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Word of the Day

Word of the day

amorphous

[ ey-mawr-fuhs ] [ eɪˈmɔr fəs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

lacking definite form; having no specific shape.

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Why Dictionary.com chose amorphous

More about amorphous

  • Amorphous was first recorded in 1725–35.
  • Amorphous is from the Greek word meaning “shapeless.”
  • Amorphous has figurative uses but is also used more literally in mineralogy, chemistry, and biology.

EXAMPLES OF AMORPHOUS

  • The amorphous cloud of happiness lingered above us, spreading a joyous mood throughout the room.
  • The amorphous mass of clay was hard to mold into a recognizable shape, frustrating the artist’s efforts.
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Word of the day

syncope

[ sing-kuh-pee ] [ ˈsɪŋ kəˌpi ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

the medical term for fainting.

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Why Dictionary.com chose syncope

More about syncope

  • Syncope comes from the Greek word meaning “cutting short.”
  • Syncope entered English between 1350 and 1400.
  • Healthcare professionals often use specialized terms like syncope to standardize medical care and communication.

EXAMPLES OF SYNCOPE

  • The paramedics were called after the fan experienced syncope during the concert.
  • The patient’s frequent episodes of syncope prompted the doctor to recommend further evaluation.
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Word of the day

agog

[ uh-gog ] [ əˈgɒg ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

highly excited by eagerness, curiosity, anticipation, etc.

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Why Dictionary.com chose agog

More about agog

  • Agog comes from French, most likely from a phrase meaning “in a state of mirth.”
  • Agog is a variant of the phrase (set) on gog, meaning “to rouse, stir up.”
  • Agog was first recorded in 1535–45.

EXAMPLES OF AGOG

  • With an air of anticipation and eagerness, the crowd was agog as they waited for the live band to start playing.
  • The children were agog with excitement as they eagerly anticipated the magician’s next trick.
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