Word of the Day

Arboreal is an adjective that mans resembling or related to a tree. The Latin word arbor (ARE bore) means tree. Our word of the day describes anything related to trees. Her’s an example. Trying to disguise himself as a tree was a bad move for Russ. Even with leaves on his head and his body painted brown, he simply didn’t look arboreal.

Dross is a noun that refers to something of low value. Our word of the day comes from Old English where it referred to molten metal. More recently the word has come to mean anything lacking worth or value. My inbox has been invaded by all kinds of dross. Those silly emails begging me to join their health club are a waste of my time and a waste of the company’s money.

Carapace is a noun that refers to a protective covering. The Spanish word carapacho (cah ra POCH oh) provides the origin of our word of the day. Although generally used when referring to the bodies of animals, carapace may be used in a number of different ways. Here’s an example: Some astronomers have speculated the universe had a carapace millennia ago. They suspect this protective covering is th...

Crepitate is a verb that means to make a crackling sound. The latin word crepitare means ‘to crackle.’ It entered English in the Early 17th century. Here’s an example of crepitate in use: Hearing all those creatures crepitate in the night made me a little uneasy. Don’t get me wrong, I love the wilderness, but I love it more when there isn’t so much rattling in the dark.

Solatium is a noun that refers to something given as compensation. Our word of the day is derived from Latin, meaning ‘solace.’ Solatium is often used in legal proceedings. The solatium given to my client was not nearly enough to compensate for his loss at the time. We demanded a great deal more because we simply felt he deserved a great deal more.

Sumpsimus is a noun that refers to a strictly correct usage of words. Coming directly from Latin, where its translation is ‘we have taken,’ sumpsimus is used by editors and those in the world of writing. Here’s an example of it in use: The sumpsimus made in my first book annoyed me a little. I admit I’ve made mistakes in my writing, but some corrections are unnecessary.

Enflesh is a verb that means ‘to give bodily form to’ or ‘to make real.’ The root word of enflesh is flesh, a word of Old English origin, referring to the soft substance of muscle and fat found between the skin and bones of an animal or human. The prefix E-N is often used to turn a noun or adjective into a verb. We see it with words like encourage, enable or endanger. Enflesh is frequently used me...

Lossless is an adjective that means having no dissipation of electrical energy. Commonly used in computing, our word of the day entered English in the 1930s and combines the frequently used English word ‘loss’ with the the suffix ‘less.’ Here’s an example of it in use: For this project, we needed to make sure there was no data compression. So we had to make sure everything was lossless.

Apotheosize is a verb that means to idolize or elevate to the rank of a god. The Root word of apotheosize is apotheosis, a noun, coming directly from Greek, that refers to the process of turning someone into a god. Our word of the day is the verb variation of it. Here’s an example to illustrate the differences in how the words are used: After the battle, the crowd seemed eager to apotheosize the b...

Rostrum is a noun that refers to a raised platform for public speech. Our word of the day comes directly from Latin and had exactly the same meaning as it does today. A rostrum in Ancient Rome referred to a raised platform used by public speakers in the forum. Here’s an example: The first speaker at the rostrum had many interesting observations to make on the topic. So when it was my turn to speak...

Tropology is a noun that refers to the figurative language. Coming from the Greek word, tropos (TRO pose) which means ‘style’ or ‘manner,’ Tropology was once used specifically to refer to figurative language in the Bible. More broadly, it is used to refer to any use of figurative language.

Parnassian is an adjective that means ‘related to poetry.’ Our word of the day was born in Greece, having been named after a mountain in that nation. But Parnassian was later adopted by the French in the 19th century to refer to a specific group of poets. More recently it is used to describe anything or anyone related to poetry. The parnissian urge to write in verse struck me in my teens, but I so...

Alfresco is an adjective that means in the open air. Our word of the day comes directly from Italian and translates to ‘in the air.’ Here’s an example of Alfresco in use. Alfresco dining was not a good idea that day. With temperatures barely above freezing we soon came to regret eating in the open air.

