Wednesday, September 19, 2012

word of the day: volte-face

The word of the day is volte-face:
 
Etymology:  French, < Italian volta faccia, < volta turn + faccia face.
 
The act of turning so as to face in the opposite direction; fig. a complete change of attitude or opinion. (OED)


"This was quite a volte-face for Morgan, but it was just the start.  The eye-color ratios convinced him that gene theory wasn't bunk."

 - Sam Kean, The Violinist's Thumb and Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by our Genetic Code

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