Word of the Day

Telluric

06 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Telluric is an adjective that means ‘of the earth or soil.’ The Latin word tellus (TAY loose) refers to ‘the earth.’ Our word of the day is ty...

Cordiform

05 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cordiform is an adjective that means heart-shaped. The ancient Greek word Kardia (CAR dee uh) meant ‘heart.’ After traveling through Latin and Mid...

Consonance

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Consonance is an adjective that means agreement or compatibility between opinions. Coming from Latin, our word of the day is derived from the verb con...

Avouch

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Avouch is a verb that means’ to affirm or assert.’ Our word of the day comes from the Latin term advocare (ad voe CAR ay) meaning ‘to summon in ...

Kerfuffle

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kerfuffle is a noun that refers to ‘a commotion or fuss.’ As a fairly recent addition to the English language, Kerfuffle comes from Scottish and &...

Frowzy

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Frowzy is an adjective that means ‘scruffy and neglected in appearance.’ The origin of our word of the day is unknown, but the word is used in a c...

Sacrosanct

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sacrosanct is an adjective that means regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with. Our word of the day is derived from the Latin phras...

Inspirit

30 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Inspirit is a verb that means ‘to encourage’ or ‘enliven someone.’ The Latin word spiritus (SPEAR ee toos) means ‘breath or spirit.’ To in...

Ternary

29 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ternary is an adjective that means ‘composed of three parts.’ Our word of the day comes from the Latin word ternarius (tear NAR ee oos) which mean...

Imperturbable

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Imperturbable is an adjective that means unable to be upset or excited. The Latin word pertubare (per too BAR ay) means to disturb, and it was later &...

Demode

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Demode is an adjective that means out of fashion. Our word of the day comes directly from the French verb demoder (dee mu DER) which means ‘go out o...

Excogitate

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Excogitate is a verb that means to think out or plan. The Latin word cogitare (coe gee TAR ay) meaning ‘to think,’ has given birth to a number of ...

Inspirit

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

inspirit is a verb that means ‘to encourage’ or ‘enliven someone.’ The Latin word spiritus (SPEAR ee toos) means ‘breath or spirit.’ To in...

Ternary

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ternary is an adjective that means ‘composed of three parts.’ Our word of the day comes from the Latin word ternarius (tear NAR ee oos) which mean...

Imperturbable

23 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Imperturbable is an adjective that means unable to be upset or excited. The Latin word pertubare (per too BAR ay) means to disturb, and it was later &...

Sympatric

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sympatric is an adjective that means occurring in the same place. Our word of the day combines the Greek word patra (PAT ra) for ‘father’ and the ...

Felix culpa

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Felix culpa is a noun that refers to an error that brings fortunate consequences. Our word of the day combines two Latin words. Felix, which means ‘...

Immanent

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Immanent is an adjective that means existing within or inherent. The Latin word manere (mah NAIR ay) means remain. By adding the prefix I-N (which mea...

Sinology

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sinology is a noun that refers to the study of Chinese language, history and politics. In Arabic, the word sin (SIN) means ‘China.’ Our word of th...

Analeptic

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Analeptic is an adjective that means restorative or stimulating. The Greek word analeptikos (ann el EP tea cose) means ‘restorative.’ Our word of ...

Exclave

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Exclave is a noun that refers to a portion of a territory surrounded by other territories. The Latin word clavis (KLAV is) means ‘key.’ It provide...

Ritz

16 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ritz is a noun that refers to luxury and glamour. An early 20th hotel owner named Cesar Ritz provides the basis of our word of the day. It now refers ...

Baedeker

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Baedeker is a noun that refers to a travel guidebook. Our word of the day was named after a German publisher who is remembered for a series of guidebo...

Galahad

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Galahad is a noun that refers to a person characterized by nobility and integrity. According to legend, Sir Galahad was the noblest of king Author’s...

Sclerotic

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sclerotic is an adjective that means rigid or unresponsive. Our word of the day comes from the Greek word skleros (SLARE ose) which means ‘hard.’ ...

Defalcate

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Defalcate is a verb that means to embezzle or misuse funds. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word defalcare (del el CAR ay) which means ‘awa...

Victual

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Victual is a noun that refers to food or provisions. The Latin word victus means ‘food.’ Our word of the day came directly from this word and main...

Redintegration

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Redintegration is a noun that refers to the evocation of a state of mind. The root word of the redintegration is ‘integrate,’ which means to incor...

Entente

09 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Entente is a noun that refers to a friendly understanding between factions. Our word of the day comes directly from French and is translated to ‘fri...

Memoriter

08 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Memoriter is an adjective that means memorized by heart. Our word of the day has the same Latin origin of words like ‘memory’ and ‘memoir.’ To...

Prelapsarian

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Prelapsarian is an adjective that means pertaining to an innocent or carefree period. The Latin word labi means ‘to fall.’ By adding the prefix P-...

Phlegethon

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Phlegethon is a noun that refers to a fiery light. Coming directly from Greek, our word of the day once referred to a river of fire. More recently, it...

