WORDS, TERMS, AND

PRHASES FROM OTHER

LANGUAGES

et
cetera
(etc.)

and so on, and so forth

1

ante
meridiem
(a.m.)
before noon
2

post
meridiem
(p.m.)
after noon
4

versus
(vs., v.)
against
5

vice
versa
The position having been reversed;
the other way around; conversely
6

in
memoriam
in memory
7

circa
(c., ca.)
approximately (date or measure)
8

alma
mater
the school one has graduated from;
nourishing mother
9

mea culpa
my fault
10

ibidem
(ibid.)
in the same place
Usually used in bibliographic citations to refer to the last
source previously referenced.
11

ad infinitum
to infinity
12

magnum
opus
masterpiece, a great work; the major
achievement of an artist, writer, or composer

13

in absentia
in absence
14

post
mortem
after death
15

ergo
therefore
16

verbatim
word for word
17

exempli
gratia (e.g.)
for the sake of example
18

alibi
elsewhere
19

via
through, by way of
20

carpe diem
seize the day
21

amate
ur
A person who engages in an art, science, study, or athletic
activity as a pastime rather than as a profession.
22

e pluribus
unum
out of many, one
(the motto of the United States of America)
23

obiit
(ob.)

he/she died
24

anno domini
(A.D., AD)
in the year of our Lord
25

entourage
a group of attendants or
associates of a celebrity
26

requiescat in
pace
(RIP)
rest in peace
27

status quo
the existing state of affairs
28

manuscript
um
written by hand
29

sub poena
under penalty
30

per annum
annually, yearly
31

id est
(i.e.)
that is
32

agenda
things to be done
33

post scriptum
(P.S.)

after what has been written

34

camouflag
e
in disguise; clothing that disguises
35

memento
mori
Remember, you shall die.
36

ad
nauseam
to the point of sickness,
to the point of nausea
37

bouquet
bunch of flowers
38

karaoke
empty orchestra
39

yinyang
two opposing forces in the universe
(Chinese dualistic philosophy)
40

terra firma
dry land, solid land
41

bona
fide
in good faith, genuine
42

ex libris
from the library of _____________
43

bon
appetit
enjoy your meal
44

psyche
mind, soul, spirit
45

RSVP

Respondez sil vous

plait.
Please respond.
46

paraphernal
ia
The necessary equipment to carry out a
particular task.

47

Sic transit
gloria
mundi
Thus passes the glory of the world
48

sic
semper
tyrannis
Thus always to tyrants

49

scientia
potentia
est
Knowledge is power.
50

per
centum
(per cent)
by the hundred
51

blitzkrieg
lightning war
52

pro bono
for free, for good
53

Pax
Romana
Peace of Rome.
54

chapero
n
a person who accompanies
another younger person in public

55

habeas
corpus
thou shalt have the body
56

rigor
mortis
stiffness of death
57

karma
what goes around comes around; a
distinctive aura, atmosphere, feeling
58

rendezvous
a meeting at a prearranged time and place
59

entrepren
eur
a person who assumes the risk for
a business venture
60

et al.
and others
61

Baccalaure
us Artium
(B.A.)
Bachelor of Arts
62

Baccalaureu
s Scientiae
(B.S.)
Bachelor of Science
63

Artium
Magister
(M.A.)
Master of Arts
64

Philosophi
ae Doctor
(Ph.D.)
Doctor of Philosphy

65

Medicinae
Doctor
(M.D.)
Doctor of Medicine

66

nirvana
a blowing out; extinction of all desire and
attachment; attainment of disinterested wisdom
67

bourgeoi
s
French middle class; preoccupied with
respectability and material values

68

vertigo
dizziness (esp. in a stairwell)
69

dj vu
already seen;
the illusion of having already experienced
something actually being experienced for the
first time
70

cum laude
with praise
71

magna
cum laude
with great praise
72

summa
cum laude
with highest praise
73

incognito
in disguise
74

coup detat
blow of the state;
overthrow of the government
75

utopia
no place;
an ideally perfect place or situation
76

thesauru
s
storehouse (of synonyms)
77

kamikaze
divine wind;
Japanese suicide pilot
78

hors
doeuvre
an appetizer served before a meal
79

entr
e
the main dish of a meal

80

ad
hoc
for this; to/for a particular purpose
81

onus
probandi
burden of proof
82

tabula rasa
scraped tablet
Thus, "blank slate". Romans used to write on wax-covered wooden tablets, which
were erased by scraping with the flat end of the stylus. John Locke used the
term to describe the human mind at birth, before it had acquired any
knowledge.
83

quid pro
quo
what for what
something given for something in return
84

per se
in itself, by itself, for itself
85

faux
pas
false step; social blunder; an act
that offends social convention; a
tactless act or remark

86

affidavi
t
he/she affirmed;
a sworn statement
87

in lieu of
instead of
88

rabbi
Jewish priest
89

per
capita
by the head
counting in relation to individuals
within a group

90

taboo
something forbidden;
a word or topic avoided by social custom
91

Zeitgeist
Spirit of the times
the trend of thought or feeling in a period,
esp. as reflected in its art or literature 92

alter ego
other self; Somebody's alternate
personality or persona.
93

post
partum
after birth
94

typhoon
a violent storm
95

sabotage
A deliberate action aimed at weakening an enemy
through subversion, obstruction, disruption,
and/or destruction.
96

nom de
guerre
name of war
97

imprompt
u
without preparation;
on the spur of the moment;
extermpore

98

academia
world of higher learning

99

coup de
grce
blow of mercy; a final blow or shot
given to kill a wounded person or animal
100

persona
non grata
an unwelcome person
101

silhouette
outline of a shadow
102

vox
populi
the voice of the people
103

in medias
res
in the middle of things;
beginning in the middle of the narrative.
104

cogito,
ergo sum
I think, therefore, I am
Descartes

105

ad populum
to the people
106

modus
operandi
(M.O.)
mode of operation

107

savoir-faire
to know how to do; The ability to do or
what is appropriate for the occasion.
108

Zen
a school of Buddhism emphasizing
meditation and awareness
109

opere
citato (op.
cit.)
in the word cited; used in a text to
refer back to earlier references.

110

alumna,
alumnae
female graduate
111

alumni,
alumnus
male graduate
112

stigm
a
a mark or sign of disgrace
113

literati
people who are acquainted with
literature; educated people who are
interested in books

114

barri
o

poor Hispanic neighborhood

115

Nota
bene (N.B.)
note well
observe particularly

116

per diem
(pd.)
daily
117

brunette
a brown-haired girl
118

propaganda
the dissemination of information to promote
a particular thing

119

expos

a published exposure of a fraud or

scandal

120

bermensc
h
superman, someone with great
powers

121

en masse
in a group, altogether
122

veto
I forbid
A political right to disapprove of (and thereby stop) the process of a
decision, a law etc.
123

fac simile
make a similar thing
124

per
mensem
per month, monthly
125

dramatis
persona
e
persons of the drama
cast of characters
126

mle
hand to hand fight, riot;
disorganized close combat involving a
group of fighters

127

Opus Dei
the work of God
a catholic organization
128

de facto
from the fact
129

raison d'tre
reason for being
reason for living
130

avat
ar
descent; an incarnation
the earthly form taken by a deity

131

panace
a
all-healing
A remedy believed to cure all disease and prolong life that was
originally sought by alchemists; a cure-all.
132

Ave Maria
Hail Mary
prayer in the Catholic Church to Mary, the mother of Jesus
133

Cest la
vie!
Thats life! Used to express
acceptance or resignation in the face
of a difficult situation.

134

in toto
as a whole
135

femme
fatale
deadly woman
136

dura
mater
tough mother; the outer-covering of the brain
under the skull
137

sum quod
eris
I am what you will be.
A gravestone inscription to remind the reader of the
inevitability of death (cf. memento mori). Also rendered fui
quod sis ("I have been what you are") and tu fui ego eris ("I
have been you, you will be I").

138

vis-vis
face to face; describes things that
are in direct relation
139

adie
u
goodbye

farewell; as it literally means "to God," it carries more weight than

"au revoir" ("goodbye", literally "see you later"): it is definitive,
implying you will never see the other person again.
140

adios
to god; goodbye
141

pirouette
spinning around on one foot in ballet
142

sic
thus, just so
States that the preceding quoted material appears exactly that
way in the source, despite any errors of spelling, grammar,
usage, or fact that may be present. Used only for previous
quoted text.
143

chauffe
ur
driver
144

anim
a
soul, life
(animate, animation, inanimate)

145

pecunia
non olet
money doesnt smell
The phrase originally related to the urine tax levied by the Roman emperors Nero and
Vespasian in the 1st century upon the collection of urine.
The Urine Tax (Latin: vectigal urinae) was a tax levied by the Roman emperor Nero
in the 1st century upon the distribution of urine. The lower classes of Roman
society urinated into pots which were emptied into cesspools. The liquid was then
collected from public latrines, where it was sold and served as the valuable raw
material for a number of chemical processes: it was used in tanning, and also by
launderers as a source of ammonia to clean and whiten woollen togas. The
buyers of the urine paid the tax.
146

tycoon
a wealthy, business-type of a man
147

automaton
a machine that can perform tasks intelligently
a person who behaves mechanically, without
emotion

148

fiasc
o

a complete failure; an ignominious

outcome
Italian fiasco is the type of round wine bottle, sometimes wrapped in straw,
used traditionally for Chianti wine. The failure sense specifically derives via
French from the Italian phrase fare fiasco, literally meaning make a bottle
149
(used in Italian theatre to mean failure in a performance).

pseudo
fake, counterfeit, spurious
150

vade
mecum
go with me
a book for ready reference carried at all times
151

glyp
h

carving; a symbol on a public sign that

imparts information nonverbally
152

fait
accompli
something that already happened
and cannot be reversed
153

sine qua
non
without which not
an essential condition, absolutely
necessary

154

prima
donna
the principal female singer in an opera;
a temperamentally self-important person
155

tsunam
i
harbor wave
A very large and destructive wave, generally caused by a tremendous
disturbance in the ocean, such as an undersea earthquake or
volcanic eruption.
156

Schadenfre
ude
harm-joy;
taking pleasure in another persons misfortune
157

annus
mirabilis
year of wonder
It was used originally to refer to 1666. the year that Isaac Newton made
revolutionary inventions and discoveries in calculus, motion, optics and
gravitation. As such, it has later been called Isaac Newton's "Annus
Mirabilis." It is today also used to refer to different years with events of
major importance such as 1905 when Albert Einstein published his
breakthrough four articles on Physics.
158

sub
rosa
under the rose
happening in secret
159

deus ex
machina
god from the machine
A contrived or artificial solution.
Refers to the practice in Greek drama of lowering by crane (the
mechan) an actor playing a god or goddess onto the stage to
resolve an insuperable conflict in the plot. The device is most
commonly associated with Euripides.
160

 la carte
according to the card; allowing selection from a
fixed list of individually priced options shown on the
menu
161

Ante Christum
Natum
(a.C.n.)
before Christ was born
162

rsum
a document listing one's
qualifications for employment
163

came
o
A single very brief appearance by a prominent
actor or actress (or other notable) in a movie or
song.
164

regimen
rule; a prescribed course of action, or
exercise, for the promotion or restoration of
ones health
165

interregn
um
period between rulers
166

curriculu
m vitae
course of life
resume, an overview of a persons life and
qualifications

