The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. 2002. |
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raison dêtre |
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(ray-zohnn DET-ruh) A basic, essential purpose; a reason to exist: Professor Naylor argues that in the nuclear age, infantry forces have lost their raison dêtre. From French, meaning reason for being. | 1 |
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| The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Edited by E.D. Hirsch, Jr., Joseph F. Kett, and James Trefil. Copyright © 2002 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. |
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