orphan disease n.— «A 12-year-old Simi Valley boy with a rare immune system disorder has inspired a series of benefits to help find a cure for what is known as an “orphan disease” because it affects too few children to warrant...
sideways market n.— «The stock market has been sending a series of mixed signals recently—a few days of strong gains followed by a few days of discouraging declines. This is what Wall Street refers to as a “sideways...
podbusting n.— «The stars of the CMT network’s top series “Trick My Truck” appear in a series of spots featuring tips on how to maintain your tricked-out truck, including the timely use of oil from Exxon. At its upfront, MTV will be...
This week’s Slang This! contestant is not just any word nerd. She’s Dorothea Gillim, creator of the animated PBS series WordGirl. Dorothea tries to guess the meaning of the odd terms pelican crossing and zanjero. The new season of...
exit-level adj.— Note: Thanks to Joe Clark for suggesting this catchword. «Since redefining himself as an “exit-level designer,” Fella has churned out a steady stream of colored-pencil drawings, collages, doodles and fliers...
head-and-gut fleet n.— «The Alaska Ranger’s sinking claimed four lives and left a fifth crew member missing. It was the latest in a series of accidents among the head-and-gut fleet, which uses longlines and trawl nets to catch sole and...