Lexical Ovines Trivia Quiz

Answer: Any animal in its first year of life

In physics, lambda represents wavelength, the distance between two consecutive points in a wave, be they at peaks, troughs, or at zero crossings. The point at which the lambdoidal suture and the sagittal suture meet on the occipital bone in the skull is called the lambda.

In the late first and early second century, lambda was the twelfth letter of the Greek language, in what we now refer to as Old Greek.

Answer: One of a few fish found off the coast of North America

There are three species of fish which are classifed as being sheepsheads. They are the sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), which feeds on crustaceans and gave its name to Sheepshead Bay in New York City; the California sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher), commonly found in Californian fish markets; and the freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), a common fish in central America which bears the sheepshead nickname, among others.

Answer: Connotations

As well as meaning the consequences of an action or event, the word ramification can refer to the branching out or bifurcation of something. Trees with branches that split off into different directions can be referred to as having ramifications, as it indicates a forked shape.

Answer: A large pitcher

Traditional ewers have a distinct vase-like shape with a separate spout, like that of a teapot. However, other types of ewer are more jug-like, usually adorned in decorative stones and ornate carvings.

Answer: To flee or escape

Though "on the lam" means to have gone from somewhere, it is most associated with criminals and escapees who have fled from authorities and are on the run. The exact origin of lam, in this context, is unclear. A second meaning of lam refers to beating (ie, to lam someone means to thrash them).

This has its origins in Scandinavia, where it comes from the Old Norse word "lemja", meaning "flog".

Answer: A type of knot

The sheepshank knot is used to shorten a length of cord of rope, and tightens when it takes a load. However, the knot is liable to untie if the load is removed and the knot slackens. The dogshank is a similar knot, but isn't used as much as its sheepshank counterpart.

Answer: In a kitchen

The word ramekin has two meanings: one is a cheese-based, soufflé-like recipe, and the other refers to the dish that this recipe is prepared and served in. The dish is also used in the preparation of soups and crème brûlées, among other things, and are made to withstand high temperatures, like those of an oven.

Answer: To beat or flog

The word lambaste (UK variation lambast) is made up of two words, lam and baste, both of which mean to beat. It can be said, therefore, that to lambast is to beat severely. It can also mean to scold or chastise.

Answer: Brazen

People who are referred to as sheepish are named so because of their apparent resemblance to sheep, in the sense that they are docile or timid. Embarrassed and chagrined are also terms used to describe sheepish people.

Answer: Boisterous and unruly

Rambunctious is similar in meaning and origin to "robustious", which has its roots in strength and vigour. Rambunctious actions describe unruly and difficult to control behaviour, most commonly associated with children and adolescents.