embed (2009-09-12)

Part of Speech: verb

Pronunciation: [em-'bed]

Definition: To fix firmly in a surrounding mass, as to embed bolts in concrete; to make an integral part of a (surrounding) whole, as to embed a subroutine in a larger piece of software.

Usage: We recommend a continuation of the use of today’s word as we used it before the invasion of Iraq, "The arrow missed Wyatt's head by less than an inch and embedded its point in the tree behind him." This does not preclude correctly focused figurative uses, "A few whiffs of truth were embedded in the generally disinformative report to seduce the unwary reader."

Suggested Usage: Since the invasion of Iraq, a new Bushism referring to reporters attached to a military unit has come to be so widely copied by the US media it threatens to become embedded in our minds as a piece of normal usage. The notion of reporters "embedded" in a military unit implies a lack of freedom if not immobility on their part and the complete control of the military unit over what they do. Come on, now; let's not include the English language among our military targets.

Etymology: Derived from en- "in" + bed "plant in a plot." "Bed" is of similar descent as Dutch "bed," German "Bett," Swedish "bädda"—from Proto-Indo-European *bhedh- "put in the earth, dig." This root also underlies Latin fodere "to dig," the past participle of which is "fossus," the root in fossilis "that which is dug up," i.e. fossils. The root also developed into German Boden "floor, ground." The idea of the flower bed probably preceded that of the bed for sleeping. The latter seems initially to have referred to an area dug out of the ground, perhaps an animal's bed.