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Phrontistery
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 6:01 am
by Flaminius
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.
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 7:07 am
by Apoclima
Wow! Never hear that before! Does it come anywhere close to Phreno- ?
Apo
Re: Phrontistery
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:05 am
by Andrew Dalby
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.
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.
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:32 pm
by Apoclima
Thanks, Andrew, for pointing me in the right direction on this word!
Phrontisterion
phrontisterion: fron'tis-te-rion, n. a Think-tank [Gr. from phrontes a thinker; called by Aristophanes to school of Socrates]
PHRONTISTERION
Apo
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 4:11 pm
by tcward
Phrontistery reminds me of
this site.
-Tim
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 4:35 pm
by Apoclima
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:44 pm
by Flaminius
Schizophenia,
hebephrenia, phrase and frenzy too.
They are ultimately come from PIE
gwhren.
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 10:34 pm
by gailr
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.