DarkRavie Posted July 28 Author Report Share Posted July 28 What's the Word: DECAPOD pronunciation: [DEK-ə-pod] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, 19th century Meaning: 1. A crustacean of the order Decapoda, such as a shrimp, crab, or lobster. Examples: "Instead of fish, I chose the crab and lobster platter and dined on decapods." "Decapods often prefer warm and shallow water to colder deep water." About Decapod Decapod is a loanword from the French "décapode," formed by combining the ancient Greek terms "δέκας" ("dékas," meaning "10") and "ποδός" ("podós," meaning "foot or limb"). Did you Know? The classification "decapod" includes 8,000 species of crustaceans, ranging from crabs and lobsters to shrimp, prawns, and crawfish. The smallest decapod is a half-inch shrimp, while the largest is the 12-foot spider crab. Though their name suggests decapods have 10 legs, some have as many as 38. Decapods live in both salt water and fresh water, as well as on land. While they tend to prefer warmer, shallower water, decapods are found throughout the ocean, including at the great depths of the abyssal zone, or around 10,000 to 20,000 feet down. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted July 29 Author Report Share Posted July 29 What's the Word: RIVIERE pronunciation: [riv-ee-AIR] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, 19th century Meaning: 1. A necklace of gems that increase in size toward a large central stone, typically consisting of more than one string. Examples: "While a rivière is a striking piece of jewelry, it can make a subtle fashion statement." "The standard rivière is made with matching gems of the same cut and color, though the stones get larger toward the center of the necklace." About Rivière “Rivière” is taken from the French for “river.” Did you Know? The necklace style known as the “rivière” links gemstones together on a string or chain with a continuity that brings to mind the flow of a river — the root of the style’s name. The style emerged in 18th-century France, during the time of Queen Marie Antoinette, who was associated with a rivière called “le collier de la Reine” (“the Queen’s necklace”). This rivière was the subject of the infamous “Affair of the Diamond Necklace,” in which Marie Antoinette was accused of refusing to pay the crown jeweler for making the ornate rivière in 1845. It later emerged that Marie Antoinette had rejected the piece, but a notorious thief named Jeanne de Valois-Saint-Rémy forged the queen’s signature, hoping to steal the set of jewels. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted July 30 Author Report Share Posted July 30 What's the Word: ALLUVIUM pronunciation: [ə-LOO-vee-əm] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, 17th century Meaning: 1. A deposit of clay, silt, sand, and gravel left by flowing streams in a river valley or delta, typically producing fertile soil. Examples: "Thanks to a layer of alluvium covering the ground, the valley was easy to walk through." "Soil full of alluvium makes a fantastic garden." About Alluvium “Alluvium” is based on the Latin “alluvius,” meaning “washed against.” Did you Know? Alluvial deposits are sediments that are moved around and left behind by rivers. Often, “alluvium” refers to existing deposits of silt, sand, clay, and gravel left long ago by water that no longer exists where it once did. But the sediments can also appear with seasonal shifting river currents, and be filled with nutrients. The nutrient-rich soil will be distributed to areas downstream by the river current. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted July 31 Author Report Share Posted July 31 What's the Word: FLAVANOL pronunciation: [FLAY-və-nohl] Part of speech: noun Origin: German, 19th century Meaning: 1. Any of a major group of flavonoids found in many fruits and vegetables. Examples: "Quercetin is a flavonol found in onions and cilantro, and it has anti-inflammatory effects for people who consume it." "My mother sent me an article about how flavonols found in vegetables and tea may slow memory loss." About Flavanol “Flavonol” was coined in 1895 by German chemists Kostanecki and Tambor. They based their word on the existing German chemical term “flavon.” Did you Know? There are more than a dozen classes of flavonols, a substance in plants that performs many functions. In many cases, flavonols — and other flavonoids (the chemical grouping of which they are a greater part) — give bright pigments to flowers that attract bees and wasps. The flavonol kaempferol is in onions, asparagus, and leafy greens, and appears to protect healthy cells against cancer. Quercetin, known for its anti-inflammatory effects, is another common flavonol found in capers, cilantro, yellow peppers, and onions. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 1 Author Report Share Posted August 1 What's the Word: CREDENCE pronunciation: [KREE-dns] Part of speech: noun Origin: Anglo-Norman, 14th century Meaning: 1. Belief in or acceptance of something as true. 2. The likelihood of something being true; plausibility. Examples: "Charlotte gave no credence to the rumor the hotel was haunted and booked a room for the weekend." "My sister-in-law is a vet tech, so that lends credence to all advice she gives about our family pets." About Credence “Credence” is based on the Anglo-Norman “credenz,” meaning “belief” or “credit.” This was itself based on the Latin “crēdentia,” meaning “belief” or “faith.” Did you Know? “Credence” refers to one’s belief in the truth of a matter, but it is one of a family of words having to do with belief, faith, and trust. Its most familiar relative is “credential,” meaning “qualification proving suitability.” It is also closely related to “credo,” meaning “a statement of beliefs that guide one’s actions.” The word even shares a distant root with “credit” in the Latin word “crēdere,” meaning “to trust or lend money to.” A person would only give credit to a person whose circumstances they gave credence to — though credentials often help in establishing the necessary trust. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 2 Author Report Share Posted August 2 What's the Word: DERBY pronunciation: [DER-bee] Part of speech: noun Origin: English, late 18th century Meaning: 1. (British) An annual flat race for 3-year-old horses, founded in 1780 by the 12th Earl of Derby and run on Epsom Downs in England in late May or early June. 2. (North American) A bowler hat. Examples: "The derby attracted many well-dressed, high-rolling attendees." "René Magritte’s ‘The Son of Man’ painting features an apple and a derby." About Derby This word comes from the annual Derby horse race, considered the most important in England. It was started in 1780 by the 12th Earl of Derby and run at Epsom, Surrey. The name was adopted for any major horse race after 1875. Did you Know? The word “derby” comes from the city of Derby in the Midlands of England, located on the River Derwent. Eventually, use of the word in Great Britain spread to include any sports match between two rival teams from the same area. “Derby” eventually jumped the pond and was used to describe bowler hats, roller derby, and, of course, certain horse races — most notably, the Kentucky Derby. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 3 Author Report Share Posted August 3 What's the Word: SILT pronunciation: [silt] Part of speech: noun Origin: Middle English, 15th century Meaning: 1. Fine sand, clay, or other material carried by running water and deposited as a sediment, especially in a channel or harbor. Examples: "The bottom of the pond was mostly silt and a few rocks." "Chris has a special attachment for his pool vacuum to pick up silt so fine that it would otherwise clog the machine." About Silt “Silt” is a centuries-old word with uncertain origins, though it came into English through the Middle English words “silte” and “cylte,” which also indicate sediments left by water sources. Did you Know? There are many words similar to “silt” across northern European languages. In Norwegian and Dutch, the word “sylt” refers specifically to a “salt marsh,” as does the word “sylta” in Swedish. These words were preceded by the Middle Low German “sulte,” also meaning “salt marsh.” All are related to the Old English “sealt” (circa the 11th century), meaning “salt.” Between the 15th and 16th centuries, “silt” developed its modern meaning of fine sediment deposited by water. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 4 Author Report Share Posted August 4 What's the Word: BEL-ESPRIT pronunciation: [bel-es-PREE] Part of speech: noun Origin: French, 17th century Meaning: 1. A witty person. Examples: "My uncle Ken was a bel esprit whose presence livened up every family party." "Hoping to absorb enough wit to become a bel esprit, Laura read the collected works of Dorothy Parker and Oscar Wilde." About Bel-Esprit “Bel esprit” comes directly from the French expression, which literally means “nice spirit” but is defined as “fine mind” or “wit.” Did you Know? In the 18th-century, dinner parties could be hours-long affairs with strict etiquette around conversation. But if one were lucky enough to be seated next to a bel esprit, then the night was sure to be entertaining. This particular type of conversationalist is not just clever, but likely has a reputation for witty remarks that everyone can enjoy and laugh at. A bel esprit brings such wit, humor, and insight to a conversation that it is considered a privilege — or very good luck — to spend time talking with them. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 5 Author Report Share Posted August 5 What's the Word: EFFICACY pronunciation: [EFF-ə-kə-see] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, 16th century Meaning: 1. The ability to produce a desired or intended result. Examples: "For the greatest efficacy, take this medication before meals." "John proved the efficacy of his intense study regimen with the high marks he received." About Efficacy “Efficacy” is based on the Latin “efficācia,” meaning “potential to accomplish.” Did you Know? “Efficacy” is easily confused with “efficiency,” but the meanings of the two words come from different Latin roots. “Efficacy,” like “effectiveness,” describes a capacity for achievement. It's a rough translation of its Latin root “efficācia.” On the other hand, “efficiency” refers to the ability to maximize productivity while minimizing effort or expense. It is based on the Latin “efficientia,” meaning “efficient power.” 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 6 Author Report Share Posted August 6 What's the Word: OPULENCE pronunciation: [AHP-yəl-ens] Part of speech: noun Origin: Middle French, 16th century Meaning: 1. Great wealth or luxuriousness. Examples: "The opulence of Marcia’s home was most apparent in the kitchen, with its marble countertops, hardwood floors and cabinetry, and eight-burner Italian gas range." "As we walked the gardens of the castle, we found the opulence of the interior extended to the lush landscaping." About Opulence “Opulence” came into English from an identical word in Middle French, meaning “great wealth.” The French word “opulence” was based on the Latin “opulentia,” meaning “riches” or “splendor.” Did you Know? The richest person in history was believed to be Mansa Musa (1280-1337 CE), king of Timbuktu in present-day Mali. Since Musa oversaw the world’s largest resources of gold, he enjoyed such extravagant opulence that he once threw the currency of neighboring Egypt into crisis through his own personal spending. Musa’s personal wealth and levels of opulence are impossible to measure by today’s standards. Julius Caesar, another historical figure of great wealth, is estimated to have had a fortune equivalent to about $4 trillion. