释义 |
cruciverbalist, n. Brit. |ˌkruːsɪˈvəːbəlɪst|, U.S. |ˌkrusəˈvərbələst| [‹ classical Latin cruci-, combining form (in e.g. Crucisalus, name of a slave, lit. ‘cross-dancer’) of cruc-, crux cross (see cross n.) + verbalist n., after crossword n.] A person who compiles or solves crossword puzzles; a crossword enthusiast.
[1939A. Waugh 23 Aug. in A. Waugh Fathers & Sons (2004) ix. 245 Unravelled clues myself have missed (You champion crux-verbalist!), Our host's illimitable wit.] 1971Crossword Summer 2/3 A succinct word to describe people who regularly attempt to solve crossword puzzles. A number of subscribers, including Jonathan Crowther, one of our crossword contributors, proposed ‘cruciverbalist’, while several others suggested ‘cruciverbian’. 1975Games & Puzzles Feb. 28/2 That would take a cruciverbalist with a deep lexicographical devotion another incarnation or two to produce. 1981S. A. Kurzban & M. Rosen (title) The compleat cruciverbalist: or, how to solve and compose crossword puzzles for fun and profit. 2005Guardian 13 Sept. ii. 29/3 At the present time, it appears that Sudoku is stealing the spotlight when cerebral exercise is recommended. But have no fear, cruciverbalists! There is no contest. |