Here we are, so close we can see the Z looming in the distance. ;-) The X page at The Phrontistery is full of interesting words for writers.
xenomancy- divination using strangers
xenoglossia- a person's knowledge of a language never studied
xiphoid- sword shaped
xoanon- primitive wooden statue overlaid with ivory and gold
xenomorphic
- having a form not its own
xenogenesis- generation of offspring entirely unlike the parent
xenogeneic
- of a disease, derived from an individual of a different species
xenagogue- guide; someone who conducts strangers
Looks like inspiration for a scifi story, or even fanstasy.
Although it's fun to peruse words we don't use everyday, or even in a lifetime, The Phrontistery site is a useful resource for writers--and anyone who enjoys etymology.
I wanted to write about this for "P", but needed to do a profile post. ~sigh~ but this worked to squeeze it in. ;-)
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lots of x words there - good job!
ReplyDeleteOoh, those definitions do inspire all kinds of idea seeds...
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with the Phrontistery - thanks for the link!
I saw some of those words in my Old Websters, too. I ended up using one of the Xeno words, and don't even write scifiishly. Now, I've got to get to zoomin' in on that dreaded Z.
ReplyDeleteSue at CollectInTexas Gal
I actually came across the phrontistery site when I was desperately searching for 'X' words ;) Good to know it's useful in general; I'll bookmark it!
ReplyDeleteLots of great words! I have a horse that shows xenogenesis. Nothing like her parents or any relatives.
ReplyDeleteMarlene at On Writing and Riding
I've experienced xenoglossy in many of the past life dreams I used to have, and have heard accounts of it happening to other people in past life dreams and regressions, so I definitely know it's a real phenomenon. I don't dream about Oda nearly so much anymore, since I reclaimed my spiritual birthright and resolved most of the issues from before, but I'll always remember how I felt when I realised I was dreaming in fluent German, and a few times in Dutch and Polish. It was one of the most amazing, supernatural experiences I've ever had.
ReplyDeleteOne of my other favorite X words is xenomenia, though I'd freak out if that really happened to me. It's menstruation from other orifices.
Xenoglossia is my favorite. Love all your choices though.
ReplyDeletewe're almost there! The end that is.
You win the award for actually using not just an X word but a bunch. Great job. I am glad you found a way to fit in the website. It is very interesting and will be a helpful resource.
ReplyDeletehttp://katloveswriting.blogspot,com
Okay, so many bloggers had issues with X and here you are with a collection, I like it!!!! And Xenomorphic is my favorite. :D
ReplyDeleteGreat choices for the letter 'X' :)
ReplyDeleteSome very interesting words and thanks for the link to the resource - that is going to be so useful.
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Thinkings - AtoZ (Vampires)
FB3X - AtoZ (Erotic Drabbles)
I was on this site as well, searching for something besides X-ray for today. It's good to know there are so many rich x-words out there to pick from.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post on etymology. I, too, checked out The Phrontistery for x words. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDelete