Phrontistery
Phrontistery
Phrontistery --a word my pompous nature prompts me to use more often than simpler words such as school, college, university and institute-- is where one studies. While checking its etymology, I was surprised by American Heritage, my sure etymological compendium on the Web, not listing the word as an entry.
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Re: Phrontistery
Straight from ancient Greek phrontisterion, a 'thinking shop'. This was a joke-word invented by the playwright Aristophanes to ridicule the philosopher Socrates and his pupils. 'Hence applied to modern educational institutions', says the OED, with tongue in cheek.Phrontistery --a word my pompous nature prompts me to use more often than simpler words such as school, college, university and institute-- is where one studies. While checking its etymology, I was surprised by American Heritage, my sure etymological compendium on the Web, not listing the word as an entry.
Thanks, Andrew, for pointing me in the right direction on this word!
ApoPhrontisterion
phrontisterion: fron'tis-te-rion, n. a Think-tank [Gr. from phrontes a thinker; called by Aristophanes to school of Socrates]
PHRONTISTERION
'Experiments are the only means of knowledge at our disposal. The rest is poetry, imagination.' -Max Planck
Apo, the link you provided reminded me of the current disconsolate thread (and other past discussions):
"Doctor, I am plagued with chronic sorrows and exhausted from my worries. Is there anything that can help?"
"After reviewing your medical history, and--most importantly--your insurance coverage, I am afraid that the phronosis is poor."
-gailr
Thank you, folks, I'll be here all week. Be sure to tip your waiters.
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