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.
glassy or transparent
Something hyaline is glassy or transparent, from the Greek word for "glass." Whether describing a shimmering sea or translucent crystals, this word captures the beauty of perfect clarity. Now that's a definition you can see right through!
to find fault or complain unreasonably
To carp is to find fault or complain unreasonably. This word comes from Old Norse, proving that griping is a pastime as old as language itself. So are you offering constructive criticism — or just carping?
a place on a ship where the compass is kept
A binnacle is the place on a ship where the compass is kept. The word traces back to a Latin term meaning "little lodge or dwelling place." So whether you're sailing the seas or just trying to stay on track, trust your inner binnacle!
to eat or snack, especially in large quantities
To fress is to eat or snack a lot, a Yiddish word that's perfect for describing those meals where you go back for seconds (and thirds). Whether it's a family dinner or a buffet bonanza, if you're eating with gusto, you're fressing!
wakeful or unable to sleep
If you're wakerife, you're restless and unable to sleep — an old Scottish word for those nights spent staring at the ceiling. Blame the coffee, the full moon, or your thoughts, but whatever the case, welcome to being wakerife!
