UNUSUAL WORDS CXXII

Can you give a simple definition of these less-frequently-used words?

1. KERN

2. HAWSER 

3. CROQUE

4. FERRULE  

5. GNOMON

6. TANDOOR

7. ATAVISTIC

8. MECONIUM 

9. RECIDIVISM

10. HARDSTAND 

11. CROMULENT 

 

 Answers:

 

1. KERN - Adjust spacing between characters in a font  

 

2. HAWSER - A thick rope or cable for mooring a ship

 

3. CROQUE - A fried or grilled ham and cheese sandwich

 

4. FERRULE - A metal band around a pole to give support, as the band at the bottom of a pencil above the eraser

 

5. GNOMON - The part of a sundial that casts the shadow

 

6. TANDOOR - A clay,  highly heated oven used in traditional Indian cooking 

 

7. ATAVISTIC - Characterized or reverting back to something ancient or ancestral  

 

8. MECONIUM - First bowel movement of a newborn

 

9. RECIDIVISM - The tendency of a convicted felon to re-offend

 

10. HARDSTAND - A paved or hard-surfaced area designed to withstand heavy loads and frequent use, as for parking or aircraft/machinery storage

 

11. CROMULENT - Acceptable, adequate (used humorously)