Word of the Day
Learn a new word every day! The Dictionary.com team of language experts carefully selects each Word of the Day to add some panache to your vocabulary.
lacking a sound basis; weak or unsubstantiated
Something tenuous is weakly supported or rests on an unstable foundation, whether literally or metaphorically. The word comes from the Latin tenuis, meaning "thin," bringing to mind the visual of something delicate or lacking in substance. A shaky theory or an unsteady stack of books can both be tenuous, so watch out when things start to topple!
His argument was tenuous since it relied on rumors instead of actual facts.
anything sunk in the sea, but attached to a buoy or the like so that it may be recovered
Lagan refers to something sunk in the sea but marked for pickup later, usually with a buoy attached to show its location. The word may be related to an Old Norse term for a net laid in the sea. Think of lagan as an item in the lost and found box, but with a name on it.
Sailors spotted a floating marker, signaling that lagan was hidden beneath the waves.
actually existing
De facto describes something that actually exists, whether or not it has been officially recognized. The phrase comes directly from Latin and means "from the fact." A de facto manager, for example, may hold real power without having an official title.
Although he was never formally elected, the general became the de facto leader of the country.
doing neither good nor harm, as a medicine
Adiaphorous describes something that has no significant effect, either for better or worse. The word comes from a Greek term meaning "indifferent," and it's especially useful for describing a medicine that produces no meaningful change in a patient's condition. Keep adiaphorous handy for when a result is neither helpful nor harmful.
She realized the expensive vitamin water was adiaphorous, producing no health benefits or negative reactions.
a walk taken for one's health
A constitutional isn't just any old walk; it's one that's meant to improve your health. The word is related to the idea of having a good constitution, meaning a strong or healthy physical condition. So go ahead and take a constitutional — it can be good for both body and soul!
My grandpa enjoys a morning constitutional around the park to stay fit.
