TEASER QUESTIONS FOR THE AMATEUR ETYMOLOGIST

1. opero (Latin): to work

   • operaus (present participle): working

   • operandi: of working

   • modus operandi (ph. verb): method (or mode) of working (or operating)

   • modus vivendi: method of living (etymologically, style of life characteristic of a person or group)

2. circum- (prefix): around

   • circumlocution

   • circumference

   • circumcision

   • circumnavigation

   • circumscription:

     1. writing, or written material, around

     2. (figuratively) to write (a line) around (one's freedom of action) so that one is restricted, limited, hemmed in.

3. somniloquent (adj): talking in one's sleep.

   • somniloquence or somniloquy (noun)

     somniloquy, also designate the words spoken by the sleeper

   • somniloquist: one who habitually talks while asleep.

4. aurist: ear specialist. More commonly called an otologist.

   Latin root: auris (ear)
   Greek root: otos (ear)

   • otology (noun)

   • otological (adj)

   • laryngologist: a larynx or throat specialist

   • gastrologist: a stomach specialist

   • enterologist: an intestine specialist

   • proctologist: a specialist in disease of the rectum

     Greek: proktos (anus)

     • proctoscope

5. aural: refers to the ear or the sense or phenomenon of hearing

   • monaural reproduction has only one source of sound

     • monophonic (technically called)

   • binaural

     1. having two ears or involving the use of both ears

     2. sound from two sources, giving stereophonic effect

        root: stereo (deep, solid)

6. noctambulist: walks at night

   • noctambulism (noun)

7. somnific: soporific

8. circumambulate: walk around

   • circumnavigate: to sail around