UNUSUAL WORDS CXXX

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

1. ELOTE 

2. LOOFAH

3. CAPRICE

4. ALBUMEN

5. STIMMING 

6. PLETHORA 

7. SEMAPHOR

8. DECIDUOUS 

9. PROVENDER

10. ANTIMACASSAR

 

Answers:

 

1. ELOTE - (ay low' tay)  Mexican street food consisting of grilled corn-on-the-cob slathered with various toppings

 

2. LOOFAH - A natural, fibrous sponge used primarily to wash the skin in a shower

 

3. CAPRICE - A whim, fancy, or impulsive notion

 

4. ALBUMEN - Protein-rich egg white

 

5. STIMMING - (short for self-stimulatory behavior) Repetitive physical movements, sounds, words - used to regulate emotions, manage sensory input, or calm down - associated with autism

 

6. PLETHORA - An abundance or excessive amount of something*

 

7. SEMAPHOR - A visual signaling system using flags, arms, or lights

 

8. DECIDUOUS - Of trees or other plants that shed their leaves annually, usually in the autumn, and grow new ones in the spring - as opposed to evergreen

 

9. PROVENDER - Dry food or fodder for domestic animals (hay, oats, grain) - also, food and provisions in general for people

 

10. ANTIMACASSAR - A small, usually ornamental cloth cove (doily) placed over the back or arms of upholstered chairs and sofas to protect the fabric from wear, dirt, or greasy hair oils (Macassar was a popular brand of men's hair oil in the mid 19th century.)

 

*Note from JA: The word "plethora" is featured in a very funny scene in The Three Amigos.