167

vigilant
e
a person who takes the law into their
own hands

168

desideratu
m,
desiderata
a thing desired
a thing lacking and wanted
169

alias
an assumed name
170

encore
A brief extra performance, done after
the main performance is complete.
171

Ayatollah
a high ranking title given to the top
Shah cleric

172

laissezfaire
A policy of governmental noninterference in economic affairs.
173

autobah
n
motorway, freeway
174

Ars longa,
vita brevis
art is long, life is short
The Latin translation by Seneca (De Brevitate Vitae, 1.1) of a phrase from
Hippocrates, often used out of context. The "art" referred to in the original
aphorism was the craft of medicine, which took a lifetime to acquire.
175

moratorium
a deliberate delay of some
activity for a temporary
176

apocrypha
a writing or text of doubtful
authorship or authenticity
177

factotum
do everything
a person having many duties and responsibilities
178

qua
in capacity of
179

samizdat
underground, often illegal, literature
180

repertoire
an inventory or catalogue; a stock of
dramatic or musical pieces which a
player or company usually performs

181

veni, vidi,
vici
I came, I saw, I conquered
famous Latin sentence reportedly written by Julius Caesar in 47
BC as a comment on his short war with Pharnace II of Pontus.
182

halt!
stop!
183

Cui
bono?
whose benefit?; who stood to gain from a crime, and
so might have been responsible for it?
184

par
excellen
ce
by excellence
the best of its kind
185

piazza
a public square, plaza, or marketplace
186

paragraphus
marginal sign used to mark the change of
speakers in a dialogue
187

Weltanschauu
ng
world view; philosophy of life
188

au
revoir
until we see again
goodbye until we meet again
189

en route
on the way
190

tour de force
act of force, act of strength
an exceptional creative achievement; a difficult feat
191

critique
a critical analysis or evaluation of
a work, or the art of criticizing.
192

voil
!
"see there";

in French it can mean simply "there it is"; in English it is

generally restricted to a triumphant revelation.
193

libra
(lb.)
balances, scales
194

fatw
a

a ruling on a point of Islamic law by a

Muslim religious expert
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989 pronounced a fatwa (death
sentence) on Salman Rushdie, the author of The Satanic Verses.
195

Je ne
sais quoi
I know not what
an indefinable quality, something
inexpressible

196

carpe
noctem
seize the night
An exhortation to make good use of the night, often used when carpe
diem, q.v., would seem absurd, e.g., when observing a deep sky object
or conducting a Messier marathon.
197

aficionado
an ardent follower of any activity or interest;
a devotee of bullfighting
198

 la
mode
in the fashion
food served with ice cream
199

yoga
in Hindu philosophy, the union of the self with the
supreme being; a system of ascetic practice,
meditation, designed to achieve unity with the
supreme being
200

ultimatu
m
final, completed; the final terms presented by one
party in a dispute with another, the rejection of
which could cause a breakdown in relations.
201

nav
e

foolishly credulous;
lacking experience or wisdom
202

ricochet
the action of a projectile, esp. a bullet, in
deflecting off of a surface
To rebound off something wildly in a seemingly random direction.
203

pogrom
A riot aimed at persecution of a particular
group, usually on the basis of their
religion or ethnic origin.
204

caveat
emptor
Let the buyer beware!
An antique principle that the purchaser, not the seller, is
responsible for making sure that the quality of the goods
purchased is satisfactory.
205

leitmotiv
leading motive; a frequently repeated
phrase, image, symbol, or situation in
a literary work, the recurrence of which
usually indicates or supports a theme.
206

au pair
a young foreigner who does domestic chores in
exchange for room and board. In France, those
chores are mainly child care/education.
207

Ave Imperator,
morituri te
salutant
Hail, Emperor, those who are
about to die salute you!
It was used during an event in AD 52 on Lake Fucinus by naumachiarii
captives and criminals fated to die fighting during mock naval
encountersin the presence of the emperor Claudius.
208

petit
e
small, thin

209

etho
s
nature, disposition

The character or fundamental values of a person, people,

culture, or movement.
210

reconnaissa
nce
a military term denoting a mission to explore and gain information;
especially: an exploratory military survey (also scouting) conducted to gain, or
collect information.
211

Gesundhei
t!
health
Usually said after someone sneezes.
212

ovu
m
egg

213

shalom
peace
A traditional Jewish greeting and
farewell.

214

panacea
a remedy for all problems
215

kapu
t
broken, finished

216

bon
voyage
good journey
217

brochu
re
a booklet of printed informational matter, like
a pamphlet, often for promotional purposes.
218

au
revoir!
"See you later!"
In French a contraction of Au plaisir de vous revoir (to the
pleasure of seeing you again).
219

terra
incognit
a

an unknown or unexplored territory

220

mademoisel
le
a young, unmarried woman
221

dbut
first public performance of an
entertainment personality or group.
In French, it means "beginning".
222

double
entendre
a phrase that has two meanings, especially one is
innocent and literal, while the other risqu or ironic
223

Kindergart
en
childrens garden
224

a
cappella
music performed without musical
accompaniment; singing
in the style of the Sistine Chapel
225

kitsc
h

cheap, sentimental, gaudy items of

popular culture
226

premire
refers to the first performance of a
play, a film, etc.
227

cliqu
e

a small exclusive group of friends without morale;

always used in a pejorative way in French.
228

dcor
the layout and furnishing of a room
229

corsage
A bouquet of flowers worn on a woman's
dress or worn around her wrist.
230

re
about, regarding, with reference to
231

impetus
impulse, stimulus
232

in vacuo
in a vacuum, in a void
233

caballe
ro
gentleman
234

quorum
The minimum number of members required for a group to
officially conduct business and to cast binding votes,
often but not necessarily a majority or supermajority.
235

videlicet
(viz.)
that is to say; namely; like i.e.
usually introducing an amplification or explanation of a previous word or
statement
236

symposium
a meeting or conference for the
discussion of a particular subject
A drinking party in ancient Greece, especially one with
intellectual discussion.

237

ne
born
Used to indicate the maiden or family name of a
married woman. Hillary Clinton nee Rodham
238

communiq
u
an official communication
239

modus
ponens
the way that affirms by affirming
If P, then Q.
P.
Therefore, Q.
240

modus
tollens
the way that denies by denying
If P, then Q.
Q
Therefore, P.
241

sic semper tyrannus

242

provocate
ur
a person who provokes a disturbance; an
agitator
243

pass

out of fashion, old-fashioned

244

oeuvre
the whole body of work produced
by an artist, composer, or author
245

verboten
forbidden
246

trivium
three waysthree courses in Medieval university
(1) logic (2) rhetoric (3) grammar
247

quadrivium
four waysfour courses in the Medieval university
after the Trivium
(1) arithmetic (2) geometry (3) astronomy (4) music
248

montage
An art form consisting of putting together or assembling various
smaller pictures to create a larger work (esp. in movies).

249

asinus
asinum
fricat
the jackass rubs the jackass
Used to describe two people lavishing excessive praise on one another.

250

carte
blanche
Unrestricted power to act at one's own
discretion; unconditional authority

251

ars gratia
artis
art for arts sake
Motto of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. This phrasing is a direct
translation of 'art for the sake of art.'
252

impasse
a deadlock
253

de jure
by law, official
in contrast with de facto. Analogous to "in principle", whereas de facto is
to "in practice". In other contexts, can mean "according to law", "by
right" or "legally". Also commonly written de iure, the classical form.
254

Omnia
vincit
amor
Love conquers all.
255

tte--tte
head to head; a private
conversation between two
people

256

ad
referendum
subject to reference; denoting an agreement
that has been made pending the assent of a
superior
257

a propos
to the point;
pertinent, appropriate, opportune
258

podium
a raised platform on which to stand
259

clich

a saying, expression, idea, or element of an artistic work which has

been overused to the point of losing its original meaning or effect,
rendering it a stereotype, especially when at some earlier time it
was considered meaningful or novel.
260

poltergeist
mischievous, noisy ghost; cases of
haunting, involving spontaneous
psychokinesis

261

marquee
the sign above a theater that tells you what's playing
262

sobriquet
nickname; a nickname familiar
enough such that it can be used in
place of a real name

263

memorand
um
an informal written communication
264

praenomen
an ancient Roman first name
265

pice de
rsistanc
e

An outstanding accomplishment. the best part or feature of something

(as in a meal), a showpiece, or highlight. It can be thought of as the
portion of a creation which defies (i.e. "resists") orthodox or common
conventions and practices, thereby making the whole of the creation
unique and special. The phrase gives the sense that the referred-to
element is the defining essence of the whole, that part that makes it
memorable or gives it its unique character.
266

avantgarde
front guard
applied to cutting-edge or radically innovative movements in art,
music and literature; figuratively "on the edge", literally, a military
term, meaning "vanguard" (which is the deformation of avantgarde) or "advance guard.

267

de
rigueur
required or expected, especially in
fashion or etiquette
268

prima facie
at first sight, on the face of it;
apparently correct, not needing proof unless evidence to the contrary
is shown
269

dnouemen
t
to unknot, to untie;
the conclusion or resolution of a plot
270

confer
(cf.)
"compare"
Used as an abbreviation in text to recommend a comparison with another thing.
Used to refer to other material or ideas which may provide different
information or arguments.
271

potpourri
a mixture, medley
272

in
utero
in the womb

273

anathema
curse of God; a ban or curse pronounced
with religious solemnity; formal damnation
274

sotto
voce
under the voice; quietly; in soft
tones

275

semper
fidelis
always faithful
Motto of the US Marine Corps
276

bon vivant
good living
a person who lives well; epicure; self-indulgent living.
277

Neandertha
l
of, from, or pertaining to the Neandertal ("Neander
Valley"), site near Dsseldorf where early Homo
neanderthalensis fossils (also called Neandertaler
in German) were found

278

amor fati
love of fate; Nietzschean alternative worldview to memento mori,
as Nietzsche believed amor fati to be more life affirming. It is used
to describe an attitude in which one sees everything that happens
in one's life, including suffering and loss, as good. That is, one
feels that everything that happens is destiny's way of reaching its
ultimate purpose, and so should be considered good. Moreover, it
is characterized by an acceptance of the events or situations that
occur in one's life.
I want to learn more and more to see as beautiful what is necessary in things;
then I shall be one of those who make things beautiful. Amor fati: let that
be my love henceforth! I do not want to wage war against what is ugly. I do
not want to accuse; I do not even want to accuse those who accuse.
Looking away shall be my only negation. And all in all and on the whole:
some day I wish to be only a Yes-sayer.
My formula for greatness in a human being is amor fati: that one wants 279

maestro
master
a master in some art, especially a composer or conductor.
280

bonjour
good day
French greeting
281

genius loci
character of a place
in Roman mythology a genius loci was the
protective spirit of a place. It was often depicted as
a snake.
282

rappor
t
a relationship of mutual trust and
respect

283

motif
a recurrent, thematic element
284

nolo
contendere
I do not wish to contend.
That is, "no contest". A plea that can be entered on behalf of a
defendant in a court that states that the accused doesn't
admit guilt, but will accept punishment for a crime. Nolo
contendere pleas cannot be used as evidence in another
285
trial.

stare
decisis
"to stand by the decided things
To uphold previous rulings, recognize precedent.
286

homage
An artistic work imitating
another in a flattering style.
287

Sub specie
aeternitati
s
under the aspect of eternity; from the
point of view of eternity
288

astronomia
law of the stars
289

oper
a
works; plural of opus

A theatrical work combining drama, music, song and

sometimes dance.
290

restaurateu
r
a restaurant owner
291

summum
bonum
highest good
the ultimate end that humans can pursue
292

encomiu
m
laudatory ode
a formal expression of praise
293

asteriscu
s
little star
(*) used in manuscripts to mark passages
294

caesura
A pause or interruption in a poem,
music, building or other work of art.
295

connoisseur
a person of refined taste
an expert in wines, fine arts, or other matters of culture.
296

S. P. Q. R.
Senatus
Populusque
Romanus
Senate and the people of Rome
297

ex
tempore
impromptu
carried out without premeditation
298

errare
humanum
est
to err is human
299

acropolis
elevated city
fortified hub of many Greek cities
300

casus belli
event of war
Refers to an incident that is the justification or case for war.
301

virtuoso
a person (esp. a musician) who has
special skill in an art form
302

ancien
rgime
ancient regime
a sociopolitical or other system that no longer exists, an allusion to prerevolutionary France (used with capital letter in French with this
meaning: Ancien Rgime)

303

asphyxia
stopping the heartbeat
A condition in which an extreme decrease in the concentration of oxygen in
the body accompanied by an increase in the concentration of carbon
dioxide leads to loss of consciousness or death. Asphyxia can be induced
by choking, drowning, electric shock, injury, or the inhalation of non-toxic
(or toxic) gases.

