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October 1, 2026
Oct 1, 2026
Word
inanition
noun
Definition
  1. the exhausted condition that results from lack of food and water
  2. the absence or loss of social, moral, or intellectual vitality or vigor
Example
The playwright explained that his work reflected the lethargy and inanition of the age.
Origin
"Inanition" describes a state of suffering from either a literal emptiness (of sustenance) or a metaphorical emptiness (of interest or energy). So it will probably come as no surprise to you to learn that the word ultimately derives from the same idea in Latin. "Inanition," which first appeared in Middle English in the 14th century as "in-anisioun," can be traced back to the Latin verb "inanire," meaning "to make empty," which in turn comes from "inanis" (meaning "empty" or "inane"). Incidentally, the English word "inane" was adopted in the mid-17th century directly from "inanis."
Webster's Dictionary
Idiom
bald as a coot
Extremely bald, usually applied to a person. The coot is a water bird with a white bill that extends to its forehead, making it appear to be bald. The simile was first recorded in 1430.
The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms
Fun facts
  1. The planet Saturn's density is lower than water; in fact, it would float if placed in water.
  2. A lemon contains more sugar than a strawberry.
Snapple's under-the-cap 'Real Facts'
Artist
Sonia Delaunay
Nov 14, 1885 - Dec 5, 1979

Sonia Delaunay was a Ukrainian-born Russian artist, who spent most of her working life in Paris. She formally trained in Russia and Germany before moving to France and expanding her practice to include textile, fashion, and set design. She co-founded the Orphism art movement, noted for its use of strong colours and geometric shapes, with her husband Robert Delaunay and others. She was the first living female artist to have a retrospective exhibition at the Louvre in 1964, and in 1975 was named an officer of the French Legion of Honor.

Her work in modern design included the concepts of geometric abstraction, and the integration of furniture, fabrics, wall coverings, and clothing into her art practice.

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Wikipedia, Google Arts & Culture
Historical figure
George Washington
Feb 22, 1732 - Dec 14, 1799

George Washington was an American political leader, military general, statesman, and founding father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Previously, he led Patriot forces to victory in the nation's War for Independence. He presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which established the U.S. Constitution

and a federal government. Washington has been called the "Father of His Country" for his manifold leadership in the formative days of the new nation.

Washington received his initial military training and command with the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War. He was later elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses and was named a delegate to the Continental Congress, where he was appointed Commanding General of the Continental Army. He commanded American forces, allied with France, in the defeat and surrender of the British during the Siege of Yorktown. He resigned his commission after the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

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Wikipedia, Google Arts & Culture
Historic event
Hindenburg disaster

The Hindenburg disaster occurred on May 6, 1937, in Manchester Township, New Jersey, United States. The German passenger airship LZ 129 Hindenburg caught fire and was destroyed during its attempt to dock with its mooring mast at Naval Air Station Lakehurst. There were 35 fatalities from the 97 people on board, and an additional fatality on the ground.

The disaster was the subject of newsreel coverage, photographs, and Herbert Morrison's recorded radio eyewitness reports from the landing field, which were broadcast the next day. A variety of hypotheses have been put forward for both the cause of ignition and the initial fuel for the ensuing fire. The event shattered public confidence in the giant, passenger-carrying rigid airship and marked the abrupt end of the airship era.

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Wikipedia, Google Arts & Culture