Fun word for the day
Oct. 26th, 2006 11:03 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
weaktwosFrom the OED word of the day:
limerence, n.
Brit. /{sm}l{shti}m({schwa})r{schwa}ns/, U.S. /{sm}l{shti}m{schwa}r({schwa})ns/, /{sm}l{shti}mr({schwa})ns/ Forms: 19- limerance, limerence. [< limer-, app. an arbitrary element (cf. quot. 1977) + -ENCE. Cf. LIMERENT a.
In form limerance after -ANCE.]
The state of being romantically infatuated or obsessed with another person, typically experienced involuntarily and characterized by a strong desire for reciprocation of one's feelings but not primarily for a sexual relationship.
It has been suggested that this state results from fluctuations in the levels of various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.
1977 D. TENNOV in Observer 11 Sept. 3/9, I first used the term ‘amorance’ then changed it back to ‘limerence’... It has no roots whatsoever. It looks nice. It works well in French. Take it from me it has no etymology whatsoever. 1981 L. LOCHHEAD Grimm Sisters 31 From limerance and venery She flinched as at fire. 1993 C. BIRCH Regaining Compassion for Nature i. 23 Real love, as distinct from limerence, does not destroy the freedom of the beloved. It does not violate the beloved's individual and social existence. 2001 Weekend Austral. (Nexis) 10 Feb. 18 Limerance isn't about reality, but a love state triggered by a rush of brain chemicals.
limerence, n.
Brit. /{sm}l{shti}m({schwa})r{schwa}ns/, U.S. /{sm}l{shti}m{schwa}r({schwa})ns/, /{sm}l{shti}mr({schwa})ns/ Forms: 19- limerance, limerence. [< limer-, app. an arbitrary element (cf. quot. 1977) + -ENCE. Cf. LIMERENT a.
In form limerance after -ANCE.]
The state of being romantically infatuated or obsessed with another person, typically experienced involuntarily and characterized by a strong desire for reciprocation of one's feelings but not primarily for a sexual relationship.
It has been suggested that this state results from fluctuations in the levels of various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.
1977 D. TENNOV in Observer 11 Sept. 3/9, I first used the term ‘amorance’ then changed it back to ‘limerence’... It has no roots whatsoever. It looks nice. It works well in French. Take it from me it has no etymology whatsoever. 1981 L. LOCHHEAD Grimm Sisters 31 From limerance and venery She flinched as at fire. 1993 C. BIRCH Regaining Compassion for Nature i. 23 Real love, as distinct from limerence, does not destroy the freedom of the beloved. It does not violate the beloved's individual and social existence. 2001 Weekend Austral. (Nexis) 10 Feb. 18 Limerance isn't about reality, but a love state triggered by a rush of brain chemicals.
