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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.


glabrous

[gley-bruhs]

adjective

having a surface devoid of hair; smooth

Explanation

"Glabrous" means "smooth and hairless," often used to describe skin or plant leaves. This scientific-sounding word adds a touch of precision to your descriptions. So, the next time you see a smooth leaf or a sleek surface, think glabrous.

e pluribus unum

[e ploo-ri-boos oo-noom]

out of many, one

Explanation

"E pluribus unum," Latin for "out of many, one," is a motto found on the Great Seal of the United States. The phrase represents the unity of states forming one nation. Fun fact: the 13 letters in the phrase symbolize the original 13 U.S. colonies and the red and white stripes of the American flag.

chockablock

[chok-uh-blok]

adjective

extremely full; crowded; jammed

Explanation

"Chockablock" means crammed full of people or things, and it originates from nautical terminology. This lively word is perfect for describing a crowded event or an overly stuffed closet. So, next time you're in a packed room, remember it’s chockablock with excitement!

feinschmecker

[fahyn-shmek-uhr]

noun

gourmet; a person who appreciates good food

Explanation

"Feinschmecker" is a German term for a gourmet or a person with refined taste in food. It’s a delicious word for those who savor the finer things in life.

tautology

[taw-tol-uh-jee]

noun

needless repetition of an idea

Explanation

"Tautology" is a redundant term that refers to saying the same thing twice in different words. An example of tautology is the phrase "free gift"—after all, a gift is inherently free! Learning about tautology can help you sharpen your writing by avoiding unnecessary repetition.