This quote is the reason for my query:
“Novels so often provide an anodyne and not an antidote, glide one into torpid slumbers instead of rousing one with a burning brand.” ~Virginia Woolf, English author, essayist, publisher, and writer of short stories, (1882-1941)~
tor·pid (tôrpd)
adj.
1. Deprived of the power of motion or feeling; benumbed.
2. Dormant; hibernating.
3. Lethargic; apathetic
Then I had one last question: Does this word have anything to do with the word torpedo, and if so, how can one so slow, torpid, become one so fast, torpedo?
Thanks,
Sardith
torpid
torpid
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”
~Mark Twain, [pen name for Samuel Clemens], American author and humorist, (1835-1910)~
~Mark Twain, [pen name for Samuel Clemens], American author and humorist, (1835-1910)~
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- Great Grand Panjandrum
- Posts: 3333
- Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2007 12:41 pm
- Location: RUSTON, LA
- Contact:
Good eye! They both come from the same root with etymology including a reference to the electric ray fish which stings and thus renders torpid. Torpedo first used in RRs to refer to a charge placed on the tracks to alert trains to an approaching problem. I would guess the sting of the underwater ray affected its use as the underwater bomb along with the rigidity of the cigar shaped tube.
pl
torpid
Why thank you.
I have been told that my eyes are one of my best features.
I know. I couldn't resist...ugh.
I have been told that my eyes are one of my best features.
I know. I couldn't resist...ugh.
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”
~Mark Twain, [pen name for Samuel Clemens], American author and humorist, (1835-1910)~
~Mark Twain, [pen name for Samuel Clemens], American author and humorist, (1835-1910)~
torpid
Audiendus,
Can you find an emoticon for the emotional outburst of frustration most commonly expressed by the word: 'Arghh'!
That's the one I wish was available many times.
Sardith :^/
Can you find an emoticon for the emotional outburst of frustration most commonly expressed by the word: 'Arghh'!
That's the one I wish was available many times.
Sardith :^/
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”
~Mark Twain, [pen name for Samuel Clemens], American author and humorist, (1835-1910)~
~Mark Twain, [pen name for Samuel Clemens], American author and humorist, (1835-1910)~
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- Great Grand Panjandrum
- Posts: 3333
- Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2007 12:41 pm
- Location: RUSTON, LA
- Contact:
Meanwhile, Sardith of Fresno, I met a couple visiting from Bakersfield today, and for a couple of years we lived between the two in Tulare, while I worked out of Visalia. Small world, getting smaller. We may all need to learn a universal language. Catholic church was smart getting all priest to speak Latin.
pl
torpid
Thanks, Audiendus, but I'm probably asking for the moon, since my 'Arghh' is not so much an angry frustration, but one where I might follow up the 'Arghh', with a sigh and a, "Typical," if that sounds familiar to anyone else.
Perry,
Yes, very small world! Hope you enjoyed your visit.
Sardith
Perry,
Yes, very small world! Hope you enjoyed your visit.
Sardith
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”
~Mark Twain, [pen name for Samuel Clemens], American author and humorist, (1835-1910)~
~Mark Twain, [pen name for Samuel Clemens], American author and humorist, (1835-1910)~
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