formal adjective
- abnormal or irregular: the book suffers from the heteroclite and ill-fitting nature of its various elements
noun
- an abnormal thing or person
- an irregularly declined word, especially a Greek or Latin noun
[“The Island” — Lord Byron]
Lexicon
adj.
enabling someone to discover or learn something for themselves. “a “hands-on” or interactive heuristic approach to learning”
noun
a heuristic process or method.
A heuristic technique, or a heuristic (/hjʊəˈrɪstɪk/; Ancient Greek: εὑρίσκω, heurískō, ‘I find, discover’), is any approach to problem solving or self-discovery that employs a practical method that is not guaranteed to be optimal, perfect, or rational, but is nevertheless sufficient for reaching an immediate, short-term goal or approximation. Where finding an optimal solution is impossible or impractical, heuristic methods can be used to speed up the process of finding a satisfactory solution. Heuristics can be mental shortcuts that ease the cognitive load of making a decision.
[Paul Sas, in an introductory course discussion on Hyperlink Academy]
Adj.
hi·emal | \ ˈhīəməl \
of or relating to winter : WINTRY
noun
Traditional dwelling and ceremonial structure of the Navajo people of Arizona and New Mexico. Early hogans were dome-shaped buildings with log, or occasionally stone, frameworks. Once framed, the structure was then covered with mud, dirt, or sometimes sod. The entrance generally faced east, toward the rising sun, and was usually covered with a blanket. Except for a circular opening in the roof to allow smoke to escape, traditional hogans were without windows or interior divisions.
[The Heroine’s Journey — Maureen Murdock]
n.
- A seat, usually fitted with a canopy and railing, placed on the back of an elephant or a camel.
[Moby-Dick; or, The Whale — Herman Melville]