Word of the Day

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 trimming or decoration. It’s been a part of the English language since the late 17th century. Here’s an example: It seemed odd to me that Annie would furbelow her dress just above the hem like that. But I later learned she used that adornment to hide a c...

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 (FOO nis) which means rope. Our word of the day is often used to describe means of transportation that feature rope. Here’s an example: I love skiing, but I get a little uneasy when riding those chair lifts up the mountain. Something about funicular...

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 word of the day was first used in reference to Dutch privateers who operated in the Caribbean to plunder Spanish ships. In time the word came to refer to anyone in the habit of taking free booty, or goods. Here’s an example: Those bagels Margie brought into the...

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-C-Y — also seen in words like democracy, plutocracy and meritocracy — refers to ‘power’ or ‘rule.’ Gerontocracy has been around since the mid19th century. Here’s an example: With all those city council members in their sixties and seventies, I’m beginning...

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 introduced to English speakers in the late 19th century. Gamine can be used as a synonym of ‘tomboy.’ Here’s an example: My sister always had a boyish charm that got us both into a lot of trouble. Having a gamine for a little sister certainly got me into...

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 gets us to a word to describe something that can be broken. The word fragile is a synonym that also shares this origin.  I warned the moving guys that some of the items in the boxes were frangible, but that didn’t seem to matter. They just tossed those bo...

Flambe is an adjective that means served with flaming liquor.  Coming directly from the French word for flame, flambe has been used by English speakers since the late 19th century. In addition to being an adjective that describes the way a particular food is cooked, it can also be used as a verb to describe the actual cooking. Here’s an example of the verb version: Having always been a fan of Fren...

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 day which has been with us since the early 20th century. Here’s an example of xeric in use: The xeric conditions didn’t make our vacation much fun. I like warm weather as much as anyone, but it would be nice if we had at least a little rain for the month...

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 key) means ‘mind.’ When combined into our word of the day, we get a word that describes how physical health can affect emotional states. Here’s an example of it in use: At first I thought my upbeat moods were just a result of being a generally energetic pers...

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 that it’s been around since the early 19th century and it’s not a thing anyone would want to be accused of.  I can’t believe I trusted Terry enough to buy a car from him. I knew he'd be guilty of cheating other customers, but I never thought he’d hornsw...

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, our word of the day has been around since the mid 17th century. Example: When I saw the mysterious Sylph in the woods, I thought I was seeing a mythical spirit rise to the sky. But it turned out Erica was just trying out her new silver leotard. 

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 not a coincidence that our word of the day is contained in the word hieroglyphic, glyph is a broader word that may refer to any kind of graphic symbol. Here’s an example: It’s a good thing I noticed that tiny glyph on my computer screen. If I hadn’t seen t...

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 ann) which had a broader meaning than today. In its early days, it referred to any act of divination. It later came to refer more specifically to acts of divination through a crystal ball. Here’s an example of scry in use: When Kelly pulled out a giant...

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 means ‘foreign’ or ‘belonging to another.’ The word entered English in the mid 16th century and is most typically used in the world of law. Example: The alienee of the home didn’t seem especially grateful for having inherited such an enormous estate....

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 specifically to refer to malaria. More recently, it may describe any shivering fit.  After that bad batch of berries, I was left with a shivering fit for days. That kind of ague can definitely cause you to get more selective when choosing berries to pick in the wo...

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 the Latin word nectere (neck TEAR ay) meaning ‘to tie or fasten.’ Often used to describe something a nation does with additional territory, annex may be used in a more informal sense, for example: My coffee addiction at one point had become such a pro...

Zymurgy is a noun that refers to the fermentation in brewing, winemaking and distilling.  The Greek word zume (zoo MAY) means ‘leaven.’ Since zymurgy’s move to English in the mid-19th century, its meaning has shifted from a process done to bread to a process done to alcohol. Example: Distilling whiskey isn’t as easy as it seems. In fact, I would even say zymurgy is a dangerous skill if done incorr...

Infelicitous is an adjective that means unfortunate or inappropriate.  The Latin word Felix (FAY licks) means ‘happy.’ Coming from Late Middle English, our word of the day has undergone some changes, but still basically means ‘unhappy’ or ‘unfortunate.’ Here’s an example: In spite of the infelicitous results, I’m glad I decided to start cutting my own hair. The money I’ve saved on barbers is well...

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 English period, holding the same meaning. Here’s an example of it in use: I could always immediately tell when I’d been busted for skipping school. Usually my mom would be standing at the doorway, arms akimbo and face red from anger. 

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 originated from the Latin word depraedari (dep rye DAR ay) which holds the same meaning as its English descendant.  The depredation that took place in the stadium after the home team’s tragic loss was truly horrific. That kind of plundering hasn’t been s...

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 English speakers during the Middle English period and is still being used today with the same basic meaning. Here’s an example: As a reporter, you have to hold on to your press pass at all costs. You’ll meet people who will try to usurp it from you — and for...

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 the early 19th century. In the past, it was mainly used in a military context, referring to missiles or bullets being shot. But more recently it’s likely to be used in a metaphorical sense, referring to words being fired away in the form of a rant or tirad...

Pecuniary is an adjective that means related to money.  The latin word pecu (PECK ooh) means ‘cattle’ or ‘money.’ Our word of the day originated there and joined the English language in the early 16th century. Here’s an example of pecuniary in use: In spite of Chuck’s pecuniary shortcomings, he’s been able to enjoy a nice, happy life. I guess it’s true that money isn’t everything. 

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 Pod (pod) which means ‘foot.’ The result is a word that describes a creature with many feet, be that creature an insect or an alien from a science fiction movie. Example: I don’t know what kind of creature came in and ravaged our picnic food while we were...

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 prefix N-O-C-T means ‘night,’ while V-A-G-U-S means ‘wandering.’ Here’s an example of our word of the day in use as a noun.  I didn’t know Cheryl was a noctivigant at first. I’d wake up in the middle of the night and wonder where she’d gone to. Turns out...