Word of the Day

Technocracy

02 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Technocracy is a noun that refers to the government or control of society or industry by an elite of technical experts.  Technocracy is a fairly rece...

Biophilia

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Biophilia is a noun that refers to the desire or tendency to commune with nature.  Our word of the day combines the Greek prefix B-I-O, meaning ‘li...

Fulcrum

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fulcrum is a noun that refers to something that plays a central or essential role in an activity, event or situation.  The Latin word fulcire (full C...

Orrery

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Orrery is a noun that refers to a model representing the solar system.  Our word of the day got its name from a historical figure known as the Fourth...

Subaltern

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Subaltern is an adjective that means of a lower status.  Our word of the day comes from the prefix S-U-B for ‘below’ and the Latin word alternus ...

Philter

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Philter is a noun that refers to a potion credited with magical powers.  The Greek verb for ‘to love’ provides the basis for our word of the day....

Ocher

27 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ocher is a noun that refers to a pale, brownish color.  Our word of the day comes directly from the Greek word for ‘yellow.’ It’s been with us ...

Polydipsia

26 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Polydipsia is a noun that refers to excessive thirst.  The Greek word for thirst forms the basis for our word of the day and it’s joined by its pre...

Nonfeasance

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nonfeasance is a noun that refers to the failure to perform an act that is required by law.  The Latin word facare (fah CAR ay) means to do. The addi...

Papal

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Papal is an adjective that means related to a pope. The Latin word papa (PA pa) refers to the ‘bishop of Rome.’ Our word of the day comes from th...

Preceptor

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Preceptor is a noun that refers to a tutor or instructor.  The Latin word praeceptor (pry CEP tor) means ‘teacher’ or ‘instructor.’ Joining E...

Prow

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Prow is an adjective that means gallant or valiant.  Coming from the Latin word pro, meaning ‘in front,’ our word of the day has been with us sin...

Telekinesis

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Telekinesis is a noun that refers to the ability to move objects by nonphysical means.  The word of our word of the day is kinesis (ken EE sis) a Gre...

Tramontane

20 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tramontane is an adjective that means traveling to or situated on the other side of the mountains.  The Latin prefix T-R-A means ‘across’ or ‘b...

Morphology

19 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Morphology is a noun that refers to the study of words and how they form.  The prefix M-O-R-P-H comes from the Greek word for ‘form.’ In time it ...

Dialectician

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dialectician is a noun that refers to a person who is skilled in philosophical debate.  Coming from the Greek word for ‘the art of conversation’ ...

Glottologist

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Glottologist is a noun that refers to a person who is an expert at language. The Greek word ‘gotta’ (GLAH TA) means ‘tongue,’ and the suffix O...

Otaku

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Otaku is a noun that refers to a young person who is obsessed with computers and similar interests to the detriment of their social skills.  A loan w...

Nearlywed

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nearlywed is a noun that refers to someone who is about to be married. It can also refer to someone who lives with a significant other but has not mar...

Flammiferous

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Flammiferous is an adjective that means bright with a flame.  The Latin word flamma (FLAM uh) means ‘flame.’ A flammiferous object is one that co...

Importune

13 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Importune is a verb that means to annoy or harass someone. The Latin word importunus (im poor TWO noose) means ‘inconvenient.’ In the early 16th ...

Mauka

12 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mauka is an adverb and an adjective that means toward the mountains.  Coming from the Hawaiian language and still very popular in the fiftieth state,...

Mellisonant

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mellisonant is an adjective that means pleasing to the ear.  Coming from the Latin words for ‘honey,’ “(mel EESE) and ‘sound’ (SO noose) ou...

Curio

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Curio is a noun that refers to a rare, unusual or intriguing object.  Our word of the day began as an abbreviated variation on the word ‘curiosity,...

Reboant

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Reboant is an adjective that means resonating or reverberating loudly.  Sharing a common ancestor with words like reverb or reverberation, our word o...

