8/24/2007
Words for Nerds–Moribund
Do you have a moribund? Do you feel moribund? What exactly does moribund mean?
A. An over-sized Bundt cake.
B. Near death or stagnant.
C. A lizard found in the southwestern United States.
D. Agitated and apprehensive.
E. Wrapped in cloth or dressing, as a wound.
If you read horror stories or know some Latin, you probably know or could guess that moribund means … near death or stagnant.
In Latin, moribundus means “dying”–as in “mortal”. So although moribundus sounds like abundance, it’s anything but.
Moribund is an old-fashioned word that seems to be itself moribund. Simpler words like “dying” or “stagnant” or “obsolete” are efficient replacements. Still, moribund carries a certain atmosphere of decay and antiquity these simpler words lack. Perhaps that’s why it’s still in use today.
6 Responses to Words for Nerds–Moribund
Hi, Brad, Glad to see that the “Words for Nerds” has migrated, and is not disappearing! I look forward to it regularly; it’s so much more FUN than “Word of the Day”!
I love the words for nerds!
I’ve just posted a list of my favorite blogs related to writing, and you’re on it.
It’s always good to expand your vocab. It may take a bit of thought to fit moribund into one of my articles though.
Olivia, nice to hear from you! Lillie, thank you!! Simon, you’re probably right. I looked for literary references to moribund and only found about three.
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