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#204701 02/16/12 06:48 PM
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Jackie Offline OP
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Is this a real word? As in the article I just read, agglomerating unprecedented amounts of data?

Jackie #204702 02/16/12 06:53 PM
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http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agglomerate



agglomerate
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3 ENTRIES FOUND:
1) agglomerate (verb)
2) agglomerate (adjective)
3) agglomerate (noun)


1ag·glom·er·ate verb \ə-ˈglä-mə-ˌrāt\
ag·glom·er·at·edag·glom·er·at·ing

Definition of AGGLOMERATE

transitive verb
: to gather into a ball, mass, or cluster
See agglomerate defined for kids »
Examples of AGGLOMERATE


Origin of AGGLOMERATE

Latin agglomeratus, past participle of agglomerare to heap up, join, from ad- + glomer-, glomus ball — more at clam
First Known Use: 1684
Related to AGGLOMERATE

Synonyms: wad, ball, roll, round
Antonyms: unroll
[+]more
Rhymes with AGGLOMERATE

abbreviate, abominate, accelerate, accentuate, accommodate, acculturate, accumulate, adjudicate, adulterate, affiliate, alienate, alleviat...
[+]more

Last edited by LukeJavan8; 02/16/12 06:55 PM.

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I wonder if the anatomical term, "glomerulus" might be related? It's a cluster of blood vessels in the kidney.

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First Known Use: 1684 shocked Wow! As usual, I am behind the times, but I sure didn't realize how far! Thank you!

Okay--then, is glom a real word? As in, glom on to something?

Jackie #204710 02/17/12 01:15 AM
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http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=glom&searchmode=none



glom
1907, glahm "grab, snatch, steal," Amer.Eng. underworld slang, from Scot. glaum (1715), apparently from Gael. glam "to handle awkwardly, grab voraciously, devour." Sense of "look at, watch" (1945) apparently is derived from the same source. Related: Glommed; glomming.


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Jackie #204712 02/17/12 02:14 AM
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Jackie Offline OP
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Hal, your post must've been processing as I was writing my second one, 'cause this is my first time seeing it. But I bet you're right; it sure sounds logical, anyway.

Thanks again, Luke. smile So glom and agglomerate are not etymologically related? That amazes me--their meanings are so similar: gather, grab.

Jackie #204717 02/17/12 12:18 PM
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Originally Posted By: Jackie
First Known Use: 1684

Okay--then, is glom a real word? As in, glom on to something?


And what, pray tell, is your definition of a "real word"?

Faldage #204719 02/17/12 01:33 PM
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what [...] is your definition of a "real word"?

Obviously, from the answer, it's in the dictionary, but what is one's definition of dictionary.

All kidding aside, it's non-real words like dord or epicacostacy.


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zmjezhd #204720 02/17/12 01:48 PM
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I suppose that a word is "real" as soon as someone, somewhere uses it and someone else understands what is meant. f the word spreads and is understood by an increasing number of people and for an increasing length of time, then it is likely to reach the dictionary. But even if this doesn't happen and its existance is merely transitory, it is still as real as the spark from a fire.


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I suppose that a word is "real" as soon as someone, somewhere uses it and someone else understands what is meant. [I]f the word spreads and is understood by an increasing number of people and for an increasing length of time, then it is likely to reach the dictionary.

Well, that's a relief. So, irregardless is a word. I'd say this "rule" holds true for new meanings of old, real words, too. (Take that decimation, peevers!) Welcome to the "linguistics side", RC. "This time, I know, our side will win."


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