Chapter 1: Understanding the Glabella

The term "glabella" may sound obscure, but it encompasses a variety of meanings that are quite intriguing. Today, we dive into its definitions and some fun etymology.

The latest letters featured in the New York Times Spelling Bee include:

Art: Iva Reztok

A, B, E, L, T, V, and the center letter G (all words must incorporate G).

According to Merriam-Webster, it's amusing how some dictionaries might overlook the legitimacy of "glabella," despite its recognized status.

For those interested in more captivating details, don't miss out on the Spelling Bee Master. What words stood out to you in today's puzzle?

My Two Cents

The Spelling Bee's list of disallowed words includes intriguing tax-related terms: "gabelle," a historical tax on salt in France, and "tallage," a tax levied by Norman kings in England. I might explore these terms in detail when they resurface in a future puzzle. It's worth noting that this combination of letters has appeared before, specifically on December 14, 2018, March 3, 2020, and last March.

While preparing this piece, I stumbled upon the term "glabella" through an interesting mental connection during my rigorous 15-minute research session. Let's delve deeper!

Section 1.1: The Etymology of Glabella

Merriam-Webster reveals that "glabella" is derived from New Latin, tracing back to the Latin term "glabellus," which means "smooth" or "hairless," stemming from "glaber," meaning bald.

The term "glabella" has three distinct applications—two of which are noted in dictionaries, while the third may not be widely recognized. Let's explore these definitions.

Subsection 1.1.1: Glabella in the Animal Kingdom

In zoology, "Glabella" (capital G) refers to a genus of tropical snails belonging to the Marginellidae family. Below is an image of the Glabella lucani, also known as Marginella lucani.

Additionally, "glabella" (lowercase g) is a species name for a sea snail within the Marginella genus, known for their small, colorful shells. Below is an illustration of Marginella glabella.

This species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Currently, there's an ongoing debate among taxonomists regarding the classification of "Glabella" as a separate genus from "Marginella," with discussions typically occurring via strongly-worded emails.

Chapter 2: The Glabella in Trilobite Anatomy

In trilobites, the glabella signifies the axial lobe of the cephalon—the head region of these ancient arthropods.

The cephalon is a term used for the head in animals like spiders and scorpions, among others. The axial lobe represents the central section of the trilobite's head, now extinct.

Now, let's shift gears to a pop culture reference that connects with our previous discussions.

Injecting the glabella: Injection Points & Safety Advice – This video provides insights into safe injection practices for the glabella area.

For further exploration of the glabella, check out this informative video.

How-To Treat The Glabella With Botox - 3 Point Injecting Technique | Dr Chris Hutton – This video guides viewers through a Botox technique for the glabella.

As we conclude, remember that the next time someone pokes you between the eyebrows, you can confidently inform them they're touching your glabella! However, be prepared for some puzzled expressions, as the editors of the Spelling Bee may not recognize its legitimacy.

For those curious about the concept of a "dord," you can find more information in my previous entry.