Thursday, May 14, 2026

WORD MAN: LEPIDOPTEROLOGY

I'm re-reading another Lilian Jackson Braun novel, The Cat Who Sang for the Birds. She occasionally uses unfamiliar words.

I found a mention of lepidopterology, the scientific study of moths and butterflies. (Spellcheck hates lepidopterology.)

I just encountered footpad, which means a highwayman operating on foot rather than riding a horse.

I also found bifurcated, which means divided into two branches or forks.

Also, glissandi, a continuous slide upwards or downwards between two musical notes.

Also, tabouret, a low stool or small table.

More, papilionaceous, relating to or denoting leguminous plants of a group (subfamily Papilionoideae or family Papilionaceae) with flowers that resemble a butterfly. (I knew there'd be a butterfly in there somewhere. Papillon is French for butterfly.)

Finally, obbligato, an instrumental part, typically distinctive in effect, which is integral to a piece of music and should not be omitted in performance: "with piano obbligato", "the obbligato part."

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