Word of the Day

Nisus

02 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Nisus is a noun that refers to a mental or physical effort to attain an end. Nisus comes directly from the Latin (NEEZ zoos) where its pronunciation m...

Evince

01 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Evince is a verb that means to display. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word vincere (VEEN chair ay) which means ‘conquer’ or ‘win.’ ...

Fulgurant

31 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Fulgurant is an adjective that means flashing like lighting. The Latin fulgur (FOOL goor)  means ‘lightning.’ Our word of the day is usually ...

Edenic

30 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Edenic is an adjective that means Like a paradise. Coming from Hebrew, our word of the day has its origin in the Biblical Garden of Eden, a place of g...

Sinewy

29 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sinewy is an adjective that means tough or forceful. In anatomy, a sinew is a piece of tough fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone or bone to bone. Wh...

Bromidic

28 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bromidic is an adjective that means commonplace or trite. The chemical bromide’s etymology is of unknown origin, but we do know that bromide is a se...

Osmotic

27 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Osmotic is an adjective that means having the properties of osmosis (a gradual assimilation of knowledge). The Greek word Omos (OSE mose) means ‘thr...

Actuate

26 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Actuate is a verb that means to put into action or motion. The Latin word actus (OCK toos) meaning ‘a doing’ is parent to many English words inclu...

Catchpenny

25 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Catchpenny is an that means using sensationalism for appeal. First coined in the 18th century, catchpenny may be best understood as a synonym of sensa...

Nephalism

24 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Nephalism is a noun that refers to the total abstinence from alcohol. The Greek word nēphein (NEF fine) means ‘drink no wine.’ From this beginnin...

Ben Trovato

23 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Trovato is an adjective that means characteristic and appropriate even if untrue. Ben Trovato comes directly from Italian where its words mean ‘...

Effrontery

22 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Effrontery is a noun that means insolent and impertinent behavior. Our word of the day is derived from the Latin word frons (fronce) which means ‘br...

Cutpurse

21 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Cutpurse is a noun that refers to a pickpocket. A combination of the English words ‘cut’ and ‘purse,’ our word of the day has been around sinc...

Piecemeal

20 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Piecemeal is an adjective that means one at a time or gradually. At first glance our word of the day may seem to be simply a combination of the words ...

Gerent

19 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Gerent is a noun that means one who rules or manages. The Latin gerere (Jair RAY ray) means ‘to carry’ or ‘bear,’ most likely used in a milita...

Olid

18 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Olid is an adjective that means having a strong, disagreeable smell. The Latin word olere (oh LARE ay) means ‘to smell.’ Somewhere before reaching...

Tradecraft

17 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tradecraft is a noun that means the techniques and procedures of espionage. Our word of the day combines two common English words — ‘trade’ and ...

Bibliolater

16 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bibliolater is a noun that refers to one who is excessively devoted to books. You may recognize the word ‘bible’ in bibliolater. That’s because ...

Reveille

15 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Reveille is a noun that means a signal to get out of bed. In addition to providing the origin of our word of the day, Latin word vigilare (vij uh...

Hortative

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hortative is an adjective that means strongly urging. Hortari (hor TAR ee) is Latin for ‘exhort’ or ‘urge.’ Actions that strongly urge people ...

Predaceous

13 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Coming from the Latin word preada, (PRY duh) meaning ‘to prey’ (as in ‘prey on a weak victim),’ our word of the day may be used to describe a ...

Alliciency

12 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Alliciency is a noun that refers to the power of attracting. Our word of the day has evolved from the Latin allicere (all ee CHAIR ay) meaning ‘to a...

Imperious

11 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Imperious is an adjective that means arrogant or commanding. The Latin word imperare (im pair RAWR ay) means ‘to rule or command.” A person descri...

Gloaming

10 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Gloaming is a noun that refers to twilight or dusk. Related to the word ‘glow,’ our word of the day is of Germanic origin and now refers to a glow...

Acumen

09 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Acumen is a noun that refers to the ability to make good judgements. Coming from the Latin, acuere (ah kware ay) meaning ‘to sharpen,’ our word of...

