Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
1 day ago
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day for April 13, 2023 is:
MacGyver • muh-GHYE-ver • verb
To MacGyver something is to make, form, or repair it with materials that are conveniently on hand.
// Social media websites are full of videos that show people MacGyvering everything from a life jacket out of a pair of pants to a stove using three metal cans and some dirt.
See the entry >
Examples:
“The artist [Mimi Park] MacGyvered her small-scale sonic, kinetic, and fog-emitting bricolages, which are variously activated by the viewer’s presence or a timer, using a combination of found objects, toys, motors, sensors, and craft materials.” — Cassie Packard, Hyperallergic.com, 14 Mar. 2022
Did you know?
Angus MacGyver, as portrayed by actor Richard Dean Anderson in the titular, action-packed television series MacGyver, was many things—including a secret agent, a Swiss Army knife enthusiast, and a convert to vegetarianism—but he was no MacGuffin (a character that keeps the plot in motion despite lacking intrinsic importance). In fact, so memorable was this man, his mullet, and his ability to use whatever was available to him—often simple things, such as a paper clip, chewing gum, or a rubber band—to escape a sticky situation or to make a device to help him complete a mission, that people began associating his name with making quick fixes or finding innovative solutions to immediate problems. Hence the verb MacGyver, a slang term meaning to “make, form, or repair (something) with what is conveniently on hand.” After years of steadily increasing and increasingly varied usage following the show’s run from 1985 to 1992 (tracked in some detail here), MacGyver was added to our online dictionary in 2022.
“I want my…I want my…I want my ATV.”
Okay, so that’s not exactly how the lyrics to Dire Straits’ hit “Money for Nothing” go, but there are still some hams who might subconsciously change the words in this manner to highlight their favorite, if not less popular, operating mode.
Earlier this month OnAllBands featured the new Icom IC-905, an all-mode QRP transceiver covering 144/1430/1200/2400/5600MHz and 10GHz, including the D-STAR DV/DD mode and FM ATV (analog Amateur Television) with included AV input/output ports. You can make your IC-905 reservation today at DXEngineering.com to be one of the first to own this groundbreaking rig, the first of its kind to offer the capability of operating up to 10 GHz with the optional CX-10G Transverter (sold separately).
With the introduction of the IC-905, we thought this was a good opportunity to briefly discuss a partner of Amateur Radio known as analog Amateur Television, also called HAM TV or Fast-Scan TV. This ham radio mode has been around for decades (early experiments can be traced back to the mid-1920s). It uses the amateur bands to send and receive video/audio transmissions. The IC-905 is suited for FM ATV, which is typically used on frequencies above 1.24 GHz—the mode’s wideband transmissions can be handled there thanks to the sufficient bandwidth. ATV signals are more commonly transmitted in AM or vestigial sideband NTSC (North American analog TV broadcast modulation standard). Popular operating bands are 2m, 70cm, 23m, and 33cm, which is the lowest frequency that will allow for quality FM ATV operation.
The Fast-Scan (FSTV) type of ATV enables hams to send short-distance, real-time video and audio transmissions on UHF and microwave bands. FCC regulations forbid FSTV transmissions below 420 MHz. The good news: only a Technician Class license is required to send ATV transmissions.
Slow-Scan TV (SSTV), accomplished on the HF bands, is limited to long-distance still-photo transmissions of, well, less-than-glossy-magazine quality. Here’s an example of an extremely cool SSTV image sent two years ago from the International Space Station:
Over the years, hams have found a number of uses for FSTV, from showing off their shacks to discussing homebrew projects in full color with sound. EMCOMM applications include transmitting pictures of impending storms or damage. You’ll find a great deal of information online about what you’ll need to assemble an ATV setup. Experienced ATVers will tell you that you can get on 70cm ATV for a modest investment if you have a keen eye for bargain-hunting.
