post-

(Latin: after, behind, later, subsequent)

a posteriori
From effect to cause, from facts to generalizations, inductively [applied to reasoning].

A posteriori is a conclusion which is reached by examination and analysis of the specific facts, as happens in a science laboratory, where a person reasons from actual observation of data and comes to a conclusion from the observed facts. Contrasted with a priori.

aftermath (s) (noun), aftermaths (pl)
1. A period of time after a deplorable, or terrible, and usually destructive event: In the aftermath of the brush fires, many of those who lived in the area were in need of shelters.

There are some countries which are still trying to rebuild their economies in the aftermaths of attacks by terrorists.

2. Etymology: Originally, and literally, an aftermath was a second crop of grass or similar grazing vegetation, grown after an earlier crop had been harvested in the same season.

By the mid 17th century, it had taken on the figurative connotation of "resulting situation" which is now its primary meaning.

Usually an unpleasant result.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

anemic necrosis (s), anemic necroses (pl) (nouns)
Death of tissues caused by disturbed blood circulation in a body part.
Anno post Romam conditam; A.P.R.C.
In the year after the founding of Rome.

The traditional date for the founding of Rome is 753 B.C. Equivalent to A.U.C.

anteroposterior
Culpam maiorum posteri luunt.
Descendants pay for the shortcomings of their ancestors.

Also interpreted to mean: "The sins of the fathers." Is it possible that what we say and do now may affect future generations?

dorsoposterior (adjective), more dorsoposterior, most dorsoposterior
Descriptive of the back of the fetus towards the back of the mother or an intrauterine position.
ex post facto
Arising or enacted after the fact, retroactive.

An ex post facto law is one which sets a penalty for an act that was not illegal at the time it was performed. Such laws are forbidden by the United States Constitution.

inferoposterior (adjective), more inferoposterior, most inferoposterior
Referring to that which is situated below and behind something.
mentoposterior (adjective), more mentoposterior, most mentoposterior
A reference to having the fetal (unborn child) facing towards the back of its mother's womb: The unborn baby had its mentoposterior or fetal chin turned to the backside of its mother's body while it was developing.
mortgageable (adjective) (not comparable)
Susceptible, or capable, of being hypothecated: Jack thought that his house was mortgageable since he wanted to ask his bank for a sizable loan.
nephrapostasis (s) (noun), nephrapostases (pl)
An abscess of the kidney: After Jenny went to see her doctor because of a pain in her body, Dr. Greyson diagnosed her as having nephrapostasis, a purulent infection of one of her excretory organs which contained pus.
nuance (s) (noun), nuances (pl)
1. A very slight difference in meaning, feeling, tone, or color: The nuances in Rebecca's tone of voice while talking about her late husband conveyed a feeling of gloom and melancholy.
2. The use or awareness of subtle shades of meaning or feeling; especially, with references to artistic expressions or performances: The pianist performed the pieces with complete mastery of all of the nuances of the tones in the music.
3. A subtle deviation in meanings, opinions, or attitudes; hence, a slight degree of perceivable variations in anything apparent to the mind: The contrasts in the appearances of the twin boys was only detectable if given close attention; since there were only very slight nuances in details that revealed their individualities.
4. Etymology: from French nuance, "slight difference, shade of color" (so called with reference to the dissimilar colors of the clouds); from nuer, "to shade"; from nue, "cloud", from Gallo-Romance nuba; from Latin nubes, "cloud"; related to obnubere, "to veil".
Slight shading of color, tone, or meaning.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

post (s) (noun), posts (pl)
1. A place where a group of people in an army, navy, or air force work: Timothy returned to the post with a message for the base commander.
2. Information or a message placed where the public can see it: People could see the posts on the walls of some buildings in town that were advertising the musical presentation at the auditorium.
3. Information that is presented on the internet: The site received several posts about its condemnation of the new senator.
4. Etymology: from Latin positum; from ponere, "to place" or "to put".
post cibum; p.c.
After meals; after food.

Used in medical prescriptions as directions for proper consumption after meals.