Variety /vəˈrīədē/ noun 1. a mix of different elements that creates variation and avoids monotony Variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor. – The Task (1875) by William Cowper (1731-1800) 2. multiple examples from the same general type, each varying in quality or form Whoever wants to tell a variety of stories ought to have a variety of... Read More

Alchemy /ˈalkəmē/ noun 1. A medieval precursor to chemistry, aimed at transforming ordinary substances into gold and creating an elixir of immortality The transmutation of the elements was pursued in medieval laboratories in a quest called alchemy. – Cosmos (1980) by Carl Sagan (1934-1996) 2. A seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination The beautiful souls of the world have an art of saintly alchemy, by which bitterness is... Read More

Academic /ˌakəˈdemik/ adjective/noun adjective 1. related to formal education That I was not suited to commerce or academic study in no way proves that I should also be unfit to be a painter. – Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) 2. Focused on theoretical learning and scholarship rather than practical application The most dangerous thing about an academic education is that it enables my tendency to... Read More

Poison /ˈpoizn/ noun/verb noun a toxic substance that could be fatal if swallowed Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies. – Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) verb to kill with toxic chemicals Anger repressed can poison a relationship as surely as the crudest words. – Joyce Brothers (1927-2013)

Scapegoat /ˈskāpˌɡōt/ noun someone who is blamed for the actions of others The search for a scapegoat is the easiest of all hunting expeditions. – Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969)

Bibliophile /ˈbi-blē-ə-ˌfī(-ə)l/ noun a lover of books, often a collector To a bibliophile, there is but one thing better than a box of new books, and that is a box of old ones. Some Danger Involved (2004), by Will Thomas (1958 – )

Farce /färs/ noun 1. a type of comedy that relies on absurd, highly improbable situations, exaggerated characters, and physical humor Farce treats the improbable as probable, the impossible as possible. – Professor George Pierce Baker (1866-1935) 2. a ridiculous or absurd situation or event Life’s a farce, so we might as well make it a good one. – Shūji Tsushima (1909-1948)

Marginalia /ˌmärjəˈnālyə/ noun notes written in the margins of a book Open an old paperback, spangled with marginalia in a handwriting you outgrew long ago, and memories will jump out with as much vigor as if you’d opened your old diary. – Anne Fadiman (1953- )

Onion /ˈəny(ə)n/ noun a plant of the genus Allium, cultivated for its edible, round bulb composed of tightly wrapped layers, and known for its strong smell and flavor An onion can make people cry, but there has never been a vegetable invented to make them laugh. – Will Rogers (1879-1935)

Americana /əˌmerəˈkänə,əˌmerəˈkanə/ noun 1. items, traditions, or cultural artifacts that embody the history, values, and spirit of the United States—often evoking nostalgia for an earlier, idealized vision of American life. The Fourth of July is Americana at its core: parades, cookouts, and, of course, fireworks. – Jim Salter, The Christian Science Monitor 2. a genre of music combining folk, country, blues, and rock, often... Read More