Some 16th-century Italian clergymen tried to ban coffee because they believed it to be “satanic.” However, Pope Clement VII loved coffee so much that he lifted the ban and had coffee baptized in 1600.
AMPHISBAENAE
AMPHISBAENA
Amphisbaena, genus Amphisbaena, Amphisbaenia, genus Amphisbaenia
(noun) type genus of the Amphisbaenidae
amphisbaena
(noun) (classical mythology) a serpent with a head at each end of its body
Source: WordNet® 3.1
AMPHISBAENA
Am`phis*bæ"na, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr.
1. A fabled serpent with a head at each end, moving either way. Milton.
2. (Zoöl.)
Definition: A genus of harmless lizards, serpentlike in form, without legs, and with both ends so much alike that they appear to have a head at each, and ability to move either way. See Illustration in Appendix.
Note: The Gordius aquaticus, or hairworm, has been called an amphisbæna; but it belongs among the worms.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
4 June 2025
LEND
(verb) bestow a quality on; “Her presence lends a certain cachet to the company”; “The music added a lot to the play”; “She brings a special atmosphere to our meetings”; “This adds a light note to the program”
Coffee Trivia
