OCULUS

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 18 August 2011

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

OCULUS  (n. pl. OCULI)

Definition(s):

1. (n.) an architectural feature resembling or suggesting an eye, such as a circular window or a circular dome opening
2. (n.) an eye
3. (n.) an image of a human eye placed on the bow or other part of a boat (as in ancient Egypt)

Useful information for game players:

• Front hooks: L-
• Back hooks: (none)
• Anagrams: (none)
• Longer extensions: (none)
• Wraparounds: (none)
• Other Spellings: (none)
• Related Forms: (none)

Epilogue:
OCULUS is a neat name for an oval window, unless you prefer oeil-de-boeuf, a French term literarly meaning “eye of an ox.”  The French oeil, the English EYE, and most English words inculding -ocul- derive from the Latin oculus, “eye.”  It can be spotted in dozens of words, including OCULAR, OCULIST, BINOCULAR(S), MONOCULAR(S), TRINOCULAR, OCULOMOTOR, and many others.  And your oculist is no doubt familiar with the abbreviations o.d. and o.s., for oculus dexter and oculus sinister, that is: your right and left eyes, respectively.

This week’s theme: Words starting with the letter O

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =