Mikhail Epstein's definitions

infinition

infinition (definition + infinitity) Ð an infinite process of defining something that cannot be fully or precisely defined; an endless list of possible definitions.

Certain fluid concepts in their emergent state are subject to in-finition--infinite dispersal of their meaning--rather than to definition. To infine is to suggest the infinity of possible definitions of a certain term or concept and therefore to problematize its meaning and the possibility or the benefit of defining it. If definition circumscribes a specific conceptual area, then infinition releases the concept from restricting demarcations and places it in an indeterminate zone. For example, Jacques Derrida never defines his method of deconstruction but only infines it in numerous passages. Infinition is for the humanities what for mathematics is a transcendental number with its "infinite decimal expansion" expressed by a non-periodic decimal fraction: an endless approximation to and escape from a discrete definition.

by Mikhail Epstein November 6, 2003

protologism

protologism n Greek protos, first, original + Greek logos, word; cf. prototype, neologism - a newly created word which has not yet gained any wide acceptance. It is a prototype or a hypothetical projection of a new lexical unit before it may become current in writing or speech. The word "protologism" proposed here and now is itself an example of protologism.

In contrast to protologisms, neologisms are words that have already been in public usage by authors other than their inventors. As soon as a protologism finds its way into newspapers and websites, journals and books, it becomes a neologism.

by Mikhail Epstein November 6, 2003

defriend

defriend smbd v , transitive de + friend; cf. befriend - to break off friendly relations (with smbd).

He defriended me a year after we met, with no reason or explanation. He just stopped calling, period.

I want to defriend you. Ð What's wrong? - I need something more than friendship from you. I need love.

by Mikhail Epstein November 2, 2003

ride the edge

to be ahead in a certain skill or profession, to be on a cutting edge and take all the risks of being the first and leading the others

A recent graduate in quantum physics, Amalia now rides the edge of nanotechnology.

by Mikhail Epstein November 6, 2003

EGG

abbreviation for Electronically Generated Groups, such as smart mobs
or bookcrossing communities, that use the web to ferment their social
bonds in real space and time.

These EGGs are indeed the eggs of new, trans-electronic sociality.

Do you participate in any EGG? - Yes, I am a seasoned egger.

by Mikhail Epstein October 2, 2003

foodnik

foodnik n food + suffix nik Ð someone for whom food and eating are main joys of living and are full of sacral significance.

He invites me to cook together a dinner, but I will hardly meet his expectations. He is a real foodnik.

by Mikhail Epstein November 6, 2003

inventurer

inventurer n (invention+adventurer) - adventurer of thinking, seeker of intellectual adventures.

Inventurers know how much they donÕt know; like Socrates and Kant, they start their journey with the confessed Òignorance.Ó

by Mikhail Epstein November 6, 2003