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Jun 24, 2011
This week's theme
Biblical places that became words in English

This week's words
golgotha
laodicean
calvary
babel
aceldama

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A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garg

aceldama

PRONUNCIATION:
(uh-SEL-duh-muh)

MEANING:
noun: A place of bloodshed.

ETYMOLOGY:
The term is derived from the name Aceldama, a potter's field described in the New Testament. It was purchased by the priests with the money Judas Iscariot received for betraying Jesus. From Greek Akeldama, from Aramaic haqeldema (field of blood). Earliest documented use: 1382.

USAGE:
"Mickelsson describes Philosophy Department as a 'treacherous, ego-bloated, murder-stained hovel.' Ah, the groves of aceldama!"
Margaret Manning; Book Review; Boston Globe; May 30, 1982.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
It is of interest to note that while some dolphins are reported to have learned English -- up to fifty words used in correct context -- no human being has been reported to have learned dolphinese. -Carl Sagan, astronomer and writer (1934-1996)

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