What's the Longest Word in the English Language?



Pictured above is the longest word in the English language. It's a slang term for a disease incurred by inhaling silicone dioxide. Sam Kean has a story at NPR's website describing the difficult task of defining a "word" so that one may determine which is the longest.

For example, do the names for chemical chains count? Does a word have to be published to qualify? Should words intentionally created to be the longest be considered real words? Kean lists the six words that qualify under various criteria. Which do you think is the best case for the longest word?

http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2011/01/21/133052745/whats-the-longest-word-in-the-english-language? via Kottke

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

This is an easy one...The longest word is "floccinaucinihilipilification" the act of teaching as worthless. It appears in a couple different forms in at least one Heinlein novel-"Time Enough for Love". I can thank my warped highschool English teacher Mr. Sheehy for this one. It's been stuck in my head for 25 years.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"What's the Longest Word in the English Language?"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More