Overdetermined

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Overdetermined is an adjective that means having many causes. The Latin-derived English word ‘determine’ means ‘to identify something as a cause...

Cespitose

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cespitose is an adjective that means growing in clumps.  Our word of the day comes from the Latin word caespes (KIE ay space) meaning ‘turf’ or ‘...

Ocellus

06 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ocellus is a noun that refers to the eye of a small creature.  Our word of the day comes from the Latin word oculus (OH koo loose) which means ‘eye...

Littoral

05 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Littoral is an adjective that means relating to or situated on the shore of the sea or a lake.  The Latin word litus (LEE toos) means ‘beach.’ Ou...

Ethology

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ethology is a noun that refers to the study of animal behavior.  The Greek word ethos (EE thoss) refers to ‘nature’ or ‘disposition’ and the ...

Monopsony

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Monopsony is a noun that refers to a market situation in which there is only one buyer. The Greek word mono (MA no) means ‘one,’ as in monopoly, a...

Vicissitude

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Vicissitude is a noun that refers to a change of circumstances or fortune.  The Latin word vicissim (vee CHEESE eem) means ‘by turns or changes.’...

Startlish

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Startlish is an adjective that means ‘easily startled.’ The Old English word ‘start’ provides the basis of our word of the day as well as the ...

Orthography

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Orthography is a noun that refers to the conventional spelling system of a language.  The Greek word orthos (OR those) means ‘correct,’ while the...

Gravamen

30 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gravamen is a noun that refers to the most significant part of a complaint.  The Latin word gravis (GRAH vees) means ‘heavy.’ shifting into Engli...

Hippocampus

29 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hippocampus is a noun that refers to the part of the brain responsible for emotion and memory.  Our word of the day has its origin in Greek mythology...

Psychographics

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Psychographics is a noun that refers to the classification of people according to psychological criteria.  The prefix P-S-Y-C-H-O comes from the Gree...

Scenography

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scenography is a noun that refers to the representation of objects in perspective.  Our word of the day’s root word is ‘scene’, which comes fro...

Rort

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rort is a noun that refers to a fraudulent or dishonest act or practice.  The origin of our word of the day is unclear, but it’s often thought to b...

Hackle

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hackle is a noun that refers to the hair along the back of the neck that rises when a person is angry.  Coming from Late Middle English, our word of ...

Falstaffian

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Falstaffian is an adjective that means having a love of food, drink and humor.  Sir John Falstaff is a Shakespearean character who appears in many of...

Anastrophe

23 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Anastrophe is a noun that refers to an inversion of the usual order of words. Derived from the Greek words for ‘back’ and turning,’ our word of ...

Acescent

22 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Acescent is an adjective that means turning sour.  Our word of the day comes from the Latin word acescere (ah che SHARE ay) which means ’to become ...

MacGyver

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

MacGyver is a verb that means to make or repair an object in an improvised or inventive way.  Our word of the day is derived from a popular televisio...

Motley

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Motley is an adjective that means ‘of diverse composition.’  Our word of the day’s precise origin is unknown, but we know it’s from the Late...

Materiel

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Materiel is a noun that refers to military equipment.  Our word of the day is not to be confused with the word material, M-A-T-E-R-I-A-L, but both w...

Hyperopia

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hyperopia is a noun that refers to the condition of seeing distant things more clearly than those that are near.  Our word of the day combines the G...

Immure

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Immure is a verb that means to enclose within.  The Latin word murus (MOO roos) refers to a ‘wall.’ To immure someone is to wall them in. Our wo...

Homiletic

16 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Homiletic is an adjective that means related to preaching or writing a sermon.  The Greek word homilia (ho MEAL ee uh) means ‘to converse with.’...

Hinterlands

15 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hinterlands is a noun that refers to the land beyond the city.  The German word hinter (HIN ter) means ‘behind,’ while land simply means ‘land...

