23 January 2013

petrichor

[pet-ri-kuhr]

noun

1. The distinctive scent which accompanies the first rain after a long warm dry spell.
2. The yellow organic oil that yields this scent.

Example sentence:

Though it had yet to begin raining, the familiar smell of petrichor appeared to be already present and Neelam suddenly wished she was sitting at home with a nice cup of tea and a good book.

– Val Panesar, For the Sake of the Future.

Today’s aphorism

Be gentle to all and stern with yourself.

– Saint Teresa of Avila

On this day

23 January 1803 – death of Sir Arthur Guiness, Irish brewer and founder of the Guinness brewery. Born 24 September 1725.

23 January 1989 – death of Salvador Dali, Spanish surrealist painter. Born 11 May 1904.