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Word of the day

birl

[ burl ] [ bɜrl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to spin something (like a floating log) by treading upon it

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Why Dictionary.com chose birl

More about birl

  • First recorded in 1715–25.
  • Of obscure origin; perhaps onomatopoeic or related to birr¹ or whirl.

EXAMPLES OF BIRL

  • She tried to birl the barrel, but it wobbled unpredictably, sending her crashing to the ground.
  • The champion of the lumberjack festivals could birl a log without ever losing balance.
20240103
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Word of the day

latent

[ leyt-nt ] [ ˈleɪt nt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

present but not visible

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Why Dictionary.com chose latent

More about latent

  • First recorded before 1600.
  • From the Latin verb latēre, meaning “to lie hidden.”

EXAMPLES OF LATENT

  • The forest fire was sparked by a latent ember from last night’s campfire.
  • The cat’s infection moved into a latent phase.
20240103
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Word of the day

surcease

[ sur-sees ] [ sɜrˈsis ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to come to an end

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Why Dictionary.com chose surcease

More about surcease

  • First recorded between 1400–50.
  • From the Latin supersedēre, meaning “to refrain or omit.”
  • Related to supersede.

EXAMPLES OF SURCEASE

  • The birds return to their nests and surcease from chirping.
  • We hoped their constant disputes would one day surcease.
20240103
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