Word of the Day
Learn a new word every day! The Dictionary.com team of language experts carefully selects each Word of the Day to add some panache to your vocabulary.
a self-evident truth that requires no proof
An axiom is a statement accepted as true without needing to be proved. The word comes from a Greek term meaning "something worthy" and is commonly used in logic, philosophy, and mathematics. When it comes to axioms, the truth speaks for itself.
In mathematics, "the shortest distance between two points is a straight line" is often treated as an axiom.
of the color of brick; brick-red
A brick wall on a sunny afternoon can take on a distinctive reddish hue, making lateritious a fitting word for its color. Think terracotta tiles, brick-colored pottery, or anything else with that warm, earthy look. Talk about a word with a solid foundation!
The building's lateritious brickwork stood out against the green vines.
the illusion of having previously experienced something encountered for the first time
Ever visited a place for the first time but felt strangely certain you'd been there before? That's déjà vu, a French phrase that literally means "already seen." For a scientific synonym of déjà vu, try out "promnesia." But you may get some confused looks in return.
Walking into the unfamiliar café, she was struck by a sense of déjà vu.
pertaining to or resembling alchemy
Something that's spagyric resembles alchemy. Thought to be coined by the physician and alchemist Paracelsus, it involves purifying substances by separating, extracting, and recombining them. You won't find spagyric remedies at your doctor's office, but the term offers a glimpse into the alchemical roots of early medicine.
The ancient healer mixed herbal extracts using spagyric techniques to create a magical elixir.
a swaggering swordsman, soldier, or adventurer
A swashbuckler is someone who leaps into an adventure with their trusty weapon at the ready. While you won't find very many swashbucklers in real life, you're bound to encounter them in films and books. These romantic daredevils make for charming characters — and they pave the way for plenty of drama.
The swashbuckler swung from the ship's rigging with his sword drawn.
