Word of the Day

If it's odoriferous, it gives off a noticeable smell — and usually not a pleasant one. Maybe it's an overflowing garbage can or a crowded subway car. Whatever the case, you can't spell odoriferous without odor.

When something is idoneous, it's especially well-suited to the task at hand. The word comes from a Latin term meaning "fit" or "suitable," and it can apply to everything from a qualified job candidate to an ideal solution. If it's idoneous, it feels exactly right.

To lampoon is to mock or ridicule using satirical humor. Think of a late-night monologue where exaggeration and humor sharpen a critique. A simple parody can be mostly innocent, but lampooning usually stings a bit.

Temperance describes moderation and restraint, especially when emotions or impulses run high. It's one of the four cardinal virtues in classical philosophy, alongside prudence, justice, and courage. Always remember the value of temperance before saying something you might regret later.

An armadillo is an unusual mammal known for its distinctive armored shell and creative self-defense. The name comes from Spanish and means "little armored one," a fitting description for a creature built like a walking shield. When threatened, armadillos curl up tightly into a well-protected ball. Look up a video and watch it for yourself!