decimal dust
n.— «The thin wires that could carry the world’s information system directly and cheaply to every house in the city is on the order of what Sup. Ross Mirkarimi likes to call “decimal dust.” Electrical conduit, which will one day be the backbone of a city-owned power system, costs a little more, but not that much.» —“Am I the only person who thinks this is insane?” by Tim Redmond San Francisco Bay Guardian (California) Aug. 6, 2008. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
A listener reports that the pronunciation of Novi, Michigan, is counterintuitive. It’s pronounced noh-VYE. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Novi, Michigan” You remember our conversation where I was talking about going to Vermont...
It’s time for book recommendations! Martha’s enjoying an armchair tour of important places in the history of our language, and Grant recommends relaxing with books that make great reading for both children and adults. Plus, are you the type of...