Dyings

/ˈdaɪɪŋz/ noun

Definition

Plural of dying; multiple instances of death or the process of dying, or multiple things that are dyed.

Etymology

From 'dying,' which can mean either the present participle of 'die' (to cease living) from Old Norse 'deyja,' or the present participle of 'dye' (to color) from Old English 'deagian.' The '-s' suffix pluralizes the noun, making it refer to multiple occurrences or instances.

Kelly Says

This word is delightfully ambiguous in writing—'the dyings in the factory' could refer to either fabric-coloring processes or something far more morbid, though context saves us from confusion! This homonymic pun was actually used in old mystery novels to create deliberate wordplay.

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