Word of the Day
multiverse
noun
a collection of linked fictional settings composed of multiple alternate dimensions, different timelines, etc.
Why Dictionary.com chose multiverse
More about multiverse
- Multiverse was coined by William James in 1895 in the sense of “the universe imagined as lacking order, unity, or a single ruling and guiding power.”
- It comes from the prefix multi-, meaning “many; multiple,” and the second part of universe, “the totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; the cosmos.”
- Universe comes via French from a form of the Latin word ūniversus, which means “all; entire.”
- Multiverse in the sense featured here came about in science fiction writing in the early 1960s.
EXAMPLES OF MULTIVERSE
- The concept of a multiverse challenges our traditional understanding of reality, suggesting that there may be countless parallel universes coexisting alongside our own.
- As the art exhibition showcased various artworks depicting alternate worlds and fantastical beings, visitors were transported into the imaginative realms of the multiverse.
traipse
verb
to walk or go aimlessly or idly or without finding or reaching one's goal.
Why Dictionary.com chose traipse
More about traipse
- Traipse was first recorded in 1585–95.
- Traipse was once spelled trapse and may be similar to an old verb trape.
- It is possible that traipse is related to tramp, “to walk heavily; to stamp.”
- Traipse can also be a noun, defined as “a tiring walk.”
EXAMPLES OF TRAIPSE
- After getting lost in the city, we had to traipse through countless streets before finally finding our way back to the hotel.
- Rather than following a strict itinerary, they preferred to traipse through the narrow alleys of the old town, discovering hidden gems along the way.
incunabula
plural noun
the earliest stages or first traces of anything.
Why Dictionary.com chose incunabula
More about incunabula
- Incunabula was first recorded in 1815–25.
- Incunabula comes from Latin and means variously “the straps holding a baby in a cradle,” “earliest home,” or “birthplace.”
- Incunabula also refers to “books produced in the earliest stages (before 1501) of printing from movable type.”
- In that sense, incunabula has the singular form incunabulum.
EXAMPLES OF INCUNABULA
- The discovery of crude stone tools marked the incunabula of human civilization.
- The faded photographs from the 1800s are cherished incunabula of our family history.
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