New Game: What's the Word?

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - RECHERCHÉ

pronunciation: [rə-sher-SHAY]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: French, 17th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Rare, exotic, or obscure.

 

Example:

"Adrianna had a recherché palate when it came to fine wines."

"The pearls gave a refined, recherché quality to the necklace."

 

About Recherché

This word stems from the French past participle “rechercher,” meaning “carefully sought out.” "Research."

 

Did You Know?

French novelist Marcel Proust’s most prominent work is called “À la recherche du temps perdu.” Published in the early 20th century, the original English translation titled it “Remembrance of Things Past,” but a revised version retitled it “In Search of Lost Time.”

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - LUCUBRATE

pronunciation: [LOO-kyə-brayt]

 

Part of speech: verb

Origin: Latin, early 17th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Write or study, especially by night.

2. Produce scholarly written material.

 

Example:

"Elliott was known to lucubrate past midnight every night."

"Maryann lucubrated an academic journal on Egyptian history."

 

About Lucubrate

This word comes from the Latin “lucubrat-” meaning “(having) worked by lamplight,” from the verb “lucubrare.”

 

Did You Know?

Writers are keen on figuring out what time of day is most creative and productive for them. Horror fiction author H.P. Lovecraft insists nighttime lucubration is most suited to the craft, stating, “At night, when the objective world has slunk back into its cavern and left dreamers to their own, there come inspirations and capabilities impossible at any less magical and quiet hour. No one knows whether or not he is a writer unless he has tried writing at night.”

 

Edited August 2, 2021 by DarkRavie

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - ISOCHRONOUS

pronunciation: [i-SAHK-rə-nəs]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Modern Latin, early 18th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Occurring at the same time; occupying equal time.

 

Example:

"The TV shows were isochronous, fighting for Nielsen ratings."

"Isochronous discussions about tax reform and infrastructure were happening in separate chambers."

 

About Isochronous

This word comes from the modern Latin “isochronus” by way of the Greek “isokhronos,” meaning “equal in age or time.” “Iso-” means “equal,” “khronos” means “time.”

 

Did You Know?

”Isochronous” sounds a little like “asynchronous,” but don’t confuse them — the latter means “not simultaneous or current in time.”

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - BASAL

pronunciation: [BAY-zəl]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Old French and Middle English, late 14th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Forming or belonging to a bottom layer or base.

 

Example:

"The bush’s basal leaves were large and lush."

"The pre-k school offered students some basal education."

 

About Basal

This word comes from Old French, but stems originally from either the Latin “basis,” meaning “foundation” or the Greek “basis,” meaning “a stepping, a step, that on which one steps or stands, pedestal.” The “-al” suffix means “of, like, related to, pertaining to.”

 

Did You Know?

A person’s basal metabolism is the rate at which the body uses energy while at rest to maintain vital functions. Research has shown low-calorie diets tend to suppress basal metabolism.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - CULTIVAR

pronunciation: [KUHL-tə-var]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: American English, 1920s

 

Meaning: 

1. A plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding. Cultivars are usually designated in the style Taxus baccata ‘Variegata’.

 

Example:

"The rose garden was organized by sections of different cultivars."

"Most houseplants are cultivars of hardier, outdoor species."

 

About Cultivar

Cultivar originated from a 1920s combination of the existing words “cultivate” (preparation for crops) and “variety” (the state of being different or diverse).

 

Did You Know?

The word “cultivar” was coined by horticulturalist Liberty Hyde Bailey in 1923. Bailey wanted an abbreviation for the term “cultivated variety” — specific designations of plants that retain similar characteristics even after reproduction. Besides serving as Cornell University’s chair of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening Department (the first of its kind in the country), Bailey was instrumental in creating the 4-H organization.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - EXTANT

pronunciation: [EK-stənt]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, mid 16th century

 

Meaning: 

1. (especially of a document) still in existence; surviving.

 

Example:

"Since the original document was no longer extant, the team settled for secondary sources."

"Unfortunately, there was a very small amount of extant work in Jessica’s chosen field."

 

About Extant

Extant developed from the Latin word “exstant” (being visible or prominent, existing), from the verb “exstare” — a combination of “ex” (out) + “stare” (to stand).

 

Did You Know?

The Library of Congress in Washington D.C. is the largest library in the world with more than 170 million items, including a large collection of extant materials, such as original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and the U.S. Constitution. The LOC only displays these documents out of storage for very short periods at a time.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - LABELLUM

pronunciation: [lə-BEL-əm]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, early 19th century

 

Meaning: 

1. (Botany) A central petal at the base of an orchid flower, typically larger than the other petals and of a different shape.

2. (Entomology) Each of a pair of lobes at the tip of the proboscis in some insects.

 

Example:

"Houseflies have a fused proboscis with a _______ at the end."

"The labellum on certain species of orchids mimic female wasps, encouraging male wasps to visit."

 

About Extant

Labellum originated in 19th century Latin, and is thought to be a diminutive of the word “labrum” (lip).

 

Did You Know?

