in⋅can⋅ta⋅tion
[in-kan-tey-shuh
n]
| 1. | the chanting or uttering of words purporting to have magical power. |
| 2. | the formula employed; a spell or charm. |
| 3. | magical ceremonies. |
| 4. | magic; sorcery. |
| 5. | repetitious wordiness used to conceal a lack of content; obfuscation: Her prose too often resorts to incantation. |
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Incantation
In`can*ta"tion\, n. [L. incantatio, fr. incantare to chant a magic formula over one: cf. F. incantation. See Enchant.]1. The act or process of using formulas sung or spoken, with occult ceremonies, for the purpose of raising spirits, producing enchantment, or affecting other magical results; enchantment. "Mysterious ceremony and incantation." --Burke. 2. A formula of words used as above.Cite This Source
incantation
n. Any particularly arbitrary or obscure command that one must mutter at a system to attain a desired result. Not used of passwords or other explicit security features. Especially used of tricks that are so poorly documented that they must be learned from a wizard. "This compiler normally locates initialized data in the data segment, but if you mutter the right incantation they will be forced into text space."spell
n. Syn. {incantation}.Cite This Source
incantation
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incantation
Any particularly arbitrary or obscure command that one must mutter at a system to attain a desired result. Not used of passwords or other explicit security features. Especially used of tricks that are so poorly documented that they must be learned from a wizard. "This compiler normally locates initialised data in the data segment, but if you mutter the right incantation they will be forced into text space."
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incantation
words uttered in a set formula with magical intent. The correct recitation, often with accompanying gestures, is considered to unleash supernatural power. Some societies believe that incorrect recitation can not only nullify the magic but cause the death of the practitioner.
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