Defenestrate

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Defenestrate is a verb that means to dismiss someone. The Latin word fenstra (fen EST rah) means ‘window.’ Our word of the day initially meant ‘...

Flump

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Flump is a verb that means to sit or fall down heavily. The origin or our word of the day is unclear, but it seems to be imitative in nature, in other...

Callow

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Callow is an adjective that means inexperienced and immature. Our word of the day is derived from the Latin word calvus (KAL voose) which means ‘bal...

Embracery

02 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Embracery is a noun that refers to an attempt to threaten or bribe a jury. Coming from Middle English, our word of the day is commonly used in legal c...

Hegira

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hegira is a noun that refers to a trip to a more desirable location. Coming from an Arabic word for ‘departure,’ hegira came to English in the lat...

Apopemptic

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Apopemptic is an adjective that means related to departing. Our word of the day began in Greek as a synonym of dismiss. In time, it came to refer to a...

Paletot

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Paletot is a noun that refers to a loose outer jacket. Coming from Middle English, our word of the day was later brought into French. Here’s an exam...

Tohubohu

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tohubohu is a noun that refers to a state of chaos. Our word of the day comes directly from Hebrew as a word that means ‘emptiness and desolation.’...

Infix

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Infix is a noun that refer to letters added to a word to change meaning. The Latin word figere (fig AIR ay) means ‘to fasten.’ From this word we g...

Apollonian

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Apollonian is an adjective that means related to the rational, ordered and self-disciplined aspects of human nature. According to Greek mythology, the...

Gradely

25 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gradely is an adjective that means decent and orderly. Our word of the day comes from Middle English and when used as an adjective it is a synonym of ...

Isochronous

24 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Isochronous is an adjective that means occurring at the same time. Our word of the day comes directly from Greek, and holds the same pronunciation and...

Integument

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Integument is a noun that refers to a tough, outer protective layer. Our word of the day comes almost directly from the Latin word integumentum (in te...

Zeugma

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Zeugma is a noun that refers to a figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses. The Greek word zugon (ZOO gone) means ‘...

Acrostic

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Acrostic is a noun that refers to a poem, word puzzle or other composition in which certain letters in each line form a word or phrase. Our word of th...

Antepenultimate

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Antepenultimate is an adjective that means the third from last in a series. The Latin word ultimare (OOL tea mare ay) means ‘come to an end.’ If s...

Totemic

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Totemic is an adjective that means regarded as being symbolic or representative of a quality. The word totem comes from Ojibway and refers to a symbol...

Saudade

18 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Saudade is a noun that refers to a feeling of melancholy or nostalgia. Our word of the day comes directly from Portuguese and it refers to a sense of ...

Noisome

17 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Noisome is an adjective that means having an extremely offensive smell. Our word of the day has nothing at all to do with sound coming into our ears, ...

Metanoia

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Metanoia is a noun that refers to a change in one’s way of life. The Greek word metanoein (meta KNOW een) is the source of our word of the day. It m...

Arcana

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Arcana is a noun that refers to secrets and mysteries. Our word of the day comes almost directly from the latin word arcanus (are CAY noose) which mea...

Tocsin

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tocsin is a noun that refers to an alarm bell or signal. Our word of the day combines the French word for ‘touch’ with the Latin word signum (SEEG...

Akrasia

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Akrasia is a noun that refers to the state of mind in which someone acts against their better judgement. Our word of the day comes from Greek. It comb...

Gestalt

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gestalt is a noun that refers to an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts. Our word of the day comes directly from the G...

Abscond

11 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Abscond is a verb that means to depart for safety. The Latin word abscondere (ab SCON dare ay) means ‘to hide.’ The word came to English in the mi...

Agora

10 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Agora is a noun that refers to a public open space. Our word of the day comes directly from Greek. In ancient Greece, it referred to a public open spa...

Bivouac

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bivouac is a noun that refers to a temporary camp or shelter. Our word of the day is a loan word from French, meaning ‘on guard at night.’ It may ...

Epigone

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Epigone is a noun that refers to a less distinguished follower or imitator of someone. The Greek word epigonoi (EP ee go knee) means ‘those born aft...

Patois

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Patois is a noun that refers to the dialect of the common people of a region. Our word of the day comes from a French word that means ‘rough speech....

Antecedent

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Antecedent is a noun that refers to a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another. The Latin word cedere (say DARE ay) means ‘t...

Ecclesiastic

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ecclesiastic is a noun that refers to a priest or member of the clergy. The Greek word ekklesia (eh KLES ee ah) refers to a ‘church’ or ‘assembl...

Granitic

04 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Granitic is an adjective that means hard like granite. The Latin word granum (GRAH noom) refers to ‘grain.’ The word later drifted into Italian, t...

Decamp

03 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Decamp is a verb that means to depart suddenly or secretly. The French word decamper (doo com PAY) was imported into English in the 17th century, hold...

Asynchronous

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Asynchronous is an adjective that means not existing or happening at the same time. The Greek word Chronos (CROW noss) refers to ‘time.’ Synchrono...

Extortionate

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Extortionate is an adjective that means too costly. Our word of the day is derived from the Latin-based word extort, which means to obtain by force or...

