Word of the Day
concatenation
noun
a series of interconnected or interdependent things or events.
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Why Dictionary.com chose concatenation
More about concatenation
- Concatenation was first recorded in 1595–1605.
- Concatenation comes from the Late Latin word concatēnātiōn, which means “linked together, connected.”
- The catēn(a) part means “chain,” which is essentially a series of objects connected one after the other.
- Though not the sense featured here, concatenation can also refer to the act of physically linking things together in a chain.
EXAMPLES OF CONCATENATION
- The movie director used a clever concatenation of suspenseful scenes to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
- The success of the team was a result of the perfect concatenation of talent, strategy, and hard work.
arcane
adjective
known or understood by very few; mysterious; secret; obscure.
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Why Dictionary.com chose arcane
More about arcane
- Arcane was first recorded in 1540–50
- Arcane comes via Middle French from the Latin word arcānus, derived from arc(ēre) “to enclose, restrain, ward off.”
- Arc(ēre), in turn, is a derivative of arca, meaning “box, chest, coffer.”
EXAMPLES OF ARCANE
- The ancient temple contained a hidden chamber where the monks practiced their arcane rituals.
- The ancient scroll revealed an arcane language that had long been forgotten.
pumpernickel
noun
a coarse, dark, slightly sour bread made of unbolted rye.
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Why Dictionary.com chose pumpernickel
More about pumpernickel
- Pumpernickel was first recorded in 1750–60.
- Pumpernickel comes from the German word Pumpernickel, originally a contemptuous name for anyone considered disagreeable.
- Pumpernickel in German contains the word pumper “to break wind” and Nickel, a pet name of Nikolaus “Nicholas.”
- This name was presumably applied to the bread due to its effect on the digestive system.
EXAMPLES OF PUMPERNICKEL
- The bakery offers a wide variety of bread, including a delicious pumpernickel loaf with its distinctive dark color and tangy flavor.
- The aroma of freshly baked pumpernickel filled the air, tempting passersby to step inside and indulge in a warm slice.
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