304

crp
e

a thin sweet or savoury pancake

eaten as a light meal or dessert
305

aegis
shield of Zeus; protection, guidance
306

metempsych
osis
reincarnation, transmigration of the soul
307

adroit
skillful
clever, in French: habile, as a "right-handed" person would be
using his "right" hand, as opposed to his left one with which
he would be "gauche" meaning "left".
308

argumentum
ad
ignorantiam
appeal to ignorance
a logical fallacy in which it is claimed that a premise is
true only because it has not been proven false, or is
false only because it has not been proven true.
309

una voce
with one voice
310

audi, vide,
tace
listen, watch, and shut up
311

addenda
et
corrigenda
things added and corrected
312

premier
prime minister, head of the government
313

de dato
(d.d.)
of the date
Used in the context of "As we agreed in the meeting d.d. 26th May
2006.

314

soire
a formal evening party
315

audentes
fortuna
iuvat
fortune favors the bold
From Virgil, Aeneid X, 284 (where the first word is in the archaic form
audentis). Allegedly the last words of Pliny the Elder before he left the
docks at Pompeii to rescue people from the eruption of Vesuvius in 79.
316

damnatio
memoriae
"damnation of memory; of removal from remembrance
A Roman custom in which disgraced Romans (particularly former Emperors) were
pretended to have never existed.

317

contradicti
o in
terminis
contradiction in terms
A word or phrase that makes itself impossible.
318

et tu,
Brute?
And you, Brutus?
Used to indicate a betrayal by someone close. From Shakespeare's Julius
Caesar, based on the traditional dying words of Julius Caesar.
However, these were almost certainly not Caesar's true last words;
Plutarch quotes Caesar as saying, in Greek (which was the language of
Rome's elite at the time), ; (Ka s tknon?), in English
'You as well, (my) child?'
319

esse est
percipi
to be is to be perceived
George Berkeley's motto for his idealist philosophical position that nothing
exists independently of its perception by a mind except minds
themselves.

320

ora pro
nobis
pray for us
321

agora
a place for gathering; a marketplace
a place of assembly
322

panem et
circenses
bread and circuses
Originally described all that was needed for emperors to placate
the Roman mob. Today used to describe any entertainment
used to distract public attention from more important matters
323

requiem
a mass for the repose of the souls of
the dead

324

apologia
a written defense of a position or
belief

325

armoire
a type of cabinet; wardrobe
326

blas
unimpressed with something because
of over-familiarity, jaded.
327

deus
god
328

vi veri
universum
vivus vici
"by the power of truth, I, while living,
have conquered the universe
From Christopher Marlowe's The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus. Note that v was originally
the consonantal u, and was written the same before the two forms became distinct, and
also after in many cases, when u and v were both capitalized as V: thus, Vniversum. Also,
universum is sometimes quoted with the form ueniversum (or Veniversum), which is
presumably a combination of universum and oeniversum, two classically-attested
spellings). Recently quoted in the Alan Moore graphic novel and film adaptation, V For
Vendetta, by the main character, V.
329

cort
ge
a funeral procession

330

saboteur
one who commits sabotage
331

atrium
entry hall
A central room or space in ancient Roman homes, open to the sky in the
middle.
332

Sturm und
Drang
storm and stress
a literary movement in Germany characterized by emotional unrest
333

planeta
wanderer
334

quod erat
demonstrandu
m (Q.E.D.)
what was to be demonstrated
The abbreviation is often written at the bottom of a mathematical proof.
335

ambrosia
food of the gods
ambrosia=immortality: something divinely sweet to the taste,
thought to confer immortality
336

miscellus
mixed
337

gestal
t
shape

In English gestalt refers to the concept where an entity's properties cannot be

discovered from the total properties of its parts.

338

tu quoque
you too
you are guilty of the same misdeeds you attribute to me
339

auteur
A film director, specifically one who controls most aspects of a film, or
other controller of an artistic situation. The English connotation
derives from French film theory. It was popularized in the journal
Cahiers du cinma: auteur theory maintains that directors like
Hitchcock exert a level of creative control equivalent to the author of
a literary work. In French, the word means author, but some
expressions like "cinma d'auteur" are also in use.
340

antebellum
before war
of the time period before a war

341

prosthesis
addition; an artificial replacement for a
body part

342

prognosis
foreknowledge, prediction
a forecast of the future course of a disease or disorder
343

salvo
A concentrated fire from pieces of artillery, as in
endeavoring to make a break in a fortification; a volley.
By extension, any volley, as in an argument or debate.
344

concordat
an agreement, a treaty
345

saut
jumped; quickly fry in a small
amount of oil
346

Weltschmerz
world-pain
World-weariness; an apathetic or pessimistic view of life; depression
concerning or discomfort with the human condition or state of the world
347

monsieur
(pl. messieurs)
a man, a gentleman; equivalent to
Mr.
348

placenta
flat cake
A vascular organ in mammals, except monotremes and marsupials, present only
in the female during gestation. It supplies food and oxygen from the mother to
the foetus, and passes back waste. It is implanted in the wall of the uterus and
links to the fetus through the umbilical cord. It is expelled after birth.
349

joie de vivre
joy of living
happiness, zest for life
350

advocatus
diaboli
devils advocate
the devil's advocate, an officer of the Church whose role it is to
argue against the canonization or beatification of a saint.
351

axiomata
media
middle principles
Principles above simple empirical laws but below the highest
generalizations or fundamental laws.
352

au
jus
with juice

referring to a food course served with sauce. Often redundantly

formulated, as in 'Open-faced steak sandwich, served with au jus.'.
No longer used in French, except for the slang "tre au jus" (to be
informed)
353

La Rive
Gauche
The Left Bank is the southern bank of the river
Seine in Paris.
"Rive Gauche" or "Left Bank" generally refers to the Paris of an earlier
era; the Paris of artists, writers and philosophers, including Pablo
Picasso, Arthur Rimbaud, Paul Verlaine, Henri Matisse, Jean-Paul
Sartre, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and dozens of other
members of the great artistic community at Montparnasse. The
phrase implies a sense of bohemianism and creativity.
354

sonat
a
to make sound

A musical composition for one or a few instruments, one of

which is frequently a piano, in three or four movements
that vary in key and tempo.
355

peccavi
I have sinned.
356

maitre d
head waiter
357

bona
fortuna
good luck
358

coiffeur
hairstyle
In French, means a hairstylist, a hairdresser, a barber.

359

genius loci
guardian/spirit of a place
360

de
novo
from the new
"Anew" or "afresh". In law, a trial de novo is a retrial.
361

Ecce
homo.
Behold the man.
The source is the Latin text of the account of Jesus to the crowd after
his trial by Pontius Pilate (John 19:5).
362

bon mot
good word
a witty remark, a clever saying
363

centrifug
e
A device in which a mixture of denser and lighter
materials (normally dispersed in a liquid) is separated
by being spun about a central axis at high speed.
364

ex post facto
from after the fact
Said of a law with retroactive effect.
365

per contra
on the contrary
366

bonne
chance
good luck
367

simulacrum
an image or representation
deceptive imitation; pretense
368

croissant
a crescent-shaped bread made of flaky
pastry

369

a posteriori
from the later; after experience
In a manner that deduces theories from facts.
370

a priori
from the former
knowledge based on hypothesis, not experiment

371

nuance
shade
a slight or subtle variation in or shade of meaning, expression,
or color
372

exitu
s
departure

medical: death; egress, end

373

mystique
An aura of heightened interest, meaning or
mystery surrounding a person or thing.
374

pro et
contra
for and against
375

ab initio
from the beginning
Marriages annulled under the Catholic Church are considered ab
initio, meaning the marriage was invalid from the beginning.
376

quo
vadis
Where are you going?
According to Vulgate translation of John 13:36, Saint Peter asked
Jesus Domine, quo vadis ("Lord, where are you going?"). The King
James Version has the translation "Lord, whither goest thou?"
377

facta
non
verba
actions, not words

378

savant
A person of learning; one who is
versed in literature or science.
379

nihil obstat
nothing stands in its way, nothing hinders
a certificate or statement recording that a work has been approved by the
Roman Catholic Church as free from doctrinal or moral error
380

Imprimat
ur
let it be printed
An official license to publish or print something, especially
when censorship applies.
381

ante
mortem
before death
382

amoeb
a
change, alteration
a single-celled aquatic protozoan, characterized by a
constantly changing shape
383

rivalis
of a river
two people using the same stream, competing for water
384

paterfamilia
s
a male head of a family or household
385

gravitas
seriousness, solemn demeanor
386

lan vital
life force, vital ardor
387

ante
litteram
before the letter;
Said of an expression or term that describes something which existed
before the phrase itself was introduced or became common.
Alan Turing was a computer scientist ante litteram, since the field of "computer
science" was not yet recognized in Turing's day .
388

opus
work, an artistic work
a musical composition or set of compositions as numbered
among the works of a composer in order of publication
389

sans serif
without a stroke
In typography, a typeface without flourishes on the ends of
letters.
390

tundra
treeless plain
a vast, nearly level, treeless Arctic region.
391

in
situ

in its original place or position

392

docendo
discitur
we learn by teaching
393

bric--brac
small ornamental objects, less valuable than antiques; a
collection of old furniture, china, plate and curiosities.
394

malaise
bad-ease; a feeling of uneasiness
395

adagi
o
at ease

music: in slow time, leisurely

396

seriati
m
in a series
397

ante cibum
(a.c.)
before food
Medical shorthand for before meals
398

ex officio
from the office
by virtue of office or position; often used when someone holds
one position by virtue of holding another
399

scientia
potentia
est
For also knowledge itself is power
stated originally by Francis Bacon in Meditationes Sacrae (1597), which in
modern times is often paraphrased as "knowledge is power."
400

wanderlust
a strong impulse or longing to travel
401

auteu
r
An artist, often a film or theatre director, whose complete
control over all aspects of a production gives the end result
a recognizable feel.
402

niche
a place or position suited to a
persons capabilities
403

caveat
he may beware of, a warning
404

esprit de
corps
spirit of a body
A shared spirit of comradeship, enthusiasm, and devotion to a
cause among the members of a group, for example of a
military unit.

