Word of the Day
Word of the day
bonsai
noun
a miniature tree or shrub grown in a container and shaped through pruning
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Why Dictionary.com chose bonsai
More about bonsai
- First recorded in 1945–50 in English.
- From Japanese bonsai, literally meaning “a potted plant.”
EXAMPLES OF BONSAI
- Tom kept a small pine bonsai that he spent a decade shaping and trimming.
- The bonsai collection was displayed in the museum courtyard.
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Why Dictionary.com chose ethereal
More about ethereal
- First recorded in 1505–15.
- Ultimately from the Greek root aithḗr, meaning “the theoretical substance that exists above air;” related to the word ether.
- In English, this word originally meant “of heaven or the air.”
EXAMPLES OF ETHEREAL
- An ethereal melody drifted through the empty cathedral.
- The film’s lighting and slow pacing created an ethereal atmosphere.
gung-ho
adjective
wholeheartedly enthusiastic and loyal
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Why Dictionary.com chose gung-ho
More about gung-ho
- First recorded in 1940–1945.
- From Chinese gōng hé, meaning “work together,” an abbreviation of the Chinese Industrial Cooperative Society.
- First popularized in English by U.S. Marine Evans Carlson, who used the term as a motto.
EXAMPLES OF GUNG-HO
- The new recruit was gung-ho, eager to prove himself in every drill.
- The teacher’s gung-ho attitude inspired even the sleepiest students.
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