Word of the Day
pasteurize
verb
to expose to an elevated temperature for a period sufficient to destroy certain microorganisms, without radically altering taste or quality.
More about pasteurize
Pasteurize is named for French chemist Louis Pasteur (1822–95), who proved that germs such as bacteria were responsible for disease. The surname Pasteur means “shepherd” in French and comes from Latin pāscere (stem pāst-), “to feed,” which is the source of antipasto, pabulum, and pasture. Pasteurize was first recorded in English in the early 1880s.
EXAMPLE OF PASTEURIZE USED IN A SENTENCE
The beer and wine were pasteurized to reduce the risk of food-borne illness.
artiodactyl
adjective
having an even number of toes or digits on each foot.
More about artiodactyl
Artiodactyl is a compound of artio-, meaning “even number,” and -dactyl, meaning “finger, toe.” Artio- comes from Ancient Greek ártios, “even, fitting, perfect,” while -dactyl comes from dáktylos, which also referred to the fruit of the date palm tree. Artiodactyl was first recorded in English in the 1840s.
EXAMPLE OF ARTIODACTYL USED IN A SENTENCE
Among the zoo’s longtime residents were alpacas, giraffes, goats, and various other artiodactyl animals.
rampart
noun
a broad elevation or mound of earth raised as a fortification around a place and usually capped with a stone or earth parapet.
More about rampart
Rampart comes from Middle French remparer, “to take back possession of,” which derives from re-, meaning “again, back,” and emparer, “to take possession of.” Emparer is ultimately formed from Latin ante, “before,” plus parāre, “to prepare.” Rampart was first recorded in English around 1580.
EXAMPLE OF RAMPART USED IN A SENTENCE
A rolling series of ramparts protected the palace from the besieging army.