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.
noun
the official name for the # symbol.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1970–75.
- From octo-, after the eight endpoints on the perimeter of the symbol, plus a second element of disputed origin.
- Used for numerous purposes, such as before a hashtag, for representing “pound” or “pounds” as a unit of weight or mass, for representing “number” or “numbered,” or as a proofreader's symbol used to indicate the need to insert space.
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- The password must include at least one octothorpe for added security.
- The code requires an octothorpe to denote a section break.
adjective
overparticular; fussy.
Explanation
- First recorded around 1885–90.
- Originally from Scots, persnickety is a variant of pernickety, which is of uncertain origin.
- The prefix per- occurs in a number of other expressive words in Scots, such as pergaddus, "thump, clatter," perskeet, "fastidious," and perjink, "trim, neat."
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- Despite his persnickety nature, she found his attention to detail endearing.
- The designer's persnickety attitude ensured that every aspect of the project was perfect.
adjective
luxuriously fine or large; lavish; splendid.
Explanation
- Entered English around 1475–85.
- Comes from the Latin word sūmptuōsus, meaning "expense."
- Often confused with sumptuous, scrumptious, "very pleasing, especially to the senses; delectable," is a possible alteration.
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- The newlyweds indulged in a sumptuous honeymoon at a luxurious resort by the beach.
- She draped herself in a sumptuous velvet gown for the gala event.
noun
nearness of relation; kinship.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1400–1450.
- Comes via Old French propinquite, from the Latin word propinquitās, meaning “nearness.”
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- The propinquity shared by the cousins led to a strong bond forged over many family gatherings.
- The propinquity between the two siblings was evident in the way they finished each other's sentences.
verb
to make milder or less severe; alleviate; ease; mitigate.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1250–1300.
- Comes via Middle English from Old French and contains the Latin root suāvis, “agreeable to the taste, pleasant.”
- Both suave, "smoothly agreeable or polite," and sweet are related to assuage.
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- The kind words of a friend helped assuage her anxiety before the big presentation.
- The apology did little to assuage his anger over the misunderstanding.
