Word of the Day
Why Dictionary.com chose remora
More about remora
- First recorded in 1560–70.
- From Latin remorārī, meaning “to linger, delay;” the remora fish also comes from this root, as some thought these fish would attach to and slow down ships.
EXAMPLES OF REMORA
- The bureaucracy’s love of paperwork is an eternal remora to efficiency.
- Legal disputes added a remora that pushed the merger timeline back.
primogeniture
noun
the state or fact of being the firstborn of children of the same parents
Why Dictionary.com chose primogeniture
More about primogeniture
- First recorded in 1500–20.
- Combines Latin prīmō, meaning “at first” + genitūra, meaning “birth, generation.”
EXAMPLES OF PRIMOGENITURE
- In some cultures, primogeniture defined social status from birth.
- Even today, a preference for primogeniture can shape family dynamics and prompt younger siblings to strike out on their own.
Why Dictionary.com chose arenaceous
More about arenaceous
- First recorded in 1640–50.
- From Latin arena, meaning “sand;” related to arena.
EXAMPLES OF ARENACEOUS
- Some plants thrive in arenaceous soil, while others will struggle to take root.
- The color palette for the mural was inspired by arenaceous tones.
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