Xeno

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

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.”

Los Vidados

Cover image for the Los Vidados word card on the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

Kairosclerosis

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

Poggled

a person studying a book with a magnifying glass

Aimonomia

close-up of a plant with lights glowing in background

Grayshift

a spiral staircase from above

Affogatia

miscellaneous items on a table