Latter half of the episode I get into the dilemmas in the world, what I see in my students in regards to these "dilemmas" and an existential discussion to wrap up the episode. This was fun... I also talk briefly about the "Crossing of the Rubicon" (Reminded from Lexicon), which both refers to a huge historical move made by Julius Caesar, as well as an idiom referring to "the point of no return."

All words glossed in the show notes below!

1. Lemma (noun): A heading that indicates the topic of a particular section, subsection, or paragraph of a text.

Etymology: From the Greek word “lemma” meaning “proposition”.

• Dilemma: A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable.
  • Etymology: Late 16th century: from Latin, literally ‘two premises’, from Greek di- ‘twice’ + lemma ‘premise’.
• Quandary: A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.
  • Etymology: Mid 16th century: from Old French quanter ‘calculate, consider’, from Latin quaerere ‘seek, ask’.
• Dichotomy: The division of something into two parts, especially when these are seen as opposites.
  • Etymology: Late 16th century: from Greek dikhotomia, from di- ‘twice’ + khotomia ‘a cutting in two’.
• Paradox: A statement or proposition that, despite sound reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory.
  • Etymology: Late Middle English: from Old

2. Lexicon (noun): A dictionary or encyclopedia of words or terms in a particular field of knowledge.

Etymology: From the Greek word “lexikon”, from “lexis” meaning “word”.

• Lexical – Relating to the words or vocabulary of a language.
  • Etymology: From the Latin lexicālis, from lexis “word,” from legere “to say, read.”
• Lexicographer – A person who compiles dictionaries; a student or collector of words.
  • Etymology: From the Late Latin lexicographus, from lexis “word,” from legere “to say, read.”
• Lexicology – The study of the structure and history of words.
  • Etymology: From the Greek lexikon “word,” from lexis “word,” from legere “to say, read.”
• Lexeme – A unit of language which has a distinct meaning.
  • Etymology: From the Latin lexēma, from lexis “word,” from legere “to say, read.”

3. Morphology (noun): The study of the forms of words, including inflections, derivations, and the formation of compounds.

Etymology: From the Greek word “morphē”, meaning “shape” or “form”.

• Morph: A form or shape, especially that of an organic being
  • Etymology: From the Greek morphē “form”
• Metamorphosis: A transformation, as by magic or sorcery
  • Etymology: From the Greek meta “change” and morphē “form”
• Morphine: A narcotic drug obtained from opium
  • Etymology: From the Greek morphē “form”, probably in reference to the form of the opium poppy
• Morphogen: A substance that initiates and regulates the development of certain form-determining structures
  • Etymology: From the Greek morphē “form” and -gen “producing”

1. Arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the joints, often causing pain and stiffness; from the Greek ‘arthron’ meaning joint, and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation.

2. Gastritis: Inflammation of the lining of the stomach; from the Greek ‘gastēr’ meaning stomach, and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation.

3. Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses; from the Greek ‘sinus’ meaning a channel, and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation.

4. Peritonitis: Inflammation of the membranes lining the abdominal cavity; from the Greek ‘peritonaion’ meaning a membrane covering the intestines, and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation.

5. Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix; from the Greek ‘appendis’ meaning an appendage, and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation.

6. Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi, the passages that carry air to and from the lungs; from the Greek ‘bronchus’ meaning a windpipe, and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation.

1. Allergitis: An allergic reaction, often characterized by inflammation of the skin or airways. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek roots “allos” (other) and “itis” (inflammation).

5. Colitis: Inflammation of the colon. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek root “colo” (large intestine) and “itis” (inflammation).

6. Dermatitis: Any inflammation of the skin, often caused by an allergic reaction or infection. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek roots “derm” (skin) and “itis” (inflammation).

7. Endocarditis: Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek roots “endo” (inner) and “card” (heart) and “itis” (inflammation).

9. Glomerulitis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, which are the microscopic filters of the kidneys. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek root “glomerul” (small ball) and “itis” (inflammation).

10. Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a virus or other infection. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek root “hepat” (liver) and “itis” (inflammation).

11. Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by infection. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek root “mening” (membrane) and “itis” (inflammation).

12. Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle, usually caused by a virus. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek roots “myo” (muscle) and “card” (heart) and “itis” (inflammation).

13. Nephritis: Inflammation of the kidneys, usually caused by infection or irritation. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek root “nephro” (kidney) and “itis” (inflammation).

14. Pericarditis: Inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart, usually caused by infection. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek roots “peri” (around) and “card” (heart) and “itis” (inflammation).

15. Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, usually caused by infection. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek root “prostata” (prostate) and “itis” (inflammation).

16. Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses, usually caused by infection. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek root “sinus” (cavity) and “itis” (inflammation).

17. Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, usually caused by overuse or injury. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek root “tendo” (tendon) and “itis” (inflammation).

18. Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, usually caused by infection. Etymologically, it comes from the Greek root “urethr” (urethra) and “itis” (inflammation).