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herpesvirus

(Encyclopedia) herpesvirus, any of the family (Herpesviridae) of common DNA-containing viruses, many of which are associated with human disease. See cytomegalovirus; Epstein-Barr virus; herpes…

graining

(Encyclopedia) graining, process of painting by which natural wood grain is imitated. It was common practice in the late 19th cent. to grain cheap, soft woods to give them the appearance of rare,…

frog's-bit

(Encyclopedia) frog's-bit, common name for members of the Hydrocharitaceae, a family of aquatic herbs found in warm fresh- and saltwaters throughout the world. Most species grow partially or…

Morgan horse

(Encyclopedia) Morgan horse, breed of American light horse descended from a single progenitor—the famous Justin Morgan. Morgans are used as all-purpose light horses and are very popular on cattle…

Munch, Andreas Peder

(Encyclopedia) Munch, Andreas PederMunch, Andreas Pederändrāˈäs pāˈdər m&oomacr;ngk [key], 1810–63, Norwegian historian and philologist. A principal figure in the Norwegian literary revival, he…

Ash Wednesday

(Encyclopedia) Ash Wednesday, in the Western Church, the first day of Lent, being the seventh Wednesday before Easter. On this day ashes are placed on the foreheads of the faithful to remind them of…

milkwort

(Encyclopedia) milkwort, common name for the Polygalaceae, a family including herbs, shrubs, and trees found in all parts of the world except New Zealand and the polar regions. Several milkworts (…

Littleton, Sir Thomas

(Encyclopedia) Littleton, Sir Thomas, 1422?–1481, English jurist. He became a sergeant-at-law, i.e., a barrister, in the Court of Common Pleas in 1453 and a judge in 1466. He is best known for his…

lares

(Encyclopedia) lareslareslârˈēz [key], in Roman religion, guardian spirits. According to some they were ghosts of the dead, destructive spirits who frequented crossroads and had to be propitiated.…

Bohemian Forest

(Encyclopedia) Bohemian Forest, Czech Český Les, Ger. Böhmerwald, mountain range, extending c.150 mi (240 km) along the S Czech-German border and extending into Austria. The Czech name for its…