socks and knocks
n.pl.— «Sulfur is capable of forming more than one oxide…, conveniently lumped together with the symbol SOx. Similarly, nitrogen can produce more than one oxide; they are lumped together as NOx.…Sometimes the generic symbol R is used to represent the metallic elements (such as silicon, aluminum, and iron) present in the various constituents of ash. Then the notation ROx can be taken as a symbol for ash. It’s then possible to refer to the potential pollutants as socks, knocks, and rocks.» —by Harold H. Schobert Energy and Society: An Introduction Oct. 1, 2001. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Book recommendations, including a collection of short stories inspired by dictionaries, and a techno-thriller for teens. Or, how about novels with an upbeat message? Publishers call this genre up lit. Plus, a clergyman ponders an arresting phrase in...
Barbara Kingsolver’s book Demon Copperhead is a retelling of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield set in today’s Appalachia. Martha shares memories of a long-ago visit to Kingsolver’s family farm in Virginia, where they...