noun – Andrea's Lexicon

Accretion

March 7, 2020 Andrea BadgleyLeave a comment

n. 1. a. Growth or increase in size by gradual external addition, fusion, or inclusion. b. Something added externally to promote such growth or increase.

Now it seemed to Marta that she was filled with a vapor, such a smoke as folk have in their steadings toward the end of winter, that is the accretion of all the fires that have been made over the winter, and all the food that has been cooked, and all the breaths that have been taken.
– Jane Smiley, The Greenlanders

I saw this word at work this week and fell in love with it, and then it appeared in my book today.

Sangfroid

January 5, 2020 Andrea BadgleyLeave a comment

n. Coolness and composure, esp. in trying circumstances.

At least Walter was giving me the respect of being angry. Edna’s unshakable sangfroid had been so minimizing.
Elizabeth Gilbert, City of Girls

Cinder

December 18, 2019 Andrea BadgleyLeave a comment

n. 1.a. A burned substance, such as coal, that is not reduced to ashes but it incapable of further combustion. b. A partly charred substance that can burn further but without flame.

Abattoir

October 11, 2018 Andrea BadgleyLeave a comment

n. 1. A slaughterhouse. 2. Something likened to a slaughterhouse.

Mariner

October 9, 2018 Andrea BadgleyLeave a comment

n. Naut. One who operates or helps operate a ship.

Grommet

October 9, 2018October 9, 2018 Andrea BadgleyLeave a comment

n. 1.a. A reinforced eyelet, as in cloth, through which a fastener may be passed. b. A small metal or plastic ring used to reinforce a grommet. 2. Naut. A loop of rope or metal used for securing the edge of a sail to its stay.

Tipple

July 28, 2017 Andrea BadgleyLeave a comment

v. To drink (alcoholic liquor) or engage in such drinking, esp. habitually or to excess.

n. Alcoholic liquor.

Leviathan

April 23, 2017 Andrea BadgleyLeave a comment

n. 1. Something unusually large of its kind, esp. a ship. 2. A very large animal, esp. a whale. 3. A monstrous sea creature mentioned in the Bible.

Tether

April 18, 2017April 18, 2017 Andrea BadgleyLeave a comment

n. 1. A rope or chain for holding an animal in place, allowing it a short radius in which to move about. 2. The extent or limit of one’s resources, abilities, or endurance.

tr.v. To fasten or restrict with or as if with a tether.

Savage

April 17, 2017April 18, 2017 Andrea BadgleyLeave a comment

n. 1. A primitive or uncivilized person. 2. A brutal, fierce, or vicious person. 3. A rude person; a boor.

tr.v. 1. To assault ferociously. 2. To attack without restraint or pity.

The most popular books are often savaged by critics for their writing style, yet these writers are clearly connecting with readers.

— Betsy Lerner, The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers