Word of the Day
diurnal
adjective
active by day, as certain birds and insects
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Why Dictionary.com chose diurnal
More about diurnal
- First recorded between 1400–50.
- From the Latin diurnālis, meaning “daily.”
EXAMPLES OF DIURNAL
- The squirrel, a diurnal mammal, can often be seen gathering acorns during the day.
- Butterflies are diurnal creatures, emerging in the morning to bask in the sun and feed on nectar.
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Why Dictionary.com chose footle
More about footle
- First recorded in 1890–95.
- Of uncertain origin; perhaps from the British dialectal footy, meaning “worthless or paltry.”
EXAMPLES OF FOOTLE
- They tend to footle during meetings, throwing in random comments and sidetracking the discussion.
- The children were supposed to be cleaning their room, but they just footled around, chatting and giggling instead.
cornucopia
noun
an abundant, overflowing supply
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Why Dictionary.com chose cornucopia
More about cornucopia
- First recorded in 1585–95.
- From the Late Latin cornū cōpiae, meaning “horn of plenty.”
EXAMPLES OF CORNUCOPIA
- During the holidays, the bakery became a cornucopia of pastries and sweets, with shelves overflowing with treats.
- The market was a cornucopia of fresh produce, with stands brimming with colorful fruits and vegetables.
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