Columbia Encyclopedia

Search results

500 results found

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...

Buckhaven and Methil

(Encyclopedia)Buckhaven and Methil mĕthˈĭl [key], township, Fife, E Scotland, on the Firth of Forth. A former coal ...

Colorado, rivers, United States and Mexico

(Encyclopedia)Colorado [1] kŏlərădˈə, –rădˈō, –räˈdō [2] kŏlərāˈdə, –räˈdə [key]. 1 Great river of the SW United States, 1,450 mi (2,334 km) long, rising in the Rocky Mts. of N Colo., and f...

Hay-Pauncefote Treaties

(Encyclopedia)Hay-Pauncefote Treaties hā-pônsˈfo͝ot [key], negotiated in 1899 and 1901 by Secretary of State John Hay, for the United States, and Lord Pauncefote of Preston, British ambassador to the United Sta...

Saint Clair, Lake

(Encyclopedia)Saint Clair, Lake, c.490 sq mi (1,270 sq km), 27 mi (43 km) long, on the U.S.-Canadian border, between SW Ont. and SE Mich. The St. Clair River (41 mi/66 km long) flows into the lake from Lake Huron; ...

Cheektowaga

(Encyclopedia)Cheektowaga chēkˌtŏwäˈgə [key], town (2020 pop. 73,740), Erie co., W. N.Y., E of Buffalo; settled ...

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...

Browse by Subject