#318 demulcent

demulcent- soothing; mollifying; a drug or agent that soothes the irritation of inflamed or injured skin surfaces

C18 from Latin demulcere to caress

Some of the medicinal properties are emollient, demulcent, laxative, source of linoleic acid; cold-pressed oil is used in salves for muscle pains; leaves in tea are astringent and antiseptic; may lower blood sugar in diabetes and dilate coronary arteries to improve blood circulation. (How's that for a sentence?)

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#317 democracy

democracy- government by the people or their elected representatives...

-interesting word etymology- French democratie, from Late Latin democratia, from Greek demokratia- government by the people

Inherent within labour unions is a fervent democracy.

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#316 demagogue

demagogue- a political agitator who appeals with crude oratory to the prejudice and passions of the mob; in ancient world- popular political leader or orator

C17 from Greek demagogos people's leader, from demos people + agein to lead

Last May, Obama labeled Chávez a "demagogue" and said, "His predictable yet perilous mix of anti-American rhetoric, authoritarian government, and checkbook diplomacy offers the same false promise as the tried and failed ideologies of the past.

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#315 delude

delude- to deceive the mind or judgment of; mislead; beguile

C15 from Latin deludere to mock, play false

It is all very well for us to say these things for the public, but we must not delude ourselves.

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#314 deleterious

deleterious- harmful; injurious; hurtful

C17 from Latin deleterius, from Greek deleterios- injurious, destructive,

The real critical issue that everyone is struggling with is, What about the potential long-term deleterious effects that might override the beneficial effects?

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#313 decoy

decoy- a person or thing used to beguile or lead someone into danger; lure

C17 from Dutch de kooi- literally the cage, from Latin cavea- cage

An enclosed place, such as a pond is the perfect place to lure wildfowl with a decoy.

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#312 decorous

decorous- characterized by propriety in manners, conduct

C17 from Latin decorus, from decor elegance

also decorum- propriety, especially in behaviour or conduct, correctness

With a demurely made-up face, clad in clothes that bespoke modesty, she looked the perfect model of pious decorum.

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