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Word of the day

prismatic

[ priz-mat-ik ] [ prɪzˈmæt ɪk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

spectral in color; brilliant.

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More about prismatic

Prismatic is based on Ancient Greek prîsma, literally meaning “something sawed.” The noun, prism, can refer to a transparent object created with cut angles that is used to disperse light into a spectrum. Prismatic was first recorded in English at the turn of the 18th century.

EXAMPLE OF PRISMATIC USED IN A SENTENCE

A prismatic array of colors reflected onto the wall as the sunlight struck the glass artwork.

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Word of the day

tzatziki

[ tsah-tsee-kee ] [ tsɑˈtsi ki ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a condiment or dip consisting of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and usually mint.

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More about tzatziki

Tzatziki is from Modern Greek that comes from Turkish cacık, which is of uncertain origin, though it resembles older Persian zhāzh, the name of various wild plants. Turkish is the source of numerous food-related terms, such as baklava, bergamot, pastrami, and even lemon. Tzatziki was first recorded in English in the early 1960s.

EXAMPLE OF TZATZIKI USED IN A SENTENCE

A dollop of tzatziki gave the savory slices of pita a slightly sour punch.

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gazetteer

[ gaz-i-teer ] [ ˌgæz ɪˈtɪər ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a geographical dictionary.

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More about gazetteer

Gazetteer is ultimately based on gazeta, the Venetian word for “newspaper.” In this Romance language spoken in Venice, gazeta originally referred to a coin used to purchase a newspaper and may come from Venetian gaza, “magpie,” after the bird markings on the coins. Gazetteer was first recorded in English at the turn of the 17th century.

EXAMPLE OF GAZETTEER USED IN A SENTENCE

The tourists relied on a detailed gazetteer as they traveled around the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland.

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