Columbia Encyclopedia

Search results

500 results found

Cherethites and Pelethites

(Encyclopedia)Cherethites and Pelethites kĕrˈəthīts, pĕlˈəthīts [key], in the Bible, David's officers. In some passages the Cherethites, or Cherethims, are mentioned alone. ...

(Encyclopedia)Biton klēōˈbĭs [key], in Greek mythology, sons of the priestess Cydippe. When their mother wanted to see a famous temple of Hera, which was many miles away, the brothers dragged her chariot there....

Evanston

(Encyclopedia)Evanston. <1> Residential city (2020 pop. 78,110), Cook co., NE Ill., on Lake Michigan; settled 1826, inc. 1892. A largely residential suburb ...

home schooling

(Encyclopedia)home schooling, the practice of teaching children in the home as an alternative to attending public or private elementary or high school. In most cases, one or both of the children's parents serve as ...

Jannes and Jambres

(Encyclopedia)Jannes and Jambres jănˈēz, jămˈbrēz [key], in the Bible, opponents of Moses. Tradition gave these names to Pharaoh's magicians. One of the Pseudepigrapha bears their name. ...

corns and calluses

(Encyclopedia)corns and calluses, thickenings of the outer layer of skin where there is irritation or constant pressure. Corns are cone-shaped with their points protruding into the dermis, or inner layer of skin. T...

libel and slander

(Encyclopedia)libel and slander, in law, types of defamation. In common law, written defamation was libel and spoken defamation was slander. Today, however, there are no such clear definitions. Permanent forms of d...

Long Island, island, United States

(Encyclopedia)Long Island (1990 pop. 6,861,454), 1,723 sq mi (4,463 sq km), 118 mi (190 km) long, and from 12 to 20 mi (19–32 km) wide, SE N.Y.; fourth largest island of the United States and the largest outside ...

Damon and Pythias

(Encyclopedia)Damon and Pythias dāˈmən, pĭthˈēəs [key], two youths whose loyalty to each other symbolizes true friendship. Pythias, a Pythagorean, condemned to death for plotting against Dionysius I of Syrac...

Urim and Thummim

(Encyclopedia)Urim and Thummim yo͞oˈrĭm, thŭmˈĭm [key], in the Bible, name of sacred instruments used for casting lots. The meaning of the two names is uncertain, as is the nature of the lots. They were in so...