New Game: What's the Word?

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: NOCTURNE

pronunciation: [NAHK-tərn]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: French, mid-19th century

 

Meaning:

1. (Music) A short composition of a romantic or dreamy character suggestive of night, typically for piano.

2. (Art) A picture of a night scene.

 

Examples:

"Chopin's nocturnes were specifically composed to evoke the ethereal feeling of the night."

"Vincent Van Gogh is best known for his beautiful nocturne 'The Starry Night.'"

About Nocturne

Nocturne developed in French by way of the Latin word "nocturnus," meaning "of the night."

 

Did you Know?

There's something so peaceful and even romantic about the night sky. Use the poetic noun "nocturne" to describe any art you produce inspired by the evening and midnight hours.

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: SOUBRETTE

pronunciation: [soo-BRET]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: French, mid-18th century

 

Meaning:

1. An actress or other female performer playing a lively, flirtatious role in a play or opera.

 

Examples:

"She brought a natural playfulness to the role of the soubrette."

"Ana was a triple threat, skilled at singing and dancing and playing the soubrette."

About Soubrette

Soubrette used to refer to a particular character played for comedy relief but can now also describe a young woman who behaves flirtatiously. This makes sense, as the word originates from the French word "soubreto," which means "coy."

 

Did you Know?

In opera and other theatrical performances, the soubrette traditionally has been used for comedic relief. A flirty young woman was played as a source of humor, as her intense actions were often considered inappropriate for the time period.

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: TERRINE

pronunciation: [tə-REEN]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: French, early 18th century

 

Meaning:

1. A meat, fish, or vegetable mixture that has been cooked or otherwise prepared in advance and allowed to cool or set in its container, typically served in slices.

2. A container used for a terrine, typically of an oblong shape and made of earthenware.

 

Examples:

"The special of the day was a salmon terrine served with rice."

"The chef carefully arranged the vegetables in a ceramic terrine."

About Terrine

In its original French, "terrine" was written as "terrin," and referred to a large earthenware pot where food items were stored. Think of it as an ancient version of your favorite mason jars.

 

Did you Know?

A terrine can also be referred to as a pâté. This French word translates to "paste," and the dish is made by grinding materials into a spreadable paste that can be served with bread, crackers, or whatever the diner prefers.

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word: SUBITANEOUS

pronunciation: [sə-bə-TEYN-ee-əs]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, mid-17th century

 

Meaning:

1. That occurs or is manifested suddenly, spontaneously, or in haste; sudden, hasty, unexpected.

2. Of an egg (of certain invertebrates): Hatching very soon after being laid, without a period of dormancy.

 

Examples:

"He woke at 3 a.m. with a subitaneous solution for that nagging problem."

"The pop star's arrival was subitaneous but still excited the crowd."

About Subitaneous

This noun comes from the classical Latin word "subitāneus," which means "sudden." Any situation, thought, or action that is unexpected can be considered subitaneous in nature.

 

Did you Know?

Mathematician Archimedes is the master of the subitaneous idea. Archimedes was struck by sudden inspiration for a difficult math problem. Overjoyed, he ran through the streets of Greece shouting "Eureka!" — Greek for "I have found it!"