See Also: zaffre(dictionary)

histrionic (iou) and zaffre (iou)


histrionic (iou)



histrionic adjective & noun. M17.
[Late Latin histrionicus, from Latin histrio(n-) actor: see -IC. Cf. HISTRIONICAL (earlier).]
A. adjective.
1. Theatrical in character or style, dramatically exaggerated, stagy; hypocritical. M17.
H. James Madame Carre gave one of her histrionic stares, throwing back her head.
2. Of or pertaining to actors or acting; dramatic. M18.
J. Symons His histrionic ability might have moved him to become an actor.
B. noun.
1. An actor. M19.
2. In pl. Theatricals, theatrical Art; pretence, insincere actions done merely to impress others. M19.
L. Nkosi The exultant, most extravagant histrionics of the prosecution.
histrionicism noun histrionic action; histrionism: L19.

zaffre (iou)



zaffre noun. Also zaffer, saffer. M17.
[Italian zaffera or its source Old & mod. French safre, perh. rel. to SAPPHIRE.]
Impure cobalt oxide, used in the preparation of smalt and as a blue colouring matter for pottery, glass, etc.