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Why Dictionary.com chose propitiate
More about propitiate
- First recorded in 1635–45.
- From the Latin propitiāre, meaning “to appease;” combining the Latin root propitius, meaning “falling forward; eager,” + -ate¹.
EXAMPLES OF PROPITIATE
- The company issued a public apology to propitiate its disgruntled customers.
- The ancient sailors would make offerings to propitiate the sea before setting sail.
spindrift
noun
spray swept up by wind along the surface of the sea
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Why Dictionary.com chose spindrift
More about spindrift
- First recorded in 1590–1600.
- Possibly a variant form of spoondrift, which combines spume, meaning “froth,” + drift, meaning “something driven (by the wind).”
EXAMPLES OF SPINDRIFT
- Each wave sent a cloud of spindrift up.
- Spindrift sprayed onto their coats as they walked along the shore.
decorticate
verb
to remove the bark, husk, or outer covering from
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Why Dictionary.com chose decorticate
More about decorticate
- First recorded in 1605–15.
- Combines de-⁴ + the Latin root cortex, meaning “bark, shell, or outer covering” + -ate¹.
EXAMPLES OF DECORTICATE
- The botany students learned how to decorticate a tree without damaging layers below the bark.
- The farmer bought a machine that quickly decorticates cottonseed.
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