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Discuss Email this Feedback RSS/XML Permalink A.Word.A.Day--axenic This week's theme: red-herring words. axenic (ay-ZEN-ik, ay-ZEE-nik) adjective Free from contamination. [From Greek a- (not) + xenikos (foreign). Ultimately from the Indo-European root ghos-ti- (stranger, guest, or host, literally one who has a reciprocal duty of hospitality) that also gave us host, hostel, hostile, hostage, hospice, hospital, xenophobia, and xenon (a gas).] Today's word in Visual Thesaurus. -Anu Garg (words at wordsmith.org) "Operation Axenic was launched in July to help improve the streets in New Shildon. Action was taken following complaints about antisocial behaviour and litter." Helen Miller; Arrests Made in Joint Bid to Clean Up the Streets; Northern Echo (Darlington, UK); Oct 30, 2004. X-Bonus Doubt comes in at the window when inquiry is denied at the door. -Benjamin Jowett (1817-1893)

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