Weird Word Wednesdays: Glabella, wamble and phosphene

For today’s Weird Word Wednesday, let’s look at three words which fall into the category of “I didn’t know there was a word for that!” Glabella, wamble and phosphene.

Here’s what www.merriam-webster (unabridged edition) says about these weird words:

glabella

Pronunciation: [ gləˈbelə ]

Part of speech: Noun

Definition:  The smooth prominence of the forehead between the eyebrows. Language origin: New Latin and Latin

“Glabella.” Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/glabella. Accessed 16 Feb. 2022.

wamble

Pronunciation: [ ˈwämbəl ]

Part of speech: Verb

Definition: To feel nausea or the rolling of a stomach (like a growl). Language origin: Middle English, Danish and Latin

“Wamble.” Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/wamble. Accessed 16 Feb. 2022.

phosphene

Pronunciation: [ ˈfäˌsfēn ]

Part of speech: Noun

Definition: A luminous impression due to excitation of the retina of the eye by some cause other than the impingement of rays of light (as by pressure on the eyeball when the lids are closed).

Language origin: International Scientific Vocabulary and Greek

“Phosphene.” Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/phosphene. Accessed 16 Feb. 2022.