365* New Words a Year [Merriam Webster] (Workman Publishing) 4/7/8: morass

morass n 1: marsh, swamp 2: something that traps, confuses, or impedes.

Besides the word's sophomoric appeal, I love the second definition. MW online gives a second part of the second definition ("an overwhelming or confusing mass or mixture") and gives the example of "a morass of traffic jams — Mary Roach", which I absolutely love. I'm often befuddled in a morass of tasks. I decided I'd pronounce the second syllable to have the same vowel sound as when you visit the doctor and open your mouth so she can look in; it's kind of like as but with a harder s sound (but not quite like the pretentious pronunciation of vase).
Previously I've let the discrepancy between the calendar page and the online tool affect the page's rating, but I believe that they're actually two different editions. But because I'm going to have to be conscious of the pronunciation and audience I use this around (guy friends, 4th grade boys), I'll rate this a little lower than I'd like. Rating: 12/15 swamp creatures.