Word of the Day

Glossophobia

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Glossophobia is a noun that refers to a fear of public speaking. Our word of the day is comprised of the Greek prefix G-L-O-S-S-O, derived from the wo...

Galimatias

09 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Galimatias is a noun that refers to confused or meaningless talk. Our word of the day has no clear origin, but we can say with certainty that it arriv...

Decussate

08 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Decussate is a verb that means to intersect or cross. The Latin word decussare (day coo SAR ay) means ‘to divide crosswise.’ This is the origin of...

Motility

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Motility is a noun that refers to movement or the ability to move. The Latin word motus (MOE toos) means ‘motion.’ This word would later evolve in...

Desiccate

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Desiccate is a verb that means to make dry. The Latin word siccus (SEE coos) means ‘dry.’ Our word of the day evolved from this word and into it...

In statu nascendi

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In statu nascendi is an adjective that means in the course of being formed or developed. Sometimes written or spoken simply as statu nascendi, our wor...

Gallionic

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gallionic is an adjective that means marked by indifference or irresponsibility. Gallio was a Roman senator noted for refusing to take action during a...

Potentate

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Potentate is a noun that refers to a ruler with absolute power. The key word in our word of the day is potent. When things are potent, they have great...

Merestone

02 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Merestone is a noun that refers to a boundary or a limit. Our word of the day comes from Middle English and can be used to describe an actual landmark...

Estaminet

01 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Estaminet is a noun that refers to a small cafe. Our word of the day comes directly from French. Estaminet is another word for a small cafe. Cindy and...

Brusque

31 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Brusque is an adjective that means abrupt or curt. The Latin word bruscum (BROOS coom) described a broom used by a butcher. These days when we brush s...

Retrocede

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Retrocede is a verb that means to give back territory. Our word of the day combines the prefix R-E-T-R-O, meaning ‘return’ with ‘cede,’ a word...

Accrual

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Accrual is a noun that refers to  the process of accumulating something. The Latin word accrescere (ah CRAY share ay) means ‘increase.’ ...

Peculate

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Peculate is a verb that means to embezzle. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word peculum (PECK ooh loom) which originally meant ‘cattle,’ ...

Acerbate

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Acerbate is a verb that means to make worse. The Latin word acerbus (ah CHAIR bus) means ‘bitter’ or ‘sour.’ When we make something bitter or ...

Synecdoche

26 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Synecdoche is a noun that refers to a figure of speech by which a part is used for the whole. Our word of the day is derived from a variety of Greek p...

Metonym

25 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Metonym is a noun that refers to a metaphoric substitute. The Greek word metonumia (MET oh me ah) means ‘change of name.’ Another way to think of ...

Elision

24 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Elision is a noun that refers to an omission of a passage in a book, speech or film. Frequently used in reference to books or other literary mate...

Testator

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Testator is a noun that refers to a person who leaves a will. Our word of the day is mostly used in legal contexts and is derived from the Latin word ...

Catalyze

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Catalyze is a verb that means to bring about or inspire. Our word of the day’s origin is in the realm of chemistry. The Greek word katalysis (ka TAL...

Abessive

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Abessive is an adjective that means indicating an absence. Our word of the day is derived from the Latin word abesse (ah BESS ee), which means ‘miss...

Canicular

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Canicular is an adjective that means related to the dog days. The Latin word Canis (CON eese) means ‘dog.’ The period between early July and early...

Torrential

19 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Torrential is an adjective that means falling in rushing or violent streams. The word torrent comes directly from Latin and it means ‘boiling’ or ...

Cynegetic

18 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cynegetic is an adjective that means related to hunting. Our word of the day is derived from the Greek word for dog, which has indirectly led us to it...

Abnegate

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Abnegate is a verb that means to deny or renounce. The Latin word Abnegare (ob nay GAR ay) means deny. Our word of the day was imported into English i...

Construal

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Construal is a noun that means interpretation. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word construere (con stru WHERE ay) meaning, ‘to build.’ W...

Ideation

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ideation is a noun that refers to the formation of ideas or concepts. The word idea comes directly from Greek, meaning ‘to see.’ Our word of the d...

Suffuse

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Suffuse is a verb that means to pour or spread through. The latin word suffus (SUE foos) means ‘poured into.’ When we suffuse something, we spread...

Macaronic

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Macaronic is an adjective that means composed of a mixture of languages. Our word of the day is related to the word macaroni, the Italian dish that co...

Subsidiary

12 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Subsidiary is an adjective that means less important to but related to. The Latin word subsidere means ‘to sit below.’ When something is deemed su...

Yawning

11 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Download the Volley.FM app for more short daily shows!

Obtrude

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Download the Volley.FM app for more short daily shows!

Flagitious

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Flagitious is an adjective that means criminal or villainous. The Latin word flagitium (fla JEE tomb) is a noun that refers to ‘shameful crime.’ O...

Cavernous

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cavernous is an adjective that means very large. A cavern is usually understood as a large cave. Its roots in the Latin language reveal that it evolve...

