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August 14&15, 2004 scald The verb scald means to be burn with a very hot liquid or steam. The adjective form is scalding. An alarm sounded just before super-heated steam leaked from a turbine and scalded the workers. The dig uncovered eighteenth-century clay ovens used for scalding Devonshire cream. The 47-year-old admitted repeatedly attacking Muawanatul Chasanah whose body was found covered in scars and marks from where she had been scalded. He soaked his washcloth in a stream of scalding water. August 13, 2004 scoop The verb scoop means to move or lift someone or something with a quick continuous movement or to lift or move it with a scoop (a tool like a large spoon with a deep bowl). Japan sealed the game on a highly controversial 65th minute goal with replays showing Koji Nakata clearly scooped the ball into the net with his right hand. The villagers skillfully scooped their food out of coconut shell bowls with their well-scrubbed fingers. He made his way back, scooped up his shoes and ran as fast as he could to his car. The rover has tools to scoop up and analyse Martian soil. August 12, 2004 daunting (DAWN ting) The adjective daunting refers to something which makes someone feel nervous and less confident about doing something. United States share prices, reeling at new lows for 2004 after a report showed stunning weakness in July jobs growth, now face the daunting challenge of rising interest rates. Withdrawal from cocaine is not easy, but a study by a researcher at the University at Buffalo has shown that it may be less daunting than previously thought. Mitsubishi Motors faces daunting obstacles in its recovery effort. As cold weather and rain comes to the rescue of firefighters, government officials face the daunting task of convincing residents that they did everything possible to handle the situation. August 11, 2004 kickback (KICK back) The noun kickback refers to an amount of money that is paid or returned to someone illegally in exchange for secret help in getting a job, winning a contract or some other kind of a benefit. Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan yesterday said former health permanent secretary Vallop Thaineua was responsible for an alleged kickback offer in the agency's controversial tender process for a 900-million-baht computer system. The former president was accused of pocketing millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks during his 31 months in office. The national sports board was accused of demanding kickbacks in return for giving out television rights. The MP quickly called a press conference to counter kickback allegations. August 10, 2004 dossier (dos i EY) The noun dossier refers to a collections of papers on a particular event or situation or a person such as a criminal or a spy. Three Britons released from Guantanamo Bay were to publish a dossier in the United States yesterday alleging systematic abuse. After two months, the intelligence service had dossiers on 14 of the gang's alleged leaders. The Zawahiri dossier was very extensive and read almost like a biography. Ambulance crews have been warned to keep a dossier on all delays for legal purposes. August 9, 2004 rage The verb rage means to continue with great force or violence (like a bad storm, battle or dispute). Rage can also mean to show that you are very angry, especially by shouting or making loud noises. Paiboon Wattanasiritham volunteered to end the conflict which has been raging between supporters of Dr Prakit and Mr Purachai who had removed him. Wildfires raged across the western part of the country on Wednesday. Fighting has raged on despite a peace accord signed more than a month ago. The dogs raged at each other, snarling and barking. Click here to see our words in the news for the previous week. Return to our home page |© The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. All rights reserved 2004 | Last modified: August 13, 2004