What It Sounds Like (Eye-kor)
If this word is new to you, what does its sound and shape suggest to you? Me? I imagine a high-powered corporate conglomerate or, more insidious, a secret interplanetary alliance that controls much more of our lives than we ever dream:
What It Actually Means
This noun has two contrasting definitions: first, it refers to the rarefied fluid said to run in the veins of the gods. But it can also mean a watery, acrid discharge from a wound or ulcer. Clearly, you'd need its context to tell one from the other!
Where It Comes From
Ichor, which goes back to the mid 17th century, comes from the Greek word, ikhōr, which, of course, was the name for the fluid that flowed in Gods' veins.It was supposed to be a golden color, and deadly poison for mortals. (Which goes a long way toward explaining those contradictory definitions!)
And yes, there's an adjective form, ichorous.
Now Go Out There And USE it!
