Word of the Day
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose acumen
More about acumen
- First recorded in 1525–35.
- Comes from the Latin word acūmen, meaning “sharpness.”
- Acūmen comes from the stem of acuere, “to sharpen,” as does the English word acute, “sharp or severe.”
EXAMPLES OF ACUMEN
- Her acumen in identifying profitable investments impressed everyone at the meeting.
- With his financial acumen, he was able to grow his small startup into a successful business empire.
natto
[ not-oh ]
Show IPA
noun
a dish of fermented cooked soybeans, often eaten for breakfast over white rice or with toppings such as soy sauce and mustard.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose natto
More about natto
- First recorded in 1870–75.
- Comes from Japanese, from na(t)- and tō, “bean.”
- Na(t) is ultimately from Middle Chinese, a cognate with Mandarin nà, “to bring into, receive.”
EXAMPLES OF NATTO
- For a traditional Japanese breakfast, many people enjoy a serving of natto over steamed white rice.
- Natto is known for its sticky texture, which is a result of the fermentation process.
ad nauseam
adverb
to a sickening or disgusting degree.
learn about the english language
Why Dictionary.com chose ad nauseam
More about ad nauseam
- First recorded around 1565.
- Comes from Latin.
- Means literally, “to seasickness.”
EXAMPLES OF AD NAUSEAM
- The catchy commercial jingle played on the tv ad nauseam, getting stuck in everyone’s head.
- The company’s logo was plastered ad nauseam on every surface in the city.
Word of the Day Calendar