Dire

I find trying to write my essay is a dire task.

Dire means dreadful, terrible or disastrous.

Etymology:
1560s, from L. dirus "fearful, awful, boding ill," of unknown origin; perhaps from Oscan and Umbrian and perhaps cognate with Gk. deinos, from PIE base *dwei-.

Opsimathy

I came across this word while looking in the dictionary for another word.  This is one of the reasons why I enjoy reading the dictionary, I get introduced to new words :-)

Opsimathy means the process of acquiring information late in life.

Etymology:
1650s, from Gk. opsimathia "learning late in life," from opse "late" (related to opiso "backward" + opisthen "behind") + manthanein "to learn."

Chrysanthemum

When I was a kid and would read the Babysitters' Club over and over again, this was in one of the books. The word took around 5 goes to get, but I've been able to spell and say it since. I just love the way the word sounds. Chris an' the mum - it's made for some really good cryptic crossword clues as well.

Etymology

Chrysos: gold

anthos: flower

While looking up the etymology, the word anthos reminded me of anthology. On looking this up, it turns out that anthology means 'flower pressings'.

Apocrypha

esoteric; of questionable authenticity

Oft used in religious circles to describe a book or piece of writing that is considered useful but not the word of god.

I just like the way it sounds :-)

Etymology:
From the Greek meaning hidden away