Butterflies, mosquitoes, and houseflies — what do all these insects have in common? Their mouths, for one thing. Many insects with a proboscis (a long syringe-like tube extended to feed from a source) have a specialized labellum, or pair of lobes, at the base, which they use to drink with.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - CITADEL

pronunciation: [SID-ə-del]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: French, mid 16th century

 

Meaning: 

1. A fortress, typically on high ground, protecting or dominating a city.

 

Example:

"The soldiers prepared to fall back to the citadel before dark."

"The king ordered the construction of a moat to further secure the citadel."

 

About Citadel

The French word “citadelle” and the Italian word “cittadella” are both derived from the Latin word “civitas” (city).

 

Did You Know?

The Acropolis of Athens (Greece), the Rock of Gibraltar (located in/near Spain), and Dover Castle (England) are citadels, or fortresses built in strategic defensive locations to protect a city. The citadels were used by different cultures, depending on who was currently in power.

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - ARRAS

pronunciation: [AR-əs]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Late Middle English, unknown

 

Meaning: 

1. A rich tapestry, typically hung on the walls of a room or used to conceal an alcove.

2. A town in northeastern France; population 43,663 (2006). In medieval times it was a center for the manufacture of tapestries.

 

Example:

"The castle is rumored to conceal secret passageways behind colorful arras."

"While no longer known for tapestries, Arras is still a lovely town to visit in France."

 

About Arras

This term came from the French town Arras, which was known for specializing in creating tapestries. Over time, the word came to refer to the tapestries themselves.

 

Did You Know?

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the character Polonius conceals himself behind a tapestry, specifically an arras, to listen in on Hamlet and the Queen’s conversation. In more modern times, the cartoon cast of “Scooby Doo” often conceals themselves behind an arras — usually with humorous results, like leaving legs and feet visible.

 

Edited August 10, 2021 by DarkRavie

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - EVANESCE

pronunciation: [ev-ə-NES]

 

Part of speech: verb

Origin: Latin, mid 19th century

 

Meaning: 

1. (literary) Pass out of sight, memory, or existence.

 

Example:

"It seemed like every new concept or command evanesced as quickly as the puppy’s owners taught them."

"The linguist’s research concerns ancient languages and dialects that are evanescing."

 

About Evanesce

Evanesce developed from the Latin word “evanescere,” a combination of “e” (out of) + “vanus” (empty).

 

Did You Know?

Many people find that their dreams evanesce once they wake up. Scientists have a number of different ideas as to why this happens. One common theory is that these memories are inaccessible; chemicals produced by the brain while dreaming recede once people wake up, making even the most vivid dream fade.

 

Edited August 10, 2021 by DarkRavie

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - FACTOID

pronunciation: [FAK-toid]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin:  American English, 1970s

 

Meaning: 

1. A brief or trivial item of news or information.

2. An assumption or speculation that is reported and repeated so often that it becomes accepted as fact.

 

Example:

"Mary loved collecting drinks with factoids under the bottle cap."

"Despite the popular factoid, it is not dangerous to drink soda and eat Pop Rocks."

 

About Factoid

This word originated as a combination of the word “fact” (a thing known or proven to be true) and the suffix “-oid” (resembling or like), creating the definition, “something that resembles a fact.” It has since gathered different meanings over time.

 

Did You Know?

Factoid was first coined by American writer Norman Mailer in his 1973 biography of pop culture icon Marilyn Monroe. In what is thought to be the first usage of the term, Mailer referred to factoids as facts that didn’t exist before being reported in newspapers or magazines — in other words, made up. Over time, however, factoid has taken on a different meaning as a small tidbit of news or information.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - ANTHROPOGENIC

pronunciation: [an-THrə-po-JEN-ik]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin:  Greek, French, and Middle English, 19th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Originating in human activity.

 

Example:

"The increased severity in hurricanes has been linked to anthropogenic factors."

"Anthropogenic periods like the Industrial Revolution set the course for worldwide change."

 

About Anthropogenic

“Anthrop-” is a word stem meaning “pertaining to man or human beings” that comes from the Greek “anthrōpos.” “-Geny” stems from the French “génie” and originates from the Greek “-geneia” and “-genes,” meaning “born or produced.” The “-ic” ending is a Middle English element that means “having the nature of.”

 

Did You Know?

The Army Corps of Engineers has been able to combat anthropogenic pollution. Its manpower and its technologies assist with conservation efforts, land management, and greening.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - CODA

pronunciation: [KOH-də]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin:  Italian, mid-18th century

 

Meaning: 

1. A concluding event, remark, or section.

2. The concluding passage of a piece or movement (music), typically forming an addition to the basic structure.

 

Example:

"Tim composed an elegant concerto with a haunting coda."

"The graduation ceremony was a touching coda to her high school memories."

 

About Coda

This word comes from the Italian “cauda,” meaning “tail.”

 

Did You Know?