Furbelow

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Furbelow is a verb that means to adorn with trimmings.  The French word forbole (for BOWL) refers to a piece of ribbon or fabric that is used for tr...

Funicular

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Funicular is an adjective that means hauled by a rope or cable.  Coming from the mid 17th century, funicular takes its root from the Latin word funis...

Freebooter

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Freebooter is a noun that refers to a pirate or adventurer.  Derived from a word that combines the Dutch word for ‘free’ and ‘booty,’ our wo...

Gerontocracy

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gerontocracy is a noun that refers to a government ruled by the elderly.  The Greek word geron (Jer ON) means ‘old man,’ while the suffix C-R-A-...

Gamine

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gamine is a noun that refers to a girl with a mischievous, boyish charm.   Coming directly from the French word for ‘street urchin.’  gamine was...

Frangible

09 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Frangible is an adjective that means easily broken.  The Latin word frangere (fran JARE ay) means ‘to break.’ The addition of the suffix I-B-L-E...

Flambe

08 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Flambe is an adjective that means served with flaming liquor.  Coming directly from the French word for flame, flambe has been used by English speak...

Xeric

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

ic is an adjective that means very dry or having little moisture.  The Greek word keros (ZEE ros) means dry. This is the basis of our word of the da...

Somatopsychic

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Somatopsychic is an adjective that means related to the body’s effect on the mind.  The Greek word soma (SOMA) means ‘soul,’ while psyche (SY ...

Hornswoggle

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hornswoggle is a verb that means to cheat or deceive.  Despite its colorful sound, our word of the day’s origin is unknown. We do know however tha...

Sylph

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sylph is a noun that refers to a slender woman or girl.  Coming from the Latin word sylphi (SILL fee) which refers to a mythic nymph of the woods, o...

Glyph

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Glyph is a noun that refers to a small graphic symbol.  The Greek word dulphe (dool FAY) is where our word of the day began life. Although it’s no...

Scry

02 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scry is a verb that means to foretell the future using a crystal ball.  Our word of the day is derived from the Old English word descrian (DESK ree ...

Alienee

01 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alienee is a noun that refers to one to whom property is transferred.  Our word of the day comes from the Latin word alienus (ah lee AY noose) which...

Ague

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ague is a noun that refers to a shivering fit.  The Latin word acuta (ah KOO tah) means ‘acute fever.’ In past years, it was often used specific...

Annex

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Annex is a verb that means to take for oneself. Coming from late Middle English, our word of the day is derived from the Latin prefix A-D as well as ...

Zymurgy

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Zymurgy is a noun that refers to the fermentation in brewing, winemaking and distilling.  The Greek word zume (zoo MAY) means ‘leaven.’ Since zym...

Infelicitous

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Infelicitous is an adjective that means unfortunate or inappropriate.  The Latin word Felix (FAY licks) means ‘happy.’ Coming from Late Middle E...

Akimbo

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Akimbo is an adverb that means with hands on the hips and elbows turned outward.  Coming from Old Norse, akimbo has been around since the middle Eng...

Depredation

25 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Depredation is a noun that refers to the act of attacking or plundering.  Our word of the day has been around since the late 15th century, having or...

Usurp

24 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Usurp is a verb that means to take by force.  The Latin word usurpare (ooh zoo PAR ay) means ‘to seize for use.’ The word was then seized by Eng...

Fusillade

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fusillade is a noun that refers to a spirited outburst.  Coming from the French word for ‘to shoot,’ our word of the day has been with us since ...

Pecuniary

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pecuniary is an adjective that means related to money.  The latin word pecu (PECK ooh) means ‘cattle’ or ‘money.’ Our word of the day origin...

Polypod

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Polypod is an adjective that means having many legs.  Our word of the day combines the Greek prefix P-O-L-U, meaning ‘many’ with the Greek word ...

Noctivagant

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Noctivigant is a noun that refers to someone who wanders around at night. It is also an adjective that means ‘wandering in the night.’ The latin ...

