Word of the Day

The Word of the Day for Friday, February 17th 2012 is pantomime:

pan·to·mime

  noun

1. the art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech.

2. a play or entertainment in which the performers express themselves mutely by gestures, often to the accompaniment of music.

3. significant gesture without speech.

4. an actor in dumb show, as in ancient Rome.

5. Also called Christmas pantomime. a form of theatrical spectacle common in England during the Christmas season, generally adapted from a fairy tale and including stock character types who perform songs and dances, tell jokes, etc.

verb (used with object)

6. to represent or express in pantomime.

 

verb (used without object)

7. to express oneself in pantomime.

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Origin:
1580–90; earlier pantomimus  < Latin < Greek pantómīmos. See panto-, mime