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 7 Author Report Share Posted August 7 What's the Word: DISSERTATION pronunciation: [dis-ər-TEY-shən] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, 17th century Meaning: 1. A long essay on a particular subject, especially one written as a requirement for the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Examples: "The architecture professor wrote her dissertation on medieval castle engineering." "It takes years to earn a Ph.D., and at least a few of those years will be spent writing a dissertation." About Opulence “Dissertation” is taken directly from the Latin “dissertātiōn,” meaning “discourse” or “disquisition.” It is closely related to the Latin “dissertāre,” meaning “dispute” or “discuss.” Did you Know? In its earliest appearances in English, “dissertation” referred to pointed conversation and debate, as implied by its Latin root meaning “discourse” and “disquisition.” As time passed, “dissertation” no longer referred to a debate between two or many people in person, or even in print; rather, it specifically meant a long and detailed written argument, usually by a single author. The modern “dissertation” is generally a book-length piece of research and argument presented by a Ph.D. candidate at the end of their degree as a summary of the whole of their learning. In most cases, a Ph.D. candidate must “defend” their dissertation before a panel of professors, a process that recalls the dispute and discussion meanings of the word. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 8 Author Report Share Posted August 8 What's the Word: APHORISM pronunciation: [AF-ər-iz-əm] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, early 16th century Meaning: 1. A pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” 2. A concise statement of a scientific principle, typically by an ancient classical author. Examples: "My dad's favorite way to impart life wisdom is through aphorism." "'Actions speak louder than words' is a good aphorism to employ in your friendships." About Aphorism "Aphorism" entered English in the early 16th century from the French "aphorisme," which came from the Latin "aphorismus," and the original Greek "aphorismos," which meant "definition." It was likely coined by Hippocrates. Did you Know? Sometimes the ancient root of a word matches up perfectly to the modern definition. "Aphorism" comes from the Greek word "aphorismós," which directly translates to "definition," but the usage was closer to "brief statements and general reflections of facts." Many credit the Greek physician Hippocrates for the invention of this word in his writing, "Aphorisms of Hippocrates." Today, you can keep in mind one of the most well-known aphorisms: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 9 Author Report Share Posted August 9 What's the Word: EFFULGENT pronunciation: [if-UHL-juhnt] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, mid-18th century Meaning: 1. Shining brightly; radiant. 2. (Of a person or their expression) Emanating joy or goodness. Examples: "The spotlight shot its effulgent beam right to the middle of the stage." "As they said their wedding vows, they looked at each other with effulgent glances." About Effulgent This shining adjective can refer to a literal glow of light, or it can be more figurative. Think of beaming happiness, or an effulgent personality that radiates kindness. It comes from the Latin "effulgent," meaning "shining brightly." Did you Know? Effulgent is an adjective that can also transform into other parts of speech — "effulgence" is the noun form, meaning "a quality of brilliance." "Effulgently" is the adverb, and "ineffulgent" is the exact opposite of glowing beauty. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 10 Author Report Share Posted August 10 What's the Word: RISIBLE pronunciation: [RIZ-ə-bəl] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, mid-16th century Meaning: 1. Such as to provoke laughter. 2. (Of a person) Having the faculty or power of laughing; inclined to laugh. Examples: "I was in a grumpy mood, but the risible new cartoon show turned it around." "He's such a risible guy; he always seems to have a smile on his face. " About Risible Risible is a funny word. It’s an adjective used to describe anything related to laughing. It could be something funny that causes laughter; it could be a person who is prone to laughing; it could describe something related to laughter. It’s all fun and games. Did you Know? Risible is a funny word. It’s an adjective used to describe anything related to laughing. It could be something funny that causes laughter, or it could be a person who is prone to laughing. The noun form of the word is "risibility," and as an adverb, it's "risibly." 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 11 Author Report Share Posted August 11 What's the Word: UXORIOUS pronunciation: [uhk-SOR-ee-əs] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, late 16th century Meaning: 1. Having or showing an excessive or submissive fondness for one's wife. Examples: "His uxorious habit of giving flowers to his wife every Friday earned him some teasing at the florist. " "After 50 years of marriage, he still felt as uxorious as he did on their wedding day." About Uxorious Being uxorious isn’t just about being a devoted husband. It usually implies an excessive amount of affection or even submissiveness. While we won’t call her domineering, the wife in a uxorious couple is probably the boss of the house. Did you Know? It’s about as straightforward a translation from Latin as you can get. In Latin, "uxor" means "wife." "Uxorious" (adjective), "uxoriously" (adverb), and "uxoriousness" (noun) are all related to devotion and affection toward one’s wife. