Word of the Day
denouement
noun
the final resolution of the intricacies of a plot, as of a drama or novel.
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Why Dictionary.com chose denouement
More about denouement
- First recorded in 1745–55.
- From French, literally means, “an untying.”
- Noer from Old French means “to knot” and comes from a Latin derivative of nōdus, “knot.”
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EXAMPLES OF DENOUEMENT
- As the play reached its denouement, the audience held their breath in anticipation.
- In a surprising denouement, the protagonist turned out to be the long-lost heir to the fortune.
esculent
adjective
suitable for use as food; edible.
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Why Dictionary.com chose esculent
More about esculent
- First recorded in 1615–25.
- Comes from Latin ēsculentus, “edible, full of food.”
- Esculentus shares a root with escarole, “a broad leaf used in salads.”
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EXAMPLES OF ESCULENT
- Explorers in the jungle had to rely on their survival skills to find esculent plants for sustenance.
- The food critic praised the restaurant for its innovative dishes featuring esculent flowers and herbs.
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Why Dictionary.com chose kismet
More about kismet
- First recorded in 1840–50.
- Comes from Turkish ultimately from Arabic qisma, qismat-, meaning “division, portion, lot, fate.”
- Although a term from Islam, kismet is popularly used to refer to something that one believes was meant to be or the reason why such a thing happened.
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EXAMPLES OF KISMET
- The unexpected encounter with an old friend at the airport felt like kismet.
- As he stood on the stage, delivering his award-winning speech, he couldn’t help but feel that kismet had guided him to this moment.
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