Word of the Day, August 19, 2022

[ ] August 19, 2022 Word of the Day [amylum]( [Discuss]( Definition: (noun) A complex carbohydrate found chiefly in seeds, fruits, tubers, roots and stem pith of plants, notably in corn, potatoes, wheat, and rice. Synonyms: [starch]( Usage: She was on a strict diet and avoided foods with high levels of amylum, sugar, and saturated fat. Missing Idiom Contest The Free Dictionary has the largest collection of English idioms in the world. But we're always looking for more to add, and we want your help! Every so often we hear from users who have looked up an idiom on The Free Dictionary that it was not found in the database. Maybe it was some expression they heard at work, or some phrase they grew up hearing their grandmother say. If you know an idiom that isn't already defined on The Free Dictionary, [send it to us]( and you might win $150 USD. Complete English Punctuation Rules [Complete English Punctuation Rules] An Amazon Best Seller! The only punctuation guide with simple, easy-to-remember rules for how to use—and not use—every punctuation mark. ✔ Side-by-side examples of both correct and incorrect punctuation. ✔ Quizzes after every topic to help you retain what you learn. [Buy now](as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=farlex-el-20) Idiom of the Day [a lot on (one's) plate]( — A lot to do. [More...]( Article of the Day The Sistine Chapel [Discuss]( The Sistine Chapel is located in the Palace of the Vatican, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. It was built between 1473 and 1481 and is known for its artwork—especially the ceiling paintings by Michelangelo. Attracted to ambitious sculptural projects—which he did not always complete—Michelangelo agreed to the project reluctantly. His confidence grew in time, and he devoted his last 30 years to The Last Judgment fresco in the chapel. For whom is the Sistine Chapel named? [More...]( Daily Grammar Lesson Reflexive Pronouns [Discuss]( Although not technically considered personal pronouns, reflexive pronouns are very similar in form and use. When are reflexive pronouns used? [More...]( This Day in History Afghanistan Gains Independence from United Kingdom (1919) [Discuss]( After becoming the major power on the Indian subcontinent in the late 18th century, the British Empire sought to secure northern approaches to India against expanding Russian influence in the region. In doing so, Britain essentially transformed Afghanistan into a buffer state, subjecting it to several wars before finally relinquishing control of its foreign affairs. Subsequent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan can be traced to what border drawn by the British during this period? [More...]( Today's Birthday John Dryden (1631) [Discuss]( Dryden was an English poet, dramatist, and critic who so dominated the literary scene in Restoration England that the era is called the "Age of Dryden." His Heroic Stanzas, commemorating the death of Oliver Cromwell, brought him fame in 1659, and his poetry celebrating the Restoration earned him the title of poet laureate in 1668. His later work includes poems Absalom and Achitophel and Mac Flecknoe. What controversial grammar rule—still debated today—is credited to Dryden? [More...]( Today's Holiday Jeshn [Discuss]( Jeshn is a celebration of [Afghanistan's independence]( from British control that has been observed throughout the country but with special ceremonies in [Kabul](. The [Treaty of Rawalpindi]( signed on August 8, 1919, gave Afghanistan the right to conduct its own foreign affairs. It was the formal conclusion of the Third Anglo-Afghan War, which actually ended in May 1919, but August is a slack agricultural period and therefore a time when more people can celebrate a holiday. The holiday has been observed with parades, dancing, games, music, and speeches by government figures. [More...]( Quote of the Day [Discuss]( She plucked from my lapel the invisible strand of lint (the universal act of woman to proclaim ownership). [O Henry]( (1862-1910) Mobile apps from TheFreeDictionary.com [The Free Dictionary Classic Free App] The classic free version, downloaded more than 6 million times! - Multiple dictionaries, encyclopedias, and thesauruses in one place. - 14 languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Norwegian, Greek, Arabic, Polish, Turkish, and Russian. - Online translations of English into more than 40 languages, plus dozens of other translation options. 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