Words of French origin

A sled typically designed for competition, operated by one or two persons, while supine, or leaning flat on the back: The twins trained extensively to race their luge in the upcoming international competition.

To use or to operate a sled which is typically operated while the crew is lying on their backs: Maurice decided the snow conditions were perfect to luge with his friends.

A light pastry usually made with egg white, sugar, and ground almonds: "The bakery around the corner makes the most delicious macaroons", Jocelyn was pleased to tell the Social Group with which she volunteered.

Someone who is in charge of a group of waiters in a restaurant or a hotel: Joseph is the maitre d'hotel of a place for customers who are temporary guests for one or more nights while traveling or on business trips. © ALL rights are reserved.
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Typically a symbol of good luck, represented by an animal, pet, toy, etc. for a group or an organization: A picture of a tiger, mascot of the local high school, appeared on all the sports equipment for the football team.

1. A hand-to-hand combat or brawl: At Joan's birthday party, some guests were apparently drinking too much wine and other alcoholic beverages because there was a big melee that took place which caused a lot of damage to both the people and the room.
2. A noisy, tumultuous argument or fight: When Roger was going to the baseball game, rival fans started a melee in the ball park.
3. Etymology: from French mêlée, "confused fight" which is pronounced may-lay with the stress on either the first or the second syllable: MAY-lay or may LAY, both of which are considered to be correct by verbal authories. © ALL rights are reserved.
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A stage or film production portraying an emotional topic utilising exaggerated feelings, excitement, gestures, and phrases: Monica Havers made her living in the television industry, often playing distraught heroines in medical themed melodramas.

1. An odd or exotic collection of creatures, often wild, which are gathered for the purpose of exhibition: Years ago, zoological gardens or zoos consisted of cages displaying a menagerie of animals with little regard for the comfort of the beasts.
2. An unusual group of individuals brought together in one place, often for a social activity: Sally Flowers, the reigning queen of the "fast set", always had a menagerie of artists, radical students, and musicians gathered in her salons.

1. A list of choices of food items or prepared dishes presented at a restaurant or other such dining establishment: Hans and Elaine asked for the menus so they could order a delicious meal.
2. An itemised list of options of performances available on a computer: Ms. Anderson reviewed the menu on her laptop screen as she planned her morning's work.

A baked confection of whipped egg whites and sugar sometimes used as a topping for certain pies or shaped as a shell for dessert fillings: The cook put out a delectable display of meringues put inside fruit and which was also spread on the surface of some sweet after-dinner specialties.

1. Any activity that is pursued as a trade or profession; a calling: Being a politician is Joe's métier.
2. An occupation to which someone is particularly suited; a forte, strength or talent: After trying several careers, Nancy found her true métier to be a computer expert.
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1. A person who makes or sells fashionable women's clothing; especially, dresses, hats, etc.: As a modiste, Monica was told that she creates wearing apparel better than other modistes in town.
2. Etymology: from French, mode, "mode". © ALL rights are reserved.

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A speech or talk by one person in the context of a theatrical presentation or by an individual who endlessly takes over a conversation: Kathy Childers won a prize at school for the monologue which she had memorised and recited at the Spring School Fair.

The condition of an individual or group that is positive, goal oriented, and exhibits a willingness to complete a task: The morale of the circle of actors was very high as they had received favorable reviews of their most recent theatrical production.

1. A recurring or dominant element; a theme: Jack asked, "Tom, did you see how the artist repeats the motif throughout his work?"
2. In music, a short melodic passage that is repeated in several parts of a composition: The simple motif, or sequence of notes, in the beginning of the sonate is heard many times throughout the piece.
3. A decorative figure that is repeated in a design or pattern: Little Lynn liked the cat motif on her new wallpaper in her bedroom very much.
4. When making dresses, a decorative appliqué design or figure, as of lace or velvet, used in trimming: When Susan was sewing her new blouse, she wanted to have a motif of tatting along the collar and cuffs of the sleeves.
5. Etymology: from French motif, "main idea or theme". © ALL rights are reserved.

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