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Word of the Day

Word of the day

carpophagous

[ kahr-pof-uh-guhs ] [ kɑrˈpɒf ə gəs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

feeding on fruit; fruit-eating

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Why Dictionary.com chose carpophagous

More about carpophagous

  • First recorded in 1830–40.
  • Combines carpo-¹, meaning “fruit,” + -phagous, meaning “eating.”

EXAMPLES OF CARPOPHAGOUS

  • The carpophagous bat species are crucial for pollination as they feed on nectar and fruit.
  • The carpophagous diet of the iguana primarily consists of fruits and leafy greens.
20240103
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Word of the day

riant

[ rahy-uhnt ] [ ˈraɪ ənt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

laughing; smiling; cheerful

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Why Dictionary.com chose riant

More about riant

  • First recorded in 1560–70.
  • From the Latin rīdēre, meaning “to laugh.”
  • Related to the word rident.

EXAMPLES OF RIANT

  • I didn’t expect the judge to be so friendly and riant during the proceeding.
  • They were happy to hear the riant chatter of the birds in the morning.
20240103
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Word of the day

fulgent

[ fuhl-juhnt ] [ ˈfʌl dʒənt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

shining brightly; dazzling

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Why Dictionary.com chose fulgent

More about fulgent

  • First recorded around 1425.
  • From the Latin fulgēns, meaning “shining; illustrious.”
  • Distantly related to blaze through the Proto-Indo-European root *bʰel-, meaning “shiny, white.”

EXAMPLES OF FULGENT

  • The golden moon seemed as fulgent as the sun.
  • The artist’s fulgent imagination shone through in every brushstroke, creating vibrant, evocative landscapes.
20240103
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Word of the Day Calendar