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brome grass

(Encyclopedia) brome grass, common name for any plant of the genus Bromus, chiefly large, coarse grasses of a weedy nature; some, however, are useful as forage, and others are cultivated for…

panic

(Encyclopedia) panic, crisis in financial and economic conditions, marked by public loss of confidence in the financial structure. Panics are characterized by a general rush of investors to convert…

shoebill stork

(Encyclopedia) shoebill stork, common name for a large (up to 54 in./122 cm) tall, storklike bird, Balaeniceps rex. Also known as the whalehead, it is noted for its large head and unusually long and…

Severn, river, Great Britain

(Encyclopedia) SevernSevernsĕvˈərn [key], Lat. Sabrina, one of the principal rivers of Great Britain, c.200 mi (320 km) long, rising on Plinlimmon Mt., W Wales, and flowing NE and E to Shrewsbury, W…

Hunkers

(Encyclopedia) Hunkers, conservative faction of the Democratic party in New York state in the 1840s, so named because they were supposed to “hanker” or “hunker” after office. In opposition to them…

Louisburg

(Encyclopedia) LouisburgLouisburgl&oomacr;ˈĭsbərgˌ [key], town (1991 pop. 1,261), E Cape Breton Island, N.S., Canada. The town, an ice-free port, is near the site of the great fortress of…

Cowen, Brian

(Encyclopedia) Cowen, Brian, 1960– Irish political leader, prime minister of the Repubic of Ireland (2008–11). A lawyer from a family long involved in Fianna Fáil politics, he was first elected to…

debit card

(Encyclopedia) debit card, card that allows the cost of goods or services that are purchased to be deducted directly from the purchaser's checking account. They can also be used at automated teller…

Plata, Río de la

(Encyclopedia) Plata, Río de laPlata, Río de larēˈō ᵺā lä pläˈtä [key], estuary, c.170 mi (270 km) long, SE South America, formed by the Paraná and Uruguay rivers. Between Argentina and Uruguay, the…

Stern, David Joel

(Encyclopedia) Stern, David Joel, 1942–2020, American basketball executive, b. New York City. A lawyer, he worked (1966–78) as outside counsel to the National Basketball Association (NBA) before he…