In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
LIMELIGHT
limelight, calcium light
(noun) a lamp consisting of a flame directed at a cylinder of lime with a lens to concentrate the light; formerly used for stage lighting
limelight, spotlight, glare, public eye
(noun) a focus of public attention; “he enjoyed being in the limelight”; “when Congress investigates it brings the full glare of publicity to the agency”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
limelight (countable and uncountable, plural limelights)
A type of stage lighting once used in theatres and music halls, producing a bright light by the use of incandescent quicklime.
(by extension) Attention, notice, a starring or central role, present fame.
Verb
limelight (third-person singular simple present limelights, present participle limelighting, simple past and past participle limelit or limelighted)
to illuminate with limelight
Source: Wiktionary
Lime"light`, n. (Theat.)
Definition: That part of the stage upon which the limelight as cast, usually where the most important action is progressing or where the leading player or players are placed and upon which the attention of the spectators is therefore concentrated. Hence, consspicuous position before the public; as, politicians who are never happy except in the limelight.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
9 May 2025
RIGHT
(noun) anything in accord with principles of justice; “he feels he is in the right”; “the rightfulness of his claim”
Coffee Trivia
