-vulse

A discussion of word histories and origins.
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gailr
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-vulse

Postby gailr » Sun Aug 12, 2007 11:34 pm

avulsion
NOUN: 1. The forcible tearing away of a body part by trauma or surgery. 2. The sudden movement of soil from one property to another as a result of a flood or a shift in the course of a boundary stream.

ETYMOLOGY: Latin āvellere, āvuls-, to tear off : ā-, ab-, away; see ab–1 + vellere, to pull.
compare to

convulsion
NOUN: 1. An intense, paroxysmal, involuntary muscular contraction. 2. An uncontrolled fit, as of laughter; a paroxysm. 3. Violent turmoil: “The market convulsions of the last few weeks have shaken the world” (Felix Rohatyn).

ETYMOLOGY: Latin convellere, convuls-, to pull violently : com-, intensive pref.; see com– + vellere, to pull.
compare to

revulsion
NOUN: 1. A sudden strong change or reaction in feeling, especially a feeling of violent disgust or loathing. 2. A withdrawing or turning away from something. 3. Medicine Counterirritation used to reduce inflammation or increase the blood supply to the affected area.

ETYMOLOGY: Latin revulsiō, revulsiōn-, from revulsus, past participle of revellere, to tear back : re-, re- + vellere, to tear.

gailr
puts a new spin on the phrase 'pulling one's leg'

Perry
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Postby Perry » Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:04 pm

I would certainly feel revulsed if someone tried to avulse any of my body parts.
"Time is nature's way of keeping everything from happening all at once. Lately it hasn't been working."
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