Date: Thu Dec 10 00:04:26 EST 1998
Subject: A.Word.A.Day--doldrums
doldrums (DOLE-druhmz) noun (used with a singular or plural verb).
1. A period of stagnation or slump. A period of depression or unhappy listlessness.

2. A region of the ocean near the equator, characterized by calms, light winds, or squalls. The weather conditions characteristic of these regions of the ocean.

[Alteration (influenced by tantrum), of obsolete doldrum, dullard, from Middle English dold, past participle of dullen, to dull, from dul, dull.]