See Also: fanatic(dictionary)
fanatic(dictionary)

annulus (iou) and fanatic (iou)


annulus (iou)



annulus noun. . M16.
[Latin, late form of anulus dim. of anus ring (see ANUS).]
Chiefly Math. & Botany. A ring, a circle that is not filled in; spec. a partial veil forming a collar round the stalk in some agarics; the ring of thickened cells surrounding the sporangium of a fern.

fanatic (iou)



fanatic adjective & noun. M16.
[French fanatique or Latin fanaticus pertaining to a temple, inspired by a god, frenzied, from fanum temple: see FANE noun2, -ATIC.]
A. adjective.
Of an action, speech: such as might result from possession by a god or demon. Of a person: frenzied, mad. Long rare. M16.
R. Baker A fanatick fellow..gave forth, that himselfe was the true Edward.
= FANATICAL 2. E17.
T. Pennant The cloisters..fell victims to fanatic fury. W. Irving The Fanatic legions of the desert. C. Potok What annoyed him was their fanatic sense of righteousness, their absolute certainty that..they alone had God's ear.
b. noun.
A mad person; a religious maniac. M17-E19.
M. Casaubon One Orpheus, a mere fanatick.
A fanatical person, a person filled with excessive and mistaken enthusiasm, esp. in Religion (orig. esp. Nonconformism). M17.
J. A. Froude The Jews..were troublesome fanatics whom it was equally difficult to govern or destroy. R. Macaulay They were both fanatics when they set their hearts on anything.