A coda can also be the conclusion of a dance, such as a “pas de deux,” when two dancers complete the final portion of a ballet.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - MEZZANINE

pronunciation: [MEH-zə-neen]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin:  French, early 18th century

 

Meaning: 

1. A low story between two others in a building, typically between the ground and first floors.

2. The lowest balcony of a theater, stadium, etc., or the front rows of the balcony.

 

Example:

"The hotel’s mezzanine floor had a lot of ornate woodwork."

"The office mezzanine incorporated glass and steel into its design."

 

About Mezzanine

This word came from France by way of the Italian “mezzanino,” stemming from “mezzano,” meaning “middle.” Originated from the Latin “medianus,” meaning “median.”

 

Did You Know?

While primarily used to describe architecture, in the financial realm, “mezzanine financing” is capital that has both debt and equity features. Just like a mezzanine floor sits between the ground and first floors, this type of lending falls in between more traditional types of financing.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - AVATAR

pronunciation: [AV-ə-tahr]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Sanskrit, late 18th century

 

Meaning: 

1. An icon or figure representing a particular person in video games, internet forums, etc.

2. A manifestation of a deity or released soul in bodily form on earth; an incarnate divine teacher (mainly in Hinduism).

 

Example:

"Derek’s avatar on the text thread is a cartoon."

"Meghan chose the fox as her avatar in the video game."

 

About Avatar

This word originates from the Sanskrit “avantarana,” meaning “descent of a deity to the earth in incarnate form.”

 

Did You Know?

The rise of technology seems to coincide with a rise in popularity of the word “avatar.” In computer terminology, usage of the word seems to trace back to the 1992 sci-fi novel “Snowcrash” by Neal Stephenson, which features an alternate universe populated by avatars.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - DICTUM

pronunciation: [DIK-təm]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, late 16th century

 

Meaning: 

1. A short statement that expresses a general truth or principle.

 

Example:

"The famous medical dictum says, “First, do no harm.”"

"Stanley wanted to include a popular spiritual dictum in the introduction to his novel."

 

About Dictum

This stems from the Latin “dictum,” literally meaning “something said,” which is the neuter past participle of “dicere.”

 

Did You Know?

Not all dictums are necessarily rooted in truth; sometimes they’re just catchphrases that have been said with enough authority over time to gain popularity. For instance, “you are what you eat” is not a literal truth.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - EKE

pronunciation: [eek]

 

Part of speech: verb

Origin: Old English, time period unknown

 

Meaning: 

1. Make an amount or supply of something last longer by using or consuming it frugally.

2. Manage to support oneself or make a living with difficulty.

 

Example:

"The farm only eked out a bushel of produce after the major freeze."

"The committee managed to eke out a barebones draft by the deadline."

 

About Eke

This word comes from the Old English “ēacian” or “ēcan” (in the sense “increase”). It is of Germanic origin and related to Old Norse “auka.”

 

Did You Know?

In addition to its verb usage, “eke” was an archaic adverb that meant “also.” Example: "Say thy name and eke thy occupation."

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - LEVIATHAN

pronunciation: [lə-VI-ə-thən]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, late 14th century

 

Meaning: 

1. A thing that is very large or powerful, especially a ship.

2. A very large aquatic creature, especially a whale.

 

Example:

"The blue whale is one of the largest leviathans in the sea."

"The cruise ship was a towering leviathan of the seas."

 

About Leviathan

This word comes from late Latin via the Hebrew “liwyāṯān,” meaning “dragon, serpent, huge sea animal.”

 

Did You Know?

The Old Testament refers to a sea monster called Leviathan in the book of Psalms. In the story, this huge sea monster is killed by God, then offered to the Hebrews as food.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - APOLLONIAN

pronunciation: [ap-ə-LOH-nee-ən]

 

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Greek, 17th century

 

Meaning: 

1. Relating to the rational, ordered, and self-disciplined aspects of human nature.

 

Example:

"Adam considered himself to be an Apollonian figure."

"His combination of good physique and excellent grades made him seem Apollonian."

 

About Apollonian

This word hails directly from the Greek god Apollo. The Greek adjective was “Apollonios.”

 

Did You Know?

The ancient Greeks put the god Apollo on a pedestal because he was the god of poetry, music, healing, and more. Thanks to a handful of German scholars, he is associated with traits like rationality and calmness.

 

[DarkRavie]

What's the Word? - DEMESNE

pronunciation: [də-MAYN]

 

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Anglo-French, 14th century

 

Meaning: 

1. (Law) Possession of real property in one’s own right.

2. (Archaic) A region or domain.

 

Example:

"The small strip of sand on the edge of the island was not part of the king’s demesne."

"The family’s demesne was small, yet still profitable."

 

About Demesne

This word comes from the Old French “demeine,” later developed into the Anglo-Norman French “demesne,” meaning “belonging to a lord.” This originated from the Latin “dominicus,” from “dominus,” meaning “lord, master.”

 

Did You Know?

“Demesne” was a popular term in medieval Europe that indicated part of a lord’s land kept for his personal use and not held by tenants. In modern usage, “demesne” means an owner’s property or territory, or it can refer to an area of activity, knowledge, or influence.