Word of the Day
engram
noun
a presumed encoding in neural tissue that provides a physical basis for the persistence of memory; a memory trace.
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Why Dictionary.com chose engram
More about engram
- First recorded in 1905–10.
- Comes from the Greek combining forms en-, “to cause to be in,” and –gram, “something written.”
- Introduced by German researcher Richard Semon, while studying the formation of memory.
EXAMPLES OF ENGRAM
- Studies suggest that the formation of an engram involves complex processes within the neural network.
- Through advanced imaging techniques, researchers hoped to locate the precise engram responsible for a particular memory.
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Why Dictionary.com chose acumen
More about acumen
- First recorded in 1525–35.
- Comes from the Latin word acūmen, meaning “sharpness.”
- Acūmen comes from the stem of acuere, “to sharpen,” as does the English word acute, “sharp or severe.”
EXAMPLES OF ACUMEN
- Her acumen in identifying profitable investments impressed everyone at the meeting.
- With his financial acumen, he was able to grow his small startup into a successful business empire.
natto
[ not-oh ]
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noun
a dish of fermented cooked soybeans, often eaten for breakfast over white rice or with toppings such as soy sauce and mustard.
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Why Dictionary.com chose natto
More about natto
- First recorded in 1870–75.
- Comes from Japanese, from na(t)- and tō, “bean.”
- Na(t) is ultimately from Middle Chinese, a cognate with Mandarin nà, “to bring into, receive.”
EXAMPLES OF NATTO
- For a traditional Japanese breakfast, many people enjoy a serving of natto over steamed white rice.
- Natto is known for its sticky texture, which is a result of the fermentation process.
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