(Encyclopedia) adenoidsadenoidsădˈənoidzˌ [key], common name for the pharyngeal tonsils, spongy masses of lymphoid tissue that occupy the nasopharynx, the space between the back of the nose and the…
(Encyclopedia) silverfish, common name for primitive, wingless insects of the family Lepismatidae. The silverfish, which has two long antennae and three long tail bristles, is named for its covering…
(Encyclopedia) stonecrop, common name for members of the Crassulaceae (also called orpine, or hen-and-chickens, family), a family of succulent, fleshy herbs and shrubs mostly inhabiting arid regions…
(Encyclopedia) burdockburdockbûrˈdäk [key], common name of any plant of the genus Arctium of the family Asteraceae (aster family), coarse biennials indigenous to temperate Eurasia and mostly weedy in…
(Encyclopedia) wildcat, common name of Old World cats (Felis silvestris) of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The wildcat resembles a large domestic tabby cat with a heavy tail; its fur is brownish to gray,…
(Encyclopedia) McGee, Thomas D'ArcyMcGee, Thomas D'Arcyməgēˈ [key], 1825–68, Canadian journalist and statesman, a leader in the movement for confederation, b. Ireland. He emigrated (1842) to Boston,…
(Encyclopedia) Heym, StefanHeym, Stefanshtāˈfän [key]Heym, Stefan hīm [key], 1913–2001, German writer, b. Chemnitz as Helmut Flieg. A Jew, he fled the Nazis (1933), moved to Prague, and settled (1935…
(Encyclopedia) Graf, SteffiGraf, Steffigräf, grăf [key], 1969–, German tennis player. A powerful baseliner, she drew international attention by winning the 1984 Olympic demonstration event. Graf won…
(Encyclopedia) Goltzius, Hendrik or HendrickGoltzius, Hendrik or Hendrickhĕnˈdrĭk gôltˈsēüs [key], 1558–1617, Dutch line engraver and painter; son of a stained-glass painter. He is said to have…