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 12 Author Report Share Posted August 12 What's the Word: VELOCIOUS pronunciation: [və-LOH-shəs] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, 18th century Meaning: 1. Rapid; fast. Examples: "The velocious cyclists blew past the spectators in a blur." "The roller coaster is too velocious for me to ride." About Velocious If you haven’t heard this word before, you might be more familiar with "velocity," a noun given to the speed of motion (whether fast or slow). "Velocious" is an adjective describing speed, but it always refers to a fast speed. Did you Know? Velocious comes from the Latin root "vēlōx," meaning "speed." "Velodrome," an indoor arena for bicycle racing, comes from the French word for bicycle, "vélo," but this Romance-language word can also be traced back to the same Latin root for "speed." You could certainly watch a velocious vélo race at the velodrome. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 13 Author Report Share Posted August 13 What's the Word: CULPABLE pronunciation: [KULL-pə-bəl] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, 14th century Meaning: 1. Deserving blame. Examples: "The little boy’s mother knew he was culpable for eating the last cookie because of the crumbs on his mouth. " "All the evidence proved she was culpable for the accident. " About Culpable Culpable comes from the Latin "culpa," meaning "blame, fault." Did you Know? The word "culpable" has been through a few iterations to get to its modern spelling. In Latin, "culpare" is the verb "to blame," and "culpa" is the noun for "guilt." The Old French word "coupable" came from the Latin word "culpabilis," and that's where the Middle English word "coupable" came from. Over time, the adjective meaning "deserving blame" turned into the spelling of "culpable," harkening back to the original Latin. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 14 Author Report Share Posted August 14 What's the Word: ABLUTION pronunciation: [ə-BLU-shən] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, early 16th century Meaning: 1. The act of washing oneself (often used for humorously formal effect). 2. A ceremonial act of washing parts of the body or sacred containers. Examples: "She prepared the altar with the necessary pitcher of water and perfumes for the ablution." "Every morning she read the paper over a cup of tea, then completed the ablution of the kitchen and herself." About Ablution "Ablution" comes from the Latin verb "abluere," meaning "to wash away." The religious ritual context was added in 1533 in a writing by Thomas More. Since then, "ablution" has been used to describe any sort of washing in a formal sense, but particularly as a religious or ritual act. Did you Know? Ablution is a fancy word for washing, but it has a few particular meanings. It can be used to describe the ritual hand-washing that occurs as part of a Communion ceremony, and in Eastern Orthodoxy, ablution is the consumption of the leftover Communion wine. Then the British military decided to use the word in plural (ablutions) to describe a shower building. It's most often used now as a humorously formal way of describing one's morning getting-ready rituals. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 15 Author Report Share Posted August 15 What's the Word: GERMANE pronunciation: [jer-MAIN] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, 17th century Meaning: 1. Relevant to a subject under consideration. Examples: "Discussing the author’s childhood was germane to the lecture on his influences. " "You can find germane sources listed in the appendix to the book. " About Germane Germane, previously spelled "germain," was synonymous with the adjective "german" (lowercase) in Middle English. Both words come from the Latin word "germanus," meaning "genuine," or "of the same parents." Did you Know? The modern definition of "germane" — relevant to a given subject — first appears in Shakespeare's "Hamlet": "The phrase would bee more Germaine to the matter: If we could carry Cannon by our sides." Prior to about 1600, the adjective "germaine/german" was applied to people having the same parents. Following Shakespeare's usage, it became more loosely applied to anything connected. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted August 16 Author Report Share Posted August 16 What's the Word: CIPHER pronunciation: [SY-fər] Part of speech: noun Origin: Arabic, 14th century Meaning: 1. A secret or disguised way of writing; a code. 2. A monogram. Examples: "The twins developed their own cipher, a secret code for keeping notes hidden from their parents." "Their wedding registry was filled with linens marked with their new cipher. " About Cipher The Arabic word “ṣifr” means "zero," or "empty." It was borrowed into Old French as "cifre" and late Middle English as "cipher," both meaning "symbol for zero." Did you Know? Cipher is a flexible noun that can refer to many things: a numeric or text character, a mark of interweaving characters (a monogram), a method of concealing text, a cryptography system, a secret message, a feature on a musical organ, or even a hip-hop jam session. It can also be used as a verb, meaning "put (a message) into secret writing" or "do arithmetic." 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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