Word of the Day
Word of the day
intelligentsia
noun
intellectuals considered as an elite group or class
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Why Dictionary.com chose intelligentsia
More about intelligentsia
- First recorded in 1905–10.
- From Russian intelligéntsia; ultimately from the same Latin root as the word intelligence.
EXAMPLES OF INTELLIGENTSIA
- Judith rejected the idea that she was part of the intelligentsia, preferring to think of herself as a regular teacher and community member.
- During the war, many members of the intelligentsia were forced into exile.
piranha
noun
a small carnivorous freshwater fish native to South America
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Why Dictionary.com chose piranha
More about piranha
- First recorded in 1865–70.
- Ultimately from Tupi (a native Brazilian language) pirãîa, meaning “toothed fish.”
- English gets this word through Portuguese.
EXAMPLES OF PIRANHA
- The field trip group watched in fascination as the aquarium’s piranha darted between rocks.
- Piranha are native to the Amazon Basin and known for their carnivorous disposition.
mazurka
noun
a lively Polish dance with a moderately quick triple meter
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Why Dictionary.com chose mazurka
More about mazurka
- First recorded in 1810–20.
- From Polish Mazurka, meaning “something from Mazovia,” a region of northern Poland.
- The Polish composer Frédéric Chopin famously wrote piano pieces based on the mazurka.
EXAMPLES OF MAZURKA
- They ended the concert with a lively mazurka that brought the crowd to its feet.
- Janice composed a modern piece inspired by the rhythm of a mazurka.
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