Background:
From the Latin root gurges, which means whirlpool - which offers a great image of overconsumption.
Simply Put:
To guzzle
Words at Play
Strange Words for Body Functions
Did you know that you 'eructate', 'micturate', and 'sternutate'?
Last Updated: 13 Apr 2022
Background:
In 1850 it was observed that U.S. senators from opposing political parties would often come together to share snuff, and "forget their sectional differences in a delightful concert of sternutation." (Snuff as an aid to democracy?)
Simply Put:
Sneezing
Background:
This term may have begun life meaning having to "go" very badly. Now it's used in medical contexts.
Simply Put:
Urinate
Background:
From the Greek word meaning "to rumble." Borborygmus is onomatopoeic - because it sounds, at least to the Ancient Greeks, just like the thing it describes.
Simply Put:
The noises your stomach makes when you're hungry
Background:
This is one source of that great poetic outflow of words and phrases ("technicolor yawn," etc.) created to describe this event. The Greek root is merely emein, which is not nearly as inspired as borborygmus, the previous word in this list.
Simply Put:
Vomiting
Background:
Sometimes used to describe the sudden and violent eruption of a volcano, in medical terms this word has a different meaning.
Simply Put:
A burp
Background:
From roots that connect the -grim part of this word to the cran- in cranium - because that's where you feel it.
Simply Put:
Either a migraine headache or dizziness
Background:
From a Latin word that means "to swallow down." A related, more commonly used word is glutton, "one who eats to excess."
Simply Put:
The act of swallowing
Background:
From a Greek word that means "to gnash the teeth" (and related to the Greek words for jaw and chew).
Simply Put:
Chewing
Background:
It's from the diminutive form of os, the Latin word for mouth, which links it to oral.
Simply Put:
To kiss
More Words At Play
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
