glut (2009-04-19)

Part of Speech: noun

Pronunciation: [glêt]

Definition: An oversupply, a superfluity, a superabundance.

Usage: The economy often fails as a result of a glut of products on the market. The bursting of the economic bubble of the 90s, however, resulted more from a glut of greed in the market. (The extent of that cupidity is too much for most of us to swallow.) Gluttony may also assume a more pleasant nature, "He glutted himself with her affection."

Suggested Usage: Today's word may also be used as an intransitive verb, meaning to overeat or overindulge in anything. A person who consistently gluts him- or herself is a "glutton," as a glutton for mutton may also be a glutton for abdominal punishment.

Etymology: From Old French glottir "swallow" from Latin gluttire "gulp, swallow down." Related to Russian glotat' "swallow," the noun glotok "a swallow, gulp," and Hindi galA "swallow" and gaTa "gulp." Of course, "gulp" is the same root with an old suffix –p. The medical word for the vocal folds by which we make the sounds of speech is "glottis," no doubt because we can see it bob up and down when we swallow. Its exterior is called the "Adam's apple." (We are happy that Marilyn Macmillan is a glutton for interesting words, especially when she shares those like today's with us.)