While ATV represents a small niche of ham radio, there are a number of operators dedicated to promoting this aspect of the hobby, including those in the Amateur Radio Television Network. The network started as a single repeater in Southern California and branched out to other states. Visit their website for a list of member chapters, repeaters, videos, events, and useful links to other ATV groups nationwide.
Also check out this link to a video from the 10th DATV QSO Party from August 2022. DATV stands for Digital Amateur Television, which we’ll spotlight in a future post.
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The huge Amazon Alexa hit Word of the Day is now available as a podcast!
Word of the Day teaches you a useful word, its definition, etymology, and gives you examples of how to use it in a sentence. A new word each and every day! Perfect for those looking to expand their vocabulary, learning English and looking for a boost and anyone who loves words.
The huge Amazon Alexa hit Word of the Day is now available as a podcast!
Word of the Day teaches you a useful word, its definition, etymology, and gives you examples of how to use it in a sentence. A new word each and every day! Perfect for those looking to expand their vocabulary, learning English and looking for a boost and anyone who loves words.
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- 14 APR 2023
Chevelure
Chevelure
Chevelure is a noun that refers to a head of hair.
Coming almost directly from French, our word of the day has been used as a sophisticated way of referring to a person’s hair since the 15th century. Here’s an example:
I have to admit that Genevieve looked stunning when she entered the ballroom. Not only was she decked out in a long, flowing evening gown, but that chevelure on top of her head made her look like royalty.
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- 13 APR 2023
Commination
Commination
Commination is a noun that means the actin of threatening divine vengeance.
Derived from late Middle English, our word of the day combines the Latin prefix C-O-M, meaning expressing intensive force with the latin verb minari (me NAR ee) meaning to threaten.
Our word of the day is often used in a biblical or spiritual context in reference to a divine creature threatening to punish sinners, but it may also be used metaphorically. Here’s an example:
When our boss threatened to dock the pay of anyone who left work early, it seemed to come from the loudspeakers like the voice of God. One thing for sure: the commination kept everybody at work until the final whistle.
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- 12 APR 2023
Prolegomenon
Prolegomenon
Prolegomenon is a noun that refers to an introduction to a book.
Coming from the 17th century, our word of the day combines the Latin prefix P-R-O which means ‘before’ and the Latin word legein (lay JEN) meaning ‘to read.’ Before you read the actual content of a book, you read its introduction, or its prolegomenon.
I loved that book I recently read on the modern problem of short attention spans, but I had to skip past that prolegomenon. I guess my attention span was just too short to endure a long, boring introduction.
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- 11 APR 2023
Antidromic
Antidromic
Antidromic is an adjective that means traveling in a direction that is the opposite of normal.
Coming from Greek, our word of the day combines the prefix A-N-T-I, meaning ‘against.’ and the word dromos (DRO mose) which means ‘running.’ It’s a fairly recent addition to English, having just arrived in the early 20th century.
I often find that jogging in the opposite direction from my usual path is a good way to keep me on my toes. All that antidromic movement, if nothing else keeps things from getting boring.
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- 10 APR 2023
Manuduction
Manuduction
Manuduction is a noun that refers to the act of guiding or leading as if by hand.
Our word of the day combines the Latin word manus (MAN oose) meaning ‘hand’ and ductio (DUCK she oh) which means ‘to lead.’ Together they get the word that means ‘to lead by hand.’ Here’s an example of manuduction in use:
I was completely lost on my first day of work at the toy store. I needed someone to lead me by hand through all the inventory, but unfortunately no such manuduction was available.
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- 9 APR 2023
Disconsolate
Disconsolate
Disconsolate is an adjective that means without consolation or comfort.
Our word of the day is derived from the Latin word consolari (con so LAR ay) meaning, ’to console’ and the prefix D-I-S, which means ‘not.’ When someone is disconsolate, they cannot be consoled.
Fred was disconsolate after his team’s loss last Sunday. I tried to cheer him up with the news that at least my team won. But for some reason, that did nothing to ease his sadness.