palindrome \PAL-in-drohm\ (noun) - A word, phrase, sentence, or verse that reads the same backward or forward.

"'The palindrome should have been a clue,' Pete Sullivan interrupted, making a chopping gesture at Mavranos. '...Read More

bouleversement \bool-vair-suh-MAWN\ (noun) - Complete overthrow; a reversal; a turning upside down.

"For the second time in his life Amory had had a complete bouleversement and was hurrying into line with his generation."...Read More

impassive \im-PASS-iv\ (adjective) - 1 : Devoid of or unsusceptible to emotion. 2 : Showing no sign of emotion or feeling; expressionless.

"Don Corleone listened like a priest in the confessional, gazing away into the ...Read More

algorithm \AL-guh-RITH-uhm\ (noun) - A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem in a finite number of steps that often involves repetition of an operation.

"The plan was for Congress to pass legislation that made the ...Read More

As the Major League Baseball season rolls into the critical month of September, let's examine the fascinating origins of some colorful diamond lingo. I'm indebted to "The New Dickson Baseball Dictionary" by Paul Dickson ...Read More

parley \PAR-lee\ (noun) - A conference or discussion, especially with an enemy, as with regard to a truce or other matters.

"When Diabolus had thus done, he commanded that his drummer should every night approach the walls...Read More