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Why Dictionary.com chose gamut
More about gamut
- First recorded between 1425–75.
- Originally a contraction of the Latin gamma ut; from gamma, the Greek letter used to represent the lowest tone on the bass stave, G, and ut¹, an archaic name for the first note in a scale, do².
EXAMPLES OF GAMUT
- The artist runs the gamut of styles, from photorealistic portraits to abstract glass sculptures.
- From anger to vulnerability, the actor’s performance ran the gamut of emotions.
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Why Dictionary.com chose abstergent
More about abstergent
- First recorded in 1605–15.
- Combines abs-³, meaning “away,” + the Latin root tergēre, meaning “to clean, wipe.”
EXAMPLES OF ABSTERGENT
- Few people would refuse the abstergent delight of a bath after a day of gardening.
- To the trombonist, music has an abstergent power, clearing his mind of intrusive thoughts.
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Why Dictionary.com chose adulterate
More about adulterate
- First recorded in 1580–90.
- Combines ad-¹⁰, meaning “with, toward,” + the Latin root alter, meaning “another,” + -ate¹.
EXAMPLES OF ADULTERATE
- Some accused the producer of trying to adulterate the film by adding unnecessary special effects.
- The baker adulterated the cake by adding too much water to the batter.
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