Spindrift

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Spindrift is a spray of water, snow or sand blown by the wind.  Our word of the day combines two Old English words that, together, mean ‘run befor...

Nemophilist

18 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nemophilist is a noun that refers to someone who loves the forrest.  The Greek Prefix N-E-M-O refers to ‘wooded pasture.’ And the P-H-I-L-O mean...

Stelliferous

17 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stelliferous is an adjective that means being full of stars.  The Latin word stella (STELL uh) means ‘star.’ This word has given birth to such w...

Mussitate

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mussitate is a verb that means to talk indistinctly or mutter.  The Latin word mussare (moose ARE ay) means ‘silence.’ It is believed that our w...

Encyclical

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Encyclical is an adjective that means for wide release. Our word of the day comes from the Greek word enkyklios (en KEY klee ose) which means ‘circ...

Rotiform

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rotiform is an adjective that means wheel-shaped.  The Latin word rota (ROE tuh) means ‘wheel.’ The addition of the suffix I-F-O-R-M gets us a w...

Aesculapian

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Aesculapian is an adjective that means relating to medicine or physicians.  Our word of the day gets its origin from Aesculapius, the Roman god of me...

Golem

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Golem is a noun that refers to a mythical artificial being brought to life.  Our word of the day comes directly from the Yiddish word for ‘a shapel...

Fructify

11 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fructify is a verb that means to make fruitful or productive.  The Latin word fructus (FROOK toos) means fruit in the sense of ‘the result or rewa...

Calembour

10 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Calembour is a noun that refers to a play on words.  The origin of our word of the day is unknown, but you could think of it as a synonym of pun. He...

Elysium

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Elysium is a noun that refers to a place or state of perfect happiness. Our word of the day has its origin in a Greek word that means ‘Land of the ...

Helot

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Helot is a noun that refers to a serf or a servant.  Ancient Greek Region of Helos was known for the subjugation of its people. Soon, our word of th...

Capuan

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Capuan is an adjective that means luxurious.  Our word of the day is a toponym, meaning it is a word that takes its origin from a place. In this ins...

Aliquot

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Aliquot is a noun that refers to a portion of a larger whole, especially a sample taken for analysis.  Our word of the day has its origin in the Lat...

Solemnize

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Solemnize is a verb that means to mark with a ceremony.  The Latin word sollsemnis (suh LEM nis) means ‘customary.’ From this we get a word that...

Kith

04 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kith is a noun that refers to one’s friends and acquaintances.  Our word of the day has its origin in an Old English word that means ‘one’s na...

Saturnalian

03 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Saturnalian is an adjective that means marked by unrestrained revelry.  Our word of the day comes from Latin and means ‘related to Saturn.’ Satu...

Neurodiverse

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Neurodiverse is an adjective that means displaying atypical neurological behavior.  A recent addition to the English language, our word of the day h...

Foundress

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Foundress is a noun that refers to a female founder. It is also a noun that refers to a female leader of a colony.  The root word of foundress is fo...

Recuse

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Recuse is a verb that means to remove oneself from participation to avoid a conflict of interest.  The Latin word recurare (ray coo SAR ay) means ‘...

Introrse

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Introrse is an adjective that means turned inward.  Our word of the day takes its meaning and basic spelling from the Latin word inrorses (in TROR s...

Extrorse

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Extrorse is an adjective that means turned outward.  The Latin adverb extrorus (ex TROR sus) means outwards. Our word of the day has turned itself t...

Intemperance

28 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Intemperance is a noun that refers to a lack of moderation or restraint.  The Latin word temperare (temp er ARE ay) means ‘to restrain.’ Our wor...

Clapperclaw

27 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Clapperclaw is a verb that means to claw with fingernails.  Our word of the day combines two words of Old English origin ‘clapper’ and ‘claw.’...

Bewray

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bewray is a verb that means to betray.  Our word of the day comes from an Old English word that means ‘to accuse.’ When someone is rightly accus...