Alacrity

08 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Alacrity is a noun that refers to brisk and cheerful readiness. The Latin word alacritas (ah lah CREE toos) means ‘liveliness’ or ‘animation.’...

Bravura

07 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bravura is a noun that means a display of daring. Coming from the Italian word bravo (BRAH voe) our word of the day emerged in the mid 18th century to...

Rewild

06 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rewild is a verb that means to restore to its natural state. The word wild, meaning ‘a natural, uncultivated state,’ is of Old English and German ...

Natant

05 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Natant is an adjective that means swimming or floating. The Latin word natare (nah TAR ay) means ‘to swim,’ but our word of the day is distinguish...

Donnish

04 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Donnish is an adjective that means bookish. Derived from the Latin word dominus (DOME ee noos) meaning ‘lord or master,’ a ‘don’ came to refer...

Appurtenant

03 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Appurtenant is an adjective that means belonging or pertinent. Coming from the Latin word pertinere (per tin AIR ay) meaning ‘to pertain’ or ‘co...

Fatuous

02 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Fatuous is an adjective that means silly or foolish. Fatuus (fah TOOS) means ‘fool’ in Latin. While our word of the day is pretty much never used ...

Caducity

01 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Caducity is a noun that means frailty. The Latin word cadere (cah DARE ay) means ‘to fall.’ Over the years, our word of the day would come to mean...

Leporine

30 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Leporine is an adjective that means resembling a rabbit or a hare. The Latin word lepus (LAY poos) means rabbit. A person described as leporine would ...

Palmy

29 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Palmy is an adjective that means prosperous or flourishing. Palm trees may seem like an unlikely origin for word that means ‘prosperous or flourishi...

Literatim

28 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Literatim is an adjective that means letter for letter. Literatim comes directly from Latin. Originally meaning ‘literature,’ its meaning has shif...

Widdershins

27 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Widdershins is an adverb that means in a contrary direction. Our word of the day is of German origin. It evolved from the word widersinnen (VEE der si...

Abdicate

26 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Abdicate is a verb that means to give up a position of power. The king refused to abdicate his position in spite of protests from the people. It would...

Thaumaturge

25 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Thaumaturge is a noun that refers to a worker of miracles or a magician. The Greek word thaumatourgos (THOU mah too gose) refers to a ‘conjuror or w...

Cogitation

24 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Cogitation is a noun that refers to the action of thinking deeply about something. The Latin word cogitare (KOE gee tar ay) means ‘to think’ and h...

Paradisical

23 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Paradisical is an adjective that means related to or befitting paradise. The concept of paradise is old as time itself. But the word paradise comes fr...

Burgeon

22 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Burgeon is a verb that means to grow or flourish rapidly The Latin word burra (BOO rah) means ‘wool.’ From there it evolved into the French word b...

Orgulous

21 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Orgulous is an adjective that means haughty or full of pride. Our word of the day emerged from Old French and gained popularity when used by 19th cent...

Reticular

20 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Reticular is an adjective that means having a netlike structure. The Latin word rete (RAY tay) means ‘net.’ Something reticular resembles a net in...

Coriaceous

19 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Coriaceous is an adjective that means resembling or having the texture of leather. Corium (CORE ee oom) is the Latin word for leather or hide. This is...

Volition

18 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Volition is a noun that refers to the power of choosing or determining. The Latin word volo (VOE low) means ‘I wish’ or ‘I want.’ It would be ...

Esemplastic

17 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Esemplastic is an adjective that means moulding into one or unifying. There’s a good chance you recognize the word ‘plastic’ in our word of the ...

Alameda

16 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Alameda is a noun that refers to a public walkway shaped with trees. Our word of the day comes directly from Spanish, where it referred to a poplar gr...

Stellate

15 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Stellate is an adjective that means star-shaped. The Latin word Stella (STAY la) means star. Over the years it has evolved into a number of English wo...

Seriatim

14 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Seriatim is sometimes an adjective and sometimes an adverb that means point-by-point. Related to the word series, our word of the day comes from the L...

