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W and Z particles

(Encyclopedia)W and Z particles, elementary particles that mediate, or carry, the fundamental force associated with weak interactions. The discovery of the W and Z particles at CERN near Geneva, Switzerland, in the...

Reading, borough, England

(Encyclopedia)Reading rĕdˈĭng [key], borough and unitary authority (1991 pop. 194,727), S central England, on the Kennet River near its influx to the Thames. Reading, which was the seat of the former county of B...

Leighton, Clare

(Encyclopedia)Leighton, Clare lāˈtən [key], 1899–1989, English print maker, writer, and illustrator. Leighton was best known for her fine woodcuts and engravings and her work is represented in leading print co...

Wierzyński, Kazimierz

(Encyclopedia)Wierzyński, Kazimierz käzēˈmyĕsh vyĕzhĭˈnyəskē [key], 1894–1969, Polish poet and journalist. Wierzyński was a cofounder with Julian Tuwim of the Skamander group of experimental poets. His...

Salisbury, town, England

(Encyclopedia)Salisbury sârˈəm [key], town (1991 pop. 36,890), Wiltshire, S England. A market town, Salisbury was founded in 1220 when the bishopric was moved there from Old Sarum. Squares or “checkers” are ...

hedge

(Encyclopedia)hedge, ornamental or protective barrier composed of shrubs or small trees growing in close rows. The plants may be allowed to grow naturally or may be trimmed to various heights and shapes (see topiar...

Red Poll cattle

(Encyclopedia)Red Poll cattle pōl [key], breed of polled (hornless) cattle, originated in England c.1846. They are a medium-sized, hardy breed of cattle, light red to very dark red in color, and are raised for bot...

orchard grass

(Encyclopedia)orchard grass or cocksfoot, widely distributed perennial grass (Dactylis glomerata) native to Eurasia and N Africa and extensively naturalized in the United States. It is cultivated as a hay grass mor...

Carriera, Rosalba

(Encyclopedia)Carriera, Rosalba rōzälˈbä kär-rēāˈrä [key], 1675–1757, Italian portrait and miniature painter, one of the greatest of her day. At 24 she had achieved a reputation throughout Italy and abro...

Torrington

(Encyclopedia)Torrington, city (1990 pop. 33,687), Litchfield co., NW Conn., on the Naugatuck River; inc. 1740. It is the industrial and commercial hub of NW Connecticut and is known for its metal (especially brass...