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Word of the day

ulotrichous

[ yoo-lo-tri-kuhs ] [ yuˈlɒ trɪ kəs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

having woolly or crisply curly hair

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Why Dictionary.com chose ulotrichous

More about ulotrichous

  • First recorded in 1855–60.
  • From New Latin Ulotrich(i), formerly a name for a division of humankind; from Greek oulótrichos, “curly-haired,” equivalent to oûlo(s), “thick, fleecy” + -trichos, “-haired” + -ous.

EXAMPLES OF ULOTRICHOUS

  • The stylist specialized in ulotrichous hair, knowing the best techniques to manage and style tight curls.
  • Oh my, what thick, curly, and ulotrichous hair you have cascading down your shoulders!
20240103
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Word of the day

churlish

[ chur-lish ] [ ˈtʃɜr lɪʃ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

boorish; rude

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Why Dictionary.com chose churlish

More about churlish

  • In use since before 1000.
  • From Middle English cherlish, from Old English ceorlisc. See churl-ish1.

EXAMPLES OF CHURLISH

  • My churlish remarks offended everyone at the dinner table.
  • The customer’s churlish attitude made the cashier’s day difficult.
20240103
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Word of the day

timbre

[ tim-ber ] [ ˈtɪm bər ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

characteristic tone of expression

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Why Dictionary.com chose timbre

More about timbre

  • First recorded between 1325–75.
  • Middle English tymbre, from Middle French “clapperless bell, bell rung by a hammer.”
  • Ultimately from Greek týmpanon, “timbrel, kettledrum, drum.”

EXAMPLES OF TIMBRE

  • Her voice had a warm timbre that was comforting to hear.
  • I admired the timbre of the actor’s voice, finding it captivating.
20240103
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