Purview

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Purview is a noun that refers to the scope of influence or concerns. Coming from late Middle English with the original meaning of ‘foreseen,’ our ...

Hamartia

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hamartia is a noun that refers to a fatal flaw. Our word of the day comes directly from Greek. Hamarta was used by the Greeks to describe the tragic d...

Fantasticate

05 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fantasticate is a verb that means to make something seem fanciful. Our word of the day is derived from the word fantasy, which comes from the Greek wo...

Churl

04 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Churl is a noun that refers to an impolite, mean-spirited person. Coming from Old English, our word of the day is generally used as an insult. It...

Exigency

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Exigency is a noun that refers to an urgent need or demand. The Latin word exigere (eggs uh JEER ay) means ‘to enforce.’ Our word of the day enter...

Aoristic

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Aoristic is an adjective that means indefinite or indeterminate. The Greek word aoristos (OUR ee stose) means ‘vague’ or ‘indefinite.’ Ao...

Catechize

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Catechize is a verb that means to instruct through questions and answers. The Greek word Katekhein (COT ay kine) means to ‘to instruct’ or ‘to m...

Biddable

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Biddable is an adjective that means easily lead or controlled. The word ‘bid’ is of unclear origin, but it means ‘to offer.’ A biddable person...

Umbrageous

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Umbrageous is an adjective that means inclined to take offense easily. Our word of the day is loosely related to the word umbrella, which comes from t...

Lout

28 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lout is a noun that refers to an uncouth or aggressive person. Our word of the day is of German origin. It entered the English language in the mid 16t...

Florilegium

27 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Florilegium is a noun that refers to a volume of writing. The Latin prefix F-L-O-R has given birth to many words likes ‘flower’ and ‘florist.’...

Eggcorn

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Eggcorn is a noun that refers to a word or phrase that results from a mishearing. Our word of the day is a very recent addition to English, entering i...

Echt

25 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Echt is an adjective that means authentic and typical. It can also be used as an adverb that means authentically or typically. Coming directly fr...

Enshrine

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Enshrine is a verb that means to preserve and cherish as sacred. The latin word scrinium (screen ee OOM) refers to ‘a chest for books.’ In later y...

Jouissance

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jouissance is a noun that refers to physical or intellectual pleasure. The French word juir (ghweere) means ‘to enjoy.’ From this our word of...

Multifarious

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Multifarious is an adjective that means ‘of many types. ‘ The Latin multifarius (mool tee FAR ee oose) was imported into English in the ...

Lorn

21 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lorn is an adjective that means lonely and abandoned. Or word of the day comes indirectly from Old English and is commonly used in literary writi...

Agrarian

20 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Agrarian is an adjective that means related to cultivating the land. The latin word ager (ah JER) means ‘field.’ From this word comes our wor...

Compendium

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Compendium is a noun that refers to a concise collection of information. The Latin prefix C-O-M means ‘together,’ while pendere (PEN dare ay)...

Calumniate

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Calumniate is a verb that means to defame or make false statements about. The Latin word calumnia (cal OOM ne uh) means ‘oppression.’ More recentl...

Splenetic

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Splenetic is an adjective that means ill-tempered or spiteful. Our word of the day shares its origin with the word spleen, an abdominal organ tha...

Shirty

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Shirty is an adjective that means irritable or ill-tempered. Our word of the day came from the word shirt although it’s not clear exactly how. But w...

Accelerant

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Accelerant is a noun that refers to something that aids in acceleration. It comes also be used as an adjective to describe something that causes ...

Contestation

14 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Contestation is a noun that refers to controversy or debate. The Latin word contestari (con test TAR ay) means ‘to call upon a witness.’ It later ...

Torpid

13 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Torpid is an adjective that means lethargic. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word torpere (tor PAIR ay) which means ‘to be numb or sluggish...

Indolent

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Indolent is an adjective that means lazy. The Latin word dorere (doe LARE ay) means ‘to suffer or cause pain.’ This word added the prefix I-N to m...

Faineant

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Faineant is an adjective that means idle or inactive. It can also be used as a noun that refers to an idle or ineffective person. Our word of the day ...

Detritus

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Detritus is a noun that refers to debris or discarded items. Our word of the day comes directly from Latin. After being imported into English in the l...

Morass

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Morass is a noun that refers to a complicated or confused situation. The Latin word mariscus (mar EESE coose) means ‘marsh.’ This later evolved in...

Putative

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Putative is an adjective that means generally considered to be. The Latin word putare (poo TAR ay) means ‘to think.’ When something is described a...

Fistic

07 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fistic is an adjective that means pugilistic or related to boxing. The English word fist came from Old English and came to exist simply by turning a n...

Doctrinaire

06 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Doctrinaire is an adjective that means seeking to impose a doctrine in all circumstances without regard to practical considerations. It is also a...

Vertex

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Vertex is a noun that refers to the highest point. The Latin word vertere (VARE tear ay) means ‘to turn,’ but its meaning has evolved over time, s...

