This sub-section is the hotspot for any and all words with which individuals are not normally familiar. For example, defenestration is the action of throwing a person or object out a window. Please provide properly spelled words with accurate corresponding definitions.

Defenestrate Microsoft!

Where would you find a window big enough...?

Easy, the program itself is HUGE :)

What is the official term for evolutionary atavism?

The synonym for the adjectives immune and non-susceptible (or more accurately, insusceptible) is refractory. This especially applies to the synopsis in The Outer Limits' Season Two's "Straight & Narrow" sub-section.

What's another word for thesaurus?
What's another word for synonym?

What is the official term for evolutionary atavism?

Teleology, right?

(I got a 710 verbal score on the GRE... ;))

Smorgasbord means a heterogeneous mixture.
Schadenfreude means enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others.
Bildungsroman means a novel about the moral and psychological growth of the main character.
Chevelure means a head of hair.

So basically D., you are saying your post is a Smorgasbord of Schadenfreudian Chevelure lacking any Bildungsroman leanings?

I decided to move the messages from 001021 - To everyone, the dictionary-based definition for nitpick. to here.

For the last time, Spornan and everyone else who has unanimously sought to rectify my apparently erroneous references to nit-picking, I am abiding by what is in the DICTIONARY! The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines the word as so:
Main Entry: nit·pick
Pronunciation: 'nit-"pik
Function: verb
Etymology: back-formation from nit-picking
Date: 1966
intransitive senses : to engage in nit-picking
transitive senses : to criticize by nit-picking
- nitpick noun <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Now, can we please finally put this needfully correcting attitude to rest?

Ah, but we are Nitpickers, as in members of the Nitpickers' Guild. Actually, I myself merely pointed out that the noun, as far as NitCentral is concerned, is "nit" as opposd to "nit-pick". I don't know about Spornan, though.

BTW, are you an android? The "D" doesn't stand for Data, does it? ;-) It just seems like you have a built-in dictionary at times. No need for any defenestration, though. It's good to have a distinction of one's own!

D. Stuart's "nit-picks" never bothered me. I think nits or nit-picks are both correct. A nit is a mistake in continuity or plot, etc. A nit-pick is pointing out that mistake. So Spornan might say "Here are some nits," while Mr. Stuart would say "Here are my nit-picks." Everyone see the difference?

I just thought there would be less complaints from other nitpickers if D Staurt changed to saying "nits".

I'm just strange when it comes to stuff like that. "Nit-picks" the way he put it just irked me. I don't really care either way though.

I realize D. Stuart posted an abbreviated definition from the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, but suprised that the original meaning of nit-picking was not included. (i.e., the removal of the the louse's eggs from your hair/body/etc)

One thought: If we are true nit-pickers, does that give us the erroneous title of "nit-wits"?

Cynosure means a center of attraction or attention.
Fluxion means the action of flowing or changing; constant change.
Nexus means connection; link; center; focus.

Epiphany means a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something; an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking; an illuminating discovery; a revealing scene or moment.
Sobriquet means a descriptive name or epithet; nickname.

Lagniappe means a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase.
Gravamen means the material or significant part of a grievance or complaint.
Gemutlich means agreeably pleasant; comfortable.
Amanuensis means one employed to write from dictation or to copy manuscript; secretary.
Jejune means devoid of significance or interest; dull; juvenile; puerile.

More words (without definition): afflatus, ignis fatuus, ignoratio elenchi, dernier cri, casus belli, contretemps, raison d'etre, a fortiori, cause celebre, ultima Thule, terra incognita, folie a deux, compos mentis, tabula rasa, nimbus, conation, and nisus.

Nimbus? That's easy! It's the broomstick series in Harry Potter!

Thanatos, Via Dolorosa, and Aceldama are other good words.

Simulacrum, coup de grace, and pons asinorum.

pons asinorum = the bridge of the donkey? (pons, pontes = bridge, asinus= donkey in latin) - oh, you mean sth. that helps you to remember? (In german, its eselsbrücke for a rhyme or sth. similar that helps you remember sth.)

Ambrosia, optimum, and kismet.

I realize I've already mentioned compos mentis, but it best suits another Latin phrase. Compos mentis and unio mentalis.