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.
verb
to flee; abscond.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1820–30.
- Formed from ab-, "away from," and squat, "to sit in a low or crouching position."
- A pseudo-Latinism, it parallels Latin-derived words with initial abs- like abscond and abstention and final -tulate, as in congratulate.
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- The mischievous cat managed to absquatulate every time the door was left open.
- When they heard the police sirens approaching, the burglars decided to absquatulate from the scene of the crime.
verb
to overcome with surprise and bewilderment; astound.
Explanation
- First recorded around 1765–75.
- A variant of flabagast, which may be a combination of flabb(y), "hanging loosely or limply" or flap, "a blow given with something broad and flat," and aghast, "struck with overwhelming shock."
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- The magician's disappearing act never failed to flabbergast the audience.
- The unexpected news about the new mayor flabbergasted the community.
adjective
full of twists, turns, or bends; twisting, winding, or crooked.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1350–1400.
- Comes via Middle English from the Latin word tortuōsus, which derives from the verb torquēre, “to twist, bend.”
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- The tortuous road through the mountains made for a challenging but scenic drive.
- The author's writing style was known for its elegant prose and tortuous plot twists.
noun
a distinctive scent, usually described as earthy, pleasant, or sweet, produced by rainfall on very dry ground.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1960–65.
- Comes from petro-, a combining form meaning "rock," and ichor, which in classical mythology means “ethereal fluid flowing in the veins of the gods.”
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- The desert landscape was quickly transformed as petrichor filled the air after a long-awaited rainstorm.
- As the storm passed, leaving behind puddles and damp earth, the sweet petrichor lingered like a fond memory.
noun
any of several salamanders that inhabit lakes and ponds of Mexico and remain in the larval stage as sexually mature adults.
Explanation
- First recorded in English around 1780–90.
- Comes from the Nahuatl word āxōlōtl.
- The word āxōlōtl combines ā(tl), meaning "water" and xōlōtl, which means "page or attendant."
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- Mexican lakes and ponds provide the perfect habitat for the axolotl to thrive in its unique larval form.
- Scientists study the axolotl to better understand regeneration capabilities in amphibians.
