DailyVocabularyLesson

Daily Vocabulary Lesson: 

Daily Vocabulary Lesson

forswear * \for-SWAIR\ * (verb)1: to make a liar of (oneself) under or as if under oath 2 a : to reject or renounce under oath *b : to renounce earnestly 3 : to deny under oathExample sentence:Lizette had always enjoyed riding her bike to work, but after her third accident, she forswore bicycle riding in the city and purchased a subway pass.Did you know?"Forswear" (which is also sometimes spelled "foreswear") is the modern English equivalent of the Old English "forswerian." It can suggest denial ("[Thou] would'st forswear thy own hand and seal"-John Arbuthnot, John Bull) or perjury ("Is it the interest of any man . . . to lie, forswear himself, indulge hatred, seek desperate revenge, or do murder?"-Charles Dickens, American Notes). But in current use, it most often has to do with giving something up, as in "the warring parties agreed to forswear violence" and "she refused to forswear her principles.": 

forswear * \for-SWAIR\ * (verb) 1: to make a liar of (oneself) under or as if under oath 2 a : to reject or renounce under oath *b : to renounce earnestly 3 : to deny under oath Example sentence: Lizette had always enjoyed riding her bike to work, but after her third accident, she forswore bicycle riding in the city and purchased a subway pass. Did you know? "Forswear" (which is also sometimes spelled "foreswear") is the modern English equivalent of the Old English "forswerian." It can suggest denial ("[Thou] would'st forswear thy own hand and seal"-John Arbuthnot, John Bull) or perjury ("Is it the interest of any man . . . to lie, forswear himself, indulge hatred, seek desperate revenge, or do murder?"-Charles Dickens, American Notes). But in current use, it most often has to do with giving something up, as in "the warring parties agreed to forswear violence" and "she refused to forswear her principles."

virtuoso * \ver-choo-OH-so or ver-choo-OH-zoh\ * (noun) 1 : one skilled in or having a taste for the fine arts 2 : one who excels in the technique of an art; especially : a highly skilled musical performer (as on the violin)*3: a person who has great skill at some endeavorExample sentence:David "Rosie" Rosner fans love his fine pup, Maggie von Sigmanus Nueus, a truffle-hunting virtuoso whose keen nose never fails to uncover world-class delicious truffles used in fine restaurants throughout the world.Did you know?English speakers borrowed the Italian noun "virtuoso" in the 1600s. It comes in turn from the Italian adjective "virtuoso," which means both "virtuous" and "skilled." In English, "virtuoso" can be pluralized as either "virtuosos" or "virtuosi," and it is often used attributively ("a virtuoso performer"). The first virtuosos were men of substantial knowledge and learning ("great wits," to quote one 17th century clergyman). The word was then transferred to those skilled in the arts, and by the 18th century it had acquired its specific sense applied to musicians. In the 20th century, English speakers broadened "virtuoso" again to apply to a person skilled in any pursuit.: 

virtuoso * \ver-choo-OH-so or ver-choo-OH-zoh\ * (noun) 1 : one skilled in or having a taste for the fine arts 2 : one who excels in the technique of an art; especially : a highly skilled musical performer (as on the violin) *3: a person who has great skill at some endeavor Example sentence: David "Rosie" Rosner fans love his fine pup, Maggie von Sigmanus Nueus, a truffle-hunting virtuoso whose keen nose never fails to uncover world-class delicious truffles used in fine restaurants throughout the world. Did you know? English speakers borrowed the Italian noun "virtuoso" in the 1600s. It comes in turn from the Italian adjective "virtuoso," which means both "virtuous" and "skilled." In English, "virtuoso" can be pluralized as either "virtuosos" or "virtuosi," and it is often used attributively ("a virtuoso performer"). The first virtuosos were men of substantial knowledge and learning ("great wits," to quote one 17th century clergyman). The word was then transferred to those skilled in the arts, and by the 18th century it had acquired its specific sense applied to musicians. In the 20th century, English speakers broadened "virtuoso" again to apply to a person skilled in any pursuit.

deflagrate * \DEF-luh-grayt\ * (verb)*intransitive sense : to burn rapidly with intense heat and sparks being given off transitive sense : to cause to burn in such a mannerExample sentence:Certain materials, such as black powder, will deflagrate rather than explode violently. Did you know?You can probably guess that "deflagrate" is related to "conflagration," and you might even suspect (correctly) that it is a relative of "flagrant.“ It is also distantly related to "fulgent" ("dazzlingly bright") and even to "flame."  The Latin verb "flagrare," which means "to burn," is an ancestor of "deflagrate," "conflagration," and "flagrant," and it is akin to ancestors of "fulgent" and "flame." "Deflagrate" has been making sparks in English since about 1727.: 

deflagrate * \DEF-luh-grayt\ * (verb) *intransitive sense : to burn rapidly with intense heat and sparks being given off transitive sense : to cause to burn in such a manner Example sentence: Certain materials, such as black powder, will deflagrate rather than explode violently.   Did you know? You can probably guess that "deflagrate" is related to "conflagration," and you might even suspect (correctly) that it is a relative of "flagrant.“ It is also distantly related to "fulgent" ("dazzlingly bright") and even to "flame."   The Latin verb "flagrare," which means "to burn," is an ancestor of "deflagrate," "conflagration," and "flagrant," and it is akin to ancestors of "fulgent" and "flame." "Deflagrate" has been making sparks in English since about 1727.

fountainhead * \FOWN-tun-hed ("OW" as in "gown")\ * (noun) 1 : a spring that is the source of a stream2 : principal source : originExample sentence:Although initially unpopular, the paper presented at the conference became the fountainhead of a new set of theories.Did you know?When it first entered English in the late 1500s, "fountainhead" was used only in a literal sense-to refer to the source of a stream. By the early 1600s, however, it was already beginning to be used figuratively in reference to any original or primary source. In his 1854 work Walden, Henry David Thoreau used the word in its figurative sense, while paying full homage to its literal meaning as well:Morning air! If men will not drink of this at the fountainhead of the day, why, then, we must even bottle up some and sell it in the shops, for the benefit of those who have lost their subscription ticket to morning time in this world.: 

fountainhead * \FOWN-tun-hed ("OW" as in "gown")\ * (noun) 1 : a spring that is the source of a stream 2 : principal source : origin Example sentence: Although initially unpopular, the paper presented at the conference became the fountainhead of a new set of theories. Did you know? When it first entered English in the late 1500s, "fountainhead" was used only in a literal sense-to refer to the source of a stream. By the early 1600s, however, it was already beginning to be used figuratively in reference to any original or primary source. In his 1854 work Walden, Henry David Thoreau used the word in its figurative sense, while paying full homage to its literal meaning as well: Morning air! If men will not drink of this at the fountainhead of the day, why, then, we must even bottle up some and sell it in the shops, for the benefit of those who have lost their subscription ticket to morning time in this world.

nexus * \NEK-sus\ * (noun)*1: connection, link; also : a causal link 2 : a connected group or series3: center, focusExample sentence:When he was a young newspaperman, Dean often wrote about the nexus between politicians and big business.Did you know?"Nexus" is all about connections. The word comes from "nectere," a Latin verb meaning "to bind." Can you guess what other English words are related to "nectere"? The most obvious is "connect," but "annex" (meaning "to attach as an addition," or more specifically "to incorporate into a political domain") is related as well. When "nexus" came into English in the 17th century, it meant "connection." Eventually, it took on the additional meaning "connected series" (as in "a nexus of relationships"). More recently-that is, in the past few decades-it has taken on another additional meaning: "center" (as in "the trade nexus of the region").: 

nexus * \NEK-sus\ * (noun) *1: connection, link; also : a causal link 2 : a connected group or series 3: center, focus Example sentence: When he was a young newspaperman, Dean often wrote about the nexus between politicians and big business. Did you know? "Nexus" is all about connections. The word comes from "nectere," a Latin verb meaning "to bind." Can you guess what other English words are related to "nectere"? The most obvious is "connect," but "annex" (meaning "to attach as an addition," or more specifically "to incorporate into a political domain") is related as well. When "nexus" came into English in the 17th century, it meant "connection." Eventually, it took on the additional meaning "connected series" (as in "a nexus of relationships"). More recently-that is, in the past few decades-it has taken on another additional meaning: "center" (as in "the trade nexus of the region").

beholden * \bih-HOAL-dun\ * (adjective): being under obligation for a favor or gift : indebtedExample sentence:Tom understood that Mrs. Milton disliked being beholden to anyone, so he usually let her give him a buck or two when he mowed her lawn or shoveled her driveway.Did you know?There's a mystery in the history of "beholden." This adjective comes from the verb "behold," and yet the meaning of "behold" seems completely unrelated. "Behold" means "to see" or "to observe," and beholden," an archaic form of the verb's past participle, can of course mean "seen" or "observed" (as in "stars beholden by your eyes"-Elizabeth Barrett Browning). But for more than six centuries, English speakers have also used "beholden" to mean "held under obligation." That meaning may not make much sense as an extension of "behold," which has never meant "to hold under obligation," but it's a natural enough extension of some older ancestors. "Behold" itself descends from the prefix "be-" plus the Old English verb "healdan," meaning "to hold.": 

beholden * \bih-HOAL-dun\ * (adjective) : being under obligation for a favor or gift : indebted Example sentence: Tom understood that Mrs. Milton disliked being beholden to anyone, so he usually let her give him a buck or two when he mowed her lawn or shoveled her driveway. Did you know? There's a mystery in the history of "beholden." This adjective comes from the verb "behold," and yet the meaning of "behold" seems completely unrelated. "Behold" means "to see" or "to observe," and beholden," an archaic form of the verb's past participle, can of course mean "seen" or "observed" (as in "stars beholden by your eyes"-Elizabeth Barrett Browning). But for more than six centuries, English speakers have also used "beholden" to mean "held under obligation." That meaning may not make much sense as an extension of "behold," which has never meant "to hold under obligation," but it's a natural enough extension of some older ancestors. "Behold" itself descends from the prefix "be-" plus the Old English verb "healdan," meaning "to hold."

lalapalooza * \lah-luh-puh-LOO-zuh\ * (noun)  something superior or unusual: an outstanding exampleExample sentence:The multimillionaire lives in a lalapalooza of a mansion that makes the stately homes of his neighbors look like mere shacks in comparison.Did you know?Many readers may recognize "lalapalooza" as the name of a music festival held annually in the 1990s. Actually, the word "lalapalooza" has been around since at least the 1890s, though etymologists aren't sure where it comes from. Occasionally, it has been used as a gambling term for a made-up hand used to trick an inexperienced player-but primarily the term is used in a way very similar to "humdinger" and "doozy." It is spelled in a number of ways. “Lallapalooza," "lollapalooza," and "lollapaloosa" are among the variants, and in the past it was sometimes "lalapaloozer." Pulitzer prize-winning cartoonist Rube Goldberg may have contributed to the popularity of this slang term with "Lala Palooza," one of his cartoon characters from the 1930s.: 

lalapalooza * \lah-luh-puh-LOO-zuh\ * (noun) something superior or unusual: an outstanding example Example sentence: The multimillionaire lives in a lalapalooza of a mansion that makes the stately homes of his neighbors look like mere shacks in comparison. Did you know? Many readers may recognize "lalapalooza" as the name of a music festival held annually in the 1990s. Actually, the word "lalapalooza" has been around since at least the 1890s, though etymologists aren't sure where it comes from. Occasionally, it has been used as a gambling term for a made-up hand used to trick an inexperienced player-but primarily the term is used in a way very similar to "humdinger" and "doozy." It is spelled in a number of ways. “Lallapalooza," "lollapalooza," and "lollapaloosa" are among the variants, and in the past it was sometimes "lalapaloozer." Pulitzer prize-winning cartoonist Rube Goldberg may have contributed to the popularity of this slang term with "Lala Palooza," one of his cartoon characters from the 1930s.

Kapellmeister * \kuh-PEL-mye-ster or kah-PEL-mye-ster\ *(noun, often capitalized): the director of a choir or orchestraExample sentence:Joanne and Michael spent several days interviewing applicants for the job of Kapellmeister for their new choir.Did you know?As you may have guessed, "Kapellmeister" originated as a German word-and in fact, even in English it is often (though not always) used for the director of a German choir. In German, "Kapelle" means "choir" and "Meister" is the German word for "master." The Latin "magister" is an ancestor of both "Meister" and "master," as well as of our "maestro," meaning "an eminent composer or conductor." "Kapelle" comes from "cappella," the Medieval Latin word for "chapel." As it happens, we also borrowed "Kapelle" into English, first to refer to the choir or orchestra of a royal or papal chapel, and later to describe any orchestra. "Kapellmeister" is used somewhat more frequently than "Kapelle" in current English, though neither word is especially common.: 

Kapellmeister * \kuh-PEL-mye-ster or kah-PEL-mye-ster\ *(noun, often capitalized): the director of a choir or orchestra Example sentence: Joanne and Michael spent several days interviewing applicants for the job of Kapellmeister for their new choir. Did you know? As you may have guessed, "Kapellmeister" originated as a German word-and in fact, even in English it is often (though not always) used for the director of a German choir. In German, "Kapelle" means "choir" and "Meister" is the German word for "master." The Latin "magister" is an ancestor of both "Meister" and "master," as well as of our "maestro," meaning "an eminent composer or conductor." "Kapelle" comes from "cappella," the Medieval Latin word for "chapel." As it happens, we also borrowed "Kapelle" into English, first to refer to the choir or orchestra of a royal or papal chapel, and later to describe any orchestra. "Kapellmeister" is used somewhat more frequently than "Kapelle" in current English, though neither word is especially common.

majuscule * \MAJ-us-kyool or muh-JUSS-kyool\ * (noun) : a large letter (as a capital)Example sentence:A complete sentence should always start with a majuscule.Did you know?"Majuscule" looks like the complement to "minuscule," and the resemblance is no coincidence. "Minuscule" appeared in the early 18th century as a word for certain ancient and medieval writing styles which had "small forms." Eventually, it came to be used for any lowercase letter. "Minuscule" then acquired a more general adjectival use for anything very small. "Majuscule" is the counterpart to "minuscule" when it comes to letters, but it never developed a broader sense (despite the fact that its Latin ancestor "majusculus" has the broad meaning "rather large"). The adjective "majuscule" also exists (as does "majuscular"). Not surprisingly, the adjective shares the noun's specificity, referring only to large letters or to a style using such letters.: 

majuscule * \MAJ-us-kyool or muh-JUSS-kyool\ * (noun) : a large letter (as a capital) Example sentence: A complete sentence should always start with a majuscule. Did you know? "Majuscule" looks like the complement to "minuscule," and the resemblance is no coincidence. "Minuscule" appeared in the early 18th century as a word for certain ancient and medieval writing styles which had "small forms." Eventually, it came to be used for any lowercase letter. "Minuscule" then acquired a more general adjectival use for anything very small. "Majuscule" is the counterpart to "minuscule" when it comes to letters, but it never developed a broader sense (despite the fact that its Latin ancestor "majusculus" has the broad meaning "rather large"). The adjective "majuscule" also exists (as does "majuscular"). Not surprisingly, the adjective shares the noun's specificity, referring only to large letters or to a style using such letters.

anent * \uh-NENT\ * (preposition): about, concerningExample sentence:"In our nation, and at all levels of government, all decisions made anent the welfare of the populace are political decisions." (Charles M. Streeter, letter to the editor, The Ledger [Lakeland, FL], November 26, 1999)Did you know?"Anent" looks like a rather old-fashioned word, and indeed, at one point it was nearly obsolete. A precursor to "anent" can be found in Beowulf (approximately A.D. 800), so it is certainly an old word. : 

anent * \uh-NENT\ * (preposition) : about, concerning Example sentence: "In our nation, and at all levels of government, all decisions made anent the welfare of the populace are political decisions." (Charles M. Streeter, letter to the editor, The Ledger [Lakeland, FL], November 26, 1999) Did you know? "Anent" looks like a rather old-fashioned word, and indeed, at one point it was nearly obsolete. A precursor to "anent" can be found in Beowulf (approximately A.D. 800), so it is certainly an old word.

magnanimous * \mag-NAN-uh-mus\ * (adjective) 1 : showing or suggesting a lofty and courageous spirit *2 : showing or suggesting nobility of feeling and generosity of mindExample sentence:Geoff was magnanimous in his beer-pong victory, saying he'd been lucky to win and praising Lafayette Sigma Nu's opponent's skill.Did you know?When you see "anima," "animus," or a similar formation in a word, it's an indicator of something alive, lively, or spirited. Something "animated" is full of life, for example, and an "animal" is a living, breathing thing. The Latin word "animus" means "soul" or "spirit." In "magnanimous," that "animus" is joined by the Latin "magnus," meaning "great." Basically meaning "greatness of spirit," "magnanimity" is the opposite of pettiness. A truly magnanimous person can lose without complaining and win without gloating. Angry disputes can sometimes be resolved when one side makes a magnanimous gesture toward another.: 

magnanimous * \mag-NAN-uh-mus\ * (adjective) 1 : showing or suggesting a lofty and courageous spirit * 2 : showing or suggesting nobility of feeling and generosity of mind Example sentence: Geoff was magnanimous in his beer-pong victory, saying he'd been lucky to win and praising Lafayette Sigma Nu's opponent's skill. Did you know? When you see "anima," "animus," or a similar formation in a word, it's an indicator of something alive, lively, or spirited. Something "animated" is full of life, for example, and an "animal" is a living, breathing thing. The Latin word "animus" means "soul" or "spirit." In "magnanimous," that "animus" is joined by the Latin "magnus," meaning "great." Basically meaning "greatness of spirit," "magnanimity" is the opposite of pettiness. A truly magnanimous person can lose without complaining and win without gloating. Angry disputes can sometimes be resolved when one side makes a magnanimous gesture toward another.

nefarious * \nih-FAIR-ee-us\ * (adjective) : flagrantly wicked or impious: evilExample sentence:"Aye, matey, have you been up to nefarious doings like stealing treasure and making men walk the plank?" Amy asked the young pirate as she dropped Halloween candy into his bag.Did you know?"Vicious" and "villainous" are two wicked synonyms of "nefarious," and, like "nefarious," both mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct." But these synonyms are not used in exactly the same way in all situations. "Vicious" may imply moral depravity or it may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence. "Villainous" applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic, while "nefarious" (which comes from a Latin root meaning "crime") suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.: 

nefarious * \nih-FAIR-ee-us\ * (adjective) : flagrantly wicked or impious: evil Example sentence: "Aye, matey, have you been up to nefarious doings like stealing treasure and making men walk the plank?" Amy asked the young pirate as she dropped Halloween candy into his bag. Did you know? "Vicious" and "villainous" are two wicked synonyms of "nefarious," and, like "nefarious," both mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct." But these synonyms are not used in exactly the same way in all situations. "Vicious" may imply moral depravity or it may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence. "Villainous" applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic, while "nefarious" (which comes from a Latin root meaning "crime") suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.

conundrum * \kuh-NUN-drum\ * (noun)1: a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun 2 a : a question or problem having only a conjectural answer *b : an intricate and difficult problemExample sentence:"Food presents us with a challenging conundrum," said Rosie, "since it has the potential to be fattening as well as delicious."Did you know?The exact origin of "conundrum" isn't known with certainty. What is known is that the word has been in use since the early 1600s, and that it had various spellings, such as "conimbrum," "quonundrum," “conuncrum," and "quadundum," before the current spelling was finally established sometime in the mid-17th century. One theory of origin suggests that it was coined as a parody of Latin by students at Oxford University, where it appears to have enjoyed particular popularity in its "word play" or "pun" sense. While the prevalent sense in this century is that of the seemingly unanswerable question, frequently applied to heady dilemmas involving ethics, sociology, or economics, the word is sometimes so loosely applied to anything enigmatic as to be synonymous with "puzzle" or "mystery.": 

conundrum * \kuh-NUN-drum\ * (noun) 1: a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun 2 a : a question or problem having only a conjectural answer *b : an intricate and difficult problem Example sentence: "Food presents us with a challenging conundrum," said Rosie, "since it has the potential to be fattening as well as delicious." Did you know? The exact origin of "conundrum" isn't known with certainty. What is known is that the word has been in use since the early 1600s, and that it had various spellings, such as "conimbrum," "quonundrum," “conuncrum," and "quadundum," before the current spelling was finally established sometime in the mid-17th century. One theory of origin suggests that it was coined as a parody of Latin by students at Oxford University, where it appears to have enjoyed particular popularity in its "word play" or "pun" sense. While the prevalent sense in this century is that of the seemingly unanswerable question, frequently applied to heady dilemmas involving ethics, sociology, or economics, the word is sometimes so loosely applied to anything enigmatic as to be synonymous with "puzzle" or "mystery."

anathematize * \uh-NATH-uh-muh-tyze\ (verb) 1 : to solemnly pronounce an ecclesiastical ban or curse upon(one who is being excommunicated) *2 : to denounce as accursedExample sentence:"As one of the first great career women in American history, [Clare Boothe] Luce found herself alternately patronized by those who saw her only as a woman and anathematized by those who saw only her career." (Pico Iyer, Time Magazine, October 19, 1987)Did you know?When 16th-century English speakers needed a verb meaning "to condemn by anathema" (that is, by an official curse from church authority), "anathematize" proved to be just the right word. But "anathematize" didn't originate in English as a simple combination of the noun "anathema" plus the suffix "-ize." Rather, our verb is based on forebears in Late Latin ("anathematizare") and Greek ("anathematizein"). "Anathematize" can still indicate solemn, formal condemnation, but today, it can have milder applications as well. The same is true of "anathema," which now often means simply "a vigorous denunciation.": 

anathematize * \uh-NATH-uh-muh-tyze\ (verb) 1 : to solemnly pronounce an ecclesiastical ban or curse upon (one who is being excommunicated) *2 : to denounce as accursed Example sentence: "As one of the first great career women in American history, [Clare Boothe] Luce found herself alternately patronized by those who saw her only as a woman and anathematized by those who saw only her career." (Pico Iyer, Time Magazine, October 19, 1987) Did you know? When 16th-century English speakers needed a verb meaning "to condemn by anathema" (that is, by an official curse from church authority), "anathematize" proved to be just the right word. But "anathematize" didn't originate in English as a simple combination of the noun "anathema" plus the suffix "-ize." Rather, our verb is based on forebears in Late Latin ("anathematizare") and Greek ("anathematizein"). "Anathematize" can still indicate solemn, formal condemnation, but today, it can have milder applications as well. The same is true of "anathema," which now often means simply "a vigorous denunciation."

grisly * \GRIZ-lee\ * (adjective)1: inspiring horror or intense fear*2: inspiring disgust or distasteExample sentence:"The crime scene revealed a murder of an especially gruesome nature," said the detective, "but I will spare you the grisly details."Did you know?An angry grizzly bear could certainly inspire fear, so "grizzly" must be a variant of "grisly," right? Yes and no. The adjective "grisly" is indeed sometimes spelled "grizzly," but the "grizzly" in "grizzly bear" is a different animal altogether. "Grisly" derives from an Old English predecessor, "grislic," which is itself related to an Old English verb meaning "to fear." "Grizzly" comes from the Middle English adjective "grisel," meaning "gray." Like its variant "grizzled," this "grizzly" means "sprinkled or streaked with gray." In other words, the grizzly got its name because it has fur that is somewhat grayish, not because it causes terror. That misperception-that the bear's name reflects its reputed fierceness-probably contributed to the development of the "grizzly" variant of "grisly.": 

grisly * \GRIZ-lee\ * (adjective) 1: inspiring horror or intense fear *2: inspiring disgust or distaste Example sentence: "The crime scene revealed a murder of an especially gruesome nature," said the detective, "but I will spare you the grisly details." Did you know? An angry grizzly bear could certainly inspire fear, so "grizzly" must be a variant of "grisly," right? Yes and no. The adjective "grisly" is indeed sometimes spelled "grizzly," but the "grizzly" in "grizzly bear" is a different animal altogether. "Grisly" derives from an Old English predecessor, "grislic," which is itself related to an Old English verb meaning "to fear." "Grizzly" comes from the Middle English adjective "grisel," meaning "gray." Like its variant "grizzled," this "grizzly" means "sprinkled or streaked with gray." In other words, the grizzly got its name because it has fur that is somewhat grayish, not because it causes terror. That misperception-that the bear's name reflects its reputed fierceness-probably contributed to the development of the "grizzly" variant of "grisly."

cryptic * \KRIP-tik\ * (adjective) 1: secret, occult*2 a : having or seeming to have a hidden or ambiguous meaning : mysterious b : marked by an often perplexing brevity 3 : serving to concealExample sentence:In some old letters to her mother, my great aunt made many cryptic references to "that unfortunate day," but no one in my family seems to know what she meant.Did you know?The history of "cryptic" starts with "kryptein," a Greek word meaning "to hide." From this word came "kryptos," meaning "hidden," which led to "crypticus," the Latin predecessor of our "cryptic." Not surprisingly, "cryptic" is closely related to "crypt" ("underground chamber"). "Crypt" comes from the Latin "crypta" ("vault, cavern"), another "kryptein" derivative. Can you uncover other "kryptein" relatives in English? The element "krypton" would be a correct guess, and so would "apocrypha," which means "writings of dubious authenticity." "Kryptein" also gave us several words having to do with secret codes, such as "cryptogram" ("a communication in cipher or code") and "cryptography" ("the coding and decoding of secret messages"). And in fact, something "cryptic" can sometimes seem as if written in code.: 

cryptic * \KRIP-tik\ * (adjective) 1: secret, occult *2 a : having or seeming to have a hidden or ambiguous meaning : mysterious b : marked by an often perplexing brevity 3 : serving to conceal Example sentence: In some old letters to her mother, my great aunt made many cryptic references to "that unfortunate day," but no one in my family seems to know what she meant. Did you know? The history of "cryptic" starts with "kryptein," a Greek word meaning "to hide." From this word came "kryptos," meaning "hidden," which led to "crypticus," the Latin predecessor of our "cryptic." Not surprisingly, "cryptic" is closely related to "crypt" ("underground chamber"). "Crypt" comes from the Latin "crypta" ("vault, cavern"), another "kryptein" derivative. Can you uncover other "kryptein" relatives in English? The element "krypton" would be a correct guess, and so would "apocrypha," which means "writings of dubious authenticity." "Kryptein" also gave us several words having to do with secret codes, such as "cryptogram" ("a communication in cipher or code") and "cryptography" ("the coding and decoding of secret messages"). And in fact, something "cryptic" can sometimes seem as if written in code.

scarify * \SKAIR-uh-fye\ * (verb) 1: to make scratches or small cuts in (as skin); also : to lacerate the feelings of  2 : to break up and loosen the surface of (as a field or road) *3 : to cut or soften the wall of (a hard seed) to hasten germinationExample sentence:"Some seeds have hard seed coats that need to be scarified before they will germinate." (Jane C. Martin, The Columbus Dispatch, March18, 2001)Did you know?You get two words for the price of one with "scarify." The earlier word first appeared in English in the 14th century with the meaning "to make scratches or cuts in" (and later developed a figurative application to "cutting" someone emotionally). This word is ultimately derived from a Greek word meaning "to scratch an outline." However, a homograph of "scarify" turned up in print in 1794, and gained currency in the 20th century. This "scarify" was formed by combining "scare" with "-ify," possibly as a combination of "scare" and "terrify," and it predictably means "to scare or frighten." Neither "scarify" is terribly common these days, but they do turn up on occasion.: 

scarify * \SKAIR-uh-fye\ * (verb) 1: to make scratches or small cuts in (as skin); also : to lacerate the feelings of 2 : to break up and loosen the surface of (as a field or road) *3 : to cut or soften the wall of (a hard seed) to hasten germination Example sentence: "Some seeds have hard seed coats that need to be scarified before they will germinate." (Jane C. Martin, The Columbus Dispatch, March18, 2001) Did you know? You get two words for the price of one with "scarify." The earlier word first appeared in English in the 14th century with the meaning "to make scratches or cuts in" (and later developed a figurative application to "cutting" someone emotionally). This word is ultimately derived from a Greek word meaning "to scratch an outline." However, a homograph of "scarify" turned up in print in 1794, and gained currency in the 20th century. This "scarify" was formed by combining "scare" with "-ify," possibly as a combination of "scare" and "terrify," and it predictably means "to scare or frighten." Neither "scarify" is terribly common these days, but they do turn up on occasion.

vapid * \VAP-id or VAY-pid\ * (adjective) : lacking liveliness, tang, briskness, or force : flat, dullExample sentence:The network touted the new show as "a sidesplittingly funny look at modern life," but most critics agreed that it was just another vapid sitcom.Did you know?"Then away goes the brisk and pleasant Spirits and leave a vapid or sour Drink." So wrote John Mortimer, an early 18th-century expert on agriculture, orchards, and cider-making, in his book on husbandry. His use was typical for his day, when "vapid" was often used specifically in reference to liquor. The term, which entered English in the 17th century, comes from "vapidus," a Latin word that means "flat-tasting" and may be related to "vapor." These days, you're likely to hear people referring to wine as "vapid." You're likely to hear the word in plenty of other situations, too. "Vapid," along with the synonyms "insipid," "flat," and "inane," is often used to describe people and things that lack spirit and character.: 

vapid * \VAP-id or VAY-pid\ * (adjective) : lacking liveliness, tang, briskness, or force : flat, dull Example sentence: The network touted the new show as "a sidesplittingly funny look at modern life," but most critics agreed that it was just another vapid sitcom. Did you know? "Then away goes the brisk and pleasant Spirits and leave a vapid or sour Drink." So wrote John Mortimer, an early 18th-century expert on agriculture, orchards, and cider-making, in his book on husbandry. His use was typical for his day, when "vapid" was often used specifically in reference to liquor. The term, which entered English in the 17th century, comes from "vapidus," a Latin word that means "flat-tasting" and may be related to "vapor." These days, you're likely to hear people referring to wine as "vapid." You're likely to hear the word in plenty of other situations, too. "Vapid," along with the synonyms "insipid," "flat," and "inane," is often used to describe people and things that lack spirit and character.

raillery * \RAY-luh-ree\ * (noun)*1: good-natured ridicule : banter 2: jestExample sentence:Anticipating the raillery he'd be subjected to at his 50th birthday party, Dan got the jump on everyone by signing his invitations "The Old Geezer."Did you know?"Raillery" is the anglicized form of the French word "raillerie," which stems from the Middle French verb "railler" ("to mock"). "Railler" also gave us our verb "rail." But "rail" and "raillery" are quite different in tone. "Rail" means "to revile or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language," whereas "raillery" usually suggests cutting wit that pokes fun good-naturedly. In fact, the playful quality of "raillery" is reminiscent of an earlier ancestor: Old Provençal "ralhar," which means "to babble" or "to joke." "Ralhar" might itself descend from Vulgar and Late Latin words meaning "to bray" and "to neigh.": 

raillery * \RAY-luh-ree\ * (noun) *1: good-natured ridicule : banter 2: jest Example sentence: Anticipating the raillery he'd be subjected to at his 50th birthday party, Dan got the jump on everyone by signing his invitations "The Old Geezer." Did you know? "Raillery" is the anglicized form of the French word "raillerie," which stems from the Middle French verb "railler" ("to mock"). "Railler" also gave us our verb "rail." But "rail" and "raillery" are quite different in tone. "Rail" means "to revile or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language," whereas "raillery" usually suggests cutting wit that pokes fun good-naturedly. In fact, the playful quality of "raillery" is reminiscent of an earlier ancestor: Old Provençal "ralhar," which means "to babble" or "to joke." "Ralhar" might itself descend from Vulgar and Late Latin words meaning "to bray" and "to neigh."

tare * \TAIR\ * (noun)*1: a deduction from the gross weight of a substance and its container made in allowance for the weight of the container; also : the weight of the container 2 : counterweightExample sentence:Before charging us for the blueberries we'd picked, the attendant at Annie's Fields deducted the tare from the weight of the filled buckets.Did you know?"Tare" came to English by way of Middle French from the Old Italian term "tara," which is itself from the Arabic word "tarha," meaning "that which is removed." The first known written record of the word "tare" in English is found in the 1489 naval inventories of Britain's King Henry VII. The records show two barrels of gunpowder weighing, "besides the tare," 500 pounds. When used of vehicles, "tare weight" refers to a vehicle's weight exclusive of any load and fuel. The term "tare" is closely tied to "net weight," which is defined as "weight excluding all tare.": 

tare * \TAIR\ * (noun) *1: a deduction from the gross weight of a substance and its container made in allowance for the weight of the container; also : the weight of the container 2 : counterweight Example sentence: Before charging us for the blueberries we'd picked, the attendant at Annie's Fields deducted the tare from the weight of the filled buckets. Did you know? "Tare" came to English by way of Middle French from the Old Italian term "tara," which is itself from the Arabic word "tarha," meaning "that which is removed." The first known written record of the word "tare" in English is found in the 1489 naval inventories of Britain's King Henry VII. The records show two barrels of gunpowder weighing, "besides the tare," 500 pounds. When used of vehicles, "tare weight" refers to a vehicle's weight exclusive of any load and fuel. The term "tare" is closely tied to "net weight," which is defined as "weight excluding all tare."

yokel * \YOH-kul\ * (noun): a naive or gullible inhabitant of a rural area or small townExample sentence:"I was trying to get off the subway," complained Amy, "but some befuddled yokels were blocking the door, trying to figure out if this was their stop."Did you know?The origins of "yokel" are uncertain, but it might have come from the dialectal English word "yokel," meaning "green woodpecker." Other interesting words for supposedly naive country folk are "chawbacon" (from "chaw," meaning "chew," and "bacon"), "hayseed" (which has obvious connections to country life), and "clodhopper" (indicating a clumsy, heavy-footed rustic). But city slickers don't always have the last word: rural folk have had their share of labels for city-dwellers too. One simple example from current use is the often disparaging use of the adjective "citified." A more colorful (albeit historical) example is "cockney," which literally means "cock's egg," or more broadly "misshapen egg." In the past, this word often designated a spoiled or foppish townsman-as opposed to the sturdy countryman, that is.: 

yokel * \YOH-kul\ * (noun) : a naive or gullible inhabitant of a rural area or small town Example sentence: "I was trying to get off the subway," complained Amy, "but some befuddled yokels were blocking the door, trying to figure out if this was their stop." Did you know? The origins of "yokel" are uncertain, but it might have come from the dialectal English word "yokel," meaning "green woodpecker." Other interesting words for supposedly naive country folk are "chawbacon" (from "chaw," meaning "chew," and "bacon"), "hayseed" (which has obvious connections to country life), and "clodhopper" (indicating a clumsy, heavy-footed rustic). But city slickers don't always have the last word: rural folk have had their share of labels for city-dwellers too. One simple example from current use is the often disparaging use of the adjective "citified." A more colorful (albeit historical) example is "cockney," which literally means "cock's egg," or more broadly "misshapen egg." In the past, this word often designated a spoiled or foppish townsman-as opposed to the sturdy countryman, that is.

gnomic * \NOH-mik\ * (adjective)*1: characterized by aphorism 2: given to the composition of aphoristic writingExample sentence:The poet Emily Dickinson, who wrote "Tell all the Truth but tell it slant," is known for her highly individualistic, gnomic style.Did you know?A "gnome" is an aphorism-that is, an observation or sentiment reduced to the form of a saying. Gnomes are sometimes couched in metaphorical or figurative language, and they are always concise. We borrowed the word "gnome" in the 16th century from the Greeks, who based their "gnome" on the verb "gignoskein," meaning "to know." (That other "gnome"-the dwarf of fairy tales-comes from New Latin and is unrelated to today's word.) We began using "gnomic," the adjective form of "gnome," in the early 19th century. It describes a style of writing (or sometimes speech) characterized by pithy phrases, which are often terse to the point of mysteriousness.: 

gnomic * \NOH-mik\ * (adjective) *1: characterized by aphorism 2: given to the composition of aphoristic writing Example sentence: The poet Emily Dickinson, who wrote "Tell all the Truth but tell it slant," is known for her highly individualistic, gnomic style. Did you know? A "gnome" is an aphorism-that is, an observation or sentiment reduced to the form of a saying. Gnomes are sometimes couched in metaphorical or figurative language, and they are always concise. We borrowed the word "gnome" in the 16th century from the Greeks, who based their "gnome" on the verb "gignoskein," meaning "to know." (That other "gnome"-the dwarf of fairy tales-comes from New Latin and is unrelated to today's word.) We began using "gnomic," the adjective form of "gnome," in the early 19th century. It describes a style of writing (or sometimes speech) characterized by pithy phrases, which are often terse to the point of mysteriousness.

flippant * \FLIH-punt\ * (adjective): lacking proper respect or seriousnessExample sentence:When David asked his niece Maggie where she'd been, she replied with a flippant "Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies."Did you know?"Flippant" did something of a flip-flop shortly after it appeared in English in the 17th century. "Flippant" was probably created from the verb "flip," which in turn likely originated as an imitation of the sound of something flipping. The earliest senses of the adjective were "nimble" and "limber." One could be flippant not only on one's feet, but also in speech-that is, someone "flippant" might have a capacity for easy, flowing speech. Such "flippancy" was considered a good thing at first. But people who speak freely and easily can sometimes seem too talkative, even impertinent. By the end of the 18th century, the positive sense of "flippant" had slipped from use, and the "disrespectful" sense had taken its place.: 

flippant * \FLIH-punt\ * (adjective) : lacking proper respect or seriousness Example sentence: When David asked his niece Maggie where she'd been, she replied with a flippant "Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies." Did you know? "Flippant" did something of a flip-flop shortly after it appeared in English in the 17th century. "Flippant" was probably created from the verb "flip," which in turn likely originated as an imitation of the sound of something flipping. The earliest senses of the adjective were "nimble" and "limber." One could be flippant not only on one's feet, but also in speech-that is, someone "flippant" might have a capacity for easy, flowing speech. Such "flippancy" was considered a good thing at first. But people who speak freely and easily can sometimes seem too talkative, even impertinent. By the end of the 18th century, the positive sense of "flippant" had slipped from use, and the "disrespectful" sense had taken its place.

tantamount * \TAN-tuh-mownt ("ow" as in "cow")\ * (adjective) : equivalent in value, significance, or effectExample sentence:"The boss has asked Debbie to resign," said Maria, "which is tantamount to firing her."Did you know?"Tantamount" comes from the Anglo-French phrase "tant amunter," meaning "to amount to as much." This phrase comes from the Old French "tant," meaning "so much" or "as much," and "amounter," meaning "to ascend" or "to add up to." When "tantamount" first entered English, it was used similarly to the Anglo-French phrase, as a verb meaning "to be equivalent." "His not denying tant-amounteth to the affirming of the matter," wrote clergyman Thomas Fuller in 1659, for example. There was also a noun "tantamount" in the 17th century, but the adjective is the only commonly-used form of the term nowadays.: 

tantamount * \TAN-tuh-mownt ("ow" as in "cow")\ * (adjective) : equivalent in value, significance, or effect Example sentence: "The boss has asked Debbie to resign," said Maria, "which is tantamount to firing her." Did you know? "Tantamount" comes from the Anglo-French phrase "tant amunter," meaning "to amount to as much." This phrase comes from the Old French "tant," meaning "so much" or "as much," and "amounter," meaning "to ascend" or "to add up to." When "tantamount" first entered English, it was used similarly to the Anglo-French phrase, as a verb meaning "to be equivalent." "His not denying tant-amounteth to the affirming of the matter," wrote clergyman Thomas Fuller in 1659, for example. There was also a noun "tantamount" in the 17th century, but the adjective is the only commonly-used form of the term nowadays.

hackle * \HAK-ul\ * (noun) 1: one of the long feathers on the neck or back of a bird  2 plural : hairs (as on a dog's neck) that can be erected *3 plural : temper, danderExample sentence:Paul's letter to the editor, which referred to "the sorry state of our public schools," raised some hackles among local teachers.Did you know?In its earliest uses in the 15th century, "hackle" denoted either a bird's neck plumage or an instrument used to comb out long fibers of flax, hemp, or jute. Apparently, some folks saw a resemblance between the neck feathers of domestic birds-which, on a male, become erect when the bird is defensive-and the prongs of the comb-like tool. In the 19th century, English speakers extended the word's use to both dogs and people. Like the bird's feathers, the erectile hairs on the back of a dog's neck stand up when the animal is agitated. With humans, use of the word "hackles" is usually figurative. When you raise someone's hackles, you make them angry or put them on the defensive.*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.  : 

hackle * \HAK-ul\ * (noun) 1: one of the long feathers on the neck or back of a bird 2 plural : hairs (as on a dog's neck) that can be erected *3 plural : temper, dander Example sentence: Paul's letter to the editor, which referred to "the sorry state of our public schools," raised some hackles among local teachers. Did you know? In its earliest uses in the 15th century, "hackle" denoted either a bird's neck plumage or an instrument used to comb out long fibers of flax, hemp, or jute. Apparently, some folks saw a resemblance between the neck feathers of domestic birds-which, on a male, become erect when the bird is defensive-and the prongs of the comb-like tool. In the 19th century, English speakers extended the word's use to both dogs and people. Like the bird's feathers, the erectile hairs on the back of a dog's neck stand up when the animal is agitated. With humans, use of the word "hackles" is usually figurative. When you raise someone's hackles, you make them angry or put them on the defensive. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.    

penchant * \PEN-chunt\ * (noun): a strong and continued inclination; broadly : likingExample sentence:Louise has a penchant for baking, and her guests are often treated to fragrant, freshly baked breads and sumptuous desserts.Did you know?Like its synonyms "leaning," "propensity," and "proclivity," "penchant" implies a strong instinct or liking for something. But these four words, while similar, are also distinguished by subtle differences. "Leaning" usually suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable ("a student with artistic leanings"), whereas "propensity" tends to imply a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination ("a propensity to offer advice"). "Proclivity" frequently suggests a strong, natural proneness to something objectionable or evil ("a proclivity for violence"). "Penchant," a descendant of Latin "pendere" ("to weigh"), typically implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object ("a penchant for taking risks").: 

penchant * \PEN-chunt\ * (noun) : a strong and continued inclination; broadly : liking Example sentence: Louise has a penchant for baking, and her guests are often treated to fragrant, freshly baked breads and sumptuous desserts. Did you know? Like its synonyms "leaning," "propensity," and "proclivity," "penchant" implies a strong instinct or liking for something. But these four words, while similar, are also distinguished by subtle differences. "Leaning" usually suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable ("a student with artistic leanings"), whereas "propensity" tends to imply a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination ("a propensity to offer advice"). "Proclivity" frequently suggests a strong, natural proneness to something objectionable or evil ("a proclivity for violence"). "Penchant," a descendant of Latin "pendere" ("to weigh"), typically implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object ("a penchant for taking risks").

Circuitous * \ser-KYOO-uh-tuss\ * (adjective) *1 : having a circular or winding course 2 : not being forthright or direct in language or actionExample sentence:Edward took a circuitous route to the party after he realized he had left his apartment far too early.Did you know?If you guessed that "circuitous" is related to "circuit," you're right-both words come from the Latin "circuitus," the past participle of the verb "circumire" (or "circuire"), meaning "to go around." "Circumire" is derived in turn from the Latin "circum," meaning "around." Other "circum" descendants making the rounds in English these days include "circumference" ("the perimeter of a circle"), "circumvent" (one meaning of which is "to make a circuit around"), "circumlocution" (the act of "talking around" a subject), and "circumnavigate" ("to go around"). There's also the prefix "circum-," which means "around" or "about," and the familiar word "circumstance" (from "circumstare," meaning "to stand around"), which describes a condition or event that "stands around" another.: 

Circuitous * \ser-KYOO-uh-tuss\ * (adjective) * 1 : having a circular or winding course 2 : not being forthright or direct in language or action Example sentence: Edward took a circuitous route to the party after he realized he had left his apartment far too early. Did you know? If you guessed that "circuitous" is related to "circuit," you're right-both words come from the Latin "circuitus," the past participle of the verb "circumire" (or "circuire"), meaning "to go around." "Circumire" is derived in turn from the Latin "circum," meaning "around." Other "circum" descendants making the rounds in English these days include "circumference" ("the perimeter of a circle"), "circumvent" (one meaning of which is "to make a circuit around"), "circumlocution" (the act of "talking around" a subject), and "circumnavigate" ("to go around"). There's also the prefix "circum-," which means "around" or "about," and the familiar word "circumstance" (from "circumstare," meaning "to stand around"), which describes a condition or event that "stands around" another.

cavalcade * \kav-ul-KAYD or KAV-ul-kayd\ * (noun) 1 a : a procession of riders or carriages  *b : a procession of vehicles or ships 2 : a dramatic sequence or procession : seriesExample sentence:The crowds cheered and waved as the cavalcade of fire trucks rolled through the streets along the parade route.Did you know?When "cavalcade" was first used in English, it meant "a horseback ride" or "a march or raid made on horseback." Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon, used it this way in his 1647 History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England: "He had with some troops, made a Cavalcade or two into the West." From there came the "procession of riders" meaning and eventual applications to processions in a broader sense. "Cavalcade" came to English through Middle French, from the Old Italian "cavalcata." "Calvata" came from an Old Italian verb, "cavalcare," meaning "to go on horseback." Ultimately, these words came from the Latin word "caballus," which means "horse.": 

cavalcade * \kav-ul-KAYD or KAV-ul-kayd\ * (noun) 1 a : a procession of riders or carriages *b : a procession of vehicles or ships 2 : a dramatic sequence or procession : series Example sentence: The crowds cheered and waved as the cavalcade of fire trucks rolled through the streets along the parade route. Did you know? When "cavalcade" was first used in English, it meant "a horseback ride" or "a march or raid made on horseback." Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon, used it this way in his 1647 History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England: "He had with some troops, made a Cavalcade or two into the West." From there came the "procession of riders" meaning and eventual applications to processions in a broader sense. "Cavalcade" came to English through Middle French, from the Old Italian "cavalcata." "Calvata" came from an Old Italian verb, "cavalcare," meaning "to go on horseback." Ultimately, these words came from the Latin word "caballus," which means "horse."

mélange * \may-LAHNZH or may-LAHNJ\ * (noun) : a mixture often of incongruous elementsExample sentence:Critics panned the new film as an awkward mélange of heavy drama, zany comedy, and overblown special effects.Did you know?"Mélange" got mixed into the melting pot of English back in the 1600s. It derives from the Middle French verb "mesler," which means "to mix." "Mélange" is actually one of many French contributions to the English body of words for miscellaneous mixtures. "Pastiche" (meaning "a composition made up of selections of different works," or broadly, "a disorderly mixture, hodgepodge") is borrowed from French, and "medley," "potpourri," and "hodgepodge" all have roots in French oo. There's also the lesser known "gallimaufry" (meaning "hodgepodge"), which comes from the Middle French "galimafree" (meaning "stew").: 

mélange * \may-LAHNZH or may-LAHNJ\ * (noun) : a mixture often of incongruous elements Example sentence: Critics panned the new film as an awkward mélange of heavy drama, zany comedy, and overblown special effects. Did you know? "Mélange" got mixed into the melting pot of English back in the 1600s. It derives from the Middle French verb "mesler," which means "to mix." "Mélange" is actually one of many French contributions to the English body of words for miscellaneous mixtures. "Pastiche" (meaning "a composition made up of selections of different works," or broadly, "a disorderly mixture, hodgepodge") is borrowed from French, and "medley," "potpourri," and "hodgepodge" all have roots in French oo. There's also the lesser known "gallimaufry" (meaning "hodgepodge"), which comes from the Middle French "galimafree" (meaning "stew").

wherewithal * \WHAIR-with-awl\ * (noun): means, resources; specifically : moneyExample sentence:It was obvious to Grace that her old car was on its last legs, but she didn't have the wherewithal to replace it.Did you know?"Wherewithal" has been with us in one form or another since the 16th century. It comes from "where" and "withal" (meaning "with"), and it has been used as a conjunction meaning "with or by means of which" and as a pronoun meaning "that with or by which." These days, however, it is almost always used as a noun referring to the means or resources one has at one's disposal-especially financial resources, i.e., money.: 

wherewithal * \WHAIR-with-awl\ * (noun) : means, resources; specifically : money Example sentence: It was obvious to Grace that her old car was on its last legs, but she didn't have the wherewithal to replace it. Did you know? "Wherewithal" has been with us in one form or another since the 16th century. It comes from "where" and "withal" (meaning "with"), and it has been used as a conjunction meaning "with or by means of which" and as a pronoun meaning "that with or by which." These days, however, it is almost always used as a noun referring to the means or resources one has at one's disposal-especially financial resources, i.e., money.

Rosetta stone * \roh-ZEH-tuh-stohn\ * (noun) 1 : a black basalt stone found in 1799 that bears an inscription in hieroglyphics, demotic characters, and Greek and is celebrated for having given the first clue to the decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphics *2 : one that gives a clue to understandingExample sentence:"There is no reason patients shouldn't be able to understand the prescriptions they are given without a Rosetta stone." (Joe Graedon, et al, The Springfield [Mass.] Union-News, March 2, 1990)Did you know?We still use the word "hieroglyphics" for something difficult to decipher, but 200 years ago, the term was more literal-it referred to an Egyptian writing system that was utterly unintelligible to modern man. So when an inscribed stone about the size of a coffee table was discovered in an Egyptian town called "Rosetta" ("Rashid" in Arabic), it changed the course of language history. The Rosetta stone, as it came to be called, held a key. Probably written by Egyptian priests in the 2nd century B.C., its hieroglyphic text repeated a text written in familiar Greek. As a result, Egyptologists were able to decipher the symbols. Today we also use "Rosetta stone" figuratively, as we have since the early 20th century, for other clue providers.*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

Rosetta stone * \roh-ZEH-tuh-stohn\ * (noun) 1 : a black basalt stone found in 1799 that bears an inscription in hieroglyphics, demotic characters, and Greek and is celebrated for having given the first clue to the decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphics *2 : one that gives a clue to understanding Example sentence: "There is no reason patients shouldn't be able to understand the prescriptions they are given without a Rosetta stone." (Joe Graedon, et al, The Springfield [Mass.] Union-News, March 2, 1990) Did you know? We still use the word "hieroglyphics" for something difficult to decipher, but 200 years ago, the term was more literal-it referred to an Egyptian writing system that was utterly unintelligible to modern man. So when an inscribed stone about the size of a coffee table was discovered in an Egyptian town called "Rosetta" ("Rashid" in Arabic), it changed the course of language history. The Rosetta stone, as it came to be called, held a key. Probably written by Egyptian priests in the 2nd century B.C., its hieroglyphic text repeated a text written in familiar Greek. As a result, Egyptologists were able to decipher the symbols. Today we also use "Rosetta stone" figuratively, as we have since the early 20th century, for other clue providers. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

livid * \LIH-vid\ * (adjective)1: discolored by bruising : black-and-blue 2 : ashen, pallid3: reddish*4: very angry : enragedExample sentence:David and Mayra were livid that Maggie ate the entire bowl of Halloween candy.  Maggie, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, cowered in the bedroom and hoped they wouldn't find her.Did you know?"Livid" has a colorful history. The Latin adjective "lividus" means "dull, grayish, or leaden blue." From this came the French "livide," and eventually the English "livid," which originally was used to describe flesh discolored by a bruise. By the end of the 18th century, a slight extension of meaning had given it the sense "ashen or pallid," as in describing a corpse. "Livid" eventually came to be used in this sense to characterize the complexion of a person pale with anger ("livid with rage"). From this meaning came two new senses in the 20th century. One was "reddish," as one is as likely to become red with anger as pale; the other was simply "angry" or "furious," the most common sense of the word today.*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

livid * \LIH-vid\ * (adjective) 1: discolored by bruising : black-and-blue 2 : ashen, pallid 3: reddish *4: very angry : enraged Example sentence: David and Mayra were livid that Maggie ate the entire bowl of Halloween candy.  Maggie, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, cowered in the bedroom and hoped they wouldn't find her. Did you know? "Livid" has a colorful history. The Latin adjective "lividus" means "dull, grayish, or leaden blue." From this came the French "livide," and eventually the English "livid," which originally was used to describe flesh discolored by a bruise. By the end of the 18th century, a slight extension of meaning had given it the sense "ashen or pallid," as in describing a corpse. "Livid" eventually came to be used in this sense to characterize the complexion of a person pale with anger ("livid with rage"). From this meaning came two new senses in the 20th century. One was "reddish," as one is as likely to become red with anger as pale; the other was simply "angry" or "furious," the most common sense of the word today. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

affluent * \AF-loo-unt\ * (adjective)1: flowing in abundance*2: having a generously sufficient and typically increasing supply of material possessionsExample sentence:The affluent families of Tropic City head for their mountain getaways on sultry summer weekends; the less well-heeled seek respite in the river that flows through town.Did you know?Are you overflowing with possessions? Does the money flow in? Are your assets fluid? If so, you can consider yourself "affluent." Today's word is really all about "flow"-that is to say, it's based on the Latin word for "flow," which is "fluere." (Some other "fluere" descendants are "confluence," "fluctuate," "fluid," "influence," "mellifluous," and "superfluous.") The older use of "affluent" refers, both literally and figuratively, to an abundant flow, as in "an affluent fountain" or "affluent joy." In fact, it was probably the tendency to use "affluent fortune" for an abundant flow of money that led to our using "affluent" as a synonym of "well-to-do."*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

affluent * \AF-loo-unt\ * (adjective) 1: flowing in abundance *2: having a generously sufficient and typically increasing supply of material possessions Example sentence: The affluent families of Tropic City head for their mountain getaways on sultry summer weekends; the less well-heeled seek respite in the river that flows through town. Did you know? Are you overflowing with possessions? Does the money flow in? Are your assets fluid? If so, you can consider yourself "affluent." Today's word is really all about "flow"-that is to say, it's based on the Latin word for "flow," which is "fluere." (Some other "fluere" descendants are "confluence," "fluctuate," "fluid," "influence," "mellifluous," and "superfluous.") The older use of "affluent" refers, both literally and figuratively, to an abundant flow, as in "an affluent fountain" or "affluent joy." In fact, it was probably the tendency to use "affluent fortune" for an abundant flow of money that led to our using "affluent" as a synonym of "well-to-do." *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

logomachy * \loh-GAH-muh-kee\ * (noun)1: a dispute over or about words2: a controversy marked by verbiageExample sentence:"Quarreling about whether 'mathematics' and 'arithmetic' mean the same thing is nothing but a ridiculous logomachy," John declared stoutly.Did you know?It doesn't take much to start people arguing about words, but there's no quarrel about the origin of "logomachy." It comes from the Greek roots "logos," meaning "word" or "speech," and "machesthai," meaning "to fight," and it entered English in the mid-1500s. If you're a word enthusiast, you probably know that "logos" is the root of many an English word ("monologue," "neologism," "logic," and most words ending in "-logy," for example), but what about other derivatives of "machesthai"? Actually, this is a tough one even for word whizzes. Only a few very rare English words come from "machesthai." Here are two of them: "heresimach" ("an active opponent of heresy and heretics") and "naumachia" ("an ancient Roman spectacle representing a naval battle").*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

logomachy * \loh-GAH-muh-kee\ * (noun) 1: a dispute over or about words 2: a controversy marked by verbiage Example sentence: "Quarreling about whether 'mathematics' and 'arithmetic' mean the same thing is nothing but a ridiculous logomachy," John declared stoutly. Did you know? It doesn't take much to start people arguing about words, but there's no quarrel about the origin of "logomachy." It comes from the Greek roots "logos," meaning "word" or "speech," and "machesthai," meaning "to fight," and it entered English in the mid-1500s. If you're a word enthusiast, you probably know that "logos" is the root of many an English word ("monologue," "neologism," "logic," and most words ending in "-logy," for example), but what about other derivatives of "machesthai"? Actually, this is a tough one even for word whizzes. Only a few very rare English words come from "machesthai." Here are two of them: "heresimach" ("an active opponent of heresy and heretics") and "naumachia" ("an ancient Roman spectacle representing a naval battle"). *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

prototype * \PROH-tuh-type\ * (noun)1: an original model on which something is patterned : archetype 2 : an individual that exhibits the essential features of a later type *3 : a first full-scale and usually functional form of a new type or design of a construction (as an airplane) Example sentence: Dave promised to have the prototype of the new mailing system finished by March 2029.Did you know?The prefix "prot-," or "proto-," comes from Greek and has the basic meaning "first in time" or "first formed." A "prototype" is someone or something that serves as a model or inspiration for those that come later. A successful fund-raising campaign can serve as a prototype for future campaigns. The legendary Robin Hood, the "prototypical" kindhearted and honorable outlaw, has been the inspiration for countless other romantic heroes. And for over a century, Vincent van Gogh has been the prototype of the brilliant, tortured artist who is unappreciated in his own time.*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.  : 

prototype * \PROH-tuh-type\ * (noun) 1: an original model on which something is patterned : archetype 2 : an individual that exhibits the essential features of a later type *3 : a first full-scale and usually functional form of a new type or design of a construction (as an airplane)   Example sentence:   Dave promised to have the prototype of the new mailing system finished by March 2029. Did you know? The prefix "prot-," or "proto-," comes from Greek and has the basic meaning "first in time" or "first formed." A "prototype" is someone or something that serves as a model or inspiration for those that come later. A successful fund-raising campaign can serve as a prototype for future campaigns. The legendary Robin Hood, the "prototypical" kindhearted and honorable outlaw, has been the inspiration for countless other romantic heroes. And for over a century, Vincent van Gogh has been the prototype of the brilliant, tortured artist who is unappreciated in his own time. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.    

logy * \LOH-ghee\ * (adjective): marked by sluggishness and lack of vitality : groggyExample sentence:Dave was logy after eating five pounds of pate and truffles. Maggie, Dave's trusty pup, was still going strong.Did you know?Based on surface resemblance, you might guess that "logy" (also sometimes spelled "loggy") is related to "groggy," but that's not the case. "Groggy" comes from "Old Grog," the nickname of an English admiral who was notorious for his cloak made of a fabric called grogram, and for adding water to his crew's rum. The sailors called the rum mixture "grog" after the admiral. Because of the effect of grog, "groggy" came to mean "weak and unsteady on the feet or in action." No one is really sure about the origin of "logy", but experts speculate that it comes from the Dutch word "log," meaning "heavy." Its first recorded use in English, from an 1847 London newspaper, refers to a "loggy stroke" in rowing.: 

logy * \LOH-ghee\ * (adjective) : marked by sluggishness and lack of vitality : groggy Example sentence: Dave was logy after eating five pounds of pate and truffles. Maggie, Dave's trusty pup, was still going strong. Did you know? Based on surface resemblance, you might guess that "logy" (also sometimes spelled "loggy") is related to "groggy," but that's not the case. "Groggy" comes from "Old Grog," the nickname of an English admiral who was notorious for his cloak made of a fabric called grogram, and for adding water to his crew's rum. The sailors called the rum mixture "grog" after the admiral. Because of the effect of grog, "groggy" came to mean "weak and unsteady on the feet or in action." No one is really sure about the origin of "logy", but experts speculate that it comes from the Dutch word "log," meaning "heavy." Its first recorded use in English, from an 1847 London newspaper, refers to a "loggy stroke" in rowing.

Corybantic * \kor-ee-BAN-tik or kahr-ee-BAN-tik\ * (adjective)  : like or in the spirit of a Corybant; especially : wild, frenziedExample sentence:Thousands of corybantic fans writhed and screamed in a frenzied dance to the driving guitars and the pounding beat of the rock band "Steel Sweat."Did you know?The big name in goddesses in Phrygia (Asia Minor) in the fifth century B.C. was Cybele (also called Cybebe or Agdistis), the "Great Mother of the Gods." According to Oriental and Greco-Roman mythology, she was the mother of it all-gods, humans, animals, plants, nature itself. The Corybants were Cybele's mythical attendants, and they worshipped her with an unrestrained frenzy of wildly emotional processions, rites, and dances. "Corybantic," the adjective based on the name of Cybele's attendants, can be used to describe anything characterized by a similar unrestrained abandon.: 

Corybantic * \kor-ee-BAN-tik or kahr-ee-BAN-tik\ * (adjective)   : like or in the spirit of a Corybant; especially : wild, frenzied Example sentence: Thousands of corybantic fans writhed and screamed in a frenzied dance to the driving guitars and the pounding beat of the rock band "Steel Sweat." Did you know? The big name in goddesses in Phrygia (Asia Minor) in the fifth century B.C. was Cybele (also called Cybebe or Agdistis), the "Great Mother of the Gods." According to Oriental and Greco-Roman mythology, she was the mother of it all-gods, humans, animals, plants, nature itself. The Corybants were Cybele's mythical attendants, and they worshipped her with an unrestrained frenzy of wildly emotional processions, rites, and dances. "Corybantic," the adjective based on the name of Cybele's attendants, can be used to describe anything characterized by a similar unrestrained abandon.

ascetic * \uh-SEH-tik\ * (adjective)1: practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline *2 : austere in appearance, manner, or attitudeExample sentence:Ms. Walter's plain, dark clothing and tight bun give her an ascetic appearance, but she is actually very warm and fun-loving.Did you know?"Ascetic" comes from "asketikos," a Greek adjective meaning "laborious." Ultimately, it comes from the Greek verb "askein," which means "exercise" or "work." There aren't many other English words from "askein," but there's no dearth of synonyms for "ascetic." "Severe" and "austere," for example, are two words that share with "ascetic" the basic meaning "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint." "Ascetic" implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline, whereas "severe" implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness (as in "severe military discipline"). "Austere" stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial (as in "living an austere life in the country").*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.  : 

ascetic * \uh-SEH-tik\ * (adjective) 1: practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline *2 : austere in appearance, manner, or attitude Example sentence: Ms. Walter's plain, dark clothing and tight bun give her an ascetic appearance, but she is actually very warm and fun-loving. Did you know? "Ascetic" comes from "asketikos," a Greek adjective meaning "laborious." Ultimately, it comes from the Greek verb "askein," which means "exercise" or "work." There aren't many other English words from "askein," but there's no dearth of synonyms for "ascetic." "Severe" and "austere," for example, are two words that share with "ascetic" the basic meaning "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint." "Ascetic" implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline, whereas "severe" implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness (as in "severe military discipline"). "Austere" stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial (as in "living an austere life in the country"). *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.    

modicum * \MAH-dih-kum or MOE-dih-kum\ * (noun)  : a small portion : a limited quantityExample sentence:Anyone with a modicum of sense will pause to think before making a major decision.Did you know?What does "modicum" have to do with a toilet? It just so happens that "modicum" shares the same Latin parent as "commode," which is a synonym of "toilet." "Modicum" and "commode" ultimately derive from the Latin noun "modus," which means "measure." "Modicum" has been a part of the English language since the 15th century. It descends from the Latin "modicus" ("moderate"), which is itself a descendant of "modus." (Logically enough, "modicum" refers to a small "measure" of something.) "Modus" really measures up as a Latin root-it also gave us "mode" (originally a kind of musical "measure"), "modal," "model," "modern," "modify," and "modulate." More distant relatives include "mete," "moderate," and "modest.": 

modicum * \MAH-dih-kum or MOE-dih-kum\ * (noun)   : a small portion : a limited quantity Example sentence: Anyone with a modicum of sense will pause to think before making a major decision. Did you know? What does "modicum" have to do with a toilet? It just so happens that "modicum" shares the same Latin parent as "commode," which is a synonym of "toilet." "Modicum" and "commode" ultimately derive from the Latin noun "modus," which means "measure." "Modicum" has been a part of the English language since the 15th century. It descends from the Latin "modicus" ("moderate"), which is itself a descendant of "modus." (Logically enough, "modicum" refers to a small "measure" of something.) "Modus" really measures up as a Latin root-it also gave us "mode" (originally a kind of musical "measure"), "modal," "model," "modern," "modify," and "modulate." More distant relatives include "mete," "moderate," and "modest."

constellate * \KAHN-stuh-layt\  * (verb)transitive senses 1 : to unite in a cluster 2 : to set or adorn with or as if with constellations *intransitive sense : clusterExample sentence:"[Fireflies] constellate and then, for a moment, they all go dark at once." (The New York Times, July 5, 1997)Did you know?It's plain that "constellate" is related to "constellation," and indeed, things that "constellate" (or "are constellated") cluster together like stars in a constellation. Both words derive ultimately from the Latin word for "star," which is "stella." "Constellation" (which came to us by way of Middle French from Late Latin "constellation-, constellatio") entered the language first-it dates to at least the 14th century. "Constellate" appeared on the scene a few centuries later, in the mid-17th century.*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

constellate * \KAHN-stuh-layt\   * (verb)transitive senses 1 : to unite in a cluster 2 : to set or adorn with or as if with constellations *intransitive sense : cluster Example sentence: "[Fireflies] constellate and then, for a moment, they all go dark at once." (The New York Times, July 5, 1997) Did you know? It's plain that "constellate" is related to "constellation," and indeed, things that "constellate" (or "are constellated") cluster together like stars in a constellation. Both words derive ultimately from the Latin word for "star," which is "stella." "Constellation" (which came to us by way of Middle French from Late Latin "constellation-, constellatio") entered the language first-it dates to at least the 14th century. "Constellate" appeared on the scene a few centuries later, in the mid-17th century. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

razzmatazz * \raz-muh-TAZ\ * (noun)*1: a confusing or colorful often gaudy action or display : razzle-dazzle  2 : inflated, involved, and often deliberately ambiguous language : double-talk 3: vim, zingExample sentence:It was a rally like any other, perhaps, but amidst all the flag-waving and razzmatazz, we detected a stronger than usual strain of genuine patriotic feeling.Did you know?Shortly before "razzmatazz" entered English, "razzle-dazzle" appeared on the scene, and long before "razzle-dazzle" there was simply "dazzle" (from "daze"). English speakers are fond of forming new words by reduplication of a base word, usually with just a slight change of sound. Think of "okey-dokey," "fuddy-duddy," "super-duper," "roly-poly," "fiddle-faddle," and "dilly-dally." A hundred or so years ago, whatever spirit prompted "razzle-dazzle" seems to have also inspired "razzmatazz" shortly afterward. The coiners of "razzmatazz" may have had "jazz" in mind. Some of the earliest turn-of-the century uses of "razzmatazz" refer to rag-time or early jazz styles. By the 40s, we'd come round to the "razzle-dazzle" sense, though we still haven't completely settled on the spelling. You might see, for example, "razzamatazz."*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

razzmatazz * \raz-muh-TAZ\ * (noun) *1: a confusing or colorful often gaudy action or display : razzle-dazzle 2 : inflated, involved, and often deliberately ambiguous language : double-talk 3: vim, zing Example sentence: It was a rally like any other, perhaps, but amidst all the flag-waving and razzmatazz, we detected a stronger than usual strain of genuine patriotic feeling. Did you know? Shortly before "razzmatazz" entered English, "razzle-dazzle" appeared on the scene, and long before "razzle-dazzle" there was simply "dazzle" (from "daze"). English speakers are fond of forming new words by reduplication of a base word, usually with just a slight change of sound. Think of "okey-dokey," "fuddy-duddy," "super-duper," "roly-poly," "fiddle-faddle," and "dilly-dally." A hundred or so years ago, whatever spirit prompted "razzle-dazzle" seems to have also inspired "razzmatazz" shortly afterward. The coiners of "razzmatazz" may have had "jazz" in mind. Some of the earliest turn-of-the century uses of "razzmatazz" refer to rag-time or early jazz styles. By the 40s, we'd come round to the "razzle-dazzle" sense, though we still haven't completely settled on the spelling. You might see, for example, "razzamatazz." *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

immutable * \im-MYOO-tuh-bul\ * (adjective): not capable of or susceptible to changeExample sentence:"It is an immutable law of nature that dogs will bark." (G.D. Gearino, The [Raleigh, NC] Newsand Observer, January 27, 2002)Did you know?"Immutable" comes to us through Middle English from the Latin "immutabilis," meaning "unable to change." "Immutabilis" was formed by combining the negative prefix "in-" with "mutabilis, "from the Latin verb "mutare," which means "to change." Some other English words that can be traced back to "mutare" are "commute" (the earliest sense of which is simply "to change, alter"),"mutation" ("a change in genetic material"), "permute" ("to change the order or arrangement of"), and "transmute" ("to change or alter in form, appearance, or nature"). There's also the antonym of" immutable": "mutable," which of course can mean "prone to change" and "capable of change or of being changed.": 

immutable * \im-MYOO-tuh-bul\ * (adjective) : not capable of or susceptible to change Example sentence: "It is an immutable law of nature that dogs will bark." (G.D. Gearino, The [Raleigh, NC] Newsand Observer, January 27, 2002) Did you know? "Immutable" comes to us through Middle English from the Latin "immutabilis," meaning "unable to change." "Immutabilis" was formed by combining the negative prefix "in-" with "mutabilis, "from the Latin verb "mutare," which means "to change." Some other English words that can be traced back to "mutare" are "commute" (the earliest sense of which is simply "to change, alter"),"mutation" ("a change in genetic material"), "permute" ("to change the order or arrangement of"), and "transmute" ("to change or alter in form, appearance, or nature"). There's also the antonym of" immutable": "mutable," which of course can mean "prone to change" and "capable of change or of being changed."

flexuous * \FLEK-shuh-wus\ * (adjective) 1: having curves, turns, or windings*2: lithe or fluid in action or movementExample sentence:"She danced with a kind of passionate fierceness, her lithe body undulating with flexuous grace. .. ." (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Elsie Venner)Did you know?English author Thomas Hardy was fond of the word "flexuous" and described his dark-haired Tess as "the most flexuous and finely-drawn figure." "Flexuous" may be a synonym of "curvy, "but it's not the word most likely to be chosen these days to describe a shapely woman. The botanists' use of "flexuous" to describe plant stems that aren't rigid is a more typical use today. But don't let that tendency deflect you from occasionally employing this ultimately quite flexible word. Stemming straight from Latin "flectere," meaning "to bend," it can also mean "undulating"or "fluid." It might, for example, be used of writing or music, or of something or someone thatmoves with a fluid sort of grace.*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

flexuous * \FLEK-shuh-wus\ * (adjective) 1: having curves, turns, or windings *2: lithe or fluid in action or movement Example sentence: "She danced with a kind of passionate fierceness, her lithe body undulating with flexuous grace. .. ." (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Elsie Venner) Did you know? English author Thomas Hardy was fond of the word "flexuous" and described his dark-haired Tess as "the most flexuous and finely-drawn figure." "Flexuous" may be a synonym of "curvy, "but it's not the word most likely to be chosen these days to describe a shapely woman. The botanists' use of "flexuous" to describe plant stems that aren't rigid is a more typical use today. But don't let that tendency deflect you from occasionally employing this ultimately quite flexible word. Stemming straight from Latin "flectere," meaning "to bend," it can also mean "undulating"or "fluid." It might, for example, be used of writing or music, or of something or someone that moves with a fluid sort of grace. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

scintillate * \SIN-tul-ayt\ * (verb) 1: to emit sparks : spark*2: to emit quick flashes as if throwing off sparks : sparkle 3: to throw off as a spark or as sparkling flashesExample sentence:The critics loved David's performance in the new play, declaring that he took a rather mundane script and made it scintillate with wit and excitement.Did you know?The history of "scintillate" began with "scintilla," which means "spark." "Scintilla" in turn sparked the development of the verb "scintillare," meaning "to sparkle." "Scintillate" is the English version of "scintillare." Though it sometimes means literally "to sparkle," it more often means "to sparkle" in a figurative sense-that is, to be lively, or to perform brilliantly. "Scintillate" is not the only word we get from the Latin "scintilla." There is also "scintilla" itself (used as a noun meaning "a little bit"), "scintillant" (an adjective describing something that scintillates), and "scintillation" (which, among other things, means "a brilliant outburst").*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

scintillate * \SIN-tul-ayt\ * (verb) 1: to emit sparks : spark *2: to emit quick flashes as if throwing off sparks : sparkle 3: to throw off as a spark or as sparkling flashes Example sentence: The critics loved David's performance in the new play, declaring that he took a rather mundane script and made it scintillate with wit and excitement. Did you know? The history of "scintillate" began with "scintilla," which means "spark." "Scintilla" in turn sparked the development of the verb "scintillare," meaning "to sparkle." "Scintillate" is the English version of "scintillare." Though it sometimes means literally "to sparkle," it more often means "to sparkle" in a figurative sense-that is, to be lively, or to perform brilliantly. "Scintillate" is not the only word we get from the Latin "scintilla." There is also "scintilla" itself (used as a noun meaning "a little bit"), "scintillant" (an adjective describing something that scintillates), and "scintillation" (which, among other things, means "a brilliant outburst"). *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

gauntlet * \GAWNT-lut or GAHNT-lut\ * (noun)  1 : a protective glove *2: an open challenge (as to combat) 3: a dress glove extending above the wristExample sentence:Herb threw down the gauntlet, asking his guests, "Which one of you wants to get beaten in a game of chess?"Did you know?"Gauntlet" comes from the Middle French "gantelet," the diminutive of "gant," meaning "glove." (The "gauntlet" meaning "ordeal" or "double file of armed men" is a different word of a different origin.) Ultimately, "gant" is of Germanic origin. To "throw down the gauntlet" means "to issue an open challenge." To "pick up the gauntlet" means "to accept an open challenge." These figurative phrases come from the conventions of medieval combat. The gauntlet was the glove of a suit of armor. To challenge someone to combat, a knight would throw his glove at another knight's feet. The second knight would take it up if he intended to accept the challenge, in which case a jousting match might ensue.*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

gauntlet * \GAWNT-lut or GAHNT-lut\ * (noun) 1 : a protective glove *2: an open challenge (as to combat) 3: a dress glove extending above the wrist Example sentence: Herb threw down the gauntlet, asking his guests, "Which one of you wants to get beaten in a game of chess?" Did you know? "Gauntlet" comes from the Middle French "gantelet," the diminutive of "gant," meaning "glove." (The "gauntlet" meaning "ordeal" or "double file of armed men" is a different word of a different origin.) Ultimately, "gant" is of Germanic origin. To "throw down the gauntlet" means "to issue an open challenge." To "pick up the gauntlet" means "to accept an open challenge." These figurative phrases come from the conventions of medieval combat. The gauntlet was the glove of a suit of armor. To challenge someone to combat, a knight would throw his glove at another knight's feet. The second knight would take it up if he intended to accept the challenge, in which case a jousting match might ensue. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

Clochard * \kloh-SHAR\ * (noun): tramp, vagrantExample sentence:"He lives on the Pont Neuf, the oldest and most beautiful bridge in Paris, which has become a secret home to clochards . . . while closed for extensive repairs." (Vincent Canby, The New York Times, October 6, 1992)Did you know?Why such a fancy French word for a bum? The truth of the matter is, nine times out of ten, you will find "clochard" used for not just any bum, but a French bum-even more particularly, a Parisian bum. And, sometimes, it's even a certain type of Parisian bum-a type that has been romanticized in literature and is part of the local color. Nevertheless, as "français" as this word (which comes from the French verb "clocher," meaning "to limp") may seem, its regular appearance in English sources since 1937 makes it an English word, too.: 

Clochard * \kloh-SHAR\ * (noun) : tramp, vagrant Example sentence: "He lives on the Pont Neuf, the oldest and most beautiful bridge in Paris, which has become a secret home to clochards . . . while closed for extensive repairs." (Vincent Canby, The New York Times, October 6, 1992) Did you know? Why such a fancy French word for a bum? The truth of the matter is, nine times out of ten, you will find "clochard" used for not just any bum, but a French bum-even more particularly, a Parisian bum. And, sometimes, it's even a certain type of Parisian bum-a type that has been romanticized in literature and is part of the local color. Nevertheless, as "français" as this word (which comes from the French verb "clocher," meaning "to limp") may seem, its regular appearance in English sources since 1937 makes it an English word, too.

kindred * \KIN-drud\ * (adjective)*1: of a similar nature or character : like 2 : of the same ancestryExample sentence:The rock-climbing club tends to attract kindred spirits-outdoorsy, adventuresome types who derive satisfaction from conquering new challenges.Did you know?If you believe that advice and relatives are inseparable, the etymology of "kindred" will prove you right. "Kindred" comes from a combination of "kin" and the Old English word "ræden" ("condition"), which itself comes from the verb "rædan," meaning "to advise." "Kindred" entered English as a noun first, in the 12th century. That noun, which can refer to a group of related individuals or to one's own relatives, gave rise to the adjective "kindred" in the 14th century.*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

kindred * \KIN-drud\ * (adjective) *1: of a similar nature or character : like 2 : of the same ancestry Example sentence: The rock-climbing club tends to attract kindred spirits-outdoorsy, adventuresome types who derive satisfaction from conquering new challenges. Did you know? If you believe that advice and relatives are inseparable, the etymology of "kindred" will prove you right. "Kindred" comes from a combination of "kin" and the Old English word "ræden" ("condition"), which itself comes from the verb "rædan," meaning "to advise." "Kindred" entered English as a noun first, in the 12th century. That noun, which can refer to a group of related individuals or to one's own relatives, gave rise to the adjective "kindred" in the 14th century. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

gargantuan * \gar-GANT-shuh-wun\ * (adjective) : of tremendous size or volume : gigantic, colossalExample sentence:We joked that the meal spread before us, a feast of gargantuan proportions, was enough to feed a small army.Did you know?"Gargantua" is the name of a giant king in François Rabelais' great 16th-century satiric novel Gargantua. All of the details of Gargantua's life befit a giant. He rides a colossal mare whose tail switches so violently that it fells the entire forest of Orleans. He has an enormous appetite-in one memorable incident, he inadvertently swallows five pilgrims while eating a salad. The scale of everything connected with Gargantua gave rise to the adjective "gargantuan," which since Shakespeare's time has been used of anything of tremendous size or volume.: 

gargantuan * \gar-GANT-shuh-wun\ * (adjective) : of tremendous size or volume : gigantic, colossal Example sentence: We joked that the meal spread before us, a feast of gargantuan proportions, was enough to feed a small army. Did you know? "Gargantua" is the name of a giant king in François Rabelais' great 16th-century satiric novel Gargantua. All of the details of Gargantua's life befit a giant. He rides a colossal mare whose tail switches so violently that it fells the entire forest of Orleans. He has an enormous appetite-in one memorable incident, he inadvertently swallows five pilgrims while eating a salad. The scale of everything connected with Gargantua gave rise to the adjective "gargantuan," which since Shakespeare's time has been used of anything of tremendous size or volume.

transpire * \tran-SPYRE\ * (verb) 1: to pass or give off (as water vapor) through pores or a membrane  2: to become known *3 : to take place : happenExample sentence:"Few changes-hardly any-have transpired among his ship's company." (Charles Dickens, Dombey and Son)Did you know?"Transpire" came to life in the late 16th century and was originally used in technical contexts to describe the passage of vapor through the pores of a membrane. From this technical use developed a figurative sense: "to escape from secrecy," or "to become known." That sense was often used in ambiguous contexts, and could be taken to mean "happen." (For example, Emily Dickinson wrote in a letter, "I want to see you once more . . . to tell you of many things which have transpired since we parted.") Thus the "happen" sense developed. Around 1870, usage critics began to attack this sense as misuse, and modern critics occasionally echo that sentiment. But the sense has been very common for two centuries, and is found in serious and polished prose.*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

transpire * \tran-SPYRE\ * (verb) 1: to pass or give off (as water vapor) through pores or a membrane 2: to become known *3 : to take place : happen Example sentence: "Few changes-hardly any-have transpired among his ship's company." (Charles Dickens, Dombey and Son) Did you know? "Transpire" came to life in the late 16th century and was originally used in technical contexts to describe the passage of vapor through the pores of a membrane. From this technical use developed a figurative sense: "to escape from secrecy," or "to become known." That sense was often used in ambiguous contexts, and could be taken to mean "happen." (For example, Emily Dickinson wrote in a letter, "I want to see you once more . . . to tell you of many things which have transpired since we parted.") Thus the "happen" sense developed. Around 1870, usage critics began to attack this sense as misuse, and modern critics occasionally echo that sentiment. But the sense has been very common for two centuries, and is found in serious and polished prose. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

nimiety * \nih-MY-uh-tee\ * (noun): excess, redundancyExample sentence:"To avoid receiving a nimiety of kitchenware," advised the bridal guide, "be sure to register for a wide range of gifts for your guests to choose from."Did you know?There's no scarcity of English words used for too much of a good thing-words like "overkill," "plethora," "superfluity," "surfeit," "surplus," and "preponderance." In fact, you might just feel that "nimiety" itself is a bit superfluous. And it's true-we've never used the word excessively, though it has been part of our language for nearly 450 years. (We borrowed it from Late Latin "nimietas," a noun taken, in turn, from the Latin adjective "nimius," meaning "excessive.") But superfluous or not, "nimiety" still turns up occasionally. For example, in his 1991 book Biblioholism: The Literary Addiction, about "the habitual longing to purchase, read, store, admire and consume books in excess," author Tom Raabe blames one bookstore's "nimiety of overstuffed chairs" for exacerbating this condition.: 

nimiety * \nih-MY-uh-tee\ * (noun) : excess, redundancy Example sentence: "To avoid receiving a nimiety of kitchenware," advised the bridal guide, "be sure to register for a wide range of gifts for your guests to choose from." Did you know? There's no scarcity of English words used for too much of a good thing-words like "overkill," "plethora," "superfluity," "surfeit," "surplus," and "preponderance." In fact, you might just feel that "nimiety" itself is a bit superfluous. And it's true-we've never used the word excessively, though it has been part of our language for nearly 450 years. (We borrowed it from Late Latin "nimietas," a noun taken, in turn, from the Latin adjective "nimius," meaning "excessive.") But superfluous or not, "nimiety" still turns up occasionally. For example, in his 1991 book Biblioholism: The Literary Addiction, about "the habitual longing to purchase, read, store, admire and consume books in excess," author Tom Raabe blames one bookstore's "nimiety of overstuffed chairs" for exacerbating this condition.

kindred * \KIN-drud\ * (adjective)*1: of a similar nature or character : like  2 : of the same ancestryExample sentence:The rock-climbing club tends to attract kindred spirits-outdoorsy, adventuresome types who derive satisfaction from conquering new challenges.Did you know?If you believe that advice and relatives are inseparable, the etymology of "kindred" will prove you right. "Kindred" comes from a combination of "kin" and the Old English word "ræden" ("condition"), which itself comes from the verb "rædan," meaning "to advise." "Kindred" entered English as a noun first, in the 12th century. That noun, which can refer to a group of related individuals or to one's own relatives, gave rise to the adjective "kindred" in the 14th century.*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

kindred * \KIN-drud\ * (adjective) *1: of a similar nature or character : like 2 : of the same ancestry Example sentence: The rock-climbing club tends to attract kindred spirits-outdoorsy, adventuresome types who derive satisfaction from conquering new challenges. Did you know? If you believe that advice and relatives are inseparable, the etymology of "kindred" will prove you right. "Kindred" comes from a combination of "kin" and the Old English word "ræden" ("condition"), which itself comes from the verb "rædan," meaning "to advise." "Kindred" entered English as a noun first, in the 12th century. That noun, which can refer to a group of related individuals or to one's own relatives, gave rise to the adjective "kindred" in the 14th century. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

intoxicate * \in-TAHK-sih-kayt\ * (verb) 1 : poison2: to excite or stupefy by alcohol or a drug especially to the point where physical and mental control is markedly diminished *3 : to excite or elate to the point of enthusiasm or frenzyExample sentence:"The stunning scenic beauty of our island will intoxicate you," proclaimed the resort's brochure.Did you know?If you think that alcohol and drugs are poison, the etymology of "intoxicate" will support your opinion. The earliest meaning of "intoxicate" was "to poison," although that sense is now extremely rare. Not surprisingly, this word can be traced back to the Latin word for "poison," which is "toxicum." As you may have guessed, other descendants of "toxicum" in English include "toxic" ("poisonous"), "intoxicant" ("something that intoxicates") and "detoxify" ("to remove a poison from"), as well as a number of the names for various poisons themselves.*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.: 

intoxicate * \in-TAHK-sih-kayt\ * (verb) 1 : poison 2: to excite or stupefy by alcohol or a drug especially to the point where physical and mental control is markedly diminished *3 : to excite or elate to the point of enthusiasm or frenzy Example sentence: "The stunning scenic beauty of our island will intoxicate you," proclaimed the resort's brochure. Did you know? If you think that alcohol and drugs are poison, the etymology of "intoxicate" will support your opinion. The earliest meaning of "intoxicate" was "to poison," although that sense is now extremely rare. Not surprisingly, this word can be traced back to the Latin word for "poison," which is "toxicum." As you may have guessed, other descendants of "toxicum" in English include "toxic" ("poisonous"), "intoxicant" ("something that intoxicates") and "detoxify" ("to remove a poison from"), as well as a number of the names for various poisons themselves. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

erumpent * \ih-RUM-punt\ * (adjective): bursting forthExample sentence:Sharon avoids erumpent conflicts with her family by staying out of touch.Did you know?"Erumpent" started out 350 years ago as a scientific term and has been mostly used in very specific references to fungi, with the following definition: "tending to burst through the surface of the growing medium or of a host's tissue so as to form a projecting mass." A few writers, however, have used it simply as a synonym of "eruptive," which, like "erumpent," can also mean "bursting forth" or "breaking out" (as in "eruptive temper"). Both the scientific and the general use of "erumpent" reflect the word's Latin source: the verb "rumpere," which means "to burst forth." "Rumpere" is also an ancestor of various "-rupt" words in English, such as "erupt," "bankrupt," "disrupt," "corrupt," "abrupt," and "interrupt.": 

erumpent * \ih-RUM-punt\ * (adjective) : bursting forth Example sentence: Sharon avoids erumpent conflicts with her family by staying out of touch. Did you know? "Erumpent" started out 350 years ago as a scientific term and has been mostly used in very specific references to fungi, with the following definition: "tending to burst through the surface of the growing medium or of a host's tissue so as to form a projecting mass." A few writers, however, have used it simply as a synonym of "eruptive," which, like "erumpent," can also mean "bursting forth" or "breaking out" (as in "eruptive temper"). Both the scientific and the general use of "erumpent" reflect the word's Latin source: the verb "rumpere," which means "to burst forth." "Rumpere" is also an ancestor of various "-rupt" words in English, such as "erupt," "bankrupt," "disrupt," "corrupt," "abrupt," and "interrupt."

impeccable . \im-PEH-kuh-bul\ . (adjective) 1: not capable of sinning or liable to sin*2: free from fault or blame : flawlessExample sentence:Although the French restaurant was a bit expensive, we found its memorable cuisine, luxurious decor, and impeccable service to be well worth the price.Did you know?The word "impeccable" has been used in English since at least 1531. It derives from the Latin word "impeccabilis," a combination of the Latin prefix "in-," meaning "not," and the verb "peccare," meaning "to sin." If you have an impeccable vocabulary, you already know some other words that come from "peccare." There is "peccadillo," meaning "a slight offense," and "peccant," meaning "guilty of a moral offense" or simply "faulty." Additionally, there is "peccavi" (from Latin-literally, "I have sinned"), meaning "an acknowledgment of sin.": 

impeccable . \im-PEH-kuh-bul\ . (adjective) 1: not capable of sinning or liable to sin *2: free from fault or blame : flawless Example sentence: Although the French restaurant was a bit expensive, we found its memorable cuisine, luxurious decor, and impeccable service to be well worth the price. Did you know? The word "impeccable" has been used in English since at least 1531. It derives from the Latin word "impeccabilis," a combination of the Latin prefix "in-," meaning "not," and the verb "peccare," meaning "to sin." If you have an impeccable vocabulary, you already know some other words that come from "peccare." There is "peccadillo," meaning "a slight offense," and "peccant," meaning "guilty of a moral offense" or simply "faulty." Additionally, there is "peccavi" (from Latin-literally, "I have sinned"), meaning "an acknowledgment of sin."

shenanigan * \shuh-NAN-ih-gun\ * (noun)1: a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose2 a : tricky or questionable practices or conduct  *b : high-spirited or mischievous activityExample sentence:"You'd best behave," warned Mrs. Duttah, waggling a finger at us, "because I simply won't put up with your shenanigans!"Did you know?The history of "shenanigan" is as tricky and mischievous as its meaning. Etymologists have tried to track down its derivation for years, but no one has succeeded. All we can say for certain is that the earliest known use of the word in print appeared in the April 25, 1855 issue of San Francisco's Town Talk. Although the "devious trick" sense of the word is older, the most common senses in use now are "tricky or questionable practices" (as in "financial shenanigans" and "political shenanigans") and "high-spirited behavior" (as in "youthful shenanigans"). As you may have noticed, both of these currently popular senses are usually used in the plural.: 

shenanigan * \shuh-NAN-ih-gun\ * (noun) 1: a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose 2 a : tricky or questionable practices or conduct *b : high-spirited or mischievous activity Example sentence: "You'd best behave," warned Mrs. Duttah, waggling a finger at us, "because I simply won't put up with your shenanigans!" Did you know? The history of "shenanigan" is as tricky and mischievous as its meaning. Etymologists have tried to track down its derivation for years, but no one has succeeded. All we can say for certain is that the earliest known use of the word in print appeared in the April 25, 1855 issue of San Francisco's Town Talk. Although the "devious trick" sense of the word is older, the most common senses in use now are "tricky or questionable practices" (as in "financial shenanigans" and "political shenanigans") and "high-spirited behavior" (as in "youthful shenanigans"). As you may have noticed, both of these currently popular senses are usually used in the plural.

excursion . \ik-SKER-zhun\ . (noun)*1 : expedition; especially : pleasure trip 2 : digressionExample sentence:To attract prospective clients longing for a quick getaway, the travelagency offered weekend excursions to a luxury resort near the city.Did you know?In Latin, the prefix "ex-" means "out of" and the verb "currere" means "torun." When the two are put together, they form the verb "excurrere,"literally "to run out" or "to extend." "Excurrere" gave rise not only to"excursion," but also to "excurrent" (an adjective for things havingchannels or currents that run outward) and "excursus" (meaning "an appendix or digression that contains further exposition of some point or topic").: 

excursion . \ik-SKER-zhun\ . (noun) *1 : expedition; especially : pleasure trip 2 : digression Example sentence: To attract prospective clients longing for a quick getaway, the travel agency offered weekend excursions to a luxury resort near the city. Did you know? In Latin, the prefix "ex-" means "out of" and the verb "currere" means "to run." When the two are put together, they form the verb "excurrere," literally "to run out" or "to extend." "Excurrere" gave rise not only to "excursion," but also to "excurrent" (an adjective for things having channels or currents that run outward) and "excursus" (meaning "an appendix or digression that contains further exposition of some point or topic").

sanguineous . \san-GWIH-nee-uss\ . (adjective)1 : bloodred *2 : of, relating to, or involving bloodshed : bloodthirsty 3: of, relating to, or containing bloodExample sentence:"Two interpretations of Transylvania's sanguineous seducer are on the bill for Saturday's horror movie show . . . with Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula shown in tandem with 'Love at First Bite'. . . ." (Eleanor Charles, The NewYork Times, February 6, 2000)Did you know?Besides "sanguineous," two other English adjectives come from "sanguis," the Latin word for "blood." They are "sanguine" and "sanguinary." "Sanguine" has been with us since the 14th century. Nowadays, it usually means "optimistic," but it can also mean "ruddy." (The "optimistic" sense extends from the medieval belief that a healthy red complexion denoted self-confidence.) "Sanguineous" first appeared in the 16th century as a synonym of the ruddy complexion sense of "sanguine," but now it's more often used in medical or scientific references to blood. "Sanguinary" dates from the 1620s and means "bloodthirsty" or "involving bloodshed" (as in "a sanguinary conflict"). "Sanguineous" can be used with these meanings too, but "sanguinary" is the more likely choice when blood-spilling is involved.: 

sanguineous . \san-GWIH-nee-uss\ . (adjective) 1 : bloodred *2 : of, relating to, or involving bloodshed : bloodthirsty 3: of, relating to, or containing blood Example sentence: "Two interpretations of Transylvania's sanguineous seducer are on the bill for Saturday's horror movie show . . . with Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula shown in tandem with 'Love at First Bite'. . . ." (Eleanor Charles, The New York Times, February 6, 2000) Did you know? Besides "sanguineous," two other English adjectives come from "sanguis," the Latin word for "blood." They are "sanguine" and "sanguinary." "Sanguine" has been with us since the 14th century. Nowadays, it usually means "optimistic," but it can also mean "ruddy." (The "optimistic" sense extends from the medieval belief that a healthy red complexion denoted self-confidence.) "Sanguineous" first appeared in the 16th century as a synonym of the ruddy complexion sense of "sanguine," but now it's more often used in medical or scientific references to blood. "Sanguinary" dates from the 1620s and means "bloodthirsty" or "involving bloodshed" (as in "a sanguinary conflict"). "Sanguineous" can be used with these meanings too, but "sanguinary" is the more likely choice when blood-spilling is involved.

resplendent . \rih-SPLEN-dunt\ . (adjective): shining brilliantly : characterized by a glowing splendorExample sentence:"The boys entered, and found themselves in a spacious and elegant saloon,resplendent with gilding, and adorned on all sides by costly mirrors."(Horatio Alger, Jr., Ragged Dick)Did you know?Think of "splendid." Or "splendor." Or maybe "splendent." Each of thoseglowing terms gets its shine from the Latin verb "splendere" ("to shine"),as does "resplendent." Etymologists believe "splendere" is related to theGreek "spledos," meaning "ashes," and the Sanskrit "sphulinga," meaning"spark." "Splendent," "splendor," and "resplendent" first showed theirlustrous senses in English during the 15th century, but "splendid" didn'tshow up until nearly 200 years later; its earliest known use dates from1634.: 

resplendent . \rih-SPLEN-dunt\ . (adjective) : shining brilliantly : characterized by a glowing splendor Example sentence: "The boys entered, and found themselves in a spacious and elegant saloon, resplendent with gilding, and adorned on all sides by costly mirrors." (Horatio Alger, Jr., Ragged Dick) Did you know? Think of "splendid." Or "splendor." Or maybe "splendent." Each of those glowing terms gets its shine from the Latin verb "splendere" ("to shine"), as does "resplendent." Etymologists believe "splendere" is related to the Greek "spledos," meaning "ashes," and the Sanskrit "sphulinga," meaning "spark." "Splendent," "splendor," and "resplendent" first showed their lustrous senses in English during the 15th century, but "splendid" didn't show up until nearly 200 years later; its earliest known use dates from 1634.

Barmecidal . \bar-muh-SYE-dul\ . (adjective): providing only the illusion of abundanceExample sentence:The cast of the movie is replete with big-name actors, but the feast proves to be a Barmecidal one because the performances are so uninspired.Did you know?"Barmecide" is the name of a family of princes in a tale from The Thousand and One Nights (also known as The Arabian Nights' Entertainment). One prince in the family torments a beggar by inviting him to a fabulous feast, at which all the dishes are imaginary. The poor man plays along with his malicious host, pretending to get drunk on the imaginary wine; he then gets even by knocking down the patronizing royal. : 

Barmecidal . \bar-muh-SYE-dul\ . (adjective) : providing only the illusion of abundance Example sentence: The cast of the movie is replete with big-name actors, but the feast proves to be a Barmecidal one because the performances are so uninspired. Did you know? "Barmecide" is the name of a family of princes in a tale from The Thousand and One Nights (also known as The Arabian Nights' Entertainment). One prince in the family torments a beggar by inviting him to a fabulous feast, at which all the dishes are imaginary. The poor man plays along with his malicious host, pretending to get drunk on the imaginary wine; he then gets even by knocking down the patronizing royal.

debacle . \dee-BAH-kul or dee-BACK-ul\ . (noun)1 : a tumultuous breakup of ice in a river 2 : a violent disruption (as ofan army) : rout 3 a : a great disaster *b : a complete failure : fiascoExample sentence:"After the debacle of Rich's last party," said Amanda, sipping her cocktail,"I'm surprised anyone showed up for this one tonight."Did you know?"Debacle" comes from the French "débâcle," which comes from the verb "débâcler," meaning "to clear," "to unbolt," or "to unbar." The word comes from the Middle French "desbacler," which joined the prefix "des-“ (equivalent to our "de-," meaning "to do the opposite of") with the verb "bacler" ("to block"). In its original uses, "debacle" meant a breaking up of ice, or the rush of ice or water that follows such an occurrence. Eventually, "debacle" was used also to mean "a violent, destructive flood.“ Naturally, such uses led to meanings such as "a breaking up," "collapse,"and finally "disaster" or "fiasco.“: 

debacle . \dee-BAH-kul or dee-BACK-ul\ . (noun) 1 : a tumultuous breakup of ice in a river 2 : a violent disruption (as ofan army) : rout 3 a : a great disaster *b : a complete failure : fiasco Example sentence: "After the debacle of Rich's last party," said Amanda, sipping her cocktail, "I'm surprised anyone showed up for this one tonight." Did you know? "Debacle" comes from the French "débâcle," which comes from the verb "débâcler," meaning "to clear," "to unbolt," or "to unbar." The word comes from the Middle French "desbacler," which joined the prefix "des-“ (equivalent to our "de-," meaning "to do the opposite of") with the verb "bacler" ("to block"). In its original uses, "debacle" meant a breaking up of ice, or the rush of ice or water that follows such an occurrence. Eventually, "debacle" was used also to mean "a violent, destructive flood.“ Naturally, such uses led to meanings such as "a breaking up," "collapse,"and finally "disaster" or "fiasco.“

pedantic . \pih-DAN-tik\ . (adjective)*1 : narrowly, stodgily, and often ostentatiously learned 2 :unimaginative, pedestrianExample sentence:"Dr. Sanford is a pedantic old codger, in my opinion," said Pam, "whereas I find Dr. Wilson to be a lively and interesting lecturer."Did you know?In Shakespeare's day, a pedant was a male schoolteacher. The word's meaning was close to that of the Italian "pedante," from which the English word was adapted. Someone who was pedantic was simply a tutor or teacher. But a good percentage of instructional pedants of the day must have been pompous and dull, because by 1600 both "pedant" and "pedantic" had gained extended senses referring to anyone who was obnoxiously and tediously devoted to his or her own academic acumen.: 

pedantic . \pih-DAN-tik\ . (adjective) *1 : narrowly, stodgily, and often ostentatiously learned 2 :unimaginative, pedestrian Example sentence: "Dr. Sanford is a pedantic old codger, in my opinion," said Pam, "whereas I find Dr. Wilson to be a lively and interesting lecturer." Did you know? In Shakespeare's day, a pedant was a male schoolteacher. The word's meaning was close to that of the Italian "pedante," from which the English word was adapted. Someone who was pedantic was simply a tutor or teacher. But a good percentage of instructional pedants of the day must have been pompous and dull, because by 1600 both "pedant" and "pedantic" had gained extended senses referring to anyone who was obnoxiously and tediously devoted to his or her own academic acumen.

rationale • \rash-uh-NAL\ • (noun) 1 : an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice,or phenomena *2 : an underlying reason : basisExample sentence:One rationale for year-round school is that it reduces the need to review old material forgotten over the long summer vacation.Did you know?The word "rationale" appeared in the second half of the 17th century, justin time for the Age of Reason. It is based on the Latin "ratio," which means"reason," and "rationalis," which means "endowed with reason." At first,"rationale" meant "an explanation of controlling principles" ("a rationaleof religious practices," for example), but soon it began to refer to theunderlying reason for something (as in "the rationale for her behavior").The latter meaning is now the most common use of the term. The English word "ratio" can also mean "underlying reason" (in fact, it had this meaningbefore "rationale" did), but in current use, it more often refers to therelationship (in number, quantity, or degree) between things.: 

rationale • \rash-uh-NAL\ • (noun)  1 : an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice,or phenomena *2 : an underlying reason : basis Example sentence: One rationale for year-round school is that it reduces the need to review old material forgotten over the long summer vacation. Did you know? The word "rationale" appeared in the second half of the 17th century, just in time for the Age of Reason. It is based on the Latin "ratio," which means "reason," and "rationalis," which means "endowed with reason." At first, "rationale" meant "an explanation of controlling principles" ("a rationale of religious practices," for example), but soon it began to refer to the underlying reason for something (as in "the rationale for her behavior"). The latter meaning is now the most common use of the term. The English word "ratio" can also mean "underlying reason" (in fact, it had this meaning before "rationale" did), but in current use, it more often refers to the relationship (in number, quantity, or degree) between things.

flagrant \FLAY-grunt\ (adjective): conspicuously offensive; especially : so obviously inconsistent with whatis right or proper as to appear to be a flouting of law or moralityExample sentence:We were shocked by the flagrant discrimination in the company's hiring practices.Did you know?In Latin, "flagrare" means "to burn," and "flagrans" means "burning" or "fiery hot" (both literally and figuratively). When it was first used in the 16th century, "flagrant" had the same meaning as "flagrans," but by the 18th century it had acquired its current meaning of "conspicuously bad." Some usage commentators warn against using "flagrant" and "blatant“ interchangeably. While both words denote conspicuousness, they are not exact synonyms. "Blatant" is usually used of some person, action, or thing that attracts disapproving attention (e.g., "a blatant grammatical error")."Flagrant" is used similarly, but usually carries a heavier weight of violated morality (e.g., "flagrant abuse of public office").: 

flagrant \FLAY-grunt\ (adjective) : conspicuously offensive; especially : so obviously inconsistent with whatis right or proper as to appear to be a flouting of law or morality Example sentence: We were shocked by the flagrant discrimination in the company's hiring practices. Did you know? In Latin, "flagrare" means "to burn," and "flagrans" means "burning" or "fiery hot" (both literally and figuratively). When it was first used in the 16th century, "flagrant" had the same meaning as "flagrans," but by the 18th century it had acquired its current meaning of "conspicuously bad." Some usage commentators warn against using "flagrant" and "blatant“ interchangeably. While both words denote conspicuousness, they are not exact synonyms. "Blatant" is usually used of some person, action, or thing that attracts disapproving attention (e.g., "a blatant grammatical error"). "Flagrant" is used similarly, but usually carries a heavier weight of violated morality (e.g., "flagrant abuse of public office").