Word of the Day
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Why Dictionary.com chose perambulator
More about perambulator
- First recorded in 1605–15, but in 1850–55 for the highlighted sense.
- From Latin perambulāre, “to ramble, stroll.”
- Primarily used in dialects of British English.
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EXAMPLES OF PERAMBULATOR
- The parents carefully strapped their newborn into the perambulator before heading out.
- They admired the stylish design of the new perambulator.
audible
noun
a play called at the line of scrimmage to supersede the play originally agreed upon as the result of a change in strategy.
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Why Dictionary.com chose audible
More about audible
- First recorded in 1520–30.
- Comes ultimately from the Latin verb audī(re) “to hear.”
- First used in the current sense as audible signal around 1950, and then reduced to just audible.
- Audible can also be used more generally for any type of change of plans on the fly.
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EXAMPLES OF AUDIBLE
- In a split second decision, the quarterback made an audible to throw a deep pass instead of a short completion.
- The quarterback called an audible, overriding the offensive coordinator’s play call.
wyvern
noun
a two-legged winged dragon having the hinder part of a serpent with a barbed tail.
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Why Dictionary.com chose wyvern
More about wyvern
- First recorded in 1600–10.
- An alteration of earlier wyver, which comes from Old French guivre.
- Guivre comes from Latin vīpera, “viper.”
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EXAMPLES OF WYVERN
- The tapestry depicted a heroic figure riding into battle atop a majestic wyvern, ready to face any foe.
- The fearsome wyvern soared through the sky, its wings beating with a powerful grace.
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