Hyaline is an adjective that means having a glassy, translucent appearance. Coming from the Greek word hualos (WHO ah lose) meaning ‘glass,’ our word of the day is used to describe something that, like glass, is transparent or see-through. The hyaline nature of the tissue made it easy for the doctors to see the problems in the artery. This is why the operation was a success.

Purloin is a verb that means to steal. Our word of the day is derived from the French word for ‘put away.’ Purloin is often used in an informal or humorous way. Example: The food at the banquet was so delicious I was tempted to purloin the leg of lamb at our table. The only thing stopping me from stealing it was that I couldn’t fit the entire tray in my backpack.

Confrere is a noun that refers to a fellow member of a profession. Our word of the day combines the Latin prefix C-O-N with the Latin word frater (FRAH ter). Together they form a synonym of colleague. Here’s an example: Peter is a confrere of mine in the insurance business, so I have great respect for him. But I don’t have great respect for the disingenuous sales tactics he uses. Just because some...

Vulnerary is an adjective that means something used for healing. It can also be used as a noun that refers to a medicine used in the healing of wounds. The Latin word vulnus (VOOL noose) means ‘wound.’ In the Late 16th century, vulnerary came to adopt its present meaning. I wasn’t convinced of the vulnerary impact of those berries we found in the woods. But, to my surprise, they made my cold...

Insuperable is an adjective that means impossible to overcome. The Latin word superare (soo pair ARE ay) means ‘to overcome.’ The addition of the prefix I-N gives us the basis for our word of the day. Here’s an example of insuperable: At first it seemed the barriers against a career in law were insuperable. But after a great deal of hard work and intense study, I was able to overcome the challenge...

Degringolade is a noun that refers to a rapid decline or downfall. Coming directly from French, our word of the day is an erudite synonym of the word ‘downfall.’ Here’s an example of it in use: My degringolade began when I turned thirteen and my voice changed. This was exactly when my career as a singer in the soprano section went downhill.

Winkle is a verb that means to obtain with great difficulty. Our word of the day began as an abbreviated version of the word periwinkle, whose origin is unclear. The word first appeared in English in the late 16th century and is generally used with an object. For example: I promised not to reveal my daughter’s birthday present, but after hours of fierce interrogation, she winkled the truth out of...

Connatural is an adjective that means belonging together naturally. Our word of the day is related to the Latin-derived word natural. It adds the Latin prefix C-O-N which means ‘together.’ Here’s an example of it in use: Steve had moments of being an unpleasant man, but thankfully, the connatural quality of his temperament was kindness. That was just his innate personality.

Cockalorum is a noun that refers to a self-important person. Our word of the day is derived from the word cock, a rooster. When a person of little importance pretends to be important, it is said they strut around like a rooster. A cockalorum like Larry could always be relied upon to congratulate himself for every one of the team's victory. It didn’t matter to him that he spent most of the game sit...

Sockdolager is a noun that refers to an exceptional person or thing. Our word of the day seems to have originated from the word sock, a euphemism of punch. To deliver a sockdolager to someone’s mouth, means to punch them in the mouth. I expected a sockdolager when I told Sally she had gained a few pounds, but instead she thanked me for the fitness advice. But I’ve still said a number of crazy thin...

Apgar is a noun that refers to a test to determine a newborn’s health. Originating in the 1960s, our word of the day is named after Virginia Apgar, the American anesthesiologist who devised a method of assessment. It is used in medical contexts to measure the physical condition of a newborn infant. Here’s an example: The patient gave birth to a nine pound, five our boy who achieved a perfect Apgar...

Pythonic is an adjective that means able to predict the future. The word python, best known as a deadly type of snake, comes directly from Greek. It meant ‘spirit of divination.’ Here’s an example of pythonic in use: Mindy’s pythonic powers always impressed me. She predicted our horrible softball team would lose every game, and she was right every time.