Woodlayson's Word of the Week

defenestration: n. the act of throwing a person or object from a window
defenestrate: v. to throw a person or object from a window

Now, boys and girls, I want you to take the rest of the week to learn your new word. If you already knew this word, I want you to find a dictionary and look up a word you do not know. Look for ways to use your word in sentences all week long.

It occurs to me to wonder if defenestration is a peculiarly common act, since it merits its own word. Is there a word for throwing or being thrown from a moving vehicle? Does it count as defenestration if one is thrown from a roof? Perhaps a glassed-in porch or veranda? Would trying to throw someone through a window which one failed to notice was made of plexiglas be considered attempted defenestration? Is the breaking of glass a necessary element? If not, could not any opening in the side of a wall qualify as a proper means to satisfy the requirements of the term? Could one be defenestrated from a fire exit? Things to ponder.