405

ne plus
ultra
no more beyond
the highest point capable of being realized, attained
406

foibl
e

a minor weakness or quirkiness

407

flagellum
whip
408

in
flagrante
delicto
while the crime is blazing
this is a legal term used to indicate that a criminal has been
caught in the act of committing an offense
409

au
naturel
in the natural state
with no elaborate treatment, dressing, or preparation
410

exeunt
they leave
411

crme de
la crme
best of the best
412

agent
provocate
ur
an agent employed to tempt
suspected persons into committing a
crime

413

sine die
without a day
indefinitely; with reference to adjourned business; without any day
being appointed for resumption
414

navet
lack of sophistication, experience, worldliness;
artlessness, credulity, gullibility
415

ab ovo
from the egg
a reference to one of the twin eggs of Leda and Zeus disguised as a swan from
which Helen was born. Had Leda not laid the egg, Helen would not have been
born, so Paris could not have eloped with her, so there would have been no Trojan
war.
The English literary use of the phrase comes from Horaces Ars Poetica, where he
describes his ideal epic poet, who does not begin the Trojan War from the double
egg, the absolute beginning of events, the earliest possible chronological point,
but snatches the listener into the middle of things.

416

codex
tablet; a legal code, a general set of
rules
ancient writings were written on scrolls, but their disadvantage was
having to use both hands to unroll them to find and read the
particular passage required. An alternative format was developed
in the form of a book with pages which could be turned, and this
417
was gradually adopted by Christians as the most convenient

vagitus
cry, wail
the cry of a newborn baby
418

Aeternam
vale!
Farewell forever!
419

dtente
the easing of strained relations,
especially in a political situation.
The term is often used in reference to the general easing of relations between
the Soviet Union and the United States, a thawing of the Cold War, which
occurred from the late 1940s with the Berlin airlift in 1948 - 1949 until the
start of the 1980s.

420

charlatan
A fake person, especially one who
deceives for personal profit.
421

modus
vivendi
mode of living
Signifies an agreement between those whose opinions differ, such that they agree to
disagree. A mode of living, or way of living implies an accommodation
between disputing parties to allow life to go on. It usually describes informal and
temporary arrangements in political affairs. It is an instrument for establishing an
international accord of a temporary or provisional nature, intended to be replaced
by a more substantial and thorough agreement, such as a treaty.
422

allegro
in quick time
A tempo mark directing that a passage is to be played in a quick,
lively tempo, faster than allegretto but slower than presto.
423

viva voce
the living voice, orally
424

gaffe
a foolish error, especially one made in public;
a blunder, a clumsy or indiscreet act or remark
425

domus
home
domicile
426

bon vivant
one who enjoys the good life
427

quos amor verus

tenuit tenebit
"Those whom true love has
held, it will go on holding"
428

falsus in uno,
falsus in
omnibus
false in one thing, false in everything
A Roman legal principle indicating that a witness who willfully falsifies one
matter is not credible on any matter. The underlying motive for attorneys
to impeach opposing witnesses in court: the principle discredits the rest of
their testimony if it is without corroboration.
429

facio liberos ex
liberis libris
libraque
"I make free adults out of
children by means of books

430

contra
mundum
against the world
an unpopular position
431

semper
paratus
always ready
motto of the US Coast Guard
432

apotheosis
to deify; elevation to divine status
glorification or exaltation of a person, principle or practice
433

quis custodiet
ipsos custodes?
who will guard the guards
themselves?
434

quantum
quantity, amount
The smallest possible, and therefore indivisible, unit of a given
quantity or quantifiable phenomenon.
435

faad
e
the front view of an edifice (from the Italian
facciata, or face); a fake persona, as in "putting
on a faade" (the is pronounced like an s)
436

plethora
fullness
oversupply, abundance
437

anno regni
de ______
in the year of the reign of (name of
the ruler)
438

aplomb
self-confidence, assurance,
composure

439

chiaroscuro
light-dark
the opposition of light and dark in a drawing or painting
440

lacuna
gap
a hiatus, a blank, a missing portion, esp. in a manuscript or text
441

sine dubio
without doubt
442

ad
personam
to the person
individually, personally, on an individual basis
443

de
profundis
from the depths
a heartfelt cry of appeal; used to convey that ones most
heartfelt feelings of sorrow or anguish are being expressed
444

aria
air
a long song for one voice usually with accompaniment
(especially such a song sung in an opera)
445

migr
one who has emigrated for political reasons.
446

dossier
a file containing detailed information about a person;
it has a much wider meaning in modern French, as
any type of file, or even a computer directory
447

Fidei
Defensor
(Fid Def, fd)
defender of the faith
A title given to Henry VIII of England by Pope Leo X on October 17,
1521 before Henry became a heresiarch. Still used by the British
monarchs, it appears on all British coins, usually abbreviated.

448

cabar
et
Live entertainment held in a restaurant or
nightclub. A place where this entertainment
is provided.
449

patois
dialect
Any of various French or Occitan dialects spoken in France.
450

legerdemai
n
light-weight of hand
sleight of hand, trickery, prestidigitation
451

Doppelgn
ger
a double or look-alike.
452

residuum
a residue; that which remains
453

argot
the jargon, slang, or peculiar
phraseology of a social class or
group

454

imago
Dei
the image of God
From the religious concept that man was created in "God's
image".

455

multum in
parvo
much in little
small but significant
456

acumen
sharpness of wit
keen intellect, penetration of perception
457

oculus
a round opening at the apex of a
dome

458

arboretum
place for trees
a botanical tree garden
459

in
aeternam
forever
460

liaiso
n

a close relationship, connection, or bond;

an affair
461

terminus
boundary stone; the end
462

alius
other
(alien, alienate)
463

praejudiciu
m
previous judgment
464

canard
duck
refers to a deliberately false story
Originated from the French idiom: to half-sell a duck

465

cum
grano
salis
with a grain of salt
466

al dente
to the tooth
pasta cooked so as to be still slightly firm when bitten
467

nexus
the act of binding together
a network, a connected group
468

sui
generis
unique, of its own kind
469

riposte
a quick and usually witty response to a
taunt

470

auto da
fe
The public announcement of the sentences
imposed by the Inquisition on supposed
heretics.
471

aurea
mediocrita
s
golden mean
From Horaces Odes II, 10. Refers to the ethical goal of reaching a
virtuous middle ground between two sinful extremes. The
golden mean concept is common to many philosophers, chiefly
Aristotle.

472

tempus
fugit
time flies
473

aqua vitae
water of life
alcoholic spirits, esp. of the first distillation (moonshine)
474

in extremis
in the furthest reaches, at the point of
death
generally referring to grave or exceptional circumstances
475

realpolit
ik
practical politics
not based on moral or ideological considerations
476

ambian
ce
A particular mood or atmosphere of an
environment or surrounding
influence.
477

medicus
doctor
478

poseur
One who affects some behavior, style, attitude or other
condition, often to impress or influence others.
479

emeritus
veteran, retired from office
Often used to denote a position held at the point of retirement, as an
honor, such as professor emeritus or provost emeritus. This does
not necessarily mean that the honoree is no longer active.
480

art
nouveau
new art
a decorative style of the late 19th century England and France
characterized by ornamented and flowing lines
481

vignette
a brief descriptive account
A short story that presents a scene or tableau, or paints a
picture.
482

felo de
se
felon from himself
An archaic legal term for one who commits suicide referring to early English
common law punishments, such as land seizure, inflicted on those who killed
themselves.
483

quota
a number required to fulfill
something

484

hegemon
a leading or paramount power, a
dominant state or person
485

arabesque
Arabic; decorative work that
originated in Arabic Art
486

enfant
terrible
terrible child
a disruptively unconventional child
487

confrre
a colleague, especially in the
medical and law professions
488

pollice
verso
with a turned thumb
Used by Roman crowds to pass judgment on a defeated
gladiator. The type of gesture used is uncertain
489

caprice
An impulsive, seemingly unmotivated
notion or action.
An unpredictable or sudden condition, change, or series of
changes. A disposition to be impulsive.
An impulsive change of mind.
490

arcanum
concealed; a hidden thing, a
mystery, a profound secret
491

basilica
royal palace; a large oblong hall
or building

492

tableau
a striking and vivid representation;
a picture
a picture; a picturesque presentation or description
493

penchant
an inclination; taste, liking
494

non
sequitur
it does not follow
In general, a comment which is absurd due to not making
sense in its context (rather than due to being inherently
nonsensical or internally inconsistent), often used in humor.
As a logical fallacy, a conclusion that does not follow from a
premise.
495

vanitas
vanity
496

au
contraire
on the contrary
497

salus mundi
health of the world
498

roman a
clef
novel with a key
actual persons, places, and events are depicted in fictional guise
499

pied-terre
foot on the ground
a place to stay, a second home
500

mise en
scene
surroundings, environment
the process of setting a stage with regard to placement of
scenery
501

copula
link
a connecting word, in particular a form of the verb be
connecting a subject and complement
502

statim
(stat)
immediately
Medical shorthand used following an urgent request.
503

in saecula
saeculoru
m
for ages and ages; forever and ever
504

esse quam
videri
to be rather than to seem
Truly being something, rather than merely seeming to be something.
505

amour
propre
love of self; self-esteem
506

piet
piety, pity
A sculpture or painting of the Virgin Mary holding and
mourning the dead body of Jesus.
507

adventus
arrival, approach
508

noblesse
oblige
nobility obliges
rank imposes obligation
to whom much is given, much is required
509

saga
historical legend
510

amnesia
forgetfulness
511

si vis
amari ama
If you want to be loved, love.
Seneca

512

scriptorium
a room set apart for writing in a
monastery

513

estrus
frenzy; breeze
the period of a females readiness to mate, accompanied by
certain physiological changes
514

fleur-de-lis
a stylized-flower heraldic device; the golden fleur-delis on an azure background were the arms of the
French Kingdom (often spelled with the old French
style as "fleur-de-lys")
515

sang-froid
cold-blooded
keeping a cool head or stiff upper lip
516

de futuro
regarding the future;
used in the context of at a future time
517

resurgam
I shall rise again
518

beau monde
fine world
the world of fashionable society
519

habitu
a habitual visitor, one who frequents a
place
520

extraordinair
e
extraordinary, out of the ordinary capacity for a
person.
521

pro bono
publico
for the public good
522

pons
asinorum
bridge of asses
Any obstacle that stupid people find hard to cross. Originally
used of Euclid's Fifth Proposition in geometry.
523

res publica
public things
things of the people; the state, the commonwealth
524

psychomac
hia
conflict of the soul
psychomachy: A conflict between the soul and the body;
sometimes considered as between good and evil
525

film
noir
a genre of dark-themed movies from
the 1940s and 1950s that focus on
stories of crime and immorality
526

Aufklrung
Enlightenment
527

haute
coutur
e
high sewing

Paris-based custom clothing

528

quinta
essentia
fifth essence
supposed fifth element more subtle than earth, air, wind, and
water
529

a fortiori
from strength
With stronger or greater reason; as a corollary implied by a
stronger claim.

530

opprobrium
disgrace
disgrace attached to conduct considered shameful
531

impresario
A manager or producer in the
entertainment industry, especially
music or theatre.

532

euphoria
a strong feeling of well-being,
cheerfulness, and optimism

533

shibbole
th
a word used as a test for detecting
people from another district or
country by their pronunciation of

534

profanu
m vulgus
common people
535

nosce te
ipsum
know thyself
Cicero
536

belleslettres
fine letters
studies or writings of a purely literary character, especially essays and
criticism
537

per os
(p.o.)
through the mouth
Medical shorthand meaning by the mouth.
538

pneuma
breath
a persons vital force or energy
539

abstrahere
to draw away
(abstraction)
540

fin de sicle
end of the century
comparable to (but not exactly the same as) turn-of-thecentury but with a connotation of decadence, usually
applied to the period from 1890 through 1910
541

cantabile
capable of being sung
with a lyrical style

542

agitprop
agitation propaganda
543

sic et
non
yes and no
a method of argument used by medieval theologians in which
contradictory passages of scripture are presented without
commentary in order to stimulate readers to resolve the
contradictions themselves.
544

in
camera
in a private chamber
court cases to which the public are not admitted
545

swam
i
Hindu religious teacher
546

vox Dei
the voice of God
547

aquila non
capit
muscas
the eagle does not catch flies
The leader does not deal with triffles.
548

ab aeterno
Since the beginning of time.
549

ad
astra
to the stars
550

asinus ad
lyram
an ass to the lyre
From Gerhard Gerhards' (14661536) [better known as Erasmus]
collection of annotated Adagia (1508). An awkward or
incompetent individual.
551

erratum,
errata
error/errors in a text
552

omnibus
dubitandu
m
doubt everything
The favorite phrase of Karl Marx.
553

fere libenter
homines id
quod volunt
credunt
men generally believe what they
want to
554
People's beliefs are shaped largely by their desires. Julius Caesar, The

magister
dixit
the master has spoken
555

du
jour
of the day; soup of the day
556

experientia
docet
experience teaches
557

sarcophagu
s
a stone coffin, especially one adorned
with sculpture and inscriptions
(sarx=flesh+phagos= eating)
558

ex nihilo
out of nothing
559

attach
a junior official attached to the
staff of an ambassador
560

manifestus
hit by the hand
561

Nazarenus
Rex
Iudaeorum
(INRI)
Jesus of Nazareth, King of the
Jews

562

sati
a Hindu tradition of the immolation of a
widow on her husband's funeral pyre,
now illegal
563

si vis pacem,
para bellum
If you want peace, prepare for war.
564

peccadillo
a small fault, a trifling offense
565

de minimis
non curat
praetor
The commander does not bother
with the smallest things.
Trivial matters are no concern of a high official (cf. aquila non capit
muscas, the eagle does not catch flies). Sometimes rex (the king) or
lex (the law) is used in place of praetor, and de minimis is a legal term
referring to things unworthy of the law's attention.
566

ab extra
from without; from external sources
567

panach
flamboyantly confident behavior
568

trompe-l'il
trick the eye
an art technique involving extremely realistic imagery in order to
create the optical illusion that the depicted objects appear in
three dimensions, instead of actually being a two-dimensional
painting.
569

vaudeville
a satirical song; a light stage play or
comedy
570

risqu
sexually suggestive
571

avis
bird
(aviation, aviator)
572

absolvo
I acquit
573

fingere
to shape, to fashion
(finger, fiction)
574

ingnue
an artless, innocent young woman
575

sans pareil
not having its like; unique,
unequalled

576

brusque
rough or rude in manner of
speech; blunt, abrupt
577

durante vita
during life
578

merces
reward, payment, wages;
price paid from merx = merchandise
mercy: refers to compassionate behavior on the part of those in
power, or merely shown by the divine to the penitent. 6 th
century Christian writers: use merces for the spiritual reward
that comes from kindness to those who not have a claim to such
mercy.
579

festina lente
hurry slowly
An oxymoronic motto of Augustus. It encourages proceeding quickly,
but with calm and caution. Equivalent to 'More haste, less speed'.
580

Gtterdmmer
ung
a cataclysmic collapse of a regime or institution;
downfall of the gods
581

Index
Librorum
Prohibitorum
The list of books prohibited by
the Catholic Church.

582

amanuensis
from hand
one employed to take dictation or copy manuscripts
583

sacro
egoismo
sacred egoism
egocentric nationalism, especially in foreign affairs
584

vaga
ri
to wander

585

reprise
music: the repetition of the first
theme of a movement
586

sic vita est

thus is life
Or "such is life". Indicates that a circumstance, whether good
or bad, is an inherent aspect of living.
587

cach
a hiding place for goods,
provisions, ammunition, or
treasure

588

corduroy
a textile composed of twisted fibers that, when
woven, lie parallel (similar to twill) to one another
to form the cloth's distinct pattern, a "cord."
589

mirabile
dictu
wonderful to tell
(wonderful to relate, used sarcastically)
590

pastiche
something blended
a medley of various things
591

ruber
red
centuries ago, instructions or explanations were put in red ink, to
contrast with the black ink of the text. Rubric: an explanatory
commentary
592

Te absolvo.
I forgive you.
593

pseudepigrap
ha
books or writings collectively
wrongly titled or attributed
594

ad interim
for the meantime
595

nunc scio
quid sit amor
Now I know what love is.
Virgil, Eclogues VIII.
596

sommelier
a wine steward
597

mythopoei
a
the creation of myth or myths
598

aut Caesar
aut nihil
Either Caesar or nothing
Indicates that the only valid possibility is to be emperor, or a similarly
prominent position. More generally, "all or nothing". Adopted by
Cesare Borgia as a personal motto.
599

annulus
small ring
600

Pontifex
Maximus
Great High Priest, Supreme Pontiff
Originally an office in the Roman Republic, later a title held by Roman
Emperors, and later a traditional epithet of the pope.
601

Fiat lux.
Let there be light.
602

analgesia
to not feel pain
absence of ability to feel pain
603

sunt lacrimae
rerum
There are tears for things.
From Virgil, Aeneid. Followed by et mentem mortalia tangunt ("and
mortal things touch my mind"). Aeneas cries as he sees
Carthaginian temple murals depicting the deaths of the Trojan War.
See also hinc illae lacrimae.
604

rapprocheme
nt
The re-establishment of cordial relations,
particularly between two countries; a
reconciliation.
605

albumen
egg-white
606

soi-disant
self-proclaimed; as claimed by and
for yourself without justification
607

extant
still in existence
608

temet nosce
know thyself
A reference to , which was inscribed in the
pronaos of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, according to the
Greek periegetic writer Pausanias .
609

raconteur
a teller of anecdotes; a skilled
story-teller
610

mlang
e
a mixture
611

suos cultores
scientia coronat
Knowledge crowns those who
seek her.

612

armamentari
um
armory, arsenal
613

experiment
um crucis
crucial experiment
Literally 'experiment of the cross'. A decisive test of a scientific
theory.

614

Aut inveniam
viam aut faciam
Either I shall find a way, or make one.
The phrase has been attributed to Hannibal; when his generals told him it was
impossible to cross the Alps by elephant, this was supposedly his response.

615

audacter
calumniare,
semper aliquid
haeret
slander boldly, something always
sticks
from Francis Bacon, De Augmentis Scientiarum (1623)

616

cathexis
the concentration or
accumulation of libidinal
energy on an object

617

piqua
nt
spicy; agreeably pungent; sharp or
stinging on the feelings
618

aegrotat
in universities, a certificate that a
student is too ill to attend an
examination

619

badina
ge
humorous banter or ridicule
620

saccharum
sugar
621

manu propria
(m.p.)
with ones own hand
With the implication of "signed by one's hand". Its abbreviated form is
sometimes used at the end of typewritten or printed documents or
official notices, directly following the name of the person(s) who
"signed" the document exactly in those cases where there isn't an
actual handwritten signature.
622

suo jure
in ones own right
Used in the context of titles of nobility, for instance where a wife may
hold a title in her own right rather than through her marriage.
623

minium
red lead
miniature: a picture in an ancient or medieval illuminated
manuscript. The simple decoration of early codices having been
delineated with red pigment. The small scale of those pictures
624

apparatus
criticus
a collection of material, as variant readings
and other paleographical and critical
matter, for the textual study of a document
625

pharmacopo
eia
a book containing a list of drugs and
medicines
626

mala fide
bad faith
Said of an act done with knowledge of its illegality, or with
intention to defraud or mislead someone. Opposite of bona fide.
627

kenos
is
emptying
Christs full or partial renunciation of his divine nature in his
incarnation.

628

Magna
Carta
great charter
A set of documents between Pope Innocent III, King John of
England, and English barons. (1215 CE)
629

experto
crede
trust the expert
Literally 'believe one who has had experience'. An author's aside to
the reader.
630

Post mortem
auctoris
(p.m.a.)
after the authors death
The phrase is used in legal terminology in the context of
intellectual property rights, especially copyright, which
commonly lasts until a certain number of years after the
author's death.
631

Ignotum
per
ignotius
the unknown by the more unknown
an explanation more unfamiliar than the concept which it seeks to explain.
632

antrhopoph
agi
man-eating
Cannibals
633

Wunderkin
d
wonder-child
634

fides quaerens
intellectum
faith seeking understanding
the motto of Saint Anselm, found in his Proslogion
635

ad litem
for the lawsuit
Appointed to act, in a lawsuit, on behalf of a child or other
incapable person.

