Word of the Day
More about oneiromancy
Oneiromancy is based on Ancient Greek óneiros, “dream,” and manteía, “divination.” Óneiros is of uncertain origin, with relatives in Albanian and Armenian but in no other languages. Manteía comes from mántis, “prophet,” which is also the source of praying mantis. Oneiromancy was first recorded in English circa 1650.
EXAMPLE OF ONEIROMANCY USED IN A SENTENCE
Though oneiromancy doesn’t quite have a scientific basis, dreams may serve as windows not into the future but rather into the subconscious.
pluviophile
noun
a person who enjoys rain and rainy days, and who is fascinated by the sights, sounds, etc., of rain.
More about pluviophile
Pluviophile is partly based on pluvia, one of two Latin words for “rain”; the other, imber, appears in the Word of the Day ignimbrite. The -phile element comes from Ancient Greek -philos, meaning “dear, beloved.” Pluviophile was first recorded in English in the early 1990s. Pluviophile is one of the recent additions to Dictionary.com.
EXAMPLE OF PLUVIOPHILE USED IN A SENTENCE
Despite their earlier complaints about rainy weather, many locals had become pluviophiles following the long drought.
equipollent
adjective
equal in power, effect, etc.; equivalent.
More about equipollent
Equipollent is ultimately based on Latin aequus, “equal,” and pollēre, “to be able.” Pollēre is a fusion of Latin potis, “able,” and valēre, “to be strong.” Potis is the source of possible, power, and the Word of the Day plenipotent, while valēre gives rise to valedictorian and valentine. Equipollent was first recorded in English around the turn of the 15th century.
EXAMPLE OF EQUIPOLLENT USED IN A SENTENCE
For every action, there is an equipollent, opposing reaction.