Burnish

13 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Burnish is a verb that means to polish or shine. The French word brun (brahh) means brown. Our word of the day came about with the French word for bro...

Consanguinity

12 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Consanguinity is a noun that means close relationship or connection. Our word of the day’s first three letters C-O-N is a prefix meaning ‘with’ ...

Piquant

11 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Piquant is an adjective that means having a pleasantly sharp or spicy taste. Piquant is a direct loan from our French friends. The word piquer (PEE ka...

Wayfaring

10 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wayfaring is an adjective that means (of a person) traveling on foot. Derived from the Old English words ‘way’ and ‘fare’ wayfaring has been ...

Olfactory

09 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Olfactory is an adjective that means related to the sense of smell. The Latin word olfacere (ol fah CHAIR ay) meant ‘to smell.’ Coming direction f...

Trouvaille

08 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Trouvaille is a noun that means a lucky find. Our word of the day comes to us directly from the French word trouver (true VAY) meaning ‘find.’ But...

Eleemosynary

07 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Eleemosynary is an adjective that means related to charity. The Greek word eleimosýni (el lee Moe SEE nee) means alms or charity. From there we get o...

Mien

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Mien is a noun that means a person's appearance or manner. Mien originated in Middle French, where it meant “appearance” or “facial expression.”...

Effigy

05 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Effigy is a noun that refers to a sculpture or a model of a person. Our word of the day began with the Latin effingere (EFF in jare ay) meaning ‘to ...

Cachet

04 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Cachet is a noun that means prestige or the state of being respected or admired. The Latin word for ‘constrain’  or ‘press’ is (co act TE...

Harlequin

03 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Harlequin is an adjective that means of varied colors. Based on an obsolete French word, harlequin got its name from the leader of a legendary troop o...

Ensconce

02 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ensconce is a verb that means to establish or settle something in a comfortable place. The Latin word for hide is abscondere (ab SKON dere ay), but ou...

Miasma

01 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Miasma is a noun that means an unpleasant smell or vapor. Our word of the day has been around since the Mid-17th century, but its roots go back to the...

Abditory

31 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Abditory is a noun that refers to a hiding place. The Latin word abdit refers to a storage room. An abditory, more specifically refers to a place for ...

Afflated

30 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Afflated is an adjective that means inspired, especially by spiritual or divine means. Our word of the day’s earliest record use is from 19th centur...

Timbre

29 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Timbre is a noun that refers to the quality of a musical sound or voice. The Greek word tumpanon (TOOM pan on) means drum, but as tumpanon has evolved...

Bequest

28 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bequest is a noun that means legacy. The origin of bequest combines the Middle English word for ‘about’ and the Old English word for ‘speech.’...

Remontant

27 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Remontant is an adjective that means blooming more than once a season. The French word remonter (RAY mon tay) means ‘coming up again.’ That’s th...

Amalgam

26 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Amalgam is a noun that refers to a mixture or blend. The Greek word malaktikos (mal ACT ee kose) means emollient. From here, the word evolved into som...

Apotheosis

25 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Apotheosis is a noun that means the highest point of development. Our word of the day comes indirectly from the Ancient Greeks who had the interesting...

Confluence

24 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Confluence is a noun that means an act or process of merging.  The original meaning of confluence stems referred to a joining of rivers. With tha...

Orotund

23 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Orotund is an adjective that means resonant and imposing. Rotund, meaning round, has roughly the same origin of orotund. Both words come from the Lati...

Otiose

22 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Otiose is an adjective that means serving no practical purpose. The Latin word otiosus (oh tee OH soos) meaning leasure, provides the origin of our wo...

Frippery

21 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Frippery is a noun that means unnecessary or ornamental in architecture, dress or language.  The French word Fripere (FREE pair ee) refers to old...

Propagate

20 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Propagate is a verb that means to spread or promote a theory or idea widely.  The origins of our word of the day are firmly rooted in horticultur...

