Category Archives: Word of the Week

Sunday is a noun and defined as the first day of the week. First used before the 12th century, Sunday is one of the many words in the English language that has its roots in Norse mythology.  Interestingly, the days of the week in the English language derive from Norse mythology, unlike the days ofContinue reading “Word of the Week: Sunday”

Panacea is a noun and is defined as a remedy for all ills or difficulties. Panacea is one of the many words in the English language that has its roots in Greek mythology. In this case, the word panacea derives from the Greek goddess of universal remedy Panacea. Panacea was one of the sisters ofContinue reading “Word of the Week: Panacea”

Hygiene is a noun and is defined by the World Health Organization as conditions and practices that help to maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases. Hygiene is one of the many words in the English language that has its roots in Greek mythology. In this case, the word hygiene derives from the GreekContinue reading “Word of the Week: Hygiene”

Atlas is a noun and defined as a bound collection of maps often including illustrations, informative tables, or textual matter.  Atlas is one of the many words in the English language that has its roots in Greek mythology. In this case the word atlas derives from Atlas, a Titan, who was condemned to hold upContinue reading “Word of the Week: Atlas”

Phobia is a noun and defined as an exaggerated, usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object. Phobia is one of the many words in the English language that has its roots in Greek mythology. In this case, the word phobia derived from Phobos, the personification of fear and panic.  Although little is mentionedContinue reading “Word of the Week: Phobia”

Hypnosis is a noun and is defined as a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject. Hypnosis is one of the many words in the English language that has its roots in Greek mythology. In this case, the word hypnosis derives from theContinue reading “Word of the Week: Hypnosis”

Cloth is a noun and defined as a woven or felted fabric made from wool, cotton, or a similar fiber.  Cloth is one of the many words in the English language that has its roots in Greek mythology. In this case, the word cloth derives from Clotho, one of the three Fate sisters. The FatesContinue reading “Word of the Week: Cloth”

Nemesis is a noun and is defined as one that inflicts retribution or vengeance. Nemesis is one of the many words in the English language that has its roots in Greek mythology. In this case, the word nemesis derives from the Greek goddess Nemesis. We were introduced to the Greek goddess Nemesis in previous week’sContinue reading “Word of the Week: Nemesis”

Chronology is a noun and is defined as the science that deals with measuring time by regular divisions and that assigns to events their proper dates.  Chronology is one of the many words in the English language that has its roots in Greek mythology. In this case, the word chronology derives from Chronos, the GreekContinue reading “Word of the Week: Chronology”

Chaos is a noun and defined as a state of utter confusion. Chaos is one of the many words in the English language that has its roots in Greek mythology. In this case, the word chaos derives from the Greek figure Chaos.  Chaos is known as the primeval emptiness that was present before the earth,Continue reading “Word of the Week: Chaos”