Word of the Week #6

draco \Dra"co\, n. [L. See Dragon.] 1. (Astron.) The Dragon, a northern constellation within which is the north pole of the ecliptic.
2. A luminous exhalation from marshy grounds.
3. Athenian politician who codified the laws of Athens (c. 621). Lauded for its impartiality, his code was unpopular for its severity.
4. (Zo["o]l.) A genus of lizards. See Dragon, 6.
5. A blend of Pascal, C and ALGOL 68 developed by Chris Gray in 1987. It has been implemented for CP/M-80 and Amiga.

dra·co·ni·an Pronunciation: drA-'kO-nE-un,
Function: adjective
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: Latin Dracon-, Draco, from Greek DrakOn Draco (Athenian lawgiver)
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Draco or the severe code of laws held to have been framed by him
2 : CRUEL; also : SEVERE

draconin
A red resin forming the essential basis of dragon's blood.

dracontic
Belonging to that space of time in which the moon performs one revolution, from ascending node to ascending node.
"Dracontic month."

Origin: From L. Draco dragon, in allusion to the terms dragon's head and dragon's tail.