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Strange but Elegant Words Quiz: N-O

This is the latest in our occasional series of quizzes about strange but elegant English words. Sometimes I’ll give you a definition, and let you choose the right word; and sometimes I’ll give you a word and let you choose the definition. Let us know how you get on! 

Earlier quizzes in this series: Strange but Elegant Words A–C,        D–E,        F–K,        L–M.

If you like this quiz, be sure to check out my 160 Fun & Challenging Quizzes! – “Guaranteed to make you smarter!” 

Data correct per Oxford Dictionaries. Cover image: Public domain.

  • Question of

    What is an oxter?

    • A cowherd
    • An ox’s tail
    • A human armpit
  • Question of

    Which word means a triviality or frivolity?

    • Nugacity
    • Nainsook
    • Nympholepsy
  • Question of

    What is an opsimath?

    • A slide rule
    • Someone who begins to study late in life
    • A group of eight penguins or government ministers
  • Question of

    Which word means having to do with desire or appetite?

    • Orectic
    • Obnubilate
    • Onolatrous
  • Question of

    What does otalgia mean?

    • Longing for a time or place which never existed
    • Love of one’s grandparents
    • Earache
  • Question of

    Which word means a cross between an orange and a tangerine?

    • Ogdoad
    • Ortanique
    • O-o
  • Question of

    What does noyade mean?

    • A swim
    • Nut butter
    • Execution by drowning
  • Question of

    Which word describes the eating of raw meat?

    • Omophagy
    • Nympholepsy
    • Orrery
  • Question of

    What is an orrery?

    • An ornamental birdcage
    • A clockwork model of the solar system
    • A traditional perfume factory
  • Question of

    Which word means a bright orange-red colour?

    • Omphalos
    • Nacarat
    • Operose
  • Question of

    What is a noctambulist?

    • Someone who loves gazing at clouds
    • A circus performer
    • A sleepwalker

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What do you think?

20 Points

33 Comments

    • It can be really hard to figure out meanings of unknown words, but sometimes our knowledge of other words, or other languages, can help a little 🙂 You did no worse than many others, Lena – thanks for taking the quiz!

    • And it’s always great to see you too, Carol 🙂 If those are the only ones you missed, you did extremely well! #1 (oxter) is actually quite commonly used in these islands.