meanings. Realityjunkie was back with flying colours today and a big win on the poll. Well done, RJ.

Flews

The hanging lips of a bloodhound are known as flews. Another extraordinary fact brought to you by Word Imp. The invented meanings were just as extraordinary and well crafted. Brian O Vretanos had plenty of followers today and his meaning topped the poll. Well done, BOV.

Smallage

Smallage is nowhere near as interesting as it sounds. It's wild celery. The invented meanings were far more out there. I enjoyed reading them very much. It was quite a pick me up after a long day at a squash tournament. Well done, everyone, and especially Pastor Phil who's back from holiday and winning on the poll again. Great work.

Dotard

A dotard is someone in his or her dotage, of course. Now, for those who need more help, your dotage is usually that stage of life when old age and feebleness of mind coincide. I know a few dotards, but I'm too polite to name them. The invented meanings were wonderfully funny, as always. And I'm thrilled to announce that Ju's Little Sister won our hearts and votes with her invented meaning. Great work!

Flivver

A flivver is a cheap motor car. Funny that. Our family has always owned flivvers and never known what to call them. Now we do. It's a slang word of unknown origin according to my dictionary. However, all sorts of other flivvers made it to the blog. Well done everyone - and welcome back, Pastor Phil. Thesaurus Rex took full honours on the poll for this one. Congratulations, again, T.R.

Exsanguinate

To exsanguinate something is to drain it of blood. Charming. There were several word imps who knew this one - obviously ghoulish horror movie fans - but I have to admit it was news to me. I prefer romantic comedies with less blood letting. I thoroughly enjoyed reading today's meanings and am happy to announce that Flamingo was today's poll winner. Congratulations!

Sciagraphy

Sciagraphy is very interesting. It's the action of shading while drawing. It's also x-ray photography. And it's telling the time by looking at the shadows on a sun dial. So, there you go. Fascinating and incredibly informative. If only I could still remember that tomorrow. Ho hum. Well done to Thinks! who was the winner on the poll today.

Geostrophic

Geostrophic means depending on the rotation of the earth. I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of invented meanings on the blog today. Thanks for continuing to visit. I appreciate it very much. The poll voting left Pami Sami as today's winner. Great work, PS!

Repique

A repique is part of a card game called piquet. I think it's when you win 30 points before you've even started playing. Something like that anyway. What a fabulous array of invented meanings! Well done to you all - especially the winner, Raelha. Well done, Raelha.

Habergeon

A habergeon is s sleeveless coat of mail - the mail used in armour rather than the mail which gets delivered by posties. Thanks for your enjoyable meanings. Magdalene was the winner on the day. Great work!

Eldritch

Eldritch, oddly enough, is an adjective meaning weird and hideous. It's derivation is Scottish, if that helps. So, very eldritch - as were some of today's meanings. Thanks for that, I think. The poll winner was Thesaurus Rex. Well done, and well named.

Swimmeret

A swimmeret is the swimming foot found on crustaceans. I'll look forward to my next trip to the beach now, with that little bit of trivia stored away in the appropriate memory bank. I had lots of laughs reading the invented meanings and particularly enjoyed those suggested by joint winners, Brian O Vretanos and Sandy Shoes. Well done, you two.

Tragopan

A tragopan is actually a horned pheasant. So, not too far off some of the invented meanings when you think about it. Thanks for your meanings. Lots of people loved the meaning suggested by Mandy. Well done, Mandy. You're the winner!

Ruckle

There are two kinds of ruckle. One is a crease or a wrinkle and the other is the gurgling sound in the throat of a dying person. Charming. Wouldn't want to get them mixed up. I enjoyed the blog meanings immensely and offer a hearty congratulations to poll winner, Oso Butterfly.

Levirate

A levirate is a custom where a dead man's brother or next of kin was required to marry his widow. Interesting. The invented meanings were also fascinating and two word imps topped the poll. Congratulations to Stephen and Flamingo.

Bunco

To bunco someone is to swindle them - especially via being a card sharp or a confidence trickster! So, watch out. Be careful of the dastardly bunco. The blog meanings were lots of fun too, with the favourite on the poll invented by Father Ann. Congratulations!

Exordium

An exordium is the introduction to a discourse or treatise. Strange that. I would have thought it would have been a better word to describe the middle or end of a discourse or treatise - particularly one which is long and tedious. However, I'm no lexicographer. The three meanings on the poll all received a similar number of votes, but the meaning invented by Chris came out on top. Well done, Chris.

Floruit

A person's floruit is the time they were alive. Apparently, it's a particularly useful word to describe the expanse of time a person was alive if there was no actual record of birth and death dates for that person. Hopefully that's clear. If not, feel free to resort to the invented meanings which were stunning, as always. The top three were very close in the voting and the top two tied. So it's congratulations to Sara and Shari, both winners today. Well done.

Tacamahac

Tacamahac is a bit like it sounds. It's gum resin from certain South American trees and comes from an old Aztec word. Plenty of variety on the blog today, including some fascinating camp reminiscences. Thanks for all your contributions. Raelha drew the most votes today. Congratulations and thanks for another great meaning, Raelha.

Scumble

Scumble is a thin layer of paint placed over a darker colour. It's also the verb to describe the action of painting a thin layer over a darker layer of paint. The artists among us would have known that one, I imagine. Thanks for your very inventive meanings. I enjoyed them immensely. The Mad Fishicist won on the poll today. He's hard to beat, I must admit. Well done, TMF. Glad to have you back.

