(Encyclopedia) decompression sickness, physiological disorder caused by a rapid decrease in atmospheric pressure, resulting in the release of nitrogen bubbles into the body tissues. It is also known…
(Encyclopedia) World Health Organization (WHO), specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1948, with its headquarters at Geneva. WHO admits all sovereign states (including those not…
(Encyclopedia) Saito, MakotoSaito, Makotomäkōˈtō sīˈtō [key], 1858–1936, Japanese admiral and statesman. A moderate militarist, his selection as prime minister (1932–34) to replace Ki Inukai, who had…
(Encyclopedia) EglonEglonĕgˈlŏn [key], in the Bible. 1 King of Moab. He was murdered by Ehud, who became judge of Israel. 2 City, ancient Palestine, near Lachish. It was one of the cities allied…
(Encyclopedia) Darius the Mede, in the Bible, a king of the Medes who succeeded to the throne of Babylonia after Belshazzar. Otherwise unknown outside biblical tradition, it is likely that this…
(Encyclopedia) Uzza or UzzahUzzaŭzˈə [key], in the Bible. 1 Israelite who met sudden death after touching the Ark of the Covenant. 2 Benjamite. 3 Descendant of Merari. 4 One who returned with…
(Encyclopedia) Elizabeth, 1596–1662, queen of Bohemia, daughter of James I of England. Her beauty attracted most of the royal suitors of Europe (she was nicknamed the “Queen of Hearts”), but she was…
(Encyclopedia) tall tale, extravagantly and humorously exaggerated story of the backwoods exploits of an American frontiersman. Originating in the 1820s, the genre remained popular well into the 20th…
(Encyclopedia) Alfonso VIII (Alfonso the Noble), 1155–1214, Spanish king of Castile (1158–1214), son and successor of Sancho III. Chaos prevailed during his minority, but he quickly restored order…
