The Wonderful Land of 'Os' Trivia Quiz

Answer: Bones

Any time you see a word that begins with the letters 'oss' you can be sure that it relates somehow to bones. The Latin root prefix for bone is 'oss-', which explains why we have the word 'ossuary', a container or receptacle where bones of dead humans are deposited.

The term is especially useful for archaeologists and anthropologists who study ancient sites. Similar words include ossify and ossification, both related to the creation of bones. The Greek root for bone is 'ost-' and is used in words such as osteoblast (bone forming cells) and osteopathy (a type of healing, related to bones).

Answer: Ossifrage

The Ossifrage (Gypaetus barbatus) is a rather large, black bird, sometimes called a bearded vulture. This big bird is known as the Lämmergeier in German (the umlaut should have given that way!) Its 'ossie' name suggests that it might be fond of breaking bones, or at least picking from them (ossifrage = bone-breaking in Latin!)

Answer: Yes

Osmium, atomic number 76, is the only chemical element beginning with 'os'. It's hard, brittle, metallic stuff which makes it useful in industry. Osmium has one of the highest melting point and boiling points of any element, and derives its name from the Greek 'osme', meaning 'smell'. Oh yes...it's malodorous.

Answer: Left eye

The Latin term for your left eye is 'oculus sinister', or 'os' for short. Interestingly enough, the word 'os' itself is an archaic noun meaning mouth or a mouth-like opening, related to the Latin ora or or- (an invasion of the word 'or' in the land of 'os'!)

Answer: Cathode ray tube

The cathode ray tube is employed to produce a graph upon which the voltage and frequency of an electric signal can be measured. You may not realize it, but most homes used to have CRTs in them, whether they be in 'os' or not...they were used to make television sets, and when you stared at the screen, you were staring at a CRT. Now most CRTs have been replaced by liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or other digital display mechanisms.

Answer: Ostrich

Because of its very powerful legs, the ostrich is one of the fastest running creatures on Earth, a very useful talent considering that the big fellow cannot fly! Ostriches are native to Africa.

Answer: Ostentation

Taken from the Latin 'ostentare', meaning 'to display', the word 'ostentation' is probably not the desired description most people would prefer. A related and more neutral term is 'ostensible' which simply means 'apparent'.

Answer: You have been kissed

The term 'osculate' comes from the Latin 'osculum', which refers to a kiss, or literally 'little mouth'. Those 'ossies' are indeed an affectionate bunch.

Answer: Osier

The name 'osier' comes from the Latin word for willow 'osera'. The twigs of this tree are particularly flexible, making them perfect for use in basket-weaving, the main trade of the land of 'os' (aside from staring into oscilloscopes and practicing osteopathy.)

Answer: Ostracize

The process of 'ostracism' dates back to ancient Greek times, when voting was done using shards of jars and jugs, called 'ostrakons' (from the word for 'shell'.) I hope that you have enjoyed this journey through the land of 'os'. If you have not, please vote using your 'ostrakon'.