DarkRavie Posted December 19, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2021 What's the Word: CONSTITUTIVE pronunciation: [KAHN-stə-tyoo-div] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, 17th century Meaning: 1. Forming an essential element of something. 2. (Biochemistry) relating to an enzyme or enzyme system that is continuously produced in an organism, regardless of the needs of cells. Example: "Having the right language to express ideas is constitutive to being a good writer." "Constitutive enzymes are essential players in the human body." About Constitutive This word comes from the Medieval Latin “constitutivus.” This originates from “constitut-,” the past participle stem of “constituere, which means "to cause to stand, set up, fix, place, establish, set in order." Did You Know? Constitutive genes are genes that are always “on,” meaning it is transcribed continually. These genes control the ability of DNA to replicate, express, and repair itself. They also control protein synthesis and much of an organism's central metabolism. Regulated genes, on the other hand, are needed only occasionally. They are activated and deactivated by regulatory proteins. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 20, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 What's the Word: OFFING pronunciation: [AH-fing] Part of speech: noun Origin: English, early 17th century Meaning: 1. The more distant part of the sea in view. Example: "The captain saw another ship approach from the offing, gradually making its way closer." "As they stood on the shore, the offing seemed to shimmer in the early evening light." About Offing Offing was originally a nautical term from the early 17th century, from “off,” meaning away from, and “ing,” denoting an instance. Did You Know? Offing” is sometimes used as part of a phrase, “in the offing,” which means “likely to happen or appear soon.” For example, “there are several job opportunities in the offing,” or “with so many remakes appearing on streaming services, maybe a 'Frasier' reboot could be in the offing.” 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 21, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 What's the Word: NIMBUS pronunciation: [NIM-bəs] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, early 17th century Meaning: 1. A luminous cloud or a halo surrounding a supernatural being or a saint. 2. A large gray rain cloud. Example: "There was a nimbus around the shadowy figure standing in front of the car." "Sarah reached for her umbrella as she saw the nimbus approach." About Nimbus Nimbus comes directly from Latin, meaning “cloud, aureole.” Did You Know? “Nimbus 2000” is the name of the broomstick Harry Potter is given by Professor McGonagall when he joins Gryffindor’s Quidditch Team. Latin roots, such as “nimbus,” which add extra meaning to characters, objects, and places, appear throughout the Harry Potter series. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 22, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 22, 2021 What's the Word: ACUITY pronunciation: [ə-KYOO-ə-dee] Part of speech: noun Origin: Late Middle English, 16th century Meaning: 1. Sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing. Example: "Jonah’s natural acuity made him a model student." "The optician had noticed a worrying decline in the acuity of Martha’s sight in recent years." About Acuity Acuity comes from the Latin “acuere” meaning “sharpen.” The word “acuere” is found in medieval Latin as “acuitas,” and in Old French as “acuite.” Did You Know? Acuity” shares the same Latin root word as “acute,” a word which, depending on context, can have a similar meaning. “Acute” can mean “having or showing a perceptive insight,” but it can also mean, “experienced to a severe or intense degree.” It has a third meaning as well; “acute” refers to an angle of less than 90 degrees. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2021 What's the Word: PROMETHEAN pronunciation: [pro-MEE-thee-ən] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Late Middle English, late 16th century Meaning: 1. Relating to or characteristic of the demigod Prometheus, especially in being rebelliously creative and innovative. Example: "The Promethean scientists worked to unlock the mysteries of the universe." "The protestors described their mission as rebellious and Promethean." About Promethean Promethean comes from the name of the Greek demigod Prometheus. The suffix “-an” comes from the Latin “-anus” which means “pertaining to.” Did You Know? In Greek mythology Prometheus was a demigod made from clay who stole fire from heaven to share with mankind. In the early 1830s, (before modern matches were invented), small glass vials of sulphuric acid were surrounded by a flammable mixture which would ignite when pressed; these glass tubes were called “Prometheans.” 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 24, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 24, 2021 What's the Word: CLINQUANT pronunciation: [kliNG-kənt] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Middle French, late 16th century Meaning: 1. Glittering with gold and silver; tinseled. Example: "Bob Mackie designed unique, clinquant dresses for stars like Cher, Madonna, and many others." "The Christmas tree in the lobby was clinquant with lights and tinsel." About Clinquant This word comes from Middle French, from the present participle of “clinquer,” meaning “to glitter,” literally, “to clink.” Did You Know? “Clinquant” can be a noun as well. In that form, it’s often linked to imitation gold leaf, which is also known as composition gold leaf, Dutch metal, or Dutch gold. It is made to imitate the appearance of gold, but actually contains a combination of copper, zinc, and brass. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 25, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 25, 2021 What's the Word: INGLENOOK pronunciation: [ING-ɡəl-nook] Part of speech: noun Origin: Scottish, late 18th century Meaning: 1. A space on either side of a large fireplace. Example: "The central feature of the living room was the inglenook." "Some historical homes have inglenook fireplaces tucked under a grand staircase." About Inglenook This word originates from “ingle,” perhaps from the Scottish Gaelic “aingeal” meaning “light, fire,” Irish aingeal “live ember.” “Nook” is from Middle English and refers to a “corner or fragment.” Did You Know? Inglenooks originated as a partially enclosed hearth area that was part of a larger room. The hearth was used to cook food, and the alcove became a natural gathering place to seek warmth. American architects like Henry Hobson Richardson and Frank Lloyd Wright often incorporated inglenooks into their designs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 26, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 26, 2021 What's the Word: JOCOSE pronunciation: [jə-KOS] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, late 17th century Meaning: 1. Playful or humorous. Example: "The playdate was filled with jocose laughter." "Jeannette was looking for a jocose writer to work on her sitcom." About Jocose This word stems from the Latin “iocosus,” meaning "full of jesting, fond of jokes, funny." It originates from “iocus,” meaning "pastime, sport; a jest, joke." Did You Know? A “jocose lie” is when someone tells an untrue story that is really meant to amuse the storyteller’s audience more than to mislead. In the storytelling tradition, they are intended to be understood as humorous. Irony, teasing, and tall tales are all examples. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 27, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2021 What's the Word: VEXILLOLOGY pronunciation: [vek-sə-LAH-lə-jee] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, 1950s Meaning: 1. The study of flags. Example: "Vexillology has a long, storied tradition in powerful families." "David had a strong interest in design, particularly vexillology." About Vexillology This word comes from the Latin “vexillum,” meaning "flag, military ensign, banner." It originally comes from “velum,” meaning "a sail, curtain, veil.” Did You Know? The North American Vexillological Association touts itself online as “the world’s largest organization of flag enthusiasts and scholars.” The group published “Good Flag, Bad Flag,” a booklet that lays out five basic principles for good flag design and shows examples of flags that follow these principles as well as flags that disregard them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 28, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2021 What's the Word: CORYBANTIC pronunciation: [kor-ə-BAN-tik] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, 17th century Meaning: 1. Wild; frenzied. Example: "The audience at the rally became louder and corybantic." "The guitar solo became more complicated and corybantic." About Corybantic Cybele, a goddess of nature from Greco-Roman mythology, had priests and attendants called “Corybants.” The term comes from the Greek “Korubantes.” Did You Know? A London-based band named Corybantic released their self-titled debut in 2016. The EP album’s three songs are completely instrumental and meander in tone and style. The group has been described online as “a sordid hybrid of influences…who enjoy funk, math rock and gypsy jazz.” 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 29, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2021 What's the Word: DITHYRAMB pronunciation: [DITH-ə-ram] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin from Greek, early 17th century Meaning: 1. A wild choral hymn of ancient Greece, especially one dedicated to Dionysus. 2. A passionate or inflated speech, poem, or other writing. Example: "The revelers joyfully sang a dithyramb as they danced through Athens." "John delivered an energetic dithyramb on the power of education." About Dithyramb This word came into the English language via Latin and the ancient Greek word “dithurambos.” Did You Know? Dionysus, the Greek god of wine for whom a dithyramb is dedicated to, is known as Bacchus in Roman mythology. Every year numerous celebrations were thrown in his honor, where people celebrated with wine, poems, and revelry. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 30, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2021 What's the Word: QUONDAM pronunciation: [KWAN-dəm] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, late 16th century Meaning: 1. That once was; former. Example: "During the last year retro roller skates regained their quondam popularity." "Quondam senators were quick to share their support for the new bill." About Quondam Quondam is a formal adjective that comes from the Latin for “formerly.” Did You Know? There are lots of ways to say “former,” including “past,” “late,” “previous,” “preceding,” and “earlier,” but “quondam” is one of the more unusual synonyms. If you want to be even more unconventional, “umquhile” is a word that originates from Scottish English dialect, meaning “former” or “deceased.” 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted December 31, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2021 What's the Word: SOIGNÉ pronunciation: [swan-YAY] Part of speech: adjective Origin: French, 19th century Meaning: 1. Dressed very elegantly; well groomed. Example: "Matthew was tall, handsome, and soigné when he met Lucy for their date." "Looking at the photographs of his grandparents, Joe was surprised at how soigné they were." About Soigné “Soigné” is the past participle of the French verb “soigner,” meaning “to take care of.” In turn, “soigner” comes from the French word “soin,” meaning “care.” Did You Know? French words have masculine and feminine forms. To use “soigné” to describe a woman, the feminine adjective would be pronounced the same, but it has an additional “e” on the end: “soignée.” For example, “Sarah was tall, fair, and soignée.” In English, it’s not necessary to differentiate between the masculine and feminine forms. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 1, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2022 What's the Word: SIMULACRUM pronunciation: [sim-yə-LAK-rəm] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, late 16th century Meaning: 1. An image or representation of someone or something. 2. An unsatisfactory imitation or substitute. Example: "The birthday cake was a small simulacrum of the Magic Kingdom castle at Disney World." "The gallery owner was disappointed with the simulacrum of Monet’s Water Lilies." About Simulacrum Simulacrum comes from the Latin verb “simulare,” meaning “to pretend.” Did You Know? Modern usage of “simulacrum” refers to an image or representation of something, but historically it meant a representation of figures, especially gods. For example the “Mona Lisa” would be a simulacrum because it’s a painting of a person who no longer exists. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 2, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2022 What's the Word: DELIQUESCENT pronunciation: [del-ə-KWES-ənt] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Latin, late 18th century Meaning: 1. Becoming liquid, or having a tendency to become liquid. 2. (Chemistry) (of a solid) tending to absorb moisture from the air and dissolve in it. Example: "Ice removed from the freezer quickly becomes deliquescent." "Today’s chemistry lesson was about potential uses of deliquescent substances." About Deliquescent This word comes from the Latin “deliquescentem,” present participle of “deliquescere,” meaning "to melt away." Did You Know? The majority of deliquescent substances (those that absorb water from the air) are salts, such as calcium chloride, and sodium nitrate. Table salt, otherwise known as sodium chloride, can be deliquescent, but only if the particles are small enough and the humidity level is extremely high. In extremely humid climates you might see rice in salt shakers, attempting to prevent deliquescence. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 3, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2022 What's the Word: ECHT pronunciation: [ekt] Part of speech: adjective Origin: German, early 20th century Meaning: 1. Authentic and typical. Example: "Joe was an echt New Yorker, complete with the distinctive accent." "Sara made a slew of echt dishes for Yom Kippur." About Echt This word stems from the German “echte” and the Yiddish “ekht.” Did You Know? Echte is the name of a village in northern Germany, located about 150 miles west of Berlin. In the Middle Ages, it served as a trade node. Skilled craftsmen were a prominent part of the village's population as early as the 17th century. There were many linen weavers, cobblers and carpenters in Echte. The word “echt” comes from both German and Yiddish, meaning something authentic. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 4, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2022 What's the Word: RIME pronunciation: [riym] Part of speech: noun Origin: Old English, 12th century Meaning: 1. Frost formed on cold objects by the rapid freezing of water vapor in cloud or fog. 2. (Literary) hoarfrost. Example: "The sunlight bounced off the rime on the grass." "The rime-covered trees looked majestic and otherworldly." About Rime This word comes from the Old English “hrīm,” of Germanic origin and is related to the Dutch “rijm.” The word became rare in Middle English but was revived in literary use at the end of the 18th century. Did You Know? Rime is also the name of an adventure puzzle video game. Released in 2017, the game follows a boy arriving at and searching a mysterious island with a fox-like spirit as a guide. The player guides this boy in solving environmental puzzles across five levels. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 5, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2022 What's the Word: TELOS pronunciation: [TEL-ahs] Part of speech: noun Origin: Greek, 300 BCE Meaning: 1. An ultimate object or aim. Example: "Helen’s telos was to earn her Ph.D. in chemistry." "At this early stage, the nonprofit doesn’t seem to have a telos." About Telos This word comes from the Greek “telos,” meaning "the end, limit, goal, fulfillment, completion.” It is possibly akin to Greek “tellein,” meaning to accomplish. Did You Know? Aristotle is often linked with the term “telos.” This philosopher linked ethics and politics with the idea of telos; according to him, everything has a purpose or final end. So if we want to understand what something is, it must be understood in terms of the telos, which humans can uncover through diligent study. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 6, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2022 What's the Word: SPATULATE pronunciation: [spaCH-ə-lət] Part of speech: adjective Origin: Modern Latin, mid -18th century Meaning: 1. Having a broad, rounded end. Example: "Baseball bats are spatulate objects." "The probe to explore the bottom of the pond was long and spatulate." About Spatulate This word stems from the Modern Latin “spatulatus,” which came from the Latin “spatula” and the Greek “spathe,” meaning "broad flat blade (used by weavers)." Did You Know? In botany and zoology, “spatulate” means broad at the apex and tapered to the base. For instance, water oak leaves are spatulate, with slender bases and very broad tips. Some animals, like porpoises, also have spatulate teeth to help them grasp food. But porpoises don’t use their teeth to eat; they swallow their prey whole. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRavie Posted January 7, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2022 What's the Word: VULNERARY pronunciation: [VUHL-nə-rehr-ee] Part of speech: noun Origin: Latin, late 16th century Meaning: 1. A medicine used in the healing of wounds. Example: "Heidi was more interested in plant-based vulneraries than traditional medications." "Steven created his own vulnerary for rashes." About Vulnerary This word comes from the Latin “vulnerarius,” originally from “vulnus,” meaning “wound.” Did You Know? Nature-based vulneraries have been used for ages. Native Americans used the herb echinacea as a vulnerary for burns, snakebites, and other wounds. The flower heads and florets of marigold are often used as an antimicrobial and emollient. The ever-popular aloe is well-known for its healing properties for the skin, especially burns. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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