A.Word.A.Day --marcescence

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Today's Word

marcescence

PRONUNCIATION:

(mahr-SES-uhns)

MEANING:

noun: The retention of dead leaves, etc., as opposed to shedding.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin marcescere (to wither), from marcere (to wither). Earliest documented use: 1859.

USAGE:

“The Christmas cactus had lost its normal splendid tautness; the usual fat plump fronds were slightly wizened. Its very marcescence so reflected my inner state that I could barely stand to look at the thing.”
Norma Harrs; Love Minus One & Other Stories; Dundurn Press; 1996.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

War, at first, is the hope that one will be better off; next, the expectation that the other fellow will be worse off; then, the satisfaction that he isn't any better off; and, finally, the surprise at everyone's being worse off. -Karl Kraus, writer (28 Apr 1874-1936)

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