Special Sub-Topic: Unusual Words - Can You Spell Them? Authored by: purrverse Sub-topic of: Spelling Bee

This means "causing death or destruction".

internecine. This word is mostly used when the death or destruction is mutual.

This one is a fruit, such as an apple, comprising of more than just seeds.

pseudocarp. This word does not mean "false fish".

This one is peat or bog moss.

sphagnum. It rhymes with 'magnum', but I'm yet to see that in a poem.

This means to worsen, or depreciate in value.

pejorate. The spelling for the unrelated 'perjury' can trip people up on this one.

This one means "a flying serpent". Yes, it really does.

serpivolant. Perhaps if more serpents flew, this one would be more widely known.

Have you ever unintentionally repeated a whole sentence? If you have, here's the descriptive word you need.

verbigerate. 'Verbigeration' is the act of saying an entire sentence more than once ... by mistake.

Terrified of dogs? This is your phobia.

cynophobia. It's pronounced "SIGH-no-phobia".

To be in a confusing state, or in an embarrassing situation, is to be in this word.

imbroglio. Singer Natalie Imbruglia may well be confused or embarrassed once in a while, like anyone, but she's not the definition of it.

If something looks like a leech, it can be described as being ...

bdelloid. What? No vowel between the 'B' and the 'D'?. I'm afraid so, and the 'B' is silent too - the leechlike thing, whatever it may be, is pronounced 'delloid'.

And finally, this word describes a sweet, scented wine.

malmsey. I've long thought that this word looked as if it ought to instead describe the wobbly semi-walk that tends to happen after consuming a little too much "sweet, scented wine".