etymythology /et-uh-mith-ALL-ə-gee/. noun. A false/folk etymology. “The lexical version of the urban legend…”
Persons, places, things...you know the drill.
penumbra
penumbra /pə-NUM-bruh/. noun. A half-shadow caused by a partial obstruction of light. In painting, the area where light and shade blend together. Coined by Johannes Kepler from the Latin paene (almost) + umbra (shadow).
cupidity
cupidity /kyoo-PID-ə-tee/. noun. Despite the sensual connotation of its Latin roots, cupidity now refers to non-erotic greed, covetousness, lust, or inordinate appetite for material things. From Latin cupidus (ardent desire); from cupere(desire); maybe from Proto-Indo-European root kup-(e)i- (to tremble; to desire). File under: words that might not mean what you think they mean. See also: avarice, rapaciousness and venality.
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hierophant
hierophant /HIY-ər-ə-fant/. noun. In Ancient Greece, a high priest and revealer/teacher of mysteries/duties. Now, a chief advocate or spokesperson. From Greek hiero- (sacred) + phainein (to reveal).
Pedagogy (and Co.)
pedagogy /PED-ə-gah-jee/. noun. The principles, practices, art and science of teaching. From Greek paidos (boy), and agogos(leader).
eponyms
eponyms /EP-ə-nimz/. noun. Words derived from names. From Greek epi (to) and onyma (name).
petrichor
petrichor /PET-ri-ker/. noun. The smell of rain on hot earth or pavement. From Greek petra (stone, rock) + ichor (or I-KORE) which, in Ancient Greek mythology, was the liquid that flowed in the veins of the gods.
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