Mixen

Surprisingly, a mixen is otherwise known as a dung hill. Of course, the invented meanings were far more enlightening and I especially liked the verse from Loonilidi which appeared not to be an entry but, instead, a composition in support of another invented meaning. Thanks for that Loonilidi. Very clever, indeed. The winner on the poll today was Father Ann. Great work and very funny.

Bittock

Well, the real meaning for bittock was much easier than any of us probably imagined. It's a little bit. That will come in very handy when, on the odd occasion, I want only a small amount of something. It will be fun to ask for a bittock, please. I hope you'll find the word equally as useful. The meaning invented by Lorenzothellama was the favourite on the poll today. Great work!

Conventicle

A conventicle is actually a secret religious meeting or, alternatively, a building for holding secret religious meetings. Mmmmm. Very Interesting. I can't think of a time when I'll need to know that, but I'm intrigued nevertheless. Your invented meanings were equally intriguing and Magdalene's was the favourite amongst poll voters. Well done, Magdalene.

Scrod

A scrod is actually a fish, specifically a young cod or haddock. Some of today's invented meanings left me feeling a little squeamish, but I still enjoyed them all. The meaning invented by Maalie was a favourite with the voters. Congratulations, Maalie. Well deserved.

Concettism

Concettism is a flash way of describing the use of fanciful turns of phrase in literature. Not that we ever do that on this blog, of course! The word comes from the Italian language, in case you hadn't noticed. But it featured in my English dictionary so that's good enough for me. The invented meanings were great, with Brian O Vretanos running away with a healthy win on the poll. Great work, Brian.

Discobolus

A discobolus is a statue of an ancient metal quoit thrower. So says my dictionary. I'm assuming the "metal quoit" is the precursor of today's discus. I'm happy to be corrected on that though. Anyway, some interesting invented meanings came out of the woodwork and the winner on the poll was created by Judi - who is always reliably creative! Thanks again Judi - I think! - for painting a rather frightening picture for us all.

Rivage

A rivage is a poetical term for a shore, bank or coastline. I'll remember that next time I'm delving into that particular literary style. For now, though, I'm happy to dwell on the invented meanings which took a wide variety of directions, all clever and innovative. I particularly enjoyed the meaning invented by Bee - and so did the voters. Great work, Bee. I believe you!

Lampion

A lampion is a pot made from coloured glass which contains oil and a wick and is used to provide light. Quite simple really. Some very interesting invented meanings came to light today. Many of us enjoyed the efforts of a newcomer named Hebegb. Congratulations on topping the poll and please visit again, Hebegb.

Solidungular

A solidungular creature is, in fact, a member of the horse family. Solidungular means solid hoofed. Thanks for your creativity on the blog today. Thinks! was the winner on the poll. Good thinking, thinks!

Grimalkin

A grimalkin is actually an old female cat or, alternatively, a spiteful old woman. Useful! Thanks for your fabulous range of invented meanings for grimalkin. My life as a word imperfect judge is difficult, to say the least. Congratulations to Mandy, who was the winner on the poll today. Great work, Mandy.

Estovers

Estovers are necessary supplies allowed for by law. Alimony for a spouse would be considered as estovers. The dictonary explains other examples for those with a need to know. All sorts of interesting invented options appeared on the blog today, with the offering of Oso Butterfly taking a large number of votes to top the poll. Well done, OB.

Scaramouch

A scaramouch is a boastful, bragging type of person. Plenty of fabulous meanings were suggested on the blog, which caused no end of difficulty for me. Three were finally chosen for the poll and the meaning invented by Lorenzothellama was a standout winner. Congrats, Lorenzo!

Radix

A radix is a number or symbol which is the basis of a numeration system. Our decimal system has a radix of 10. Easy! I can remember that. I don't remember learning it in maths though. The meanings invented by silver_flight and duckman both achieved the highest score on the poll. Well done, both of you.

Theorbo

A theorbo is a musical instrument. It's a two necked lute used in the seventeenth century. Some fascinating meanings made it to the blog today. There was a tie at the top of the poll and the joint winners are Aviva and Sandra Dodd. Well done, you two!

Postiche

A postiche is interesting and will be a handy word to have around - if we can remember it when we need it, that is! A postiche is anything which is added after something has supposedly been completed. Apparently, it's a particularly apt word to describe something superfluous which has been tacked on to the end of a sculpture or piece of architecture. Alternatively, it's a synonym for artificial or counterfeit. So, quite fascinating and useful at the same time. The meaning invented by Chris was great and the voters agreed, making it the winner. Well done, Chris.

Quantivalence

Quantivalence is indeed a chemistry term. It's the extent to which an atom can hold other atoms in combination. I was never a chemistry star, so please forgive me if that doesn't make a lot of sense. Some fabulous invented meanings made it to the blog and Judi's was certainly one of them. I'm sure many of us have experienced her version of quantivalence. I know I have! Thanks, Judi. You're today's winner on the poll.

Orogenesis

Orogenesis is quite important. It's the process by which mountains are made. Presumably out of mole hills. Could be a useful word in an argument. Lots of word imps joined in with their invented meanings, but the winner on the poll - and one that impressed me a lot - was written by Stephen. Great work, Stephen.

Morganatic

Morganatic actually described a type of marriage. It was the kind where the man was of higher rank than the woman (whatever that means), and where the woman didn't rise to the rank of her husband as a result of the union. Therefore, the children couldn't claim the possessions or title of their father. Odd. Obviously something from days gone by. I hope that means something to someone. Raelha's invented meaning was enjoyed by many and she is the official winner for the day. Congratulations, Raelha!

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.