Xeno

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Xeno

n.
the smallest measurable unit of human connection, typically exchanged between passing strangers—a warm smile, a sympathetic nod, a shared laugh about some odd coincidence—moments that are fleeting and random but still contain powerful emotional nutrients that can alleviate the symptoms of feeling alone.

Ancient Greek ξένος (xénos), alien, stranger. Pronounced “zee-noh.”

Wenbane

a person standing on a ledge looking at a city skyline

Hobsmacked

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Star-Stuck

a man walking towards a door with a large question mark

Burn Upon Reentry

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Covalent Bond

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Pâro

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Nullness

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Xeno

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Eigenschauung

Eigen-schauung

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Latigo

aerial view of a city at night

Scrough

a person working on the sidewalk

Nullness

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Aimonomia

close-up of a plant with lights glowing in background

Leidenfreude

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Ameneurosis

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Amoransia

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Addleworth

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Énouement

a hand opening a curtain

Hubilance

Cover image for the Hubilance word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

O’Erpine

a person looking at a grave