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doohickey

[ doo-hik-ee ] [ /ˈduˌhɪk i/ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a gadget; dingus; thingamajig

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Why Dictionary.com chose doohickey

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Word of the day

bonsai

[ bahn-zahy ] [ /ˈbɑn zaɪ/ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a miniature tree or shrub grown in a container and shaped through pruning

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Why Dictionary.com chose bonsai

More about bonsai

  • First recorded in 1945–50 in English.
  • From Japanese bonsai, literally meaning “a potted plant.”

EXAMPLES OF BONSAI

  • Tom kept a small pine bonsai that he spent a decade shaping and trimming.
  • The bonsai collection was displayed in the museum courtyard.
20240103
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Word of the day

ethereal

[ ih-theer-ee-uhl ] [ /ɪˈθɪər i əl/ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

extremely delicate or refined

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Why Dictionary.com chose ethereal

More about ethereal

  • First recorded in 1505–15.
  • Ultimately from the Greek root aithḗr, meaning “the theoretical substance that exists above air;” related to the word ether.
  • In English, this word originally meant “of heaven or the air.”

EXAMPLES OF ETHEREAL

  • An ethereal melody drifted through the empty cathedral.
  • The film’s lighting and slow pacing created an ethereal atmosphere.
20240103
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