maverick (MAV-uhr-ik) noun

   1. A person independent in thought and action.

   2. An unbranded animal.

[After Samuel A. Maverick (1803-1870), a cattle owner who left his calves
unbranded.]

WordPix: http://wordsmith.org/words/maverick.gif

   "Always a maverick, Annelet decided to do a Ph.D. on earthworms' mating
   behavior instead of following her siblings to a law school."

This week's theme: WordPix, words drawn so that they explain themselves.

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A house is no home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as
the body. -Sarah Margaret Fuller, author (1810-1850)

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Pronunciation:
http://wordsmith.org/words/maverick.wav
http://wordsmith.org/words/maverick.ram