OK, sorry, there’s been somewhat of a hiatus here. Mainly because I had a major computer malfunction last Wednesday evening — basically a dead Windows installation that refused to repair. Luckily all the data was safe and I have a laptop which kept the essential functions running, but I’ve had to build a new system from Ground Zero. Anyway we seem to be back fully on the air now.

So without more ado, here’s this week’s word:

Hecatomb.

Originally in Ancient Greece a sacrifice to the gods of 100 cattle but extended as early as Homer to mean a great public sacrifice. Thus also a sacrifice of many victims; a great number of persons, animals, or things, presented as an offering, or devoted to destruction.