This week's theme
Words coined in science fiction

This week's words
grok
waldo
tardis
triffid
frankenstein

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(TAR-dis)

MEANING:

noun:
1. A time machine.
2. Something that is much bigger than it appears from the outside.

ETYMOLOGY:

From TARDIS, a time machine in the British science-fiction TV series, Doctor Who. Earliest documented use: 1969.

NOTES:

In the Doctor Who television show, the title character, known simply as the Doctor, travels through time and space in TARDIS that looks like a police call box from the outside. It's much bigger on the inside though, and includes a swimming pool, a library, and more. The name TARDIS is explained as an acronym for Time and Relative Dimension in Space.

USAGE:

"This revival disco tune is a must on any party list. For those born post-1980, it's like taking a tardis back to the heady heights of the 70s funk revolution."
Paula Yeoman; Songs for Summer; The New Zealand Herald (Auckland); Dec 29, 2013.

"Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said: 'It's a bit of a tardis -- once inside there's lots of corners to explore and enjoy.'"
Kathie Griffiths; New City Library Opens With A Flourish!; Telegraph and Argus (Bradford, UK); Dec 10, 2013.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: