A.Word.A.Day --blet

A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact

Home

Today's Word

blet

PRONUNCIATION:

(blet)

MEANING:

verb tr.: To overripen to the point of rotting.

ETYMOLOGY:

Coined by the botanist John Lindley in 1835, from French blettir (to overripen).

USAGE:

“She is now bletting a tray of medlars (allowing them to start to rot) for medlar jelly, which is great with cheese.”
Catherine Cleary; The City Where the Wild Things Are; Irish Times (Dublin); Sep 27, 2011.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

Every act of conscious learning requires the willingness to suffer an injury to one's self-esteem. That is why young children, before they are aware of their own self-importance, learn so easily; and why older persons, especially if vain or important, cannot learn at all. -Thomas Szasz, author, professor of psychiatry (15 Apr 1920-2012)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise