Word of the Day
ziggurat
noun
a tiered temple built by ancient Assyrians and Babylonians
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Why Dictionary.com chose ziggurat
More about ziggurat
- First recorded in 1875–80.
- From the Akkadian word ziqquratu, meaning “summit; temple, tower.”
EXAMPLES OF ZIGGURAT
- Archaeologists carefully excavated the lower levels of the ziggurat, hoping to uncover hidden chambers.
- The sandcastle’s layers made me think of a tiny ziggurat by the sea.
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Why Dictionary.com chose fjord
More about fjord
- First recorded in 1670–75.
- From Norwegian fiord; from Proto-Indo-European *pértu-, meaning “a passage.”
- Related to ford¹.
EXAMPLES OF FJORD
- The cruise ship slowly navigated the winding fjord, offering passengers breathtaking views.
- Strong tides surged through the narrow entrance of the fjord, creating swirling eddies.
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Why Dictionary.com chose recreant
More about recreant
- First recorded between 1300–50.
- Combines re-⁷, meaning “backward,” + the Latin word crēdere, meaning “to believe” and related to creed.
EXAMPLES OF RECREANT
- The recreant captain abandoned his sinking ship before the crew even realized the danger.
- If survival is at stake, even a recreant heart finds courage.
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