Definition

A zombie is typically a reanimated corpse. Also known as the "un-dead."

Commentary

While zombies are not as popular as brains, the former are increasingly the subject of discussion. For example, the recent film Zombieland and the video game Left 4 Dead both feature zombies. Various defenses and survival guides exist to help you deal with potential zombie attacks.

However, the emergence of zombies in non-entertainment fields is interesting. David Sirota of In These Times has an interesting article on The Zombie Zeitgeist which discusses this new/old phenomenon and how society is dealing with "apocalyptic anxiety".

See Also

• When Zombies Attack!: Mathematical Modelling of an Outbreak of Zombie Infection (via Schneier)

• Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

• Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters (not about zombies, but related)