blood diamond n.— «The international diamond industry sought to put the sparkle back into its image Wednesday, adopting strict new measures to stop rebel groups who trade gems for guns to fight some of Africa’s most vicious civil wars...
stub v.— «When their streets reach the edge of the new development, construction is halted (or stubbed, in the parlance of the trade), awaiting further extension to occur when the adjacent property is developed.» —“Road plan reality:...
wash trade n.— «In the natural gas case, there are examples of traders who agreed to buy the same amount of natural gas from each other in what is known as a “wash” trade, so they could report a high trade price to an industry...
bang bang n.— «The brave and dedicated men and women who risk their lives and well-being every moment that they are in a war zone are well aware of the phrase “watch your ass.” They wear helmets and body armor and are always looking over...
supercedure n.— «When the virgin queen is of age, “They bring it to the old queen,” says Morrison. From there, it’s a battle to the death. Typically, “The younger and more vigorous queen will sting the older queen, and...
black box n.— «You can add a fourth box to the amber, blue and green boxes the World Trade Organization uses to try to keep straight the “aggregate measures of support” member countries provide to agriculture. The fourth is a “black box,”...