636

cinematheq
ue
a library of movies
637

cacothes
a passion or itch for doing
something inadvisable
638

braggadoci
o
boastful or arrogant behavior; an idle boaster
a loud braggart
639

argument
um e
silentio
argument from silence
640

samsara
Hinduism, Buddhism: the endless
cycle of death and rebirth to
which life in the material world is

641

ubi sunt
where are
designating or characterizing a literary theme or passage
lamenting the mutability of things
642

ignotus
(ign.)
unknown
643

satori
A sudden inexpressible feeling of inner
understanding or enlightenment.
644

Beata Virgo
Maria
(BVM)
Blessed Virgin Mary
645

voyeur
someone who sees
a peeping tom
646

ashram
India: a hermitage, a place of
religious retreat
647

sola
scriptura
by scripture alone
The formal principle of the Protestant Reformation and one of the five
solas, referring to the Protestant idea that the Bible alone is the
ultimate authority, not the pope or tradition.
648

sola fide
by faith alone
The doctrine of sola fide or "by faith alone" asserts God's
pardon for guilty sinners is granted to and received through
faith or belief alone, to the exclusion of all human efforts or
works.
649

soli Deo gloria

(S.D.G.)
glory to God alone
A motto of the Protestant Reformation and one of the five solas,
referring to the idea that God is the creator of all good things and
deserves all the praise for them. Johann Sebastian Bach often
signed his manuscripts with the abbreviation S.D.G. to invoke this
phrase, as well as with AMDG (ad maiorem Dei gloriam).
650

sola
gratia
by grace alone

During the Reformation, Protestant leaders and theologians generally believed

the Roman Catholic view of the means of salvation to be a mixture of reliance
upon the grace of God, and confidence in the merits of one's own works
performed in love, pejoratively called Legalism. The Reformers posited that
salvation is entirely comprehended in God's gifts (that is, God's act of free
grace), dispensed by the Holy Spirit according to the redemptive work of
Jesus Christ alone.
651

solus
Christus
Christ alone
A motto of the Protestant Reformation and one of the five solas, referring to
the Protestant claim that the Bible teaches that Jesus is the only mediator
between God and mankind. Also rendered solo Christo ("by Christ alone").
652

Deus caritas
est
God is love
653

de re
about the thing, about the
matter
In logic, de dicto statements (about the truth of a proposition) are distinguished
from de re statements (about the properties of a thing itself).
654

de
dicto
of the word
statements about the truth of a proposition
655

kismet
destiny, fate
656

aperitif
an alcoholic drink taken as an appetizer
to prepare the stomach for food
657

simplex
sigillum
veri
simplicity is the sign of truth
A more refined statement of Keep It Simple, Stupid
(The KISS principle states that simplicity should be a key goal in design,
and that unnecessary complexity should be avoided.)
658

escargot
snail
659

auribus
teneo
lupum
I hold a wolf by the ears
A common ancient proverb, this version from Terence. Indicates that
one is in a dangerous situation where both holding on and letting
go could be deadly. A modern version is "To have a tiger by the
tail."
660

Habent
sua fata
libelli
books have their destiny
according to the capabilities
of the reader

661

credo quia
incredibile
I believe because it is incredible.
Darwin used this in his autobiography.
662

antonomasi
a
the substitution of an epithet, or the name
of an office or dignitary, for a proper name
(the tramp = Charlie Chaplin)
663

Deo volente
God willing
This was often used in conjunction with a signature at the end of letters.
It was used in order to signify that "God willing" this letter will get to
you safely, "God willing" the contents of this letter come true.
664

ceteris
paribus
with other things being equal
"all other things being equal" - that is, disregarding or
eliminating the possibility of other factors in a situation.
665

status quo
ante
bellum
the state before the war
(a common term in peace treaties)
666

contretemp
s
An unforeseen, inopportune, or
embarrassing event; a hitch, a delay.
667

hypostasis
sediment
a person: the single person of Christ, as opposed to his two
natures (human and divine)
668

Anno Domini
Nostri Iesus
Christi
in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ
the predominantly used system for dating years across the world, used with
the Gregorian calendar, and based on the perceived year of the birth of
Jesus Christ. The years before Jesus' birth were once marked with a.C.n
(Ante Christum Natum, Before Christ was Born), but now use the English
abbreviation BC (Before Christ) or B.C.E. (Before the Common Era). 669

au courant
in an informed position; aware of
current developments
670

tude
a musical composition designed to provide practice
in a particular technical skill in the performance
of an instrument. French for "study".
671

in fine
(i.f.)
in the end
At the end. The footnote says "p. 157 in fine": "the end of
page 157".
672

sub judice
under a judge
Said of a case that cannot be publicly discussed until it is
finished. Also sub iudice.
673

Christiano
s ad
leones
[Throw the] Christians to the lions!
674

chinoiserie
a decorative style in Western art,
furniture, and architecture, esp. in
18th century, characterized by the
use of Chinese motifs and

675

amoretto
a sweetheart, a love poem
676

credo quia
absurdum
est
I believe it because it is absurd.
Commonly used to mock the dogmatic beliefs of the religious. This phrase is
commonly shortened to credo quia absurdum, and is also sometimes
rendered credo quia impossibile est (I believe it because it is impossible) or,
as Darwin used it in his autobiography, credo quia incredibile

677

zeugma
a rhetorical figure by which a single
word is made to refer to two or
more words in a sentence.

678

foie gras
fatty liver; usually the liver of overfed goose, hence:
pt de foie gras, pt made from goose liver.
However, "foie gras" generally stands for "pat de
foie gras" as it is the most common way to use it.
679

in loco
parentis
in the place of a parent
A legal term meaning "assuming parental (i.e., custodial)
responsibility and authority". Primary and secondary
teachers are typically bound by law to act in loco parentis.
680

atman
Hinduism: the self as the subject
of individual consciousness, the
soul;

681

Coelum non
animum mutant
qui trans mare
currunt
Those who hurry across the sea change the sky
[upon them], not their souls or state of mind
Horace
Animum debes mutare, non caelum
(You must change [your] disposition, not [your] sky)--Seneca
682

amicus
curiae
friend of the court
A disinterested adviser who assists the court by drawing
attention to points that otherwise fail to be mentioned
683

agiotag
e
speculation in stocks; moneychanging business
684

coquette
a flirtatious girl
685

Qui facit per

alium, facit per
se.
The one who acts through another
acts in his or her own interests.

686

a gogo
in abundance, galore
687

disce quasi
semper
victurus vive
quasi cras
moriturus
Learn
as if always going to live;
live as if tomorrow going to die.
(St. Edmund of Abingdon)
688

crescit
eundo
It grows where it goes.
from Lucretius' De rerum natura book VI, where it refers in
context to the motion of a thunderbolt across the sky, which
acquires power and momentum as it goes.
689

us
praemunit
us
forewarned is forearmed
690

aetatis
of the age, at the age of
691

acta non
verba
actions, not words; motto of the United
States Merchant Marine Academy
692

beati pauperes
spiritu
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Vulgate, Matthew 5:3. The full quote is "beati pauperes spiritu quoniam
ipsorum est regnum caelorum" ("Blessed in spirit [are] the poor, for
theirs is the kingdom of the heavens" - one of the Beatitudes).
693

in foro
in forum
A legal term meaning in court.
694

argument
um ad
hominem
argument against the person
attacking the person, not what the person said
695

argument
um ad
odium
appeal to spite;
a fallacy in which someone attempts to win favor for an argument by
exploiting existing feelings of bitterness, spite, or Schadenfreude in
the opposing party. Instead of an argument being made with
supporting facts or evidence, the argument is made that you should
support a specific position simply out of spite.
696

argumentum
ad populum
argument to the people, the masses
a fallacious argument that concludes a proposition to be true because many or all
people believe it; it alleges, "If many believe so, it is so."
697

Argument
um ad
baculum
appeal to the cudgel
also known as appeal to force, is an argument where
force, coercion, or the threat of force, is given as a
justification for a conclusion.
698

Argumentum
ad
crumenam
argument to the purse
a logical fallacy of concluding that a statement is correct
because the speaker is rich (or that a statement is
incorrect because the speaker is poor).
699

argument
um ex
silentio
argument from silence
is generally a conclusion based on silence or lack of
contrary evidence
700

argumentum
ad
antiquitatem
appeal to tradition
a common logical fallacy in which a thesis is deemed correct on
the basis that it correlates with some past or present tradition.
701

argumentum
ad
captandum
argument for capturing the gullibility of
the nave among the listeners or
readers.
I think that all right-thinking people in this country are sick and tired of being told that
ordinary, decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired... I'm certainly
not! But I'm sick and tired of being told that I am.Monty Python
702

argumentum ad
consequentiam
argument to the consequences
an argument that concludes a premise (typically a belief) to be either true or false
based on whether the premise leads to desirable or undesirable consequences.
This is based on an appeal to emotion and is a form of logical fallacy, since the
desirability of a consequence does not address the truth value of the premise.
Moreover, in categorizing consequences as either desirable or undesirable,
such arguments inherently contain subjective points of view.
703

argumentum
ad lazarum
appeal to poverty
the logical fallacy of thinking a conclusion is correct because the speaker
is poor, or it's incorrect because the speaker is rich. It is named after
Lazarus, a beggar in a New Testament parable who receives his reward
in the afterlife.
704

argumentum
ad logicam
argument from fallacy
a logical fallacy which assumes that if an argument is
fallacious its conclusion must be false.
705

argumentum
ad
temperantia
m
argument to moderation
a logical fallacy which asserts that any given compromise between
two positions must be correct.
706

argumentum
ad metum
argument to fear
a fallacy in which a person attempts to create support for his or
her idea by using deception and propaganda in attempts to
increase fear and prejudice toward a competitor. The appeal to
fear is common in marketing and politics

707

argumentum ad
misericordiam
appeal to pity
a fallacy in which someone tries to win support for an argument or
idea by exploiting her or his opponent's feelings of pity or guilt.
708

Argumentum
ad nauseam
argument to the point of nausea
is an argument made repeatedly (possibly by different people) until
nobody cares to discuss it any more
709

argumentum
ad
novitatem
appeal to novelty
a fallacy in which someone prematurely claims that an idea or proposal is correct or superior,
exclusively because it is new and modern. In a controversy between status quo and new
inventions, an appeal to novelty argument isn't in itself a valid argument. The fallacy may
take two forms: overestimating the new and modern, prematurely and without
investigation assuming it to be best-case, or underestimating status quo, prematurely and
without investigation assuming it to be worst-case.
710

argumentum ad
verecundiam
argument from authority
a fallacy of defective induction, where it is argued that a statement is
correct because the statement is made by a person or source that
is commonly regarded as authoritative.
711

argumentum
ad hominem
tu quoque
argument to the personyou too!
refers to a claim that the source making the argument has spoken or acted in a way
inconsistent with the argument. In particular, if Source A criticizes the actions of
Source B, a tu quoque response is that Source A has acted in the same way. This
argument is fallacious because it does not disprove the argument; if the premise is
true then Source A may be a hypocrite, but this does not make the statement less
credible from a logical perspective.

712

sine ira
et studio
without anger and fondnessTacitus
Thus, impartially.

713

qui tacet
consenti
t
He who remains silent, consents

714

ad
rem
to the matter, to the point;
without digression
715

errare humanum
est, sed
perseverare
diabolicum
To err is human, but to persist
is diabolical.
716

alea iacta
est
the die is cast; said by Julius Caesar upon crossing
the Rubicon River in 49 BC. Denotes passing a point
of no return on a momentous decision and entering a
risky endeavor where the outcome is left to chance.
717

si quid novisti rectius

istis, candidus imperti;
si nil, his utere mecum.
"if you can better these principles, tell me; if not,
join me in following them
Horace
718

amor
omnibus
idem
love is the same for allVirgil
719

ad litem
to the lawsuit; a legal term referring to a party appointed
by a court to act in a lawsuit on behalf of another party
who is deemed incapable of representing himself.
720

hic sunt
dragone
s
here are the dragons
written on uncharted territories on maps
721

sine
nomine
(s.n.)
without a name
Used in bibliographies to indicate that the publisher of a
document is unknown.
722

in hoc
signo
vinces
in this sign you shall conquer
Words Constantine claimed to have seen in a vision before the
Battle of the Milvian Bridge. According to historians, the battle
marked the beginning of Constantine's conversion to Christianity.
723

sic gorgiamus
allos
subjectatos
nunc
we gladly feast on those who are
about to subdue us
Mock-Latin motto of the Addams Family
724

flectere si
nequeo superos,
achaeronta
movebo
If I cannot move heaven, I will
raise hell.
Virgil, Aeneid Book 7

725

ignis
internam
the fire within
726

sine
anno
(s.a.)
without a year
Used in bibliographies to indicate that the date of
publication of a document is unknown.
727

pulvis et
umbra
sumus
we are dust and shadow
From Horace, Carmina book IV, 7, 16.
728

lux et
veritas
light and truth
(motto of Harvard University)
729

floruit
(fl.)
one flourished
Indicates the period when a historical figure whose birth and death
dates are unknown was most active.
730

hic et nunc
here and now
731

["...", ...]
dixit
["...", ...] said
Used to attribute a statement or opinion to its author, rather
than the speaker.
732

Hannibal
ante
portas
Hannibal before the gates
Refers to wasting time while the enemy is already here. Attributed to
Cicero.
733

Hannibal
ad portas
Hannibal is at the gates.
Roman parents would tell their misbehaving children this, invoking
their fear of Hannibal.

