disconcerting

a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.

a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.

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World English Dictionary

disconcert (ˌdɪskənˈsɜːt)

—vb
1.	to disturb the composure of
2.	to frustrate or upset

discon'certion

—n

discon'certment

—n

disconcerting (ˌdɪskənˈsɜːtɪŋ)

—*adj*
	causing a feeling of disturbance, embarrassment, or confusion; perturbing; worrying

discon'certingly

—*adv*

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

disconcert

1680s, from M.Fr. disconcerter "confused," from dis- "do the opposite of" + concerter (see concert). Related: Disconcerted; disconcerting; disconcertingly.

Example sentences

Candidates displayed a number of disconcerting opinions on current economic

topics.

Other economic data is a little more disconcerting, however.

They are somewhat disconcerting, but once you get used to the fact that it's

only paint, people stop slowing down.

Typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors from a dissertation advisor can be

disconcerting.

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Matching Quote

"Liberalism is too often misconceived as a new set of dogmas taught by a newer and better set of priests called "liberals." Liberalism is an attitude rather than a set of dogmas—an attitude that insists upon questioning all plausible and self-evident propositions, seeking not to reject them but to find out what evidence there is to support them rather than their possible alternatives. This open eye for possible alternatives which need to be scrutinized before we can determine which is the best grounded is profoundly disconcerting to all conservatives.... Conservatism clings to what has been established, fearing that, once we begin to question the beliefs we have inherited, all the values of life will be destroyed."

-Morris Raphael Cohen