Word of the Day, May 15, 2023

May 15, 2023 [The Free Dictionary]( Word of the Day [cistron]( [Discuss]( Definition: (noun) A section of DNA that contains the genetic code for a single polypeptide and functions as a hereditary unit. Synonyms: [gene]( [factor]( Usage: When cistrons are located in reproductive cells, they pass their information to the next generation. Missing Idiom Contest The Free Dictionary has the largest collection of English idioms in the world. But we are 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 Grammar Rules [Complete English Grammar Rules] An Amazon Best Seller! Finally, all the rules of English grammar, all in one book, explained in simple terms. ✔ 500+ pages of proper grammar instruction—2X more information than the leading grammar book! ✔ Hundreds of quizzes and thousands of example sentences. [Buy now]( Idiom of the Day [above the salt]( — Of or in a position of high standing, rank, regard, or repute. The term is derived from the social hierarchy of nobility in medieval times, in which salt, a precious commodity then, was set in the middle of the dining table. Those of high noble rank were seated "above the salt," that is, closer to the lord and lady of the house, while those in lower social standing were seated "below" it. ["More...]( [Idiom video]( Article of the Day The Black Death [Discuss]( The Black Death was a form of bubonic plague that was pandemic throughout Europe, the Middle East, and much of Asia in the 14th century. Thought to have been caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, it killed between one-third and half of Europe's population and at least 75 million people worldwide. Recently, it has been argued that the Black Death was not caused by bubonic plague, at all, but by what? [More...]( Daily Grammar Lesson Evaluative Adverbs that Indicate Attitude [Discuss]( There are several types of evaluative adverbs, which can be classified according to their function. We can use evaluative adverbs to make our attitude about something clear. "Frankly" is an evaluative adverb that we can use in this way. What are others? [More...]( This Day in History Diego Marín Aguilera Makes Early Attempt at Flight (1793) [Discuss]( Inspired by the eagles he saw while out in the fields, Spanish inventor and aviation pioneer Diego Marín Aguilera built a flying machine from wood, iron, cloth, and feathers whose design was based on his observations of birds of prey. His attempt to fly the vehicle was somewhat successful—he reportedly reached a height of about 20 ft (6 m) and glided some distance—but he crash-landed when the device suffered a structural failure. What did the locals do when they learned of his invention? [More...]( Today's Birthday Wavy Gravy (1936) [Discuss]( Born Hugh Romney, Wavy Gravy is a peace activist known for his whimsical hippie appearance and clown persona. After being repeatedly arrested at political demonstrations, he adopted his flamboyant look in the hopes that police officers would be less likely to arrest someone dressed as a clown. Gravy was a master of ceremonies during the first Woodstock Festival and the two subsequent events and is now the official clown of the Grateful Dead. Who gave him his unusual moniker? [More...]( Today's Holiday Race of the Ceri [Discuss]( The Race of the Ceri (Candles) held in [Gubbio]( Umbria, Italy, every May 15 is thought by some to have originated in pre-Christian times because its date coincides with the Ides of May in the [pagan]( calendar, but the better-founded explanation is that it commemorates the city's patron, [St. Ubaldo Baldassini](. The candles for which the event is named are heavy, tower-like structures reinforced with iron bands. These are taken in procession to the Piazza dei Consoli; then, upon a signal, the bearers run with the candles up to the top of Mount Ingino, where they are offered to St. Ubaldo. [More...]( Quote of the Day [Discuss]( It is greater than the stars - that moving procession of human energy; greater than the palpitating earth and the things growing thereon. 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