734

de
oppresso
liber
free from having been oppressed
The motto of the United States Special Armed Forces.
735

ex novo
from new
said of something that has been built from scratch
736

Salvator
Mundi
savior of the world
737

Post hoc,
ergo propter
hoc
after this, therefore, because of
this
a logical fallacy where one assumes that one thing happening after
another thing means that the first thing caused the second.
738

ipse
dixit
He himself said it.

The term labels a statement asserted but not proved.

To be accepted on faith.
Commonly said in Medieval debates referring to Aristotle, who was considered the
supreme authority on matters of philosophy. Used in general to emphasize that
some assertion comes from some authority, i.e., as an argument from authority, and
the term ipse-dixitism has come to mean any unsupported rhetorical assertion that
lacks a logical argument. Originally coined by Cicero in his De Natura Deorum (I, 10)
to describe the behavior of the students of Pythagoras.
739

hora
somni (h.s.)
at the hour of sleep
at bedtime
740

pro forma
as a matter of form
Prescribing a set form or procedure, or performed in a set
manner.
741

morte magis
metuenda
senectus
Old age should be feared rather than
death.
Juvenal

742

Bildungsrom
an
novel of education
A coming-of-age kind of novel. It arose during the German Enlightenment, and in it,
the author presents the psychological, moral, and social shaping of the personality
of a usually young main character.
Course of action: (1) protagonist grows from child to adult, (2) protagonist embarks
on a journey, (3) a loss or some discontent must, at an early age, jar him away
from family and home, (4) the process of maturation is long, arduous, and gradual,
involving repeated clashes between the heros needs and desires and the views
and judgments enforced by an unbending social order, (5) eventually, the spirit
and values of the social order become manifest in the protagonist, who is
ultimately incorporated into society. The novel ends with the protagonists
assessment of himself and his new place in society.

743

fortes
fortuna
adiuvat
fortune favors the bold
744

sic semper
tyrannis
Thus always to tyrants
Shorter version from original sic semper evello mortem tyrannis ("thus always
death will come to tyrants"). Attributed to Brutus at the time of Julius Caesar's
assassination, and to John Wilkes Booth at the time of Abraham Lincoln's
assassination; whether it was actually said at either of these events is disputed
745

lapsus
linguae
slip of the tongue
A "proglossis", "tip of the tongue" or "apex of the tongue". Often used to mean
"linguistic error" or "language mistake". It and its written-word variant, lapsus
calami (slip of the pen) can sometimes refers to a typographical error as well.
Ex.: "I'm sorry for mispronouncing your name. It wasn't intentional; it was a
lapsus linguae".
746

vita incerta,
mors certissima

Life is uncertain, death is most

certain.

747

quantum
libet (q.l.)
as much as pleases
Medical shorthand for "as much as you wish".
748

quantum sufficit
(qs)
as much as is enough
Medical shorthand for as much as will suffice.
749

quaque hora
(qh)

every hour
750

quaque die
(qd)
every day
751

quaque mane
(qm)
"every morning"
752

quaque nocte
(qn)

"every night"
753

quater in
die
(qid)
four times a day
754

si vales
valeo
(SVV)
If you are well, I am well.
A common beginning for ancient Roman letters. Also extended
to si vales bene est ego valeo ("if you are well, that is good;
I am well"), abbreviated to SVBEEV. The practice fell out of
fashion and into obscurity with the decline in Latin literacy.
755

tempus
edax
rerum
Time, the devourer of things.
756

ex nihilo
nihil fit
nothing comes from nothing
From Lucretius, and said earlier by Empedocles. Its original meaning is 'work
is required to succeed', but its modern meaning is a more general
'everything has its origins in something' (cf. causality). It is commonly
applied to the conservation laws in philosophy and modern science. Ex
nihilo often used in conjunction with the term creation, as in creatio ex
nihilo, meaning 'creation, out of nothing'. It is often used in philosophy or
theology in connection with the proposition that God created the
universe from nothing. It is also mentioned in the final ad-lib of the Monty
Python song Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.
757

beatus homo
qui invenit
sapientiam
Blessed is the man who finds
wisdom.
From Proverbs 3:13

758

sic transit
gloria
mundi

Thus passes the glory of the world.

A reminder that all things are fleeting. During Papal Coronations, a monk reminds
the pope of his mortality by saying this phrase, preceded by pater sancte ("holy
father") while holding before his eyes a burning paper illustrating the passing
nature of earthly glories. This is similar to the tradition of a slave in Roman
triumphs whispering "memento mori".
759

nascentes
morimur
From the moment of birth we begin to
die.
760

ad libitum
at ones pleasure
As you wish; in drama, the quick-witted invention of dialogue to
cover a performers memory lapse is described as an ad-lib.

When the entire performance is predicated on spontaneous

creation, it is called improvisation.
761

lex artis
law of the skill
The rules that regulate a professional duty.
762

barba
tenus
sapientes
wise as far as the beard
From Gerhard Gerhards' (14661536) [better known as Erasmus]
collection of annotated Adagia (1508). In appearance wise, but not
necessarily so.
763

salvo errore
et omissione
(s.e.e.o.)
save for errors and omissions
764

primum
movens
the first cause
Philosophical and theological term used in the cosmological argument
for the existence of God.
Something which moves other things without itself being moved by
anything.

765

qui scribit
bis legit
He who writes reads twice
766

fiat justitia
ruat
caelum
Do justice, let the sky fall.
This maxim signifies the belief that justice must be realized
regardless of consequences.
767

Pax
vobiscum
Peace be with you.
768

beau geste
"beautiful gesture"
gracious gesture; also, a gesture noble in form but meaningless in
substance. in French: a selfless/generous/fair-play act.
769

primum
non
nocere
first, to do no harm
A medical precept. Often falsely attributed to the Hippocratic Oath, though its
true source is probably a paraphrase from Hippocrates' Epidemics, where he
wrote, "Declare the past, diagnose the present, foretell the future; practice
these acts. As to diseases, make a habit of two things: to help, or at least to
do no harm."
770

scientia ac
labore
knowledge through hard work
771

lex scripta
written law
statute law
772

lex non
scripta
unwritten law
common law
773

ex opere
operantis
from the work of the one working
A theological phrase meaning that the act of receiving a sacrament actually
confers the promised benefit, such as a baptism actually and literally
cleansing one's sins. The Catholic Church affirms that the source of grace is
God, not just the actions or disposition of the minister or the recipient of the
sacrament.
774

argentum
album
white silver; signifies silver
uncoined
775

vox
nihili
the voice of nothing
Applied to a useless or ambiguous phrase or statement.
776

Corpus
Juris Civilis
body of civil law
the modern name for a collection of fundamental works in
jurisprudence, issued from 529 to 534 by order of Justinian I,
Eastern Roman Emperor.

777

succubus
a demon in female form; a
demon, an evil spirit.

778

quem di
diligunt
adulescens
moritur
He whom the gods love dies young.
779

faber est suae

quisque fortunae
Every man is the maker of his
own fortune.
780

eudaimonia
good demon
Happiness or well-being consisting in the full realization of
human potential: esp. in rational activity exhibiting
excellence.
781

ex cathedra
from the chair
A phrase applied to the declarations or promulgations of the Pope when, in communion
with the college of cardinals, preserved from the possibility of error by the action of
the Holy Spirit (Papal infallibility), he solemnly declares or promulgates ("from the
chair" that was the ancient symbol of the teacher and of the governor, in this case of
the church) a dogmatic teaching on faith or morals as being contained in divine
revelation, or at least being intimately connected to divine revelation. Used, by
extension, of anyone who is perceived as speaking as though with supreme authority.
782

corpus
Christi
the body of Christ
783

novus
ordo
seclorum
new order of the ages

Appears on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States;

on the back of the dollar bill since 1935.
The motto was proposed for the Great Seal of the United
States, to signify the beginning of a new American era.

784

dolus
malus
fraud (legal term)
The full legal phrase is ex dolo malo non oritur actio ('an action does
not arise from fraud'). When an action has its origin in fraud or
deceit, it cannot be supported; thus, a court of law will not assist a
man who bases his course of action on an immoral or illegal act.
785

corruptus
in
extremis
corrupt in the extreme
Motto of the fictional Springfield Mayor Office in The Simpsons
TV-Show

786

annuit
coeptis
Someone favors the things being done
He (God) has favored our undertakings.
A phrase on the back of the dollar bill.

787

Bellum
omnium
contra
omnes
war of all against all
A phrase used by Thomas Hobbes to describe the state of nature.
788

ex gratia
from grace, from kindness
Refers to someone voluntarily performing an act purely out of kindness,
as opposed to for personal gain or from being forced to do it. In law,
an ex gratia payment is one made without recognizing any liability or
legal obligation.

789

cursum
perficio
My journey is over
Engraved on the path leading to the entrance to Marilyn Monroes last
home.

790

corpus
delicti
body of crime
A term from Western jurisprudence which refers to the principle
that it must be proven that a crime has been committed
before a person can be convicted of committing the crime.

791

Etiamsi
omnes, ego
non
Even if all others, I will
not.

792

corruptissima
re publica
plurimae leges
When the republic is at its most
corrupt the laws are most numerous.
Tacitus

793

bis dat qui

cito dat
He gives twice, who gives promptly
Thus a gift that is given quickly without hesitation is worth twice as much.

794

strophe
To turn
a stanza, or any less regular subdivision of a poem.
A strophe also forms the first part of the ode, followed by the antistrophe and epode.
In its original Greek setting, "strophe, antistrophe and epode were a kind of stanzas
framed only for the music," as John Milton wrote in the preface to Samson
Agonistes, with the strophe chanted by a Greek chorus as it moved from right to
left across the stage. In a more general sense, the strophe is a pair of stanzas of
alternating form on which the structure of a given poem is based, with the strophe
usually being identical with the stanza in modern poetry and its arrangement and
recurrence of rhymes giving it its character. But the Greeks called a combination of
verse-periods a system, giving the name "strophe" to such a system only when it
was repeated once or more in unmodified form.
795

dum vita
est, spes
est
While there is life, there is hope.
796

editio
princeps
first edition
797

reductio
ad
absurdam
reduction to the absurd

A method of proving the falsity of a premise by showing that the

logical consequence is absurd.
The process of reasoning that derives a contradiction from some
set of assumptions, and concludes that the set as a whole is
untenable, so that at least one of them is to be rejected.