Collimate

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Collimate is a verb that means to make parallel. The Latin word collineare (co lynn ee ARE ay) means to ‘align.’ When we collimate things, we put ...

Bunkum

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bunkum is a noun that refers to nonsense. Our word of the day came to life after a mid-19th century speech that referred to a county in North Carolina...

Imagineer

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Imagineer is a noun that refers to a person skilled in bringing creative ideas into practical form. A fairly recent addition to the English langu...

Mythomania

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mythomania is a noun that refers to the tendency to exaggerate. We have the Greeks to thank for our word of the day. Its root word is ‘myth,’ comi...

Redress

31 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Redress is mainly used as a verb that means to remedy or set right. But it can also be used as a noun that refers to a remedy or compensation. Sharing...

Swivet

30 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Swivet is a noun that refers to a nervous or flustered state. The origin of our word of the day is unknown, but it is often used in casual conversatio...

Perihelion

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Perihelion is a noun that refers to the highest point or the peak. The Greek prefix P-E-R-I means ‘near,’ while the word helios (HE lee ose) — a...

Deontology

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Deontology is a noun that refers to the study of obligation. Our word of the day’s origin comes mainly from Greek. The Greek prefix D-E-O-N-T means ...

Infodemic

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Infodemic is a noun that refers to a massive amount of information on a topic that leads to confusion. Derived from the words information and epidemic...

Solemnity

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Solemnity is a noun that refers to a formal observance. The Latin word sollemnitas (so LEM knee tass) means ‘festival.’ Our word of the day can be...

Bestrew

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bestrew is a verb that means to cover a surface with scattered objects. Coming from Old English, our word of the day may have had its roots in proto-G...

Ramify

24 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ramify is a verb that means to spread or branch out. The Latin word ramus (RAH moose) means ‘branch.’ Its English counterpart may be used in refer...

Montane

23 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Montane is an adjective that means inhabiting mountainous areas. Our word of the day shares its origin with the origin of mountains, which comes from ...

Psychogenic

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Psychogenic is an adjective that means originating in the mind. The prefix P-S-Y-C-H-O comes from Greek and refers to the mind or the soul. Genic is a...

Autotelic

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Autotelic is an adjective that means not driven by external factors. The word auto comes from Greek, meaning ‘self,’ while telos (TAY los) also fr...

Idiopathic

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Idiopathic is an adjective that means of unknown causes. The prefix of our word of the day, I-D-I-O comes from the Greek word meaning ‘one’s ...

Urticate

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Urticate is a verb that means to sting. The Latin word urtica (OOR tea cah) means ‘sting.’ Our word of the day has evolved from this word and main...

Ignoble

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ignoble is an adjective that means not honorable. The root word of ignoble is noble, which comes from the Latin word nobilis (KNOW bee lease) mea...

Adjutant

17 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Adjutant is a noun that refers to an assistant. The Latin word adjuvare (ad joo VARE ay) means ‘to assist.’ Our word of the day has evolved from t...

Passel

16 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Passel is a noun that refers to a large group of indeterminate number. Our word of the day began as an alternate pronunciation of the word parcel, whi...

Scud

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Scud is a verb that means to move fast as if driven by the wind. It can also be used a noun to refer to the act of moving swiftly. The origin of ...

Arrant

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Arrant is an adjective that means complete or utter. Coming from Middle English, our word of the day was often used to describe someone on a journey. ...

Enfeeble

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Enfeeble is a verb that means to make weak. The root word of our word of the day is feeble, which comes from the Latin word flebilis (FLAY bill eese) ...

Silt

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Silt is a noun that refers to a deposit of sediment. It can also be used as a verb to mean ‘become filled or black with silt.’ Coming from Middle ...

Seedbed

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Seedbed is a noun that refers to a place of development. A combination of two common English words, seedbed, when used literally, refers to a bed of s...

Canaille

10 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Canaille is a noun that refers to the common people or the masses. The Italian word canaglia (ca NAHL ya) was originally interpreted as ‘a pack of d...

Bedevil

09 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Download the Volley.FM app for more short daily shows!

Maladaptive

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Maladaptive is an adjective that means not conducive to adaptation. The root word of the our word of the day is ‘adapt,’ from the Latin word aptus...

Parvenu

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Parvenu is a noun that refers to an unknown person who has become rich and famous. The Latin word pervenire (per ven EAR ay) means ‘to reach.’ Ent...

Fountainhead

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fountainhead is a noun that refers to the origin of something. After entering the English language in the 16th century, our word of the day came to re...

Numismatic

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Numismatic is an adjective that means monetary or related to currency. The Greek word nomisma (NO meese ma) means ‘coin.’ Our word of the day...

Bellwether

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bellwether is a noun that refers to an indicator or predictor of something. Coming from Middle English, our word of the day began as a term for a shee...

Ne plus ultra

03 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ne plus ultra is a noun that refers to the highest point attainable. Our word of the day comes directly from a Latin phrase that translates to ‘not ...