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orthogonal or-THAWG-uh-nuhl adjective at right angles; intersecting at right angles; irrelevant or extraneous, usually in reference to an issue or subject 1985Carl SaganContactThey're made of a niobium alloy, they have peculiar patterns cut into them, and they're obviously designed to rotate in three orthogonal directions very fast in a vacuum.1989Charles SheffieldProteus UnboundIf I wanted to talk fancy like Leo, I'd say it's like their science is orthogonal to ours. They move along a completely different axis of understanding.1998Michael CrichtonTimelineWhat we have developed is a form of space travel. To be precise, we use quantum technology to manipulate an orthogonal multiverse coordinate change.'2001Robert LudlumThe Sigma Protocol...she went into standard E&S, evasion and search, tactics. That meant flattening yourself against a wall with a pistol drawn, then shifting to an orthogonal wall, and repeating the process.Labels: Carl Sagan, Charles Sheffield, Michael Crichton, Robert Ludlum
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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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basilisk BA-suh-lisk noun, adjective a mythic dragon or reptile that can kill with a glance; a killing glance 1962Len DeightonThe Ipcress FileAlice entered my office with a rose-decorated cracked cup of Nescafe, a basilisk look and a new green-laced file.1969George MacDonald FraserFlashmanGul leered at me, nodding, while the woman's basilisk eyes stared at me.1980Michael CrichtonJurassic ParkI am sure this lizard was a Basiliscus amoratus, a striped basilisk lizard, found here in Costa Rica and also in Honduras.2001John RingoGust FrontHe fixed them with a blue, basilisk stare until all of them had nodded in compliance.Labels: George MacDonald Fraser, John Ringo, Len Deighton, Michael Crichton
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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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effete e-FEET adjective infertile; not virile; weak; decadent; effeminate 1914Edgar Rice BurroughsAt the Earth's CoreUncouth, perhaps, and brutal, too, if judged too harshly by the standards of effete twentieth-century civilization, but withal noble, dignified, chivalrous, and loveable.1969Michael CrichtonThe Andromeda StrainManchek disliked Jaggers, who was effete and precious.1992Holly LisleFire In the MistThe smoke cleared to reveal an old, battered, downtrodden saje; a portly, effete scholar; and a muscular young redhead who had Medwind licking her lips.Labels: Edgar Rice Burroughs, Holly Lisle, Michael Crichton
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obtund awb-TUHND verb to blunt; to make dull; to make less severe; to decrease pain 1820Baron D'HolbachThe System of NatureIn old age man extinguishes entirely, his fibres become rigid, his nerves loose their elasticity, his senses are obtunded, his sight grows dim, his ears lose their quickness, his ideas become unconnected, his memory fails, his imagination cools: what then becomes of his soul?1993Robin CookFatal CureOn top of that, John was obtunded, and when aroused, apathetic.1998Michael CrichtonTimelineWhite male, ballpark seventy years old. Comes in confused, obtunded, disoriented times three.Labels: Baron D'Holbach, Michael Crichton, Robin Cook
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