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A.Word.A.Day--jugular

jugular (JUG-uh-luhr) adjective

Of or pertaining to the neck or throat.

noun

1. A jugular vein

2. The most important or vulnerable part of something.

[From Late Latin jugularis, from Latin jugulum (collarbone, throat), from Latin jugum (yoke). Ultimately from the Indo-European root yeug- (to join), which is also the ancestor of junction, yoke, yoga, adjust, juxtapose, rejoinder, and junta.]

"Contrary to Survivor's scheming, the world of business demands a spirit of cooperation and congratulation, not envy and go-for-the-jugular ruthlessness."
Michael Medved, 'Survivor' Tactics Would Flop in Real World, The USA Today, Feb 28, 2001.

This week's theme: words for body parts that are used metaphorically.

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