Anserous

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Anserous is an adjective that means silly. The Latin word anser (AHN sir) means ‘goose.’ Our word of the day simply adds the suffix O-U-S, which m...

Expropriate

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Expropriate is a verb that means to take property from its owner. The Latin word proprium (PRO pree um) means ‘property.’ The addition of the pref...

Supertemporal

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Supertemporal is an adjective that means being beyond time or eternal. The Latin word tempus (TEM poos) means ‘time.’ The addition of the prefix S...

Pique

28 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pique is a noun that refers to a feeling of irritation or resentment from a slight. Our word of the day has many meanings, but today we’re focusing ...

Furphy

27 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Furphy is a noun that refers to a false report or rumor. The exact origin or our word of the day is unclear, but it is an Australian slang that’s be...

Guttural

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Guttural is an adjective that means related to a harsh sound produced in the throat. The Latin word guttur (GOO tour) means ‘throat.’ Guttural is ...

Soiree

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Soiree is a noun that refers to an evening party. The French word soir (swah) means evening, and our word of the day lifts it directly without changin...

Finitude

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Finitude is noun that means the state of having limits or bounds. The Latin word finitus (FEE knee toose) provides the origin for our word of the day....

Gallicism

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gallicism is a noun that refers to a French expression adopted by speakers of another language. Although it refers to The French language, Gallicism —...

Phatic

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Phatic is an adjective that denotes language used for social interaction. The Greek word phatos (FAH tose) means ‘spoken.’ Since entering English ...

Eidolon

21 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Eidolon is a noun that refers to an idealized person or thing. The Greek word eidos (EE dose) means ‘form.’ An eidolon is the form of a perfect pe...

Torpor

20 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Torpor is a noun that refers to a state of physical or mental inactivity. In Latin, the word torpore (tore POOR ay) means ‘be numb’ or ‘sluggish...

Dithyramb

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dithyramb is a statement or writing in an enthusiastic vein. We don’t know the precise origin of our word of the day except that it came from the Gr...

Flapdoodle

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Flapdoodle is a noun that refers to nonsense. Our word of the day doesn’t appear to have an origin. It seems to have been an arbitrarily formed word...

Compos mentis

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Compos mentis is an adjective that means having full control of one’s mind. Our word of the day comes directly from a Latin phrase that translates t...

Estuary

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Estuary is a noun that refers to the tidal mouth of a large river. The Latin word aestus (ESS toose) means ‘tide.’ Our word of the day is derived ...

Tammany

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tammany is an adjective that means related to political corruption. Our word of the day got its name from Tammany Hall, headquarters of the Tammy Soci...

Inveigh

14 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Inveigh is a verb that means to write or speak against something with great hostility. Our word of the day comes from the latin word vehere (vay HAIR ...

Treen

13 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Treen is an adjective that means made of wood. It’s not a coincidence that the first three letters of our word of the day come to ‘tree.’ Tree i...

Omnium gatherum

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Omnium gatherum is a noun that refers to a collection of miscellaneous people or things. Our word of the day comes directly from Latin. From Latin, it...

Mulct

11 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mulct is a verb that means to cheat or defraud. The Latin word mulcta (MOOLK tah) refers to ‘a fine.’ Our word of the day may refer to the act of ...

Lyceum

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lyceum is a noun that refers to a literary institution. Our word of the day comes directly from the Greek word for a temple for gods. More recently, i...

Xiphoid

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Xiphoid is an adjective that means sword-shaped. Our word of the day comes almost directly from the Greek word for ‘sword.’ It was imported into E...

Au fond

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Au fond is a an adverb that means in essence or at core. Our word of the day comes directly from French and means ‘at bottom,’ or ‘at core.’ H...

Causative

07 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Causative is an adjective that means acting as a cause. The Latin word cau SARE ay) cow SARE ay) means ‘to cause.’ This gave us the English word c...

Gravimetric

06 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gravimetric is an adjective that means related to the measurement of weight. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word gravis (GRAV is) which mean...

Perdurable

05 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Perdurable is an adjective that means enduring continuously. The Latin word perdurare (per door ARE ay) means ‘to endure.’ Our word of the day can...

Hereditament

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hereditament is a noun that means an item of inheritance. The Latin word hereditare (her red it ARE ay) means ‘inherit.’ It was later imported int...

Flexitarian

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Flexitarian is a noun that refers to a person who has a primarily vegetarian diet but occasionally eats meat or fish. The word flexitarian combines tw...

Fillip

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fillip is a noun that refers to the act of flicking a finger against something. Our word of the day has an etymology similar to the words ‘flick’ ...

Valhalla

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Valhalla is a noun that refers to a place of honor or glory. Our word of the day comes from Old Norse. It is translated to ‘hall of the dead.’ I l...

Bruit

31 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bruit is a verb that means to spread a rumor or report. Our word of the day comes from Middle English, meaning ‘noise.’ More recently It has come ...

Cunctation

30 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cunctation is a noun that refers to an action or delay. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word cunctari (koonk TAR ee) which means ‘to delay....