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.
having the form of a branch; branchlike
"Ramiform" describes something that’s shaped like a branch, whether literally in nature or figuratively. It’s ideal for tree lovers or for anyone who takes branching paths in life! Let your ideas spread out, ramiform and strong!
the omission of conjunctions
"Asyndeton" is a rhetorical device where conjunctions are left out for dramatic effect — think "I came, I saw, I conquered." It’s great for making lists punchier and speeches sharper. Ready to try asyndeton? Go, speak, conquer!
courageous; brave
"Valorous" describes someone with great courage and bravery, perfect for tales of knights, soldiers, or everyday heroes. It’s a word that honors those who face challenges head-on. Be bold, be brave — be valorous!
of the color of red wine
"Vinaceous" is a rich word for describing the deep, reddish-purple color of wine. It’s a sophisticated hue that pairs well with fancy dinners and elegant descriptions. Here's to painting the town vinaceous!
a term that denotes a subcategory of a more general class
A hyponym is a word that belongs to a specific subcategory of something more general. For example, a poodle is a hyponym of dog — a poodle is a specific breed of dog. Linguists love this term, which comes from Greek. So next time you go word-hunting, think of all the little hyponyms hiding in bigger categories!
