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Dec 30, 2015
This week’s themeFirst words This week’s words paternoster mittimus gaudeamus debenture magnificat
German fraternity students singing
Art: Georg Mühlberg, c. 1900
A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garggaudeamus
PRONUNCIATION:
MEANING:
noun: A convivial gathering or merry-making of students at a college or university.
ETYMOLOGY:
From the students’ song “De Brevitate Vitae” (On the Shortness of Life)
whose first word is gaudeamus (let’s rejoice). Earliest documented use: 1823.
USAGE:
“I have apologized for not attending the Royal Society Club, who have a gaudeamus on this day.” The Journal of Sir Walter Scott; Jan 1826. A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
The most important discoveries will provide answers to questions that we do not yet know how to ask and will concern objects we have not yet imagined. -John N. Bahcall, astrophysicist (30 Dec 1935-2005)
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