798

combinatio
nova
(comb. nov.)
new combination
It is frequently abbreviated comb. nov.. It is used in the life sciences
literature when a new name is introduced, e.g. Klebsiella granulomatis
comb. nov..
799

reductio
ad
imposible
reduction to the impossible
Proof of a proposition which involves demonstrating that its
negation entails a contradiction. Since a contradiction
cannot be true, whatever entails it cannot be true.
800

ex
parte
from a part
A legal term meaning 'by one party' or 'for one party'. Thus, on behalf
of one side or party only.
801

contra
bonos
mores
against good morals
Offensive to the conscience and to a sense of justice.
802

procreatrix
Venus, the Roman goddess, who is
the life-giving force of the
natural world.

803

coram
publico
in view of the public
804

consequent
ia mirabilis
name given by medieval logicians to
the principle: If a statement follows
from its own negation it must be true.
805

caput
mundi
head of the world
Rome was the capital of the ancient world.
806

et mortuus est Dei

Filius prorsus
credibile quia
ineptum est
and the Son of God is dead: in short, it is credible because it is
unfittingTertullian
(meaning that it is so absurd to say that God's son has died that it would
have to be a matter of belief, rather than reason)
807

Bellum se
ipsum alet
war feeds itself
describe the military strategy of feeding and funding armies
primarily with the potentials of occupied territories. The
phrase, coined by Ancient Roman statesman Cato the Elder.
808

sanctum
sanctorum
the holy of holies in the Jewish
temple
809

abattoir
slaughterhouse
810

ex
hypothesi
from the hypothesis
811

bella gerant
alii
Protesilaus
amet!
Let others wage war. Protesilaus should love.
Originally from Ovid, Heroides 13.84, where Laodamia is writing to her husband
Protesilaus who is at the Trojan War. She begs him to stay out of danger, but
he was in fact the first Greek to die at Troy.
812

integument
um
covering
(integumentary system: the organ system that covers the body
and protects it)
813

Dominus
vobiscum
God be with you.
Phrase used during and at the end of Catholic sermons, and a general greeting form
among and towards members of Catholic organizations, such as priests and nuns.
814

ad quod
damnum
according to the harm
It is used in tort law as a measure of damage inflicted, and
implying a remedy, if one exists, ought to correspond
specifically and only to the damage suffered.
815

consensus
ad idem
meeting of the minds
816

nemine
contradicent
e (nem. con.)
with no contradiction
with no one speaking against; without dissent
Used in committees, where a matter may be passed nem.
com., or unanimously.
817

ex abundantia
cordis os loquitur
out of the abundance of the
heart, the mouth speaketh

818

ex ante
from before
based on prior assumptions, prediction
819

orbis non
sufficit
the world does not suffice
Juvenal
820

docendo
disco,
scribendo
cogito
I learn by teaching, I think by writing.
821

Dominus
illuminatio
mea
The Lord is my light.

Dominus illuminatio mea is the motto of the University of Oxford and the opening words of Psalm 27, meaning
The Lord is my light. It has been in use at least since the second half of the 16th century, and it appears on the
University's arms.
A remarkable article by Ivan Illich may help to better understand the possible role of this mention to God on
ancient university arms, at the very moment that scientists were progressively replacing the concept of vision as
a gaze radiating from the pupil by the retinal perception of an image formed by reflected sunlight:
"the relationship of things to God "who is light" must be understood. (The thirteenth century) is suffused by
the idea that the world rests in God's hands, that it is contingent on Him. This means that at every instant
everything derives its existence from his continued creative act. Things radiate by virtue of their constant
dependence on this creative act. They are alight by the God-derived luminescence of their truth."
822

collige
virgo rosas
Pick, girl, the roses.
exhortation to enjoy youth
823

camera
obscura
dark chamber
An optical device used in drawing, and an ancestor of modern photography. The
source of the word camera.
824

do ut des
I give that you may give.
Often said or written for sacrifices, when one "gives" and
expects something back from the gods.
825

idee fixe
fixed idea
obsession, fixed attitude; fixation on an idea
826

Caritas
Christi
the love of Christ
It implies a command to love as Christ loved.
827

oculus dexter
(O.D.)
right eye
828

oculus sinister
(O.S.)
left eye
829

calix meus
inebrians
My cup makes me drink.
830

quietus est
he is quit; formal resignation
831

compos
mentis
in control of the mind
Describes someone of sound mind. Sometimes used ironically. Also a legal principle, non
compos mentis (not in control of one's faculties), used to describe an insane person.

832

tu autem
you indeed
Also "even you" or "yes, you", in response to a person's belief that
he will never die. A memento mori epitaph.
833

ultima ratio
last resort, last method
The last resort. Short form for the metaphor "The Last Resort
of Kings and Common Men" referring to the act of declaring
war. Louis XIV of France had Ultima Ratio Regum ("last
argument of kings") engraved on the cannons of his armies.
834

ex
professo
with due competence
Said of the person who perfectly knows his art or science.
835

ter in die
(t.i.d.)
three times a day
836

rara
avis
rare bird
a rare person, exceptional person
837

dulce
periculum
Danger is sweet.
Horace, Odes III, 25, 16. Motto of the Scottish clan MacAulay.
838

genu
flectere
to bend the knee
Bending at least one knee to the ground was from earlier
times a gesture of deep respect to a superior
839

obscuris vera
involvens
the truth being enveloped by obscure
things

840

dulce et
utile
sweet and useful
Horace wrote in his Ars Poetica that poetry must be dulce et utile
(pleasant and profitable), both enjoyable and instructive.
841

non omnis
moriar
"Not all of me will die"
a phrase expressing the belief that a part of the speaker will
survive beyond death.
842

habemus
papam
we have a pope
Used after a Roman Catholic Church papal election to announce
publicly a successful ballot to elect a new pope.
843

cuncti adsint
meritaeque
expectent praemia
palmae
let all come who by merit
deserve the most reward
844

nouvelle
vague
new wave
A blanket term coined by critics for a group of French
filmmakers of the late 1950s and 1960s
Self-conscious rejection of classical cinematic form and their
spirit of youthful iconoclasm
845

cum hoc ergo

propter hoc
with this, therefore because of this
correlation does not imply causation; phrase used in science and statistics
to emphasize that correlation between two variables does not
automatically imply that one causes the other
846

sacerdos
priest
Sacerdotalism: the idea that propitiatory sacrifice for sin must
be offered by the intervention of an order of me separated to
the priesthood. A priest presents sacred offerings.
847

condemnant
quod non
intellegunt
They condemn what they do not
understand.
848

obiter
dictum
A thing said in passing.
in law, an observation by a judge on some point of law not directly
relevant to the case before him, and thus neither requiring his
decision nor serving as a precedent, but nevertheless of
persuasive authority. In general, any comment, remark or
observation made in passing
849

non scholae,
sed vitae
discimus
We do not learn for the school, but for life.
meaning that one should not gain knowledge and skill to please a teacher or
master, but because of the benefits they will gain in their life. Often used as a
motto and shortened: Non scholae, sed vitae. It is a lamentation by the
Roman philosopher and playwright Seneca, in reproaching armchair
philosophers.
850

ductus
exemplo
leadership by example
This is the motto for the United States Marine Corps' Officer Candidates
School located at Marine Corps Base Quantico; Quantico, Virginia.

851

Glorius in
Excelsis Deo
Glory to God in the highest
852

nec spe,
nec
metu

without hope, without fear

motto of Caravaggio
853

in omnibus
requiem quaesivi,
et nusquam inveni
nisi in angulo cum
libro
Everywhere I have searched for peace and
nowhere found it, except in a corner with a
book.
854
Thomas A Kempis

inter alia
(i.a.)
among other things
A term used in formal extract minutes to indicate that the minute
quoted has been taken from a fuller record of other matters, or
when alluding to the parent group after quoting a particular
example.

855

dulce bellum
inexpertis
war is sweet to the inexperienced
War may seem pleasant to those who have never been involved in it, though the
more experienced know better. A phrase from Erasmus in the 16th century.
856

odium
theologicum
theological hatred
the name originally given to the often intense anger and hatred generated by
disputes over theology. It has also been adopted to describe non-theological
disputes of a rancorous nature.
The skeptic philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell argued that the
antidote to odium theologicum is science, which he characterized as dealing
purely with fact, devoid of any personal commitment.
The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there is no
good evidence either way. Persecution is used in theology, not in arithmetic,
because in arithmetic there is knowledge, but in theology there is only
opinion
857

dulce et
decorum est
pro patria mori
It is sweet and honorable to die
for the fatherland.
From Horace, Odes III, 2, 13. Used by Wilfred Owen for the title of a
poem about World War I
858

nunquam
minus solus
quam cum
solus
Never less alone than when alone.
859

duae tabulae
rasae in quibus
nihil scriptum
est
Two blank slates with nothing
written upon them.
Stan Laurel, inscription for the fan club logo of The Sons of the
Desert.
860

Nasciturus pro iam

nato habetur,
quotiens de
commodis eius
agitur

"The unborn is deemed to have been born to the

extent that its own benefits are concerned".
Notable cases of the application of this maxim include John I of France, the short-lived
posthumous son of King Louis X, who inherited the throne in utero and, once born, reigned for
the five days of his life. Similarly, when Queen Victoria inherited the British throne, her
accession proclamation specified that her inheritance was "...saving the rights of any issue of
his late Majesty King William IV, which may be born of his late Majesty's consort" Queen
Adelaide, since any such unborn offspring would have had a prior claim to the throne and
displace Victoria as monarch.
861

dum Roma
deliberat
Saguntum
perit
while Rome debates, Saguntum is in danger
Used when someone has been asked for urgent help, but responds with no immediate action.
Similar to Hannibal ante portas, but referring to a less personal danger.
862

omnibus
locis fit
caedes
Let there be slaughter
everywhere.
Julius Caesar The Gallic War
863

geometria
measure of the land
864

addere
to add
865

subtrahere
to take away
866

multiplicare
to make many fold
867

dividere
to divide
868

plus
more
869

minus
less
870

angulus
angle
871

tri angulus
three angles
872

rectus
angulus
right angle
873

quadrilater
us
four sides
874

numerus
number
875

radius
rod, staff
876

diametros
measure through
877

exquadare
to square
878

per
pendere
to hang through
879

circum ferre
to carry around
880

tangere
to touch
881

diagonalis
through angles
882

quadrans
fourth part
883

frangere
to break
884

obtundere
to make blunt
885

acuere
to sharpen
886

cylindrus
cylinder
887

hypotensu
a
something stretched under
the longest side of a right triangle
888

cuius
regio, eius
religio
whose region, his religion
889

noli turbare
circulos
meos
Do not disturb my circles!
That is, "Don't upset my calculations!" Said by Archimedes to
a Roman soldier who, despite having been given orders not
to, killed Archimedes at the conquest of Syracuse, Sicily.
The soldier was executed for his act.
890

cucullus non
facit monachum
The hood does not make the monk.
891

cuiusvis hominis
est errare, nullius
nisi insipientis in
errore
perseverare
Anyone can err, but only the fool
persists in his error.
892

nemo nisi per

amicitiam
cognoscitur
No one learns except by friendship.
Used to imply that one must like a subject in order to study it.
893

sine scientia
ars nihil est
without knowledge skill is nothing
894

la petite
mort
the little death
895