Compendious

19 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Compendious is an adjective that means containing all the essential facts, but concise. The Latin word compendiosus (com PEN dee oh soos) means ‘adv...

Bedazzle

18 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bedazzle is a verb that means to greatly impress with skill.  The root word of bedazzle is dazzle, which means to blind someone temporarily. Beda...

Tenebrous

17 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tenebrous is an adjective that means shadowy or obscure.  Tenebrous has its origin in the Latin noun tenebrae, (TEN ay BRIE aye) meaning ‘darkn...

Acuity

16 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Acuity is a noun that means sharpness of thought, vision or hearing. Our word of the day means to be sharp, physically and mentally. So it makes sense...

Maculate

15 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Maculate is an adjective that means spotted or stained. Maculate comes from the Latin word macula (MA cool ah) meaning spot. You may have noticed the ...

Ballyhoo

14 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ballyhoo is a noun that refers to extravagant publicity or fuss.  The origin of ballyhoo is unclear, but we do know it emerged in the late 19th c...

Procellous

13 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Procellous is an adjective that means stormy or turbulent.  Procella (pro CHELL uh) is the Latin word for squall or ‘sudden gust of wind.’ Fr...

Innumerate

12 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Innumerate is an adjective that means without basic mathematics skills.  The Latin word numero (NEW mare oh) means number. By adding the prefix I...

Agglomeration

11 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Agglomeration is a noun that means a large collection.  Our word of the day comes from the Latin agglomerare (a glom ay RAR ay) meaning ‘to win...

Emissive

10 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Emissive is an adjective that means having the power to radiate light. The Latin prefix E-M-I-S-S refers to something that is ‘emitted’ or ‘sent...

Galvanic

09 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Galvanic is an adjective that means sudden and dramatic. An 18th century Italian physicist Luigi Galvini made a number of key discoveries in the field...

Rigmarole

08 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rigmarole is a noun that means a lengthy or complicated process.  In the Mid 18th century, a document that contained a list of offenses was refer...

Orbicular

07 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Orbicular is an adjective that means having a rounded shape. The Latin word orbiculus (OR bee coo loose) translates roughly to ‘ball.’ And its des...

Convoke

06 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Convoke is a verb that means to call together or summon. Our word of the day combines the prefix C-O-N meaning ‘together’ with the Latin vocare (v...

Capacious

05 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Capacious is an adjective that means roomy or having a lot of space. Capacious comes from the Latin word capax (cap AXE) which roughly translates to ‘...

Gustatory

04 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Gustatory is an adjective that means related to the sense of taste. The Latin word gustare (goo STAR ay) means ‘to taste’ and it has given us many...

Pangloss

03 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Pangloss is a noun that refers to a person who is optimistic regardless of the circumstances. Panglass was a character in an 18th century novel by Vol...

Galumph

02 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Galumph is a verb that means to move in a clumsy way.  19th century English author Lewis Carrol is best known for the book Alice’s Adventures i...

Raconteur

01 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Raconteur is a noun that refers to a skilled storyteller.  Raconteur comes directly from the French word raconter (RACK on tay) meaning ‘relate...

Enigmatic

31 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Enigmatic is an adjective that means mysterious.  Enigma comes to us directly from Greece, where it means ‘riddle.’ Comic book fans may recal...

Aeonian

30 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Aeonian is an adjective that means everlasting.  The word aeon comes from Greek, meaning ‘age,’ as in a period of time like The Stone Age. Wh...

Pellucid

29 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Pellucid is an adjective that means clear or easily understood. The Latin word lucere (LOO chair ay) means shine. Combined with per, for ‘through,’...

Extemporize

28 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Extemporize is a verb that means to perform without preparation.  Ex tempore (ecks TEM poor ay) is a Latin phrase that means ‘done instantly.’...

Salient

27 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Salient is an adjective that means most noticeable or important.  The most common use of salient is to describe something that stands out or is m...

Tumult

26 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tumult is a noun that means a loud, confused noise. Our word of the day’s origin begins with the Latin word tumultus (too MOOL toos) meaning ‘upri...