This week’s theme
Words with all the vowels

This week’s words
elucidatory
questionary
cylindraceous
autocephality
quodlibetary

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(kwod-LIB-uh-ter-ee)

MEANING:

adjective:	Relating to a discussion or debate involving subtle or hypothetical points.
noun:	1. One who takes part in such a discussion.
	2. One who does whatever pleases them.
	3. A subtle or hypothetical point.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin quodlibetum (whatever pleases), from Latin quod (what) + libet (it pleases). Earliest documented use: 1604.

NOTES:

In medieval universities, a quodlibetary question was one posed at will -- anything the audience pleased -- and answered by a scholar in public debate. These discussions could range from profound to playful, often spotlighting a debater’s wit and agility.

The word also lives on in music: a quodlibet is a medley of familiar tunes humorously combined. Think of it as a musical potluck -- whatever pleases.

USAGE:

“Down with the disputations, cardinal and quadlibetary.”
Victor Hugo (Translation: J.C. Beckwith); The Hunchback of Notre-Dame; Routledge; 1891.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: