Word of the Day
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Argent is an adjective that means silvery white colored. If you’re familiar with the periodic table you’ll know that AG is the symbol for silver. The origin of this is the Latin word argentum (are GEN toom) meaning ‘silver.’ This word dating back to Middle English is also the origin of our word of the day. Here’s an example of argent in use: That argent glow always catches people's attention when they see me driving down the street. People say I look like a giant bullet racing through the highway.
Clade is a noun that refers to a group that comes from a common ancestor. Our word of the day comes from the Greek word klados (KLA dose) which means ‘branch.’ It may help to think of members of the same clade as different branches from the same family tree. Clade has been with us since the 1950s and was originally used to refer to organisms. More recently, it’s come to refer to humans and is roughly a synonym of tribe or lineage. My dad and I are proof that members of the same clade can be very different. He spends nearly all his time watching and playing sports, while I can’t dribble a basketball without accidentally breaking my jaw.
Aeneous is an adjective that means brass colored. Dating back to the 17th century, our of the day is derived from the Latin word aes (EYE ess) which means ‘brass.’ Example: Getting that beautiful aeneous desk as a birthday gift is a mixed blessing. People sure do love to gawk at its stunning appearance. But it takes a lot of work to keep it that brass-colored hue.
Annular is an adjective that means ring-shaped. The Latin word annulus (ANN ooh loose) means ‘ring.’ Our word of the day can be used to describe anything shaped like a ring. Here’s an example of it in use: The annular configuration of last night’s eclipse was a joy to behold. I could gaze at that ring-shaped solar phenomenon all day.
Annular is an adjective that means ring-shaped. The Latin word annulus (ANN ooh loose) means ‘ring.’ Our word of the day can be used to describe anything shaped like a ring. Here’s an example of it in use: The annular configuration of last night’s eclipse was a joy to behold. I could gaze at that ring-shaped solar phenomenon all day.
Substratum is a noun that refers to a foundation or basis of something. The Latin prefix S-U-B means ‘below,’ while the root word stratum, also Latin in origin, refers to a layer. Something below a layer could be thought of as a foundation holding things up from beneath. Our word of the day began as a geological term that referred to the foundation beneath the earth’s surface. More recently, it’s been used to refer to any kind of foundation, for example: The substratum of our business is good customer service. Without that firm foundation, we wouldn’t be the biggest shoe store in town.
Secern is a verb that means to discriminate in thought. The Latin word cernere (sir NARE ay) means ‘to separate.’ Our word of the day is similar in meaning and origin to the word discern. A person able to secern things could be said to have discriminating tastes. In order for the office to succeed we needed someone who would secern the good offers from the bad ones. The inability to distinguish them would be bad news for the company.
Brinkmanship is a noun that refers to the practice of pursuing a dangerous policy. The word brink refers to something unwelcome that is about to occur. Our word of the day combines this word with the suffix M-A-N-S-H-I-P which means ‘skill.’ Originally coined during the cold war of the mid-twentieth century, it initially referred to the act of a nation putting itself on the brink of war for political gain. Here’s an example: There was a great deal of brinkmanship at that point in history that later proved to be unpopular with the nation. Most people deeply resent being placed in peril for the sake of politics.
Doomscrolling is a verb that means seeking internet updates on bad news. A recent addition to the English language, doomscrolling combines the English word ‘doom,’ meaning a terrible fate and scrolling, the act of moving a computer display screen to view material. I’m no big fan of doomscrolling, but when boredom sets in I can move up and down on a screen in search of bad news like them best of them.
A linchpin is a person or thing vital to an enterprise or organization. Our word of the day has its origin in the Middle English word ‘lync’ (LINK) which means axle and the word pin. Lynchpin was used to refer to a pin or bolt used to secure an axle in place, preventing the wheel from coming loose. In time, the word came to be used metaphorically to refer to something or someone who needs to remain in place to keep something together. Here’s an example of linchpin in use: My van was used so frequently in our company that it became something of a linchpin. Without it, we would have never been able to take care of so many transportation needs.
Fitful is an adjective that means sporadic or disrupted. Our word of the day combines the Middle English word fit (meaning ‘appropriate’) with the suffix FUL (meaning ‘full of.’) Here’s an example of it in use: My sleep last week was fitful. I’d have a good night here or a good night there, but overall it was too sporadic for me to feel well-rested.
Exurb is a noun that refers to a district beyond the suburbs. Our word of the day was coined in 1955 by author A.C. Spectorsky in reference to regions that were far beyond the suburbs. The word combines The prefix E-X (meaning ‘out of’) with U-R-B (meaning city). Here’s an example of it in use: Having grown up in an exurb, I wasn’t accustomed to crowded environments. Out there, our family would practically have entire blocks to ourselves.
Armipotent is an adjective that means strong in battle. Our word of the day comes from the Latin words ‘arma’ (ARM uh) which means ‘arms’ and potent (POE tent) which means ‘powerful.’ Here’s an example of armipotent in use: The king’s armipotent forces insured that the land would be protected for years to come. Without such a powerful army, the land would have been laid to waste very quickly.
Naif is a noun that refers to a naive person. Our word of the day comes directly from the French word for ‘naive.’ The word conjures up images of a young, inexperienced person lost in a world too sophisticated for them to understand. When it came to the political world, I was something of a naif for the first few years. I had no idea what kind of indecorous behavior went on in the corridors of power.
Ressentiment is a noun that refers to a psychological state arising from suppressed feelings of envy and hatred. Our word of the day was first coined by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. The term is typically used in a philosophical or psychological context, but here’s an example of it being used in casual speech: The feeling of resentment inside me made it difficult to express my feelings, but I’m sure it had something to do with my career frustrations. It’s not such a good idea to suppress those feelings instead of addressing them.
Querulous is an adjective that means complaining in a petulant or whining manner. The Latin word queri (KWERE ee) means complain, and it serves as the origin of our word of the day. Querulous has been with the English language since the late 15th century. Here’s an example of it in use: I’m not a fan of my kids acting in a querulous manner to get what they want. But I have to admit that after several minutes of whimpering and whining, the approach usually gets the results they want.
In medias res is an adjective that means ‘in the midst.’ Our word of the day comes directly from the Latin phrase ‘in the middle of things.’ Here’s an example of it: The day was already chaotic enough, but then in medas res, a fire alarm went off, causing things to get more insane.
Prospero is a noun that refers to a person who is capable of influencing others’ behavior or perceptions. Our word of the day gets its origin from the William Shakespeare play The Tempest. It features a character named Prospero who is a deposed Duke and magician. Named for this highly influential character, prospero may be used to describe anyone of great influence. Here’s an example: My agent initially came across as some kind of prospero, but it soon became clear that he didn’t have nearly the influence he pretended to have.
Repristinate is a verb that means to restore to original state or condition. The root word of repristinate is pristine, an adjective of Latin origin that means ‘spotless.’ When we repristinate an object, we return it to its original spotless condition. Here’s an example: I like to repristinate old colonial furniture, but it sure is hard work. It takes a lot of scrubbing and sanding down to get those artifacts back to their original condition.
Cosh is a noun that refers to a thick heavy stick or bar used as a weapon. It’s also a verb that means to hit someone over the head with a cosh. Our word of the day’s origin is unknown, but we know it’s been around since the 19th century. Here’s an example of cosh in use: When walking in the woods, I usually carry a large, wooden cosh with me just in case I run into Bigfoot or something like that. I know it’s an unlikely thing to happen, but if it does I’ll be ready to strike that behemoth on the head in my defence.
Chaebol is a noun that refers to a large family-owned business conglomerate. Coming from the Korean words chae (CHAY) which means ‘money,’ and bol (BALL) which means ‘faction,’ our word of the day has been with us since the 1970s. Here’s an example of it in use: I had no idea the local comedy club scene was a chaebol. It didn’t take long to learn that seven of the ten clubs were owned by one man, and the other three were owned by his brothers.
Waggle is a verb that means to get by devious means. Our word of the day comes from the Old English word wag. Before it referred to something a dog did to its tail, the word meant ‘to sway.’ When someone engages in excessive swaying to achieve their goals, they are waggling. Here’s an example: I tried to waggle my way to the top at the movie theatre through a combination of flattery, hard work and grovelling. But in the end, I just didn’t have the sinister mind needed to rise beyond ticket usher.
Medicaster is a noun that refers to a fake doctor. Our word of the day combines the prefix M-E-D-I, which means ‘medical,’ and A-S-T-E-R, which indicates something of inferior or low quality. You could think of medicaster as a synonym for quack. Here’s an example: After spending thousands of dollars on supplements advertised on his show, I concluded that the guy on TV was a medicaster. It became pretty clear that he was a charlatan when my illness didn’t improve after years of gobbling up pills.
Indexical is an adjective that means varying depending on context. It can also be a noun that refers to a word whose meaning depends on context. Derived from the Latin word index, which means ‘sign.’ our word of the day has been around since the early 19th century. Here’s an example of indexical in use: When learning a new language, it’s helpful to understand the full context of every word you use. If you use an indexical word like ‘here’ it might help to know where here is, or the person you are talking to may get confused.
Trachle is a verb that means to fatigue or wear out. Coming directly from Scottish, our word of the day may also be used as a noun that refers to the source of fatigue. Here’s an example of the former: All that work I used to do on the weekends used to trachle me. But these days the only thing wearing me out is the work I do at my job during the week.
Aporia is a noun that refers to an internal contradiction. Our word of the day comes from the Greek word aporos (uh POOR ose) which means ‘impassable.’ Aporias are commonly seen in philosophy. Here’s an example: When my former roommate told me that everything he said was a lie, I wondered if he was aware that his statement was an aporia. This turned out to be one of many internal contradictions I’d find in his words.
Vulpine is an adjective that means like a fox. The Latin word vulpes (VOOL pez) means ‘fox.’ When someone behaves like a fox — meaning sly or cunning — our word of the day is a great adjective to describe them. Here’s an example: As a kid, I had my vulpine ways when I really wanted to play video games. The most cunning thing I did was pretend to do my homework when I was secretly playing my favorite game on my phone.
Sneakernet is a noun that refers to the transfer of electronic information by moving it physically. A recent addition to the English language, our word of the day has been around for about a decade and gets its origin from the word ‘sneak’ and the suffix ’N-E-T.’ Here’s an example of it in use: The world of tech features a great deal of secretive behavior. On more than one occasion, we’ve had to use sneakernet to get our intellectual property transferred without it getting stolen. All that cloak-and-dagger stuff can get pretty intense, but truth be told, it can also be lots of fun.
Prattle is a verb that means to talk at length in a foolish way. Coming from the Low German word prate (PRATE) which has the same meaning as our word of the day, prattle is a word almost never used in a flattering way. Here’s an example: After two hours of hearing the salesman prattle on about the car’s special features, I was fairly sure I had no interest in the new convertible. It wasn’t until he got beyond all the nonsense and onto the low discounted price that he actually had my interest.
Vendible is an adjective that means ‘able to be bought or sold.’ It is also a noun that refers to an item that can be bought or sold. The Latin word vendere (ven DARE ay) means ‘to sell.’ This is the origin of our word of the day which has been around since the early 17th century. Here’s an example of its use: As a kid, I enjoyed making and eating sloppy joes, but it never seemed to me that my creations were vendible. If I could have found a way to make a living selling my sloppy joes